I doubt there’s a household in the civilized world that doesn’t have at least some mason jars in use somewhere. These durable glass jars have been around for over 150 years, and their design has remained largely unchanged, making them a timeless option for everything from organization and storage to canning and preserving foods.
One of the main benefits of mason jar storage is its airtight seal, which keeps food fresh for longer periods of time. This makes them perfect for storing pantry staples like flour, sugar, and rice, as well as for preserving fruits and vegetables. Mason jars can also be used to store homemade jams, jellies, and pickles. I just used a pair of 32 oz jars to whip up some homemade kimchi.
Another great use for mason jars is as a storage option for small items like buttons, beads, and screws. The clear glass allows for easy visibility, making it easy to find the item you’re looking for. These jars can also be labeled, making it easy to keep track of what’s inside.
The possibilities are endless and can give a unique touch to any room. When it comes to cleaning and care, mason jars are relatively low maintenance. They can be washed in the dishwasher, and the glass is durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.
7 Great Uses
Let’s take a look at some of the common and not-so-common uses.
Canning and Preserving Food
Canning and preserving food with mason jars is a great way to take advantage of seasonal produce. Not only does canning allow you to preserve produce that would otherwise go to waste, but it ensures that it will last for months and be available all year round! Imagine enjoying those fresh peaches you bought last summer as delicious peach jam on a cold, wintery morning.
Kitchen Storage
They are perfect for storing items such as pasta, rice, and dried beans, as well as baking supplies like flour and sugar. They are also great for ready-to-eat food, everything from nuts and seeds to smoothies or even liquid broth. Mason jars can also hold ingredients like herbs, spices, and dressings. Fill jars with red lentils, split peas, farro, corn, etc. for a beautiful (and practical) countertop display.
Drinking Glasses
Glass mason jars are an increasingly popular choice for drinking glasses – combining vintage charm with the beautiful imperfections of handmade craft. And because the glass used for mason jars is heavy and durable, it makes them ideal for use outdoors and at events such as weddings or picnics. Not to mention every other YouTube fitness guru seems to use them to stay hydrated!
Decorations
Decorating mason jars is a fun and creative way to bring a rustic, antique look to your home. There are so many ways to make your mason jar stand out – from spray painting and gluing artistic paper cutouts of different shapes, sizes, and colors on them. Plus, adding embellishments such as ribbons and buttons also add texture and color that can make your mason jar a one-of-a-kind item. Whether it’s for home décor or for adding extra personality to a gift package, decorating mason jars is a great way to express yourself!
Vases
Growing succulents in mason jars is an easy and beautiful way to decorate your home. With the addition of just a few elements, you can transform ordinary mason jars into stylish and vibrant vases. Adding an unexpected touch of nature to your décor, they can be used alone or combined with other arrangements to create a unique display. If you love plants but don’t have the time or space for maintaining a garden, turning mason jars into vases is the perfect low-maintenance solution!
Bathroom Organizer
Mason jars are perfect to organize bathroom essentials like cotton balls and Q-tips.
Mason jars are becoming increasingly popular for bathroom organizing. By using a set of small or large mason jars, you can organize everything from cotton balls to makeup brushes to bath salts with ease. Allowing you to keep a clutter-free and beautiful space in your bathroom.
Candle Holders
They make great candle holders because of their rustic charm. Mason jars are also cheap, making them an ideal option when you want to decorate a room without spending a lot of money. Most importantly, mason jars can safely contain a burning candle while giving your home added ambiance that is sure to leave guests in awe.
What Makes Mason Jars So Useful?
Durability: Mason jars are made of thick, sturdy glass that is able to withstand high temperatures and pressure, making them suitable for canning and preserving food.
Airtight seal: Mason jars have a screw-on lid with a rubber seal that creates an airtight environment, which helps to keep food fresh for longer.
Versatility: Mason jars can be used for a variety of purposes, from canning and preserving food to storage, drinking glasses, and decorations.
Reusable: Mason jars are reusable, which makes them an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable containers.
Affordable: Mason jars are relatively inexpensive, making them accessible to everyone.
Classic design: Mason jars have a classic and timeless design that has stood the test of time, making them always in style.
Easy to clean: Mason jars are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean by hand.
Related: How To Organize Your Kitchen Like A Pro
FAQ
Why are mason jars called that?
Mason jars are named after John Landis Mason, who was the inventor of the screw-on lid that is used to seal the jars. Mason was a tinsmith from New Jersey and received a patent for his invention in 1858. The screw-on lid with a rubber seal that Mason designed allowed for a more secure seal than the previously used metal lid with a wax seal.
This new design made it possible to preserve food for longer periods of time, and the jars quickly became popular for home canning and preserving. The name “Mason jar” is now synonymous with the type of glass jar that has a screw-on lid with a rubber seal.
How do I properly seal mason jars for food storage?
To properly seal mason jars for food storage, first make sure the jars, lids, and rings are clean and free of any debris. Fill the jars with the food item you want to preserve, leaving about a half inch of headspace at the top. Place the lid on top of the jar and screw on the ring until it is finger-tight.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath or pressure canner according to the instructions for the specific food item you are preserving. Once the jars are cooled and sealed, check the seal by pressing down on the center of the lid. If the lid pops up and down, the jar is not properly sealed and should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days.
Can mason jars be used in the microwave?
Mason jars have metal tops, which are not safe to use in the microwave. The glass can heat up quickly and cause burns or even shatter. If you need to heat up food, it’s best to transfer the food to a microwave-safe container.
Are mason jars dishwasher safe?
Mason jars are dishwasher safe, but it’s important to make sure the jars, lids, and rings are placed on the top rack of the dishwasher. The heat and pressure from the dishwasher can cause the jars to break or the seals to fail if they are placed too close to the heating element.
Can mason jars be used for freezing food?
Mason jars can be used for freezing food, but it’s important to note that the jars are not tempered for extreme temperatures and can break if the food inside expands as it freezes. To safely freeze food in mason jars, make sure to leave about a half inch of headspace at the top of the jar to allow for expansion. Also, Avoid freezing liquids in wide-mouth mason jars, as they are more prone to cracking than regular mouth jars.
How to remove stains from mason jars?
Mason jars are durable, but they can become stained over time. To remove stains, fill the jar with equal parts water and white vinegar and let it sit for a few hours. Scrub the inside of the jar with a bottle brush or a sponge, then rinse well and dry. If the stains are stubborn, you can also try using baking soda and water to create a paste and scrub the inside of the jar.
How long do mason jars last?
Mason jars are made of durable glass and can last for many years if they are well taken care of. However, the rubber seal on the lid can wear out over time, making it harder to achieve a proper seal. It’s a good idea to periodically check the seals on your jars and replace them if they are no longer in good condition.
Can mason jars be used for hot liquids?
Mason jars are not intended for use with hot liquids. The glass can crack or break if exposed to sudden changes in temperature. If you need to store or transport hot liquids, it is best to use a jar that is specifically designed for that use.
Can mason jars be used for canning low-acid foods?
Mason jars can be used for canning low-acid foods, but it requires a pressure canner rather than a boiling water bath. Low-acid foods such as vegetables, meats, and soups need to be canned at a higher temperature to kill off any harmful bacteria that may be present.
Can mason jars be used for dry goods storage?
Yes, mason jars are great for storing dry goods such as flour, sugar, pasta, and cereal. The airtight seal will keep them fresh and prevent any pests from getting in.
Can mason jars be used for fermenting?
Mason jars can be used for fermenting, but it’s important to make sure that the lids are left slightly loose (or use plastic lids which aren’t as airtight). This allows the carbon dioxide that is produced during fermentation to escape.
Conclusion
Overall, mason jars are a great option for storage and organization. They are affordable, versatile, durable, and come in a wide variety of sizes. I use them several times a week to make overnight oats. If you have any unique uses, let us know and we’ll add them to our list.
