Abstract: A method for preparing and forming a gripable and flat lying retortable lid having a lid ring extending radially outside in a curl shape adapted to be seamed to a body flange of a container body, and extending radially inside in a substantially flat flange, sealed with an edge ring of a central foil, covering an inner opening of the lid ring, radially inside of the inner end of the flat flange is described. The central foil having a tab extending from a radially outer end radially inside, and lying substantially parallel and close to an upper surface of the central foil. The tab has two radially extending portions, an outer one and an inner one. The inner portion rising axially upward, during a press or squeeze operation in an intermediate portion between the inner and outer portions, to force the inner portion away from the foil surface and keep the outer portion substantially parallel to the foil.