The mouth of the jar has threads on its outer perimeter so it can accept a metal ring when it is screwed down onto it. Other common names for the original Mason jar include Ball jars (after the Ball Corporation), fruit jars and simply glass canning jars.
Are Mason jars and Ball jars made by the same company?
Today, the Ball brand for mason jars and home canning supplies belongs to Newell Brands.
Can Mason jars be used for canning?
According the National Center for Home Food Preservation, a Mason-type jar is specifically designed for home canning and is the best option. Commercial mayonnaise jars may not seal and may break, especially in a pressure canner.
Why are old mason jars blue?
Feeling Blue
Those blue mason jars were mass produced until 1937 using sand from around Lake Michigan. It was that sand that gave the glass its blue hue.
Does Ball still make mason jars?
Interestingly, Ball no longer manufactures Mason jars, but has expanded and grown into a worldwide company that makes everything from metal containers to aerospace parts.
Are Kerr jars just as good as Ball?
That means that the Kerr Mason jars boast all of the tough American-made quality of their Ball counterparts, so you can buy with confidence. Like other Ball and Kerr jars, these are also safe for heating and freezing and are available in various sizes to suit your need.
Do Ball lids fit Mason jars?
Ball Regular Mouth Lids
Regular Mouth Lids for preserving fit all regular mouth glass preserving jars.
Why do they call it a mason jar?
A Mason jar, also known as a canning jar or fruit jar, is a glass jar used in home canning to preserve food. It was named after American tinsmith John Landis Mason, who patented it in 1858. The jar’s mouth has a screw thread on its outer perimeter to accept a metal ring or “band”.
What kind of jars should not be used for canning?
Mayonnaise-type jars are not recommended for use with foods to be processed in a pressure canner because of excessive jar breakage. Other commercial jars with mouths that cannot be sealed with two-piece canning lids are not recommended for use in canning any food at home.
Can I reuse spaghetti sauce jars for canning?
Grocery store jars that once held spaghetti sauce, pickles and other foods should not be reused for home canning. The glass is usually not as thick and this makes them more likely to shatter or explode when heated.
Are all jars good for canning?
Other than the gallon-sized jars that are only used for storage, all sizes of jars are used for canning. However, you only use the half-gallon jars for canning juice (apple juice or grape juice).
What does the number mean on the bottom of Ball mason jars?
Some helpful notes to keep in mind:
There will be a large number on the bottom of your jar. This is the mold number, and unfortunately also has no relation to the manufacture date. These charts tell you the approximate decade in which your Ball jar was made.
Do old mason jars contain lead?
Vintage blue glass mason jar – the jar had no heavy metals but the vintage lid had 861 ppm lead and 1,537 ppm cadmium. Weck glass canning jars – 142ppm of lead.
How can you tell how old a Ball jar is?
If you have a Ball jar, you can date most of them just by looking at the logo. Every few years, the Ball Manufacturing Co changed the logo and if you compare yours to a reliable chart, you know how old it is.
Why are Ball jars out of stock?
When the 2020 pandemic created a huge demand for canning supplies, Newell Brands decided it would not try to sell Ball and Kerr products at every store handling canning supplies as in the past, but only through online giant Amazon and select major chains such as Walmart and Ace Hardware stores.
Why are Mason jar lids two pieces?
In home-canning a two-piece lid is needed to let the air escape during the boiling water or pressure canning process. A one-piece lid doesn’t allow the air to escape resulting in blowing out the bottom of the jar or the lid to buckle.
Are Ball jars still made in Indiana?
MUNCIE, Ind. – A staple of Muncie’s history will no longer be produced in the city. Newell Brands, the company who produces Ball major jars, has made the decision to close manufacturing operations in Muncie beginning next summer.
What’s the difference between Ball and Kerr?
Products with the Ball name are sold mostly in the eastern part of the United States, while Kerr is found in the West. No longer can we say that we have a preference to either Ball or Kerr, because they are now made by the same company.
Are all canning jars the same?
Before we dig into the jars, you should know that all standard canning jars sold in the U.S. are made by a company called Jarden Home Brands. They own Ball, Kerr and Bernardin (that’s their Canadian brand). So though it appears that there are multiple brands of jars out there, they’re all made by the same manufacturer.
Can you freeze Mason jars?
Mason jars are a workhorse in the kitchen, and are the perfect simplified storage solution because they can be used in so many different ways. They’re durable, are plastic-free, inexpensive, and work perfectly in the pantry, fridge and in the freezer.
Which is better wide mouth or regular canning jars?
Regular Mouth work best with pourable foods such as jams, jellies, salsas, sauces, pie fillings, and vegetables. Wide Mouth allows for easier filling and works best with whole fruits and vegetables. It’s best practice to refer to the recipe when it comes to selecting the perfect size jar for your application.
