How to Sterilize Canning Jars With a Pressure Cooker

When canning preserves, it's vital to prepare the canning jars. Sterilizing the jars kills any bacteria that may contaminate the food. A pressure cooker sterilizes the canning jars by using very high temperatures to assure the safety of preserved foods.

Instructions

1. Remove the canning jars from the box and inspect each one. Discard any jars that are cracked or chipped.

2. Loose the ring at the top of each jar. If pressure builds up in the jar it can cause it to explode in the cooker. Leave the loosened rings and lids in position.

3. Position the jars right side up in the bottom of the pressure cooker. Allow enough room for the jars to have space without touching one another.

4. Add about 3 cups of tap water to the pressure cooker. Put the lid on the cooker and secure it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Set the pressure cooker on the stove top over high heat. Monitor the gauge until the pressure cooker whistles. This signals the desired maximum pressure during the sterilizing process.

6. Lower the pressure with the release valve according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove the lid from the pressure cooker when normal pressure registers on the gauge.

7. Allow the jars to cool for a few minutes. Use clean, rubber coated tongs to remove the jars from the pressure cooker and set them on a clean towel to cool.

Tips & Warnings

• The canning jars are very hot after sterilization. Be very careful when handling the jars.