August 2020 - Between The Sheets Blog

Plastic is nearly everywhere in our modern life and has become the default for storage, drinkware, and more in kitchen cabinets, the pantry, and the refrigerator. Over the years our plastic storage containers had grown cloudy, stained, and in some cases started to crack. When it came time to replace them, we made the conscious decision to minimize plastic in our kitchen and replace with more versatile and durable options including glass and stainless steel storage containers.

One of the most versatile items we have brought into our kitchen and home is the humble glass canning jar (also known as a Mason Jar). Mason jars work with hot and cold liquids, and can go in the freezer or in a pressure canner.

Mason Jars are a versatile re-usable and can be used for everything from storage of dried goods, to canning of vegetables, sauces, soups, and more for long-term storage.

Light wood kitchen cabinet with four shelves full of glass jars of differing sizes and a glass baking pan. Beans, grains, pasta, rice, and other dry goods are stored in the jars. A silver metal scoop is in the front of the lowest shelf.

When we decided to replace plastic storage with glass, we considered a number of factors:

The long term durability and versatility (for some glass may be too heavy or a risk to shatter with young children)
Environmental impact of manufacturing, compared to expected lifespan
Any risk of chemical or other leaching from the container into food or drink

Rows of glass canning jars filled with dry beans are laid out in rows on a speckled granite counter top. Kitchen utensils and a filed backsplash are in background

We have replaced canned beans bought at the store, with beans preserved in water using a pressure canner [link]. We learned safe canning techniques at the Cornell Cooperative Extension (a local organization supporting agriculture in NY). Another good resource is the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Jars used for canning need to be free of any chips, cracks, or other damage, so many of our canning jars that have developed small imperfections have found a second life as storage containers (me mark these with permanent marker and double check before canning).

Rows of glass canning jars full of pickled vegetables are lined up on a metal baking tray on a speckled granite counter top. Silver canning lids and rims are on each jar.

Two silver pots one with vegetables and liquid prepared for stock and one with tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables for salsa. A row of glass canning jars are full vegetables, salsa, and other vegetables to be canned. A stainless steel ladle with salsa and funnel are held above the jars.

We also use mason jars for making pickles (both canned and refrigerator), for pickling and fermenting, for canning salsas and sauces, and for preserving tomatoes, potatoes, peaches, and other foods for our pantry.