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Do I need to re-jar my chutney?

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  • #1

    Do I need to re-jar my chutney?

    My wife and I spent several hours last night making our first home-made chutney in order to use up a bowlful of tomatoes and squash from the garden.

    Like with many things in life, we didn't really think about how long it was going to take so, finally, at half-past-midnight I finished filling Le Parfait jars, got them all sealed and then collapsed into bed.

    Now, in the cold light of day, I have remembered there is a max-fill line on the jars; I filled to 5mm below the top of the jar!

    Do I need to worry? They seem to be well sealed so I would rather not open them and begin the sterilising and jarring process again if I can help it. On the other hand, I would rather put myself through that than face a mouldy mess when we come to open one at Christmas.
    Want to help build a GYO wiki? I'm preparing the plot at http://growiki.throup.org.uk/
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  • #2
    I would think they'd be OK. 5mm isn't all that big a gap. Ask Flum though, she'll know for sure
    All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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    • #3
      Thanks for the reply, Two_Sheds.
      5mm is what I left, and it is not much of a gap But the max-line is a lot further down!
      Want to help build a GYO wiki? I'm preparing the plot at http://growiki.throup.org.uk/

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      • #4
        Ah, I wasn't paying attention. I thought it was 5mm above the max-fill line.

        *ducks out of discussion now in case of litigation over exploding jars
        All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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        • #5
          Is the chutney touching the seals? Maybe the 'max fill' line is because the jars are used for canning which would mean the chutney would expand when heated. Might this cause 'overfilled' jars to overflow? If yours is sealed and not touching the rubber seals I can't see why there would be a problem?

          How to Use Le Parfait Super Jars for Canning
          Last edited by smallblueplanet; 24-09-2009, 03:31 PM.
          To see a world in a grain of sand
          And a heaven in a wild flower

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          • #6
            You weren't paying attention? I'm not really in a position to criticise!
            Want to help build a GYO wiki? I'm preparing the plot at http://growiki.throup.org.uk/

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            • #7
              It probably is touching the seals because I can see it is touching the inside of the glass lid. Is that likely to be a problem? Short-term "messy overflow" I can live with; long-term "chutney going off" I would prefer to avoid.
              Want to help build a GYO wiki? I'm preparing the plot at http://growiki.throup.org.uk/

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              • #8
                I think they'll be ok too. The max line, I think, is so that if you sterilise your chutney by boiling in the jars (some people do, I never have) you will have allowed for expansion. As it is, I'm sure your product will be beautiful!
                Whoever plants a garden believes in the future.

                www.vegheaven.blogspot.com Updated March 9th - Spring

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post
                  *ducks out of discussion now in case of litigation over exploding jars
                  I am open to all well-meant advice with no threat of litigation
                  After all, it's me that completely ignored basic instruction no.1
                  Want to help build a GYO wiki? I'm preparing the plot at http://growiki.throup.org.uk/

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                  • #10
                    Thanks for the reassurance, Flummery. That makes a lot of sense.
                    Safe and tasty is what I'm after. Beautiful will be a welcome bonus!
                    Want to help build a GYO wiki? I'm preparing the plot at http://growiki.throup.org.uk/

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                    • #11
                      I think what Flum said is exactly what I said & put in the link for you to read btw. Not sure what effect the chutney touching the seals will have - don't know if it might impart a flavour, but probably it'll be fine.

                      Edit - just out of nosiness what sort was it btw?
                      Last edited by smallblueplanet; 24-09-2009, 04:14 PM.
                      To see a world in a grain of sand
                      And a heaven in a wild flower

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                      • #12
                        Thanks, Manda. I will have a good read of your link.

                        What sort was it? We followed the River Cottage Glutney recipe, using mainly overgrown summer squash and (mainly) green tomatoes. We also added some swede and carrots to make up the vegetable weight.
                        Want to help build a GYO wiki? I'm preparing the plot at http://growiki.throup.org.uk/

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                        • #13
                          Ah, I kept the RC 'gluttony' chutney recipe from GYO jam leaflet - be interested to know what it tastes like? We made the 'hedgerow chutney' one instead as we'd got lots of blackberries - had to alter it slightly though as the naga chilli that we put in made it stupendously hot! So we bulked it out with more vinegar, some apples and sultanas - looks good, so fingers crossed!
                          To see a world in a grain of sand
                          And a heaven in a wild flower

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                          • #14
                            That sounds really nice.
                            We're hoping ours will taste good. Like many things this year, it is our first attempt (first time growing food, first time "really" relying on home-made bread, first home-made chutney, first child coming in December,...). If it turns out nicely, I will learn from my overfilling error and pack the cupboard full next year!
                            Want to help build a GYO wiki? I'm preparing the plot at http://growiki.throup.org.uk/

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by throup
                              ...first child coming in December,...). If it turns out nicely, I will learn from my overfilling error and pack the cupboard full next year!
                              I think I misread that! Congratulations on the impending increase in family size btw.
                              To see a world in a grain of sand
                              And a heaven in a wild flower

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