Juicing has become an increasingly popular way to get more nutrients from fruits and vegetables. When it comes to juicing, people often wonder if they can use glass jars or if they need a specific juicer. The good news is that glass jars can absolutely be used for juicing!
The Benefits of Using Glass Jars for Juicing
There are a few key benefits to using glass jars for your juicing needs:
- Glass is nonporous and does not absorb flavors or odors like plastic can.
- Glass jars allow you to easily see the contents inside.
- Jars are versatile – you can juice right into them and drink straight from the jar or use them for storage.
- Glass is environmentally friendly and recyclable.
- Mason jars and other glass jars are inexpensive and reusable.
How to Juice with Glass Jars
Juicing with glass jars is a simple process. Here are the basic steps:
- Assemble clean glass jars of any size.
- Wash and prep your fruits and vegetables.
- Use a juicer to extract the juice from the produce.
- Pour the freshly extracted juice directly into the glass jars.
- Seal the jars with lids and gaskets if you plan to store the juice.
- Drink the juice straight from the jar or store in the refrigerator.
Almost any juicer can be used with glass jars. You just need to place the jar under the juice spout to catch the liquid as it comes out. If needed, use a funnel to help direct the juice right into the jars without spilling.
Tips for Juicing with Glass Jars
Follow these handy tips for best results when juicing with glass jars:
- Use jars with wider mouths to easily accommodate juicer spouts.
- Chill jars ahead of time if juicing large batches to keep juice cold.
- Leave some headspace at the top so juice can move around when shaking or stirring.
- Use a jar attachment or adapter with some juicers to hold the jar steady.
- Line a glass baking dish with jars and juice right into multiple containers at once.
- Leave lids off if consuming juice right away or use leak-proof lids for storage.
Choosing the Right Glass Jars
You have lots of options when it comes to picking glass jars for juicing. Here are some of the most popular choices:
| Jar Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Mason Jars | Inexpensive, reusable, come in wide mouth and regular mouth versions, good for juicing and storage |
| Jelly Jars | Affordable, usually have wide mouths, clear glass lets you see juice inside |
| Spaghetti Sauce Jars | Often wide mouth and 24-28 oz., durable for repeated use |
| Canning Jars | Designed for preserving, so have tight sealing lids, best for storing juice |
Look for jars with wide mouths (at least 3 inches) for easiest juicing. Standard mason jars work well, but jelly jars or any wide-mouth glass jar will do the trick!
Storing Juice in Glass Jars
The good news is that homemade juice stored in clean, sealed glass jars will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here are some storage tips:
- Fill jars to 1⁄2 inch from the top to allow for expansion as juice separates.
- Use pint or quart sized jars so you can drink one serving at a time.
- Seal with tight lids and gaskets, like Ball or Kerr brand canning jars.
- Keep jars in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best flavor and nutrients.
- If storing juice longer than 3 days, pour into ice cube trays and freeze juice cubes to add to smoothies.
Preparing Produce for Juicing with Glass Jars
To get the most out of juicing, start with quality fruits and vegetables. Follow these steps:
- Select fresh, ripe produce that’s free of mold, bruises or damaged spots.
- Rinse thoroughly under cool water to remove dirt or debris.
- Cut into pieces or slices that will fit into your juicer’s feed tube.
- Peel produce as needed – aim to include peels of citrus, cucumber, etc for nutrients.
- Hard produce like carrots and beets can be steamed or blanched to soften before juicing if needed.
If juicing leafy greens like kale or spinach, roll leaves tightly and pack into the juicer in small batches. You’ll maximize the juice output with properly prepped veggies and fruits.
Cleaning Glass Juicing Jars
Keep your glass jars clean for the safest, freshest tasting juice. Here are some tips:
- Wash jars, lids and sealing rings in hot, soapy water after each use.
- Use a bottle brush to scrub inside narrow-mouth jars.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry all parts fully before reassembling jars.
- Boil jars for 10 minutes before use to sanitize if desired.
- Soak used jars in hot water and vinegar solution to remove stuck-on residue.
- Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that can scratch and wear down glass over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you juice in any glass jar?
Yes, you can use all kinds of glass jars for juicing, including mason jars, jam jars, spaghetti sauce jars, jelly jars, and more. Just look for glass jars with wider mouths (3 inches or more) for easiest juicing.
Do you need special lids for juicing jars?
Regular jar lids work fine for one-time juicing. If you plan to store juice in the refrigerator, use jars with a tight seal like Ball or Kerr canning jars. Their lids with rubber gaskets keep juice fresher longer.
Should glass jars for juicing be warm or room temperature?
Either works, but chilling jars ahead of time helps keep juice cold if making large batches. Leaving jars at room temp is fine too. Just be sure jars are clean before juicing.
Can you use the same glass jar for juicing many times?
Absolutely! Glass jars can be reused indefinitely for juicing if properly washed between uses. Mason jars are designed for repeated canning and reuse. Just discard any jars with major nicks, cracks or worn out lids.
How long does juice last in a glass jar?
Juice stored in clean glass jars will keep 3-5 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze juice in ice cube trays or small jars, then use cubes in smoothies. Juice shouldn’t be stored long term at room temp.
Conclusion
Juicing with glass jars is simple, affordable and eco-friendly. Mason jars, jam jars, jelly jars and other glass containers with wide mouths are perfect for juicing. Their nonporous nature won’t absorb flavors or odors either. Remember to clean jars thoroughly between uses and store juice properly for best results. With the right methods, you can enjoy fresh, homemade juice easily using versatile glass jars for both juicing and storage needs.
