making jelly for the fridge...do I need to boil the jars?

[icxcnika]

I'm making a small batch of jelly just to keep in the fridge. I'm not going to water bath can them or anything. Do I need to boil the jars and lids or is using them clean from the dishwasher okay? I suppose that even if they don't need to be boiled to be sterilized, it would help keep them hot enough not to crack? I am such a n00b! Canning mamas, can you give me any advice?

[Panthira]

I think it would be ok if you plan to use it up right away. I believe we boil the jars first to get rid of any bacteria that may be present and may cause mold issues. That wouldn't be ideal when kept on a shelf for potentially a year or more.

[cristeen]

If the jar is still hot out of the dishwasher, then it's fine, but if it's not then I'd boil it unless you go through jam pretty darned quickly. The risk is introducing contaminants throughout the jam and it'll mold.

[icxcnika]

Thank you both!