Selecting the right preserving jars

With online delivery across Australia, you can get your hands on an abundance of preserving jars right here from jam jars of 500ml to jars of 1 litre and preserving bottles for oils and more.

But which ones should you add to your wishlist or shopping cart?

Preserving jars, explained

Preserving jars are essentially glass jars with a wide mouth or regular mouth and tight-fitting lid. Jar lids are typically made of either stainless steel with a twist top design or of glass with a clip top fastening and silicone seal. While you can find plastic storage jars and canisters that look similar, these are not recommended for the canning process.

So, when it comes down to selecting the right preserving jars, ensure the lids have an airtight seal and the jars are made of glass. It’s also important to select the right quantity so buying bulk or opting for a multipack starter kit make great options, covering you for most scenarios. In terms of aesthetics, you can also buy jars with a pretty quilted pattern on the glass for a more decorative look.

The benefits of preserving

• Reduces food waste

• Saves you money

• Kinder to the environment

• More nutritional (no additives)

• Tastes better (so much fresher)

Canning basics for food preservation

If you’re new to food preservation and have never undertaken the canning process before, here’s what to expect.

Preparation

Before use, it’s vital to sanitise both the jars and the lids. To do this, place them in boiling water for a few minutes and dry them thoroughly before you decant your jams, chutneys, jellies and marmalades.

Preparation

While individual recipes do vary, they typically follow a similar procedure:

1. Under cold running water, wash your fresh fruit, being careful not to submerge them.

2. Remove cores, peels, stems, pits etc.

3. Depending on the recipe, you may be asked to slice fruit into large chunks or mash them.

4. Add ingredients to a saucepan and allow them to soften (most recipes call for the addition of water and sugar).

5. Stir the ingredients from time to time to stop them from sticking.

6. Use a funnel to pour the hot mixture into your sterilised food jars and seal immediately (fill jars to the top to reduce oxygen and prevent spoiling).

7. Once sealed, place the jars in a bath of boiling water and let them cool before storing in the pantry for up to six months.

At Kitchen Warehouse, we have a wide range of preserving accessories and gadgets that can make the preserving and fermenting processes easier such as strainers, funnels, jam pans, jugs, dispensers and more. You can even preserve wine for longer with special sprays.

Labelling your glass jar, mason jar or storage jars

Always label your jars with the date and the contents (especially if you make a large batch or are handing them out to friends, family and neighbours). Use a permanent marker to write directly onto the jar or use sticky labels.

Our top recipes

• Strawberry & Rhubarb Jam

• Sugar-Free Blueberry Jam

• Spicy Tomato Chutney

• Green Tomato Pickles

Using preserving jars as pantry canisters

Love home decor? You can buy preserving jars that are both pretty and practical so you can create tasty homemade preserves but also maintain a neat and beautiful looking pantry. Jars make great kitchen storage options, particularly for half-opened packets of nuts, seeds, grains, sugar, coffee grounds and more. Is there a top jar for use as a pantry canister? The short answer is no, just ensure the seals are airtight to keep ingredients fresh.

Brands we know and trust

Be sure to add brands like Kilner, Bormioli, Fowlers and Salisbury & Co to your shopping bag for quality preserving jars that will withstand frequent use and washing.

Kilner

Nostalgic, quintessential and incredibly hardworking, you always get what you pay for with a Kilner product.

Bormioli Rocco Fido

Jars from this reputed brand range come in generous capacities such as 3, 4 and 5 litres. Ideal for big batch preserving and storing fermented goods such as kimchi, sauerkraut and more.

FAQs:

What jars can be used for preserving?
Only a glass jar or glass bottle should be used for preserving. Check the seals are airtight and are suitable for the canning process. You can also buy specialist preserving lids separately. Sizes to go for include jar 500ml and jar 1L.

How long can preserved food be stored?
Jars are best stored in a cool, dry, and dark place such as a pantry, larder or cupboard. If preserved well, the contents can be safe to consume for years although the nutritional integrity does decline with the passing of time. If in doubt, always follow the recipe instructions or read the manuals included in our DIY preserving kits.

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