There’s something deeply satisfying about preserving your own produce. Whether it’s a fragrant apricot jam, zingy tomato chutney, or crisp pickled cucumbers, preserving allows you to lock in the season’s best flavours, reduce waste, and reconnect with time-honoured kitchen traditions. In this guide, we’ll take you through the essentials of home preserving—from sterilizing jars to tried-and-true preserving methods—and recommend some trusted tools and brands to make the process even easier.
Why Preserve?
Preserving is more than just extending shelf life. It’s about celebrating seasonal produce, saving money, and reducing food waste. When done correctly, home preserves are also healthier—free from artificial preservatives and additives.
Whether you’re growing your own produce or buying in bulk from your local farmers’ market, preserving ensures nothing goes to waste.
Step 1: The Importance of Sterilizing Jars
Before you start cooking, sterilizing your jars is non-negotiable. It prevents harmful bacteria and mould from spoiling your preserves.
How to Sterilize Jars:
Oven Method:
- Wash jars and lids in hot soapy water, rinse well.
- Place jars on an oven tray (not touching) and heat at 120°C (250°F) for 20 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and leave the jars inside until ready to use.
- Boil lids (not plastic ones) in water for 10 minutes.
Dishwasher Method:
Run jars through a hot dishwasher cycle and use immediately while still hot.
Pro Tip: Avoid touching the inside of the jars or lids once sterilized.
Recommended Brands:
- Ball Mason Jars (USA) – Iconic for a reason; durable and reusable.
- Kilner (UK) – Beautiful vintage-style glass jars with rubber seals, perfect for gifting.
- Weck Jars (Germany) – Elegant design, BPA-free glass lids.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Preserving Method
Different fruits and vegetables require different preserving techniques. Two classic approaches are the open pan method and the water bath canning method.
The Open Pan Method
This is the most traditional way to make jam or chutney—cooking fruit and sugar in an uncovered pan until thickened and shelf-stable.
Best For: Jams, marmalades, chutneys.
How It Works:
- Combine fruit and sugar in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan.
- Cook slowly, stirring regularly, until the mixture reaches setting point (105°C or 221°F).
- Skim off any foam.
- Pour hot mixture into sterilized jars, seal immediately.
Why It Works: The high sugar content and acidic fruit help preserve the mixture without further processing.
The Water Bath Method
This method is ideal for high-acid foods like fruits, jams, pickles, and tomato sauces.
Best For: Jams, pickles, pie fillings, tomato passata.
How It Works:
- Fill jars with hot preserve, leaving a small headspace.
- Seal with sterilized lids.
- Submerge sealed jars in a large pot of boiling water (make sure they’re covered by at least 2.5 cm / 1 inch of water).
- Boil for the recommended time based on recipe and altitude (usually 10–30 minutes).
- Remove and let cool undisturbed.
Pro Tip: Listen for the satisfying “pop” sound as jars seal.
Tools to Make It Easier:
- Ball Water Bath Canner Kit – Includes jar lifter, bubble remover, funnel, and rack.
- Presto 23-Quart Pressure Canner (for low-acid foods) – Also works as a boiling water bath.
Step 3: The Role of Sugar in Preserving
Sugar isn’t just for sweetness—it’s a natural preservative.
How Sugar Preserves:
- Binds water molecules, making it unavailable for microbes.
- Helps set the gel in jams.
- Extends shelf life and enhances flavour.
Alternative Sweeteners:
While sugar is key, you can explore low-sugar pectins like Sure-Jell Low Sugar or Pomona’s Universal Pectin, which allow you to use honey, maple syrup, or less sugar overall.
Bonus: Tips for Perfect Preserves
- Use ripe (not overripe) produce.
- Stick to tested recipes for safety—especially with low-acid foods.
- Always label your jars with date and contents.
- Store in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and use quickly.
Where to Buy Your Preserving Gear (Australia & USA):
Australia:
- Green Living Australia – Offers preserving kits, jars, and pectins.
- OzFarmer – Specialises in Ball Mason jars and canning supplies.
- Kitchen Warehouse – Carries Kilner and Weck jars.
USA:
- Ball Canning (FreshPreserving.com) – Official source for Ball jars and accessories.
- Amazon & Walmart – Wide range of preserving gear including jar kits and pectin.
My Thoughts
Preserving is a rewarding tradition that connects us to the rhythms of nature, our kitchens, and even our grandparents’ way of life. With just a few key tools and techniques, you can fill your pantry with homemade treasures that last all year round.
Whether you’re a jam-making newbie or a seasoned pickler, now’s the time to start preserving!
