​Pickling in Kilner jars

Pickling in Kilner jars

Kilner jars have long been the first choice for home pickling, but why exactly are they so popular? Let's take a look at some of the benefits of these multi-tasking wonders!

History of Kilner jars

Produced by the Kilner company, the manufacturer was originally set up to make glass bottles and apocathery supplies, with Kilner Glassworks being founded in West Yorkshire in 1842. Upon Kilner's death, the firm passed down to his four sons and continued its success, including being awarded recognition at the Great Exhibition of 1862 for glassmaking innovation.

However just a decade later, the firm was being sued for the choking coal smoke that covered the local area, polluting the area and neighbouring towns. The judge ruled that the supply of clean air must not be compromised, and so the factory was shut down temporarily while it converted to gas furnaces. It did recover though, and invested in new technology which allowed it to make its first vacuum-sealed jar in 1900; a patented design which is still recognisable to preservers and bottlers today.

Over time the patents were sold and left the hands of the Kilner family, and by the 60's the first jars with screw bands and metal discs were in production. Rayware bought the patent, trademark and design for the original jars in 2000, and designed custom tops for every possible job from spiralising to butter churning. So the fantastically versatile jars that we use today are the result of 120 years of glassmaking and industrial history, all based upon the original Victorian design.

The benefits of Kilner jars for pickling

The right material
Firstly, the Kilner jar is made from glass which is naturally the perfect pickle storage material, being anti-bacterial, anti-corrosive and free from chemicals. The glass doesn't stain or take on odours from the food that it stores, so you can use these jars time and time again, even after making highly flavoured or coloured preserves, chutneys and jams.

Green credentials
A Kilner jar is also environmentally friendly as unlike single-use plastic it can be easily recycled. Many people find that they use them all around the house for years, storing everything from stationery to fabric scraps.

Versatile
There are a wide variety of lids available to suit all kitchen purposes, so you can update your Kilner to carry out different functions. People are using these jars for all kinds of purposes in the home beyond pickling. You can use them to store and ferment everything from blueberries to cauliflower, to make kimchi and sauerkraut, and even to store scoby or sourdough starters. Simply release the lid periodically to allow any fermenting gases to escape. Use larger jars to store your home-made granola and smaller jars to keep your nuts and seeds crunchy.

Buy in bulk
You can also take them to zero-waste shops and fill up on kitchen essentials such as spices, rice, pasta and oats in bulk. Stock up on the larger jars in 1kg and above for the most cost-effective zero-waste shops.

Airtight
You can use a Kilner jar for picking or preserving and know that the airtight seal is in place to prevent any spoilage. The clear glass lets you quickly see what's inside, and the jars look beautiful too so you can line them up on a Welsh dresser or shelf, however keep them out of direct sunlight.

Extends the life of food
When you use a Kilner jar you also get to maximise the lifespan of your homemade pickles, preserves and chutneys, as they will last for up to two years when stored correctly in a sterilised jar, out of direct sunlight and in a cool place. Once you've opened the jar it will last for around a fortnight in the fridge.

Ideas for using your Kilner products

There's a Kilner for every storage need around the house! For example:

- Stackable Kilner sets are great for biscuits, bon-bons, nuts or seeds, as well as different flavoured teas, sugar and coffee
- 3 litre large round clip-top Kilner jars are ideal for storing cereal, flour, pasta nests, birdseed and pet biscuits
- Use a single-litre round top to store rice, couscous or sugar. This is also a great size for coffee beans or loose leaf tea
- 2 litre square tops are popular for pasta nests, rice and dried noodles
- Try the square-fresh storage Kilners for storing breadsticks, leftovers in the fridge, dried fruit and cheese - so much better than plastic Tupperware

Having fun with your Kilner jar collection

If you're feeling inspired why not hop onto Pinterest to see all the wonderfully creative ideas that people have with these classic kitchen staples. For example, you can spray paint your jars with bright colours or metallic spray and use them as posy vases or for storing children's art supplies and stationery, or even use Kilner jars to make table decorations with tea lights.

We have an extensive collection at Wares of Knutsford today!