​Introducing Weck jars

At Wares of Knutsford we sell a huge range of glass jars and bottles, and one of our most popular and timeless ranges are Weck Jars. There is every chance you would recognise this vintage staple from when it stored kitchen preserves in your Grandma's pantry, and the range is going stronger today than ever.

The history of Weck

The Weck Jar originates from Germany, where its minimalist, highly-functional design was created in 1895 and rapidly moved into production as a jar for home canning. The system combines a glass jar, a glass lid, a metal clamp and tabbed rubber gaskets to act as sealing rings and to keep the contents of the jars fresh.

What is the difference between a Weck and our other preserving favourite, the Mason Jar? It's basically the threaded grooves, which you'll find at the top of a Mason jar, but beyond that the two famous home canning systems are remarkably similar.

The Weck name is very popular in Germany and across Europe, where home canning has long been associated with the company's jars. In fact in Germany canning itself is often called 'einwecken', which translates to 'in Wecks'.

How do they work?

Weck jars only need to be sterilised for the standard recommended time of ten minutes, using your preferred method. The jars can be used for pressure canning and water bath canning methods, and the clips can be adjusted to a triangle pattern to help secure the lid during the process. Weck uses a similar approach to Kerr Economy Jars and Australian Vacola Jars.

Once sterilised, you put your prepared food inside the jar and place a rubber gasket around the jar's outer rim before applying the lid. Make sure the rubber ring is centred and use the clamps to secure the lid well for the pressure-canning or water-bath process. After this process, remove the jar and allow it to cool before removing the clamps, drying them and storing them away for next time.

Tips for using Weck jars

1.Checking the seal
It's important to check the seal after you have processed and cooled your jars. Do this visually first to check that the rubber sealing ring tab is pointing downwards. Then physically lift the jar's rim once the canning ring has been removed. When you look at a row of stored preserves you'll know that they are safely sealed because the tab will point downwards.

2.Choosing your sizes
The versatile Weck jar also comes in a wide range of sizes, from tiny 35ml sizes to super-large 2700 Ml. Depending on the design, there are different mouth widths to consider. Every cook will have their own favourite. The tiny sizes are popular for wedding fancies and gifting as they are fantastic for making mini hampers for example. The larger sizes are fantastic for using up a fruit or vegetables for preserves, jam or chutney making.

3.Using clamps
You only need two clamps when you are steam or water bath canning for high-acid foods. For low-acid foods, when you will be pressure canning, use three clamps.

4.Placing the clips
The correct way to use the clips is to place one on the lid first and push it downwards towards the jar's side. If you begin from the side and push the clip upwards to the lid, there is a risk that you will chip or break the glass.

5.Freezing
These jars can also be used to freeze products. Choose the straight-sided versions for this.

A wide variety of uses

Weck jars can be used for so many things, from canning to storing your dry ingredients and pretty items in the kitchen or home. Many cooks like to label them and use these jars for organising their kitchen, making beautiful shelves and storage zones that are positively Pinterest worthy. The jars are also microwave and dishwasher safe.

Why not try using these versatile jars to store delicious pates and spreads too? This simple recipe is delicious and great if you have a kitchen garden:

Beetroot, walnut and honey pate
Roast three large beetroots in the oven by wrapping them in foil with the skin on and roasting for up to an hour at a low temperature. Add a generous handful of walnuts to the baking sheet for the last ten minutes. Remove the soft beets and let them cool before rubbing away the skin with a paper towel. Place the beetroot in a food processor with the walnuts, salt and pepper and a spoon of honey. This flavoursome spread is wonderful on fresh bread with extra honey to drizzle and nuts to add crunch.

Find your perfect Weck jar

We have a wide range of Weck jars on sale at Wares of Knutsford to suit all needs and kitchen purposes. Find your perfect Weck online at Wares, with low prices, great product ranges and superb service from our team: www.waresofknutsford.co.uk/jars/clip-top-glass-jars-and-weck-jars/

Glass Clip Top Jars | Storage Jars | Wares of KnutsfordAt Wares of Knutsford we offer a range of glass clip top jars great for storage and preserving. www.waresofknutsford.co.uk