Canning Supplies & Equipment Essentials

To ensure all food remains safe and does not spoil, it is important to follow all recipes exactly without variation. Changing any ingredient in a recipe can potentially cause the acidity level to change, which may cause spoilage and inedible products.

How to Store Canned Food After Opening

After opening, shelf life on canned food varies but usually will last between a few days to a few weeks depending on the food item. Most opened jars can be stored in a refrigerator just as long as factory-made items but should always be stored without the bands as they can trap moisture which causes rust. Food can be transferred to a food storage container or can be stored in the jar with a reusable lid.

Types of Canning Jars

Picking the best style of canning jar to use is often a personal preference and depends on the final look you want for your product. All jars are versatile and have a wide variety of uses beyond canning. Jars can be used for crafts, hobbies, and beverage glasses but can also be used as decor, such as vases and candle holders. Most types of jars will come in both regular mouth and wide mouth sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any mason jar be used for canning?

No, not all mason jars are able to be used for canning. Jars need to be specifically manufactured for canning so they are sturdy enough to withstand the internal vacuum seal without breaking. Using improper canning jars can result in glass breakage and product loss. When in doubt, double check manufacturer literature and instructions.

Can you freeze mason jars?

Yes, some mason jars can withstand freezing. In order to avoid potential shattering, only use jars specifically designed to go into the freezer. Leave half an inch of headspace to allow for expansion of food.

Can you microwave mason jars?

Yes, glass mason jars by themselves can be microwaved for short periods of time, if needed. Since the jars are glass, they will absorb heat in the microwave, making it potentially dangerous to touch with bare hands. Always use caution when handling hot items. Lids and bands should never be microwaved, since they are made of metal.

Types of Canning Jar Lids

Canning lids come in two main styles - regular mouth and wide mouth. Every lid will feature a solid, rubber seal on the underside that creates the vacuum seal when processed. On the top of the lid, there is a small raised circle that will invert when the jar is properly processed.

Can you reuse canning lids?

No, always start with a brand new lid for safety, as lids should never be reused. Before canning anything, always check the rubber seal on every lid. Discard any seals that are broken or look irregular. Bands can generally be reused as long as they are still in good condition and are not rusty. Processed jars should always be stored without bands as they can trap moisture and can make unsealed jars look sealed.

Commercial Canning Equipment

There are two types of canning methods: water bath canning and pressure canning. Each method has their equipment and is better suited for some types of foods than the other.

What Size Canning Jar Should I Use?

Determining the right size jar to use is important as jar size can affect processing time. Smaller jars can process faster than larger jars. Additionally, it is important to consider what is going into the jars. Thicker foods as well as anything with larger chunks will usually work better in wide mouth jars as opposed to regular mouth, as it is easier to scrape out the contents.

Commercial Canning Supplies

From pectin for making jams and jellies to pickling salt, there are several food canning supplies and accessories you can use to streamline your canning operation, make the process easier, and help maintain proper food safety. Here are a few recommended items that you may need to add to your canning supplies list.