Sterilizing Jars for Canning

In Water Bath Canning sterilizing jars is not needed PROVIDED processing time is more than 10 minutes. Most recipes call for at least 10 minutes processing time or more.

You don't need to sterilize for pressure canning. Everything will be well sterilized by the high heat involved in pressure processing.

You must however start with clean jars so be sure and always wash your jars before you do any type of canning. I am assuming you would know that all equipment needs to be clean before any canning.

I don't personally use any recipes that call for less than 10 minutes, I am at high altitude and everything has time added.

If you do have a recipe that calls for less than 10 minutes you might consider adding time to your processing. This way you can simply skip this step. It is up to you.

Go ahead and check your recipe, does it call for less than 10 minutes processing time? Don't forget to figure you altitude. If so you should be sterilizing first. Here's how:

• Place empty jars right side up on the rack in a boiling-water canner.
• Fill the canner and jars with hot (not boiling) water to one inch above the tops of the jars.
• Bring to a boil and boil 10 minutes.
• Carefully remove hot, sterilized jars one at a time and drain.
• They will be hot!
• Leave the hot water left in your canner for processing filled jars.

Safety

Canning Methods - which one to choose? Step by step: Pressure Canning Step by Step: Water Bath Canning Tomatoes Safety Unsafe Methods Spoiled Food Altitude Adjustments Botulism Sterilizing Canning Jars Canning Terms