​Everything you ever wanted to know about Mason Jars

Mason jars have long been gracing the images of social media influencers, the choice of on-trend brides and party hostesses, and a firm favourite with customers at Wares! But what exactly is the history of these enduring, beautiful and extremely versatile kitchen jars? Let's take a closer look at the fascinating history of the ever-popular Mason jar!

The history of the most famous jar

The Mason Jar is named after John Landis Mason, a tinsmith based in Philadelphia who patented his unique jar design in 1858. Surprisingly, given the popularity of the jars today, Mr Mason never did achieve glory and wealth from his patent as he sold it off before they became popular.

Today these mighty glass wonders may currently be dotted on every wedding table and interior editorial, but as a craze they actually date back to the 1940s, when around three million jars were sold as part of a trend for home preserving. Householders everywhere gathered up their summer bounty and preserved fruits and vegetables for the colder months ahead. Of course home preserving is now a popular pastime as part of our drive towards sustainability, but in the post-war period the trend was geared more towards survival, with rationing still in full force and fresh vegetables and fruits in short supply.

What makes the jars so popular?

There are several characteristics that make these robust glass jars with their distinctive branding hugely popular. They were the first jar to use bleached glass, and this meant that canners were able to see the contents were safe to use, and cooks could also see what they had in stock.

The top is perhaps the most key feature. These jars have a double-part top, comprising the lid itself, which has a rubber ring located on the underside, and a screw-threaded outer band that can be reused. The rubber ring is designed to provide a vacuum seal, as this is essential for successful canning and preserving and for keeping foods dry and safe from contamination.

Although the lids can only seal contents once, the bands and jars can be reused repeatedly. Today this feature may seem simple, but before Mason jars were invented food was preserved with wax and a thin flat lid. This process was messy, time-consuming and not reusable. It also wasn't reliable, as the results could be compromised and the food often spoiled. These innovative jars were a huge step forward in providing reliable, simple and fuss-free results for home canners and preservers alike.

The Ball brothers, who had been manufacturing wooden-jacket storage, saw the brilliance of the Mason patent and decided to take it on in 1884. And today, Ball brand jars are still widely in use across the globe, and you've probably even drunk a homemade cocktail or enjoyed a spoon or two of homemade jam out of one!

Top uses for Mason brand jars

The humble Mason jar is incredibly flexible and it can be put to use in any kitchen. For example, you can use Mason jars to:

- Preserve and can food
- Present cocktails, milkshakes and ice-cream floats
- Provide attractive storage in your kitchen, especially if you choose pastel coloured glass options in an array of shades
- Store cotton balls or buds in the bathroom or liquid soap
- To filter coffee or to make cold brew using a mesh pouring cone
- With the right attachments, you can make salt and pepper shakers, drinking cups, condiment servers, cheese graters and citrus juicers
- Cut cookies
- store honey, as different coloured honeys look wonderful stored in simple Mason jars!
- Display candy, tealights and placeholders at events
- Make a fairy jar, lantern or piggy bank
- Make a birthday cake, cookie or brownie mix in a jar
- To organise your craft room, by providing storage for threads, buttons, crayons, sequins and toppers
- To make a tiny terrarium, store a succulent or as painted for glass art

There are so many uses for these versatile jars and they come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours!

Find what you need at Wares of Knutsford

At Wares of Knutsford you will find a wide range of Jars and Ball jars for all uses in the home. We sell these jars individually or in bulk, which is ideal if you are planning a wedding or special event or buying in bulk for your small business. We sell everything from mini Mason jars to large cocktail shaker jars, and spare lids and accessories too, so that you can get the most from your Mason products and keep using them time and time again. Discover the Wares difference with our extensive product range, great prices and superb customer service when you order online today - or call our friendly customer services team.