Do I Need To Cook The Christmas Chutney In A Water Bath After Sealing The Jars?

Our answer

Nigella's Christmas Chutney (from NIGELLA CHRISTMAS) is a combination of apples, dates and fresh cranberries that are cooked with vinegar, sugar and spices. The chutney is then sealed in jars and left to mature for 1-2 months before it is eaten.

For this type of chutney, you do not need to use a water bath after the jars have been filled, provided that the jars and lids have been sterilised before use. The chutney is simmered for quite a long period of time, which means that most of the water from the apples and cranberries has evaporated. The higher level of sugar and the addition of acid (vinegar) will help to preserve the chutney. But you must sterilise the jars and lids beforehand by washing them in soapy water, rinsing well and drying in an oven set to 140c/120c Fan/Gas Mark 1/275F (this should take at least 10 minutes). You should put the warm chutney into warm jars to prevent the glass from cracking. Seal the jars with the lids straight away and leave to cool. Once cold, you can tighten the lids a little more if you like. The unopened chutney should keep for up to a year, though once opened it should be kept refrigerated and used within one month.