Can you freeze juice in a Mason jar?
Introduction
Freezing juice in Mason jars is a great way to preserve fresh juice and make it last longer. Mason jars are durable, reusable glass jars that create an airtight seal, making them the perfect vessel for freezing liquids. Freezing juice allows you to enjoy seasonal or locally sourced juices all year round. In this article, we’ll look at the steps for successfully freezing juice in Mason jars, as well as the best practices for thawing and serving frozen juice.
Selecting the Right Mason Jars
When choosing Mason jars for freezing juice, it’s important to select jars that are specifically designed for freezing. Look for jars labeled “freezer safe” or “freezer jam jars”. Regular Mason jars may crack under the expansion that liquids undergo when frozen. Freezer safe Mason jars are tempered to withstand freezing temperatures.
Some key things to look for when selecting Mason jars for freezing juice:
- Jars labeled “freezer safe” or “freezer jam jars”
- Jars with more headspace to allow for expansion during freezing
- Jars with wide mouths for easy filling and pouring
- Durable, thick glass to prevent cracking
Standard mason jar mouth sizes like regular mouth and wide mouth are fine for freezing juice. Just be sure to leave ample headspace as recommended below.
Allowing for Proper Headspace
When freezing liquids in Mason jars, you need to account for expansion by leaving ample headspace. This is the empty space between the top of the liquid and the lid.
For freezing juice in pint-sized Mason jars, leave at least 1 inch of headspace. For quart-sized jars, leave 1.5 inches of headspace. This expansion room prevents the jar from cracking as the juice expands during the freezing process.
Too little headspace can lead to freezing failures. The juice may expand and crack the glass jar, or get pushed out under the lid, compromising the seal. Be sure to calculate the needed headspace before sealing and freezing jars.
Filling and Sealing the Jars
Once you have the right freezer safe Mason jars, the filling and sealing steps are simple:
- Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry.
- Fill jars with filtered juice, leaving the recommended headspace.
- Wipe jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any drips or residue.
- Apply lids and screw bands fingertip tight.
- Freeze filled jars upright until solidly frozen, about 24 hours.
Be sure to remove any air bubbles before sealing by sliding a chopstick around the inside of the jar or lightly tapping the jar against the counter. Air trapped in the juice can cause oxidation and off-flavors over long-term frozen storage.
Once frozen solid, jars can be stored flat or upright. Place parchment paper between jar layers if stacking flat in the freezer.
Recommended Juices for Freezing
Nearly any juice can be successfully frozen in Mason jars. Some good options include:
| Juice | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Apple | Retains texture well. Easy to thaw. |
| Citrus juices like orange, grapefruit, lemon | Bright, fresh flavor for cold winter drinks |
| Watermelon | Summer fresh flavor year-round |
| Pomegranate | Unique flavor and color |
| Green juices | Preserve nutrients from leafy greens and vegetables |
When freezing fruit and vegetable juices, opt for pasteurized, shelf-stable varieties. Unpasteurized juices are more prone to quality loss during freezing.
Thawing and Using Frozen Juice
When ready to use frozen juice, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This helps prevent loss of volatile compounds that give the juice its fresh flavor.
To accelerate thawing, place the Mason jar under cool running water. Refresh the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Once thawed, shake or swirl the juice to recombine any separated liquid. Most juices retain their texture well during freezing. But some separation is normal for juices high in protein like wheatgrass and almond milk.
Enjoy thawed juice within 5-7 days. Do not refreeze thawed juice.
Tips for Successful Juice Freezing
Follow these best practices for freezing juice in Mason jars:
- Leave ample headspace for expansion and prevent jar breakage.
- Use freezer-safe Mason jars made for frozen storage.
- Freeze juice in smaller batches for easier thawing and use.
- Remove air bubbles before sealing jars.
- Keep frozen juice at 0°F or below for longest shelf life.
- Label jars with contents and freeze date for easy identification.
Properly frozen in Mason jars, most juices can be stored frozen for up to 1 year before quality degradation occurs.
Conclusion
Freezing juice in Mason jars is an efficient way to preserve seasonal, ripe juices to enjoy their fresh flavors all year long. With the proper freezer-safe jars, headspace allowance, and sealing technique, you can easily stock your freezer with a rotating variety of your family’s favorite juices. Just be sure to thaw frozen juice safely in the refrigerator and consume within 5-7 days for best quality and safety. Follow these simple steps to successfully freeze your favorite juices in reusable Mason jars.