When most people think of canning, they think of the old-fashioned variety of preserving. For centuries, people have been packing their produce in glass jars and sealing them with wax to ensure they last through the winter. But 21st century home canners don’t just stick to the traditional methods. They have access to exciting new ways of canning that are much easier and quicker than the older techniques. There are so many benefits to home preserving your own food. It is cheaper, reduces waste, and gives you control over what goes into your food so you cut out additives and preservatives where possible. There are lots of different jar types available on the market today that make home preserving a lot easier than it used to be. If you want to get started with home canning, here are some of the best glass canning jars on the market today:
What is a canning jar?
A canning jar is a Glass jar that is designed for preserving food through canning. They are made of thick glass to be tough enough for the hot water bath needed for canning and have a wide rubber lid or seal on them to allow the steam to build inside the jar and create a vacuum seal to keep food fresh. They come in different sizes, with the most common being 16 ounces, half-gallon (64 ounces), and a pint (16 ounces). Depending on what you are preserving, you will need different sizes of jars. You can also use old-fashioned mason jars, which are made of thick glass, making them perfect for home preserving. The jars and lids are sold separately and you will need to buy the jars in the size you want and the lids to fit.
Ball Jars
Ball jars are one of the original canning jar brands, and they are still on offer today. Made from thick and durable tempered glass, these jars are perfect for preserving and storing your food. They come in a variety of sizes, from 16 ounces to two quarts. The lids are simple screw-on, which are ideal for the easy jar opening that is needed for food preparation. They come in two styles: regular and wide mouth, depending on which jars you choose. The wide mouth jars are perfect for thicker foods, like jams and chutneys, as they give you more room when filling the jar. The regular jars are ideal for storing thinner foods like vegetables, beans, and pasta. There is also a wide mouth, silicone lid that is ideal for preserving fruits and vegetables that have a high water content like tomatoes and cucumbers. The silicone lid allows the steam to escape without the need for the traditional metal lid, which can become very hot during the preserving process. The wide mouth jars are also great for things like dried herbs and spices, making them a good all-around jar for your home canning needs. The jars and lids are dishwasher safe, making them super easy to clean.
Storing your produce in mason jars
Mason jars are a classic choice for preserving food. They are made of thick glass, which is perfect for the hot water bath needed for canning. They come in a variety of sizes, from 4 ounces to half-gallon, so you can choose the jar size that works best for you. You can also get them in a wide-mouth style, which is great for thicker food items that need more room when filling the jar. The screw-on lid is a basic design, which makes it easy to open the jar and remove the food inside, but it also makes it easy to keep the jar clean. The jars are not dishwasher safe, so be sure to hand wash them to keep them in good condition.
The Tattler Re-use Canning Jar
The Tattler Re-use Canning Jar is a modern twist on the traditional canning jar. It is made from tempered glass, with a silicone ring around the lid, making it dishwasher safe. It comes in two sizes, 16 ounces and 32 ounces, making it ideal for lots of different preserves and pickles. The silicone ring allows the lid to reseal easily for a long-lasting seal and keeps the jar clean. The jar also comes with a special draining rack, making it easy to dry out and store away. The silicone lid also makes it easy to open and close the jar quickly and easily without getting your hands dirty, making it a great option for kids and the elderly. The glass jar is perfect for storing things like dried herbs, spices, and sugar, making it a great all-around jar.
Orchard and Harvest Canning Jars
Orchard and Harvest Canning Jars come in three different sizes, making them a good option for all your canning needs. They are made from thick tempered glass, making them perfect for the hot water bath needed for canning, and they are also BPA-free for added safety. The jars come with two different types of lids: a standard metal screw-on lid and a wide-mouth flip-top lid. The flip-top lid makes it easy to open the jar and remove the food inside, but it also makes it super easy to keep the jar clean. The jars are dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean them with no added scrubbing needed. The wide-mouth jars are great for storing thicker foods like jams, chutneys, and pickles, giving you plenty of room for filling. Regular jars are ideal for thinner foods, like herbs, spices, and grains. The jars are a good all-around size for your canning needs.
Conclusion
Home preserving is a great way to save money and get the most out of your produce. It is easy to get started with the best glass canning jars on the market today. Whether you want a traditional canning jar or a modern twist on the design, there is a jar to suit your needs.
