Canning Applesauce -- 22 Steps

Step 16, Heat Lids

Before you begin the prepared applesauce, bring lids to a boil. After boiling just keep them in the water. One hint, as you place the lids in the small pan, alternate the lids with the tops and bottoms in opposite directions. Otherwise they may stick together just as you need them quickly. In the background right, you can see the 3/4-quart jars we use for our applesauce. Some recommend not boiling lids but to bring them to 190 degrees. We think that is difficult to get them to that temperature and bring to boiling rather than test the temperature to 190 degrees. We have never had any trouble with boiling. Don't boil them, for a long time just bring to boiling and remove them from the stove. Leave them in the water until needed.