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The Wonderfully Useful Multipurpose Mason Jar

4/28/2019

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A Brief History
The Mason jar the humble container used for canning and preserving food is capable of being used for so much more than just canning.  They were created by a fellow named John Landis Mason back in the 1858 and were among the first types of jars used to preserve food. There were earlier examples of canning food in jars to preserve it but with the advent of the screw on ring and lid really caused the practice to take off.

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Picture
The Multipurpose Jar   
So obviously the main use of the Mason jar is to preserve food for later consumption but these multi- purpose jars can be used for so much more than preserving food.  There are tons of add on and aftermarket products that can turn a Mason jar into a lantern or even a soap dispenser. But to be honest that is not what I want to talk about today.  I want to talk about what a jar can be used for just as the jar and as the jar with the used lid and rings.​

Use # 1
You can drink from it duh.
What is a jar but a cup with a fancy lid.  Mason jars in the pinch can work as extra cups when you have lots of guest or when paired with lid it can be used to take drinks on the go.  I have seen quite of few people actually use them for coffee since they act as great hand warmer on cold winter days and they tell me they keep the coffee at a good temperature for drinking.

Use # 2
Use the rings and edges of the jars as a cookie cutter for biscuits, cookies or any other baked goods you want in a round shape.

Use # 3
Most people when they think of Mason jars they think of hot water or pressure canning but they are also quite useful for storing foods in the freezer. Jellies, jams whole food like green beans and pureed foods like pumpkins and bananas store great in jars in the freezer just make sure you leave enough space for liquids to expand and enough time for things to thaw.  There is no speed thawing when using jars to freeze things they will shatter if exposed to a large temperature swing. That being said you can just set them on the counter to thaw and they should be just fine.

Use # 4
Have you ever tried to peel all the paper skins from garlic cloves?  If you have I am sure you know how frustrating it is. Well my wife came across this life hack that is you take the garlic cloves you want to cook with and put them in jar and then shake the hell out of it.  The shaking separates the clove from its paper skin really well and I love using a jar for this because it makes working with garlic so much easier.

Use # 5
They are also great of course for generic storage of everything under the sun from pens to dried herbs.
So here are just a few of the uses that I personally use mason jars for other than canning food of course and I sure you can think of many others that fit in your life better.  For more things like this check out other article here on the Green Living Library.


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    Hello my name is Josh Larson and I am the creator of the Green Living Library.  Here on the blog you will find updates to content found in the Green Living Library as well as stories from those living the sustainable life already.  

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