Can I sterilize the preserves in the oven? No! This is not recommended because the temperature of the product in the jar does not exceed in any case 100° regardless of the oven temperature. Must I sterilize the jars and lids before using them? No, they are sterilized with the product. Just make sure they are thoroughly clean. Why does the covering liquid sometimes leak out of the jars during sterilizing? This is usually due to filling the jars too much or not cleaning the rim perfectly. Should I replace the lost liquid? No! Never open the jar because then you would have to sterilize it again. The lack of liquid will not endanger preservation even though the product outside it may turn a bit darker. Should I consume the product if the liquid is cloudy? If the liquid is cloudy this could be a sign of deterioration. But it could also be caused by the minerals in hard water, or the starch in overripe fruit and legumes. For safety's sake, boil the product in a pot without a cover before tasting it, and if it produces foam or smells bad, throw it away. Can you preserve without salt? Yes! Only add the amount of salt you desire, to taste. Why do some products float in the jar? Fruit may float because the jar is too "wide" or there is too much sugar in the syrup (in this case it will sink in a couple of months), or because there is some air in the product. Why do preserves change color? Some darkening of the product near the surface may be due to oxidizing caused by air in the jar or not sterilizing it long enough to eliminate all the enzymes. Sterilizing it too long causes the product to lose its color throughout, not just at the top. The iron and copper in some kitchen utensils or in the water can also give a slightly brown, black or grey tinge to the products.. Should I consume a product that has changed color? The change of color, as we said, does not mean that the product has deteriorated but you should be very careful because it is also a sign of deterioration, so before eating it check it carefully. Is it true that lemon juice keeps fruit and vegetables from darkening? Yes, and we always suggest adding a couple of tablespoons in the wash water and in some cases even in the jar, because it delays the oxidizing process that causes darkening. Should I use preservatives? No! They are unnecessary and some may even be dangerous. Why does the inside of the lid sometimes change color? Because some natural elements in the product can corrode the metal and leave a brown or black deposit on the lid. This deposit is harmless. Can I preserve products that have been frozen? Yes you can, you should treat them the same as fresh products, always sterilizing them, but the final quality will probably not be as good. How long will the product last after opening the jar? After you have opened the jar the product keeps for a few days in the refrigerator like any other prepared food. Can I use salicylic acid to preserve, and sterilize less? No! If you respect the sterilization time of each product you do not need to use salicylic acid, which is a chemical product and can be harmful to your health.