Cans are all sealed, but I forgot to boil the closed jars - should I boil them now?

I am relatively new at canning. Last night I made a batch of peach butter using a trusted recipe that I have made and canned before. I sterilized my jars and lids, ladled the boiling peach butter into each jar, and put the lids and bands on. Within a couple of hours, all of the "buttons" popped in indicating to me that they have sealed.

However, what I realized this morning was that I never actually boiled the closed jars. Since they are already sealed, should I boil them again? (By the time I get home, the jars will have been sealed and kept at room temperature for about 20 hours).

Thank you for your help!

boiling canning

Best Answer

I know the inversion method doesn't involve a water bath, you simply fill the jars, put the lid and band on them, and turn them upside down. There's question on how safe that is. (I know you didn't do the inversion method, but it's close even if by accident.)

I know marmalades can take up to two weeks to firm up and if they don't by then, it's suggested to reprocess them. At this point, I would say you would be safe to reprocess them. I wouldn't put what you have directly into a water bath though. I would pour the contents back into a pot and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, wash the jars and bands and use new lids. Then fill the clean (hot) jars and put into a water bath.

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Quick Answer about "Cans are all sealed, but I forgot to boil the closed jars - should I boil them now?"

Canned food can safely be re-canned if the unsealed jar is discovered within 24 hours. To re-can, remove the lid and check the jar rim for tiny nicks. Change the jar, if necessary. Add a new treated lid and reprocess using the same processing time.

Can you boil a sealed jar?

Heat from a proper canning process is needed to make sure any microorganisms in the jar of food are killed.\u201d

Do I have to boil jars after canning?

Sterilizing is a crucial part of preserving to remove any bacteria, yeasts or fungi thus protecting the food you put into the jar. Dirty or jars not correctly cleaned will infect the food inside, and it will spoil very quickly. Sterilizing is a quick and easy process so therefore should never be omitted.

The Metal Spoon Test (How to tell if your jars sealed)

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