The normal and natural spoilage of fruits, vegetables and meat is caused by micro-organisms, which are circling through the air. During the preserving process the micro-organisms are killed inside the jar. Through the heating process an overpressure emerges. Glass lid, rubber ring and clamps act like an overpressure valve. They let go off air, steam and eventually liquids from the interior of the jars and nothing can get inside – no air and no boiling water (fig. 1). During the cooling process a vacuum is created inside the jar. The clamps are now redundant and have to be removed (fig. 2). Now you can check if the jars are closed hermatically. If the content spoils later carbon dioxide will push open the glass lid. This is a significant sign for you that keeps you from eating spoiled food.
(fig. 1) Fill the jar approx. 1 cm under the edge.
(fig. 2) Turn over the glass lid so that the writings and WECK strawberry are pointing upwards.
(fig. 3) Turn over the glass lid again and put it with the rubber ring onto the jar.
(fig. 4) Seal the lid with 2 clamps.
(fig. 5) During the preserving process the topmost jar (or the highest one) has to be fully covered with water. The sealing-up rubber ring prevents the incoming of water during preserving.
(fig. 6) After preserving remove clamps. If the jar is closed tightly the preserving was successful and the content is safe.
In Italy, people also like to use Quattro Stagioni screw-top jars, which are made by the Italian manufacturer Bormioli. Although the preserving method used with Quattro Stagioni jars differs from the Weck method familiar in this country, it is just as easy.
Quattro Stagioni: Preserving made easy!
First, sterilise the Quattro Stagioni jars by boiling them before filling the screw-top jars. Place new lids on the jars for each preserving process, but do not screw them on too tightly. After filling, carefully wipe the jar rim to remove any food residue.
Place the jars in a saucepan of lukewarm water to heat them up. Boil the jars in the water for as long as the recipe specifies. The preserving time may vary depending on the food. Once the time is up, leave the jars to cool in the same water.
Finally, check whether a vacuum has formed inside the jars. If the lid sinks in the middle, a vacuum has formed and the preserves will keep for a long time.
To open the jars and consume the contents, simply unscrew the lids with a little force. This releases the vacuum, allowing you to open the jars.
Tips for preserving food in Quattro Stagioni jars:
Quattro Stagioni jars can be used several times. However, the screw caps should only be used once, as the sealing compound inside them will otherwise lose its optimal sealing properties.
The Fido preservation method is very simple and similar to the WECK® method (see above).
What can you put in Fido jars?
Fido jars are very versatile. They can be used to preserve fresh food in salt or vinegar. They are also ideal for making pasteurised jams and marmalades. Preserving food is both sustainable and straightforward.
Here's how to do it in four simple steps:
First, fill the Fido jars. To do this, make sure the cooked contents are cooled first. When sealing the jars, it is important to always use a rubber ring.
Next, place the jars in a saucepan containing lukewarm water and boil them. It is important to adhere to the specified times in the recipe. Even if it takes a long time, leave the jars to cool in the boiling water.
Has a vacuum formed inside the jars? To check, open the swing-top lid of the jar. If the lid and jar are still connected, a vacuum has formed and the contents will keep for a long time.
When you want to eat your preserves, simply remove the rubber rings from the jars. This will release the vacuum and allow you to open the jars.
Important information when preserving with Fido jars
It is important to note that only Fido jars with a maximum capacity of 1500 ml may be used for pasteurisation. If you wish to place your Fido jars in the dishwasher before preserving, you must remove the wire clips.
Although Fido jars can be reused without any problems, this does not apply to the matching rubber rings, which you can find in our Accessories section. In addition, the rubber rings must not come into contact with 100% fatty substances.
