Check Out These Easy Tips to Keep Sambal Fresh for a Month Without a Freezer

Kapanlagi.com - For many people, storing sambal in the fridge or freezer has become a common habit to maintain its freshness. With cold temperatures, bacterial growth can be slowed down, allowing sambal to last longer. However, there is one problem that often arises: frozen sambal often loses its texture and flavor when thawed, diminishing its enjoyment.

But don't worry! A talented YouTube creator, Yvonne Brilhart, has found a clever solution to preserve sambal without using a freezer. Through canning techniques, sambal can stay fresh and last for months without needing to be stored in the refrigerator. "Canning is like preserving food at room temperature, and it can last for 2-3 years," Yvonne revealed in a video posted on her YouTube channel.

So, for sambal lovers, this is great news! Now you can enjoy your favorite sambal anytime without worrying about losing its flavor and texture. Happy trying!

1. Make Sure the Sambal is Hot and Cooked

Quoted on Friday (08/11), to perfectly preserve sambal, the first step to take is to package it while it's hot. This is crucial to maintain the flavor and aroma of the sambal to keep it appetizing. Yvonne explains that the sambal to be packaged must be fully cooked and release enough oil. "Make sure the sambal is well-cooked so that its taste doesn't change when stored," Yvonne emphasized in her video.

By storing sambal in a boiling condition, the preservation process becomes more effective, allowing the sambal to last longer without losing its taste and texture quality.

2. Prepare Heat-Resistant Canning Jars

To ensure the preservation process goes smoothly, use special heat-resistant canning jars made of thick glass and having two lids, one on top and one on the side. Don't forget to sterilize the jars and their lids to avoid bacterial contamination!

In her video, Yvonne recommends spraying hot steam on the jars, while the lids should be soaked in hot water. After that, make sure all utensils, including spoons, are dry before use to achieve the best results.

3. Fill the Jar with Chili Sauce Carefully

Once the jar and chili sauce are ready, it’s time to pour the chili sauce into the jar carefully. Make sure not to fill the jar to the brim to avoid spills and ensure a tight seal. After pouring the chili sauce, clean the top of the jar from any residue to maintain its cleanliness and sterility.

This step is crucial to ensure that the chili sauce remains clean while stored. With careful and sterile filling, the quality of the chili sauce will also be preserved for a long time.

4. Boil the Jar Filled with Chili Sauce

Yvonne carefully places the jar filled with chili sauce into a pot of boiling water, ensuring every corner of the jar is fully submerged. Although she uses a special pot for the canning process, a regular pot can also be a practical alternative. "Boil the jar for 15 minutes after the water boils to ensure all bacteria are killed," she explains.

This boiling method utilizes high temperatures to eliminate any remaining bacteria, allowing the chili sauce to last longer without the need for refrigeration.

5. Cool and Store the Chili Sauce at Room Temperature

After boiling, turn off the heat and let the jar sit in the water until it cools down, and when removed, the distinctive 'pop' sound will signal that the lid is sealed tightly. "That sound is like a seal that locks the jar perfectly," said Yvonne.

With the jar sealed tightly, the chili sauce is protected from bacterial contamination, making it safe to store at room temperature. This miracle ensures that the flavor and texture of the chili sauce remain preserved, even after months.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About How to Preserve Chili Sauce

Is the canning technique only for chili sauce? This canning technique is very versatile and can be applied to a variety of delicious foods, such as appetizing sauces, tempting sweet jams, and fresh tomato preparations.

7. How long can canned sambal last without refrigeration?

By utilizing the proper canning techniques, your favorite sambal can actually last for more than a month at room temperature without needing to be stored in the fridge.

8. Is the type of jar important for the canning technique?

To ensure safety during the sterilization process, it is recommended to use specially designed and heat-resistant canning jars. By using these jars, you not only preserve the quality of the canned food but also provide extra protection to ensure all your efforts in food preparation are well maintained.

9. Will canned sambal change in taste?

If all steps are followed correctly, you don’t need to worry! The taste and texture of your beloved sambal will remain perfectly intact, without any significant changes.

10. Can canning be done without special tools?

Of course, a regular pot can be a smart solution as a substitute for special tools! The most important thing is to ensure that the entire part of the jar is submerged in boiling water so that the process runs perfectly.

(kpl/mnd)