Sterilization of cans: how it is done and why

In our country, preparing food for the winter is considered an annual summer ritual in almost every family. Jams, pickles and compotes are harvested in large quantities so that there is enough for everyone at home for the long cold months. To prevent cooking from becoming a waste of time and money, it is necessary to thoroughly sterilize the dishes. This can be done in several effective ways. We propose to consider the most popular of them.

Proven ways to sterilize cans

Before processing, be sure to thoroughly inspect and prepare the utensils. There should be no chips, cracks or rust. The covers are supposed to be flat, free from dents, scratches and traces of corrosion. Everything is washed with a solution of soda or mustard powder, it is allowed to use dishwashing liquid, but only on natural ingredients. Rinse thoroughly with running water.

If you do not wash and sterilize or use unsuitable dishes, preserves will ferment and "explode".

Over the ferry

A simple and accessible method for everyone, which was actively used by our grandmothers. A large pot of water is placed on the fire. We wait until it boils, and then we install a grate on it, on which we put the cans upside down.

Sterilization in this way takes about a quarter of an hour. Large containers up to 3 liters - about 25 minutes. Then, using a towel, carefully remove the jars from the wire rack and, turning their neck upside down, place them on the table. They must dry out of condensation before storing.

In the oven

After rinsing, place the jars on a baking sheet in a cold oven. There is no fundamental difference how they will stand - neck up or down. The rubber-free screw caps can also be placed on a baking sheet.

Close the door and set the temperature to 110 ° C. Sterilization time is 20 minutes. It does not depend on the volume of the dishes. At the end of the procedure, turn off the oven and let the jars cool down a little without opening the door. Then we take them out with a dry clean towel and put them on the table.

Do not allow wet cloth to touch the glass. It can burst from the temperature drop.

Over the teapot

Affordable way "For the lazy". We put it on fire and wait for a boil, the fullness mode is up to half. Then we insert the neck of the can. If the container has a small volume, you can "hang" it on the spout of the dishes or put a crush inside and put a jar on it.

We wait 15-25 minutes, after which we remove and set on a dry, clean towel. Before rolling, the dishes must dry naturally from condensation.

In a multicooker or double boiler

The bowl is filled with water and folded inside the lid for twisting. Then install the steam nozzle on top. Pre-washed cans are placed on it with the neck down.

Turn on the "Steam" mode and we launch the device. The exposure time is similar to the procedure over a kettle or saucepan. In the future, remove the containers from the lid and set them on a clean towel to dry.

In the microwave

It's easier than ever to pour some water into the jars and put them inside the household appliance. We set 5 minutes on the timer, and choose the highest power. After the time has elapsed, take out the jars with large drops of condensate inside, pour out the liquid and put the neck down on a clean towel. They must now dry before canning.

Microwavable lids are not sterilized!

In boiling water

Small containers can be placed in a large saucepan or turned upside down. Pour cold water over them and top up with lids. Put everything on fire and keep after boiling for a quarter of an hour.

After completing the procedure, remove and let dry on a clean towel. Only then can further manipulations with the dishes be carried out.

"Cold" way

Table vinegar is used. Liquid in the amount of 2 tbsp. l. Poured into a jar, cover the lid and shake well so that the composition passes along all the walls of the container. Then it can be poured into the next jar and sterilized all the dishes.

So that the preparations for the winter stand for a long time and retain their taste, sterilization of cans necessary. Choose the method that suits you and experiment in your own kitchen.