4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Seagazer]

After reading all the threads about jams, chutneys and especially Nigella's chilli sauce I've decided to bite the bullet and make some. I've never, ever made anything like this before. I know I need a thick bottomed saucepan. Somebody mentioned Le Creuset casserole - I have one of these so presume that'll be fine?

 

What would be the best size jars to get as a general rule? I've bookmarked a couple of sites from previous threads for the jars but obviously don't want to end up with lots of jars the wrong size

 

OH seems very keen on me to get started. I think he likes this new found cook in me and is especially keen on my rather wonderfull quiches

[majorbloodnock]

I have to say I've never ever bought a jar for jam/chutney making. I've only ever reused whatever previous bought jams and pickles came in.

 

For jams, a 1lb jar makes most sense. Smaller and the number of jars you'll need will take over the kitchen. Larger and the jam's more likely to go off before you finish the jar (though you'll probably find your efforts are so popular this won't really be a problem).

 

Pickles and chutneys are slightly easier, since they seem to keep better anyway, but once again they tend to come in similar sized jars to jams, so no reason why not to stick with it. However, just to give an idea, I had some huge jars for pickled dill cucumbers that I reused when I made the courgette and dill pickle on another thread. That probably meant about 5 or 6 normal jars' worth in one container, and it's fine.

[redhotchick]

I'm with the Major on this one, I've never bought a jar, but if you haven't been collecting them and want some right now, Nigella's Chilli jam is supposed to make 6 x 250ml jars (with vinegar proof lids).

 

I find it takes me a while to get through a jar of jam, and also I have lots of family to share stuff around, it's nice to give away a couple of small jars of different things.

[Seagazer]

Thanks for that. I haven't got many jars really so think I will need to order some. I can't wait to get started.

[Lesley]

I used to re-use jars but have to buy them now as I make much more. I use more 8oz jars than any other - they are ideal if you want to give some as presents. I've also just bought 4oz jars to use as presents in hampers.

 

The jamjar shop sell 12oz ones as well.

[Christian]

I use the 8oz too. I get them from Ascotts. I find a 1lb jar too much jam/jelly and get sick of it before the jar is empty. I do make a lot of jam and most people prefer the smaller size.

 

I use 12oz jars for mincemeat.

[Seagazer]

Thanks guys haven't got around to ordering yet. On my must do list

[Slats]

Ikea do a good range of the old style clip top jam jars http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40065867 from 99p!!

 

They start at 500ml which is a lot of jam storage!!

 

I bought 8 jars and now i need more!!

[Seagazer]

I ordered some jars (8oz) and bottles (250 ml) from Ascots and they've been despatched already apparently. Can't wait to get started

[Seagazer]

Woo hoo! They've just arrived. Very quick service

[Jules.]

they have arrived in 19 minutes

[Christian]

They are quick

[Seagazer]

think I ordered them on Tuesday!

[RutlandRooster]

Ikea do a good range of the old style clip top jam jars http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40065867 from 99p!!

 

I've had some ikea clip top jars and found the seals aren't great and the clips quite flimsy. OK for general storage buy pickled onions leaked.

 

As a rule of thumb I used 16oz for chutney, 12 or 8oz for jam and 4oz for herb jellies, horseradish etc. Generallyr plain round jars unless it for a present then I got for something a bit more interesting. Picked up some baby 100ml clip to bottles from jamjarshop when I called in last week - just need to decide what to put in them but whatever, they will make great gifts.