Can ghee be poured into glass jars when hot?

Question

Is it safe to pour hot, liquid ghee directly into a glass jar? Learn the important precaution you must take to prevent the glass from cracking.

Answer 1

Yes, ghee can be poured into glass jars while hot, but the jars must be properly sterilized and tempered to prevent cracking or shattering. Allow the ghee to cool slightly before pouring to minimize thermal shock.

Detailed Explanation:

Pouring hot ghee into glass jars is a common practice for storage, but it requires careful preparation to ensure safety and prevent damage to the jars. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Sterilize the Jars: Thoroughly wash the glass jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse them well. Then, sterilize them by boiling them in water for 10 minutes, or by running them through a dishwasher cycle with a sanitizing option. This eliminates any bacteria that could contaminate the ghee.
2. Warm the Jars (Tempering): To prevent thermal shock, warm the sterilized jars before pouring in the hot ghee. You can do this by placing the jars in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or by filling them with hot tap water for a few minutes and then emptying them. Make sure the jars are dry before proceeding.
3. Cool the Ghee Slightly: While the ghee should still be liquid, allowing it to cool slightly from its hottest temperature will reduce the risk of the glass cracking. Let it sit for a few minutes after it's finished cooking.
4. Pour Carefully: Using a ladle or a funnel, carefully pour the slightly cooled, but still liquid, ghee into the warmed glass jars, leaving a small amount of headspace at the top.
5. Seal Properly: Wipe the rim of the jar clean with a clean cloth. Place the lid on the jar and tighten the ring.
6. Cool Completely: Let the jars cool completely at room temperature. As the ghee cools, the lids should seal. You can check the seal by pressing down on the center of the lid; it should not flex.

Pro Tip:

Always use high-quality glass jars that are designed for canning or preserving. Avoid using thin or recycled glass jars, as they are more prone to cracking under heat stress.