how to sanitize canning jars and lids

Equipment:

• Water bath canner
• Jars
• New lids and sealers
• Oven mitts
• Measuring cup
• Vinegar (optional)

 
When handling any food products, it is always best to practice safe sanitation by washing your hands first. In addition, you will be washing your jars with warm, soapy water as well. To get started, you will need your freshly sanitized jars, new lids and sealers, as well as a water bath canner, which is available through our rental equipment program. Fill your water bath canner ¾ full, along with your jars. This is important in ensuring your jars will submerge properly when placed into the water bath canner for the sanitation process.

 Tip: Add a cup of vinegar to your water bath canner before you preserve any foods at home to prevent hard water build up in your equipment over time.

Load your jars into your water bath canner 1 to 2 inches apart in order for the air bubbles to move between the jars during the sanitation process. After that is finished, you will lower your jars slowly into the water bath canner making sure they are fully submerged then place the lid on top to enclose. Turn the burner on to boil jars for 10-15 minutes to ensure sanitation has been achieved.
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After the allotted time, turn off the burner and put on oven mitts. Carefully transfer water bath canner to a cold burner. Once you have done so, you will now have sanitized food canning jars.