Complete Guide to Home Preserves: Safety and Recipes

Published on 2 months ago by Admin admin

Everything you need to know about sterilisation, jars and proper storage of traditional Romanian preserves.

The Romanian Preserve Tradition

Home preserves have been a centuries-old tradition in Romanian households. From tomato passata to mixed pickles and wild-berry jams, they let you enjoy summer flavours all year round.

Golden Rules of Food Safety

1. Use crack-free jars and brand-new lids every time.
2. Sterilise jars at 100°C for 15–20 minutes before filling.
3. Do not fill the jar above 1–2 cm from the rim (headspace).
4. Check the seal after cooling: the lid should be slightly concave and silent when pressed.
5. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light (ideally 10–15°C).

Recipe: Tomato Passata

Ingredients for 5 litres:

• 10 kg ripe tomatoes
• 2 tsp coarse salt
• Optional: one chilli per 500 ml jar

Wash and chop tomatoes, blend, then simmer over medium heat for 40–60 minutes stirring frequently. Add salt, pour into hot sterilised jars, seal immediately and process in boiling water for 20 minutes.