A Mason jar is a molded glass jar that is originally used in canning to preserve food. Other common names for the original Mason jar include Ball jars (after the Ball Corporation), fruit jars and simply glass canning jars. All Mason jars are not created equal.

Is Ball the original Mason jar?

Quick Fact: Who Invented the Mason Jar? John Landis Mason invented the Mason Jar on November 30, 1858. In 1884, Ball Corporation began manufacturing glass home-canning jars, the product that established Ball as a household name and licensed Masons design.

Why do mason jars crack?

Sudden change in temperature create too wide a margin between temperature of filled jars and water in canner before processing. That leads to thermal shock in the glass jar. Food was packed too solidly or jars were overfilled. Then as the jars heat in the canner, their contents expand and the jar breaks!

How long do Ball canning lids last?

According to Jarden Home Brands, the manufacturer of Ball home canning jars, lids and bands, unused lids should be stored in a cool, dry place. Helen Aardsma of Mulberry Lane Farm reports that lids have a shelf life of five to 10 years if stored properly.

How do I know if my Mason jars are valuable?

If you have a jar with one of the older logos, it will likely be worth more than one with a newer logo. Next is the color. Clear and pale blue are the most common colors, but jars of all colors were produced. Yellow and amber jars were common.

Will a Mason jar break in boiling water?

Its a good idea to heat the jars first, because boiling water into a cold jar could cause it to break. Its a good idea to heat the jars first, because boiling water into a cold jar could cause it to break.

How many times can you use a mason jar lid?

The simple answer is no: Canning lids are designed for one-time use. Using them more than once may result in your jars not sealing properly. These lids have a special sealing compound around the rim that is only good for one use.

Why can I not find canning lids?

It all began last year when the pandemic hit in early 2020. Stuck at home, people picked up gardening, then canning their harvest. “That led to a supply shortage of canning lids,” said Suzanne Driessen, University of Minnesota Extension food safety educator.