Mason Jars: A Versatile and Trendy Everyday Container

Do you want something ideal to serve drinks or cocktails as you enjoy meet-ups with friends? Mason jars are your one-stop utensil for organizing, storing, and dispensing products. The products can be cleaning, food, or beauty products. The jars have evolved to be versatile and can meet any of your needs around the home. For example, they can be used as mugs for picnics or as containers for salads or cereals.

Can you microwave mason jars? Yes, but be watchful. According to Mason jars, microwaving the jars may risk their integrity. Glass expands when heated, and when it comes in contact with the cold air outside the microwave, it may crack. Although some jars are microwavable, check on the underside whether the jar has a label showing if it is microwavable. Suppose you cannot find that certification keeps your jar out of the microwave.

History of mason jars

John Landis Mason invented the jars in 1858 and patented their design in 1859. He patented the screw thread feature, which made the glass jars well sealed. Before then, when people wanted to store products in jars, they used wax to fill the space between the tin cap and the glass jar. This process was complicated and time-consuming. However, it was the only method available at the time. The original design of the mason jar has changed over the years to allow the rubber ring sealing band on the underside of the cap.

Interesting facts about mason jars

• Although John Landis Mason was the first to patent the mason jar, he did not get rich from his creation. The patent expired in 1879, and other manufacturers jumped at the opportunity to make the jars.
• John L Mason invented the screw-on cap first. The jar came later.
• The most popular company making mason jars, the Jarden Home Brands Ball canning, started making the jars in 1884. Seventeen mason jars come off the production line every second.
• If you laid out the jars bought in 2015, they would encircle the planet.
• Mason jars are collector’s items, and some jars have sold for over $1000.
• Did you know mason jars appear in the Guinness book of world records? In 2014 the world’s largest mason jar mosaic contained 2000 mason jars.

Benefits of using mason jars

They are:-

1. Inexpensive. You can purchase two pint-sized mason jars for under $10.
2. Readily available in supermarkets, kitchenware stores, grocery shops, or online.
3. Easy to clean and odorless from earlier use. The jars are dishwasher safe and don’t stain easily!
4. Safe to use as Glass is an inert material, unlike plastic. Therefore, it will not leech any chemicals into the food when heated.
5. Environment friendly. Glass retains its quality no matter the number of times it is recycled.
6. Versatile and can be many functions around the home.

Uses of mason jars

Kitchen uses

1. Mason jars are usable as makeshift coffee pots. You can use a mesh pour-over cone to brew coffee into the jar directly. which can also double as a mug.
2. Using a unique base for the mason jar, you can screw it to a traditional blender base. It will take less space than conventional blender containers, and you can keep reusing your jars to make tasty beverage blends.
3. You can use a juicer lid to make fresh juice in the morning for your breakfast. The jar can also double as a transport container for your juice if running late.
4. If you don’t have an extra salt shaker on the table, you can use the versatile lid that will allow you to store salt in the jar. The top will twist to open the holes.

Special events use

1. Mason jars are an inexpensive and fun way to add glamour to your party. You can substitute them for glasses and have your friend take them home as gifts.
2. Use them as place setters for events. Add written numbers in the jars and place them on tables to indicate sitting positions at weddings.
3. You can use them as tealight holders at your events. The light inside the jar will reflex a warm and inviting mood when set on a table.
4. Who doesn’t enjoy sweets at parties? You can use the mason jars as candy displays. You can even separate the sweets by colors and show them in different jars.
5. You can make DIY art pon the jars using stencils and water paints. It will give an aura of inspiration to your guest.

Uses for Kids

1. Using the dip lid, you can pack healthy salads for your kid to eat at lunch. The top will keep the salad separate from the dip.
2. Who wouldn’t love a to-go cup for their favorite beverage? The jar lids screw on tightly and prevent any spillages. Pack your kid’s favorite beverage, be it soup or milkshakes, to enjoy at school.
3. You can turn the mason jar into a feeding bottle with a specialized lid.
4. Make cute toys with mason jars, such as solar lights with a battery pack that can light your child’s way as they explore outside after sunset.
5. You can convert the jar into a piggy bank with a unique lid. Your kids will love to see their savings and encourage a saving culture.

Garden Uses

1. You can create an oil lamp that can be hung in the garden and create a warm ambiance at night.
2. Use the jars as planters for your indoor plants. Suitable indoor plants include parsley, basil, cilantro, chives, or rosemary. You can also use them to germinate t=your seeds before you transfer them to the garden.
3. They make beautiful wind chimes. You’ll need to cut your jars in half and attach the jewelry. They make for a rustic look around the garden.
4. Mason jars also make good bird feeders. You can place them around the garden to attract the birds.
5. You can use mason jars to make terrariums. Terrariums are small gardens housed in sealable containers.

FAQs

Can I place mason jars in the dishwasher?

Yes. Mason jars are washable by either hand or dishwasher. The lids may become worn down with the continued use of detergent. For the best result, we recommend you handwash the jars.

Can I boil mason jars for sterilization?

Yes. You can boil the jars for sterilization and pour hot water into the jars. However, before pouring hot water into the jars, ensure they are at room temperature.

Can I place my mason jar in an oven?

No. Keep your jar out of the oven. According to a study by National Center for Home Food Preservation, the temperatures in the oven fluctuate too much and may cause the jar to break.

Do I need to leave headspace in the jar?

Yes, leaving headspace before closing assures a vacuum seal. However, leaving too much headspace may cause the food to discolor.

How long will food keep when stored in a mason jar?

According to National Center for Home Food, canned food will remain good for 12 to 14 months. The jar must be properly sealed and stored in a cool and dark environment.

Are mason jars recyclable?

Yes, mason jars are recyclable. Once washed and sterilized, they can serve well for other purposes, e.g., DIY crafts. Once they shatter, you can dispose of them in the recyclable bin.

What to do if my lid is stuck?

Run some hot water on the lid for 30 seconds and try opening it with a tight grip. If the top does not open, run it under hot water for longer, and do not force the lid open using a sharp object.

What does the number on the bottom of the mason jar mean?

The number is called a mold number. The number tells its position in the glass-making machine during production.

Do mason jars have any value after use?

Yes, some people collect vintage mason jars. They may sell for upwards of $30.

What will cause a mason jar to break?

A mason jar can break when you close the lid too tight, place hot food in a cold jar, boil a cold jar in hot water, or put it under high pressure.

Is it alright to reuse lids and bands?

Do not reuse lids on your jars. They may become indented, which will prevent a vacuum seal. Screw bands are reusable unless they have rusted.

Why is the underside of my lid discolored?

The discoloration happens because some natural foods contain acids that corrode and darken the lid. The food quality will not change if stored properly.

Conclusion

The mason jar has a very long history of use and is eco-friendly. The glass jars are easily recycled and are easy to reuse. The jars are also very versatile, and they come in many sizes giving you a variety of uses in your home. You can also use different lids with the mason jar transforming it into whatever service you need. Thanks to their versatility, mason jars are trendy. They are becoming iconic due to their retro design.