On Mason Jars and Preserving Food
I have such a soft spot for mason jars. These iconic glass vessels have a rich history and play an integral role in my passion for home canning food. One of the most well known brands is Ball, and today, we’re diving into the fascinating story of Ball mason jars, the joys of home canning, and why this age-old practice remains as fun as ever. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more canning and preserving inspo!
A Legacy of Preservation
Ball mason jars owe their existence to John Landis Mason, who patented the threaded jar closure system in 1858. This invention revolutionized food preservation. We still use threaded jar closures today!
The Ball Corporation, founded in 1880, began manufacturing these iconic jars. They quickly became a staple in households across America.
The signature Ball logo is a symbol of quality and tradition that endures to this day. Though the logo has been unchanged since 1975, it’s had many iterations throughout the life of the company. Check out the below chart to help you date your Ball jars!
The Time-Honored Tradition of Home Canning
Home canning is the art of safely preserving food for year-round enjoyment. It allows you to capture the freshness of your garden or local produce and put it up in your pantry for later use.
My favorite thing about canning is its sustainability. Canning helps reduce food waste, by allowing you to store your abundance of fruit and vegetables. But it also helps keep tin cans and labels out of the landfill.
Canning is surprisingly simple and immensely rewarding. I remember the first time I pressure canned beans. I was so proud of myself, and they were the tastiest beans I’d ever had! Plus, canning is an age-old tradition that helps me feel connected to my ancestors.
Joy in the Journey: Why Home Canning is Fun
Home canning is more than just a practical necessity; it's a delightful hobby that brings joy and creativity to the kitchen. While canning is indeed a science, there are guidelines you can follow for altering recipes safely to creatively create canned foods that your family will love. Some of my favorite resources for safe canning recipes include HealthyCanning.com, The All New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving, and the Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving.
There are thousands of recipes to choose from for safe home canning. There’s always something new to try!
It’s a great way to bring little ones into the kitchen with you. My oldest son Alex loves to help me sort and wash beans to get them ready for canning. Sharing home canning and food preservation with him teaches him patience, creativity, and kitchen safety.
At Little Acre Homestead, we treasure the history and tradition behind Ball mason jars and home canning. Home canning food is definitely a labor of love. But its also a way to preserve the past while savoring the present.
If you're curious about the art of canning or simply looking for fresh ideas and inspiration, remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel. You’ll join us on a journey through the world of preserving where we share tips and recipes to help you master this age-old craft.
