While these get labeled as the “hipster cups,” Mason jars have been around for many generations. They have been used to preserve fruits/vegetables or to pickle different food items. People still use them to preserve foods, but they also use them as dressing containers, smoothie vessels, meal prep containers, or water cups.
One of the coolest parts about preserving food is that you can have the different flavors of summer in winter or vice versa. The game changed for food preservation when John Landis Mason made a patent, which was an improvement in screwneck bottles, known as the Mason jar. Home canning became much more sanitary and safe from harmful bacteria. This invention helped gardeners stock their pantries and preserve their harvested crops to sell in their communities. One thing to note about Mason is that he didn’t make any money off his patented invention. The patent expired in 1879, 21 years after the patent was issued. Competing brands didn’t start making Mason jars until after 1879, so he saw none of the profits.
Mason Jar Fact: The most notable Mason jar brand in existence is Ball Canning, which began manufacturing jars in 1884. According to present day numbers, the company makes 17 jars per second.
In case you are wondering what to do for National Mason Jar Day, we have some awesome ideas. If you enjoy fermented foods, check out the video in the article about how to start fermenting your own vegetables. It’s a lot easier than you think!
How To Build A Mason Jar Salad
Conveniently sized and space efficient, Mason jars make the perfect vessels for prepped salads. Here’s how to properly assemble a Mason jar salad.
Click here to learn more.
Raw Rainbow Mason Jar Salad
One of the best things about this salad is that every bite is filled with different textures and flavors. Remember, it is always beneficial to eat your colors, i.e. eat salads with a lot of different colored fruits and vegetables in them.
Click here to make the recipe.
Maple, Fig, & Tahini Overnight Oats
It’s nice to wake up and have breakfast ready for you to eat. Mason jars are the perfect vessels for overnight oats because they are big enough to fit a filling meal inside, especially for this breakfast.
Click here to make the recipe.
DIY Fermented Vegetables
Fermented foods may not be on most peoples’ radars. Even though they are readily available, most people ignore them. They may seem daunting because they have strong smells or flavors, but they are full of nutrients and probiotics that can promote a healthy digestive system.
Click here to make the recipe.
How do you use Mason jars? Let us know in the comments below.
