Content
In order for winter preparations to last for a long time and not spoil, it is necessary not only to wash the containers, but also to sterilize both the jars and the lids. The lids are different, so not everyone knows how to sterilize them correctly. Let's find out why sterilization is so important and how it can be done.
The importance of sterilization
Even clean lids are not sterile. They can contain a huge number of different microorganisms. These bacteria can ruin the workpiece. But the worst thing is that they are often very harmful to human health. More precisely, not they, but the products of their vital activity. These toxins are poisonous substances that can cause quite severe poisoning. Of course, no one wants to take risks, so before seaming all the necessary devices are sterilized.
Screw caps can be painted. This coating should also not have any damage. Because of them, the corrosion process can begin, which will have a bad effect on the workpiece itself. Before sterilization, both containers and lids must be thoroughly washed. For this it is better to use ordinary soda.After this, everything is thoroughly washed with water and placed on a towel to dry.
While jars can be sterilized by any convenient means, this will not work with lids. For example, in general, you cannot put metal objects in a microwave; lids can burn in the oven, and plastic ones will even melt. To avoid mistakes, let's look at how to properly sterilize.
Sterilization options
The main thing in the sterilization process is that it is of high quality and does not require a lot of costs. Here are a few such methods:
- Boiling. This is the most ancient, but very effective method. This is what our grandmothers did and all modern housewives continue to do. To do this, you just need to pour water into a container and bring it to a boil. Then the lids are lowered there and boiled for 2 to 15 minutes, depending on the material from which they are made. Metal ones take longer to boil, but plastic ones don’t last long in water, as they can melt or become deformed. You need to be very careful when removing the equipment from boiling water so as not to burn your fingers. For this, special forceps are used. A procedure is carried out before closing the workpieces. But, after boiling, they will first need to be dried on a towel and only then used.
- The second sterilization option is only suitable for metal lids without rubber bands inside. They can be quickly and easily heated in the oven. The time to sterilize the screw cap is at least 10 minutes.
- Some housewives do not sterilize the lids by heating them. They simply place them in a solution of manganese, alcohol or furatsilin. It's very convenient and simple.And most importantly, in this way you can disinfect absolutely any lids (glass, metal and plastic).
Now it is fashionable to sterilize lids using multicookers and steamers. This is also very convenient, but not everyone has these devices. But every housewife will definitely have ovens and saucepans. These methods do not require much time and effort, as well as additional costs.
Selection of lids for preservation
Housewives usually use the simplest tin lids for winter preservation. They are inexpensive and suitable for any workpiece. But you need to take their choice responsibly so that all your efforts are not in vain. Tin lids must have a special varnish coating both outside and inside.
No matter how successful the recipe is, improperly closed jars can ruin everything. It is very important that the seal is not broken. And most importantly, jars and lids must be sterilely clean. There should be no damage or chips on them. How to make the right choice?
There are several types of lids for preservation that are in greatest demand:
- Glass. Some believe that such devices have already “outlived” their usefulness and are no longer in demand. However, they are very practical, environmentally friendly and safe. Many housewives still love to use them. These lids don't even require a seaming machine. They are reusable, so they save money. Each has a special clip with which it is attached to the jar. It is a pity that such a product is now rarely found on store shelves.
- Screw cap also does not require the use of a seaming tool.It is disposable, but many housewives often reuse it. It requires a suitable jar with a special screw thread. It is very convenient to use, but still not everyone will be able to tighten it correctly. They often warp, which can cause air to get into the workpiece. In addition, not everyone will be able to tighten such a lid with the necessary force. It is also not suitable for all types of preservation. For example, it is better not to cover pickled cucumbers, tomatoes and other vegetables with them.
- In addition, conservation can be closed lids made of polyethylene, but not ordinary ones, but special plastic ones (or nylon), which are intended for blanks. They are quite tight and will not easily fit onto the neck of the jar. Therefore, they are preheated for about 3 minutes at a temperature of at least 80°C.
- And the most popular - tin disposable lids. They can only be rolled up using a special machine, but this does not upset housewives and they use them very actively. They can be used to roll up any preserved food. In addition, they are inexpensive and are sold in almost every grocery or hardware store. But even they should be chosen correctly.
Selection of tin lids
At first glance, tin lids are not much different from each other. But there are 2 types of them (yellow and gray). Gray lids do not have any coating, while yellow ones are coated with a special varnish. This coating protects the workpiece from oxidative processes that can occur due to contact with the marinade. More precisely, not with the marinade itself, but with the vinegar it contains. This is especially important when seaming pickled vegetables.
There are also aluminum and tin lids, which are very similar in appearance. You can only tell them apart by picking them up. Aluminum is much softer, and tin is heavier. Remember that a quality product should not be too light. The elastic in a good product fits tightly to the surface and also has at least 2 stiffening ribs.
Conclusion
As we have seen, you can only roll up jars with sterilized lids. It's safe and secure. It doesn’t matter what kind of lids you use (screw-on, plastic or tin), they still need to be treated with steam or hot air.
