How2Day: What Types of Jars Can Be Used for Jelly?

Canning is growing in popularity with people looking to save money and keep their pantries stocked with wholesome foods. Among the tastiest preserves are jellies. The jars you use are important to the success and safety of your jelly making. You will want heavy glass jars that can stand up to temperature changes and can be safely sealed with a lid. You don't want to use jars with mouths that are cracked or chipped, which will prevent a proper vacuum seal, but you will want jars with wide mouths, which make it easier to fill with preserves.

Mason jars were the first preserve jar with a threaded mouth, which allows for easier preserving. First developed by John L. Mason, the initial Mason jar included a cap lid with a sealing compound around the edge that screwed down on the jar. This design was improved on by other companies with a two-piece lid consisting of a lid edged with a sealing compound and a screw-on ring. The types of jars available today in this style include Ball, Kerr and Jarden. Most Mason-style jars are available in decorative, smaller sizes for jelly as well. This jar is recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for preserving because the lid pops to indicate it is properly sealed.

Weck jars, developed by a German company in the early 1900s that still produces the jars today, use a similar sealing method as lightning jars, but, instead of a glass lid held on by a metal cage, these jars have a clear glass lid with a rubber seal and two side springs that clamp the lid down during the heating process. The clips are removed during the cooling process after the seal is created. Many prefer Weck jars to Mason jars because there is no possibility of metal contamination in the food. The only setback is that these jars, unlike Mason jars, have no indicator the jar is sealed properly.

Lightning jars, or bail-wire-clamp jars, have a glass lid with an attached metal clamp that pushes the lid down on the jar and creates the seal. There is usually a rubber ring placed around the lid before the jar is sealed. These jars are not recommended for preserving food because there is no indicator the jar has properly sealed.

Leifheit jars, also made by a German company, are designed to increase the amount of preserves you can fit in your pressure cooker. Their sides aren't round but are angular instead. Their unique shape is popular among canners. The jars use a similar sealing style to the Mason jar with a metal lid and ring. They also offer smaller sizes appropriate for jelly.

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