In summer and autumn, fruits and vegetables ripen. An abundance of berries, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant and other healthy and natural products appear in the garden, kitchen garden, market and store. At this time, the period of harvesting home preservation begins. Mistresses make jams, prepare marinades and pickles, so that on a winter day the family can enjoy delicious homemade delicacies.
Home canning is a rather laborious process. In addition to processing vegetables, fruits and other ingredients, you will also need sterilization of glass jars for blanks. Washed containers must be subjected to high temperature treatment, which will destroy microorganisms. It is most common to do this on a stove or in the oven, but sterilizing the jars in the microwave or in a double boiler is also quite possible.
Microwave and glassware sterilization
The easiest way to sterilize is to use a microwave, although this option has its drawbacks. Firstly, two- and three-liter cans will be placed for sterilization in the oven only one at a time, and some high containers cannot be placed in a small microwave space at all. Secondly, the consumption of electricity in the household will increase, and you will have to pay more.
Before sterilizing the jars in the microwave, they are thoroughly washed with ordinary soda or dishwashing detergent. Similarly, even with clean-looking containers. After that, rinse them well to remove all residual detergents. All containers with chips, the smallest cracks, visible dirt must be discarded.
To obtain the effect of steam treatment and due to the fact that the empty microwave oven cannot be turned on, a little water is poured into each container (about 2-3 tablespoons). After that, they are placed in the microwave. 0.5 liter containers can accommodate quite a lot (up to 3-5 pieces). A three-liter jar will have to be laid to one side, after having previously spread a cotton napkin rolled up in several layers on a rotating surface.
For capacities from 0.5 to 1 liter, it is necessary to turn on the microwave for 3-5 minutes at a power of 900-1000 watts. If the volume of the glass dish is greater, then the sterilization time increases. The main thing is to remember that the water in the tank should boil.
Dry sterilization of cans in the microwave
Sometimes you just need to get dry sterilized jars. And since with the first method of heat treatment the containers will be hot and humid, you can
sterilize the jars in the microwave and in another way.
The dishes are washed thoroughly, allowed to dry slightly and placed in a microwave oven. Nearby put a glass filled with water for 2/3 of the volume (it is not worth filling up to the edges, since after boiling the liquid will pour out).
Sterilizing cans in the microwave is quick and easy, and carefully prepared utensils for cooking are the key to long-term storage and high quality pickles, jams, compotes and marinades. Having practically mastered the sterilization process in a microwave oven, many housewives prefer this method in the future.