Air tight jars are a popular way to store and preserve food. From canning to saving leftovers, these jars create an airtight seal that helps keep food fresh for longer. But do they really work? Let’s take a closer look at how air tight jars function and their effectiveness.
How Air Tight Jars Work
Air tight jars work by removing oxygen from inside the jar to form a vacuum seal. This lack of oxygen helps prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria that can cause food spoilage. Air tight jars use several mechanisms to accomplish the vacuum seal:
- The jar and lid form an airtight closure when properly sealed.
- Some jars employ a vacuum pump to manually remove air before sealing.
- Others use the boiling water bath canning process to displace oxygen as the contents heat up.
- Vacuum sealing lids may use a button or valve system to remove excess air.
Once sealed, the vacuum inside the jar prevents air from entering and keeps the contents fresh. The jar also protects the food from light, dust, and other external contaminants. Let’s look at the different types of air tight jars and how they create a seal.
Types of Air Tight Jars
Mason Jars
Mason jars are a frequently used air tight jar in home canning. They have a simple threaded mouth with a metal lid and rubber seal. The band screws on tightly to press the lid against the jar rim and create an airtight closure. The vacuum seal forms as the contents heat up during canning.
Vacuum Sealed Jars
Vacuum sealed jars use a specialized vacuum pump to manually remove air before sealing. Food is placed in the jar, then the pump extracts air and seals the lid. This creates a strong vacuum with minimal air exposure. Vacuum sealing machines allow for custom sized jars.
Reusable Silicone Lids
Stretchy silicone lids fit over standard mason jars to create an airtight seal. Their flexibility allows them to conform to the jar rim and prevent air exchange. Silicone lids create a vacuum as the jar cools after canning and are reusable with proper care.
Clamp Jars
Clamp jars use a glass lid with a rubber gasket that seals against the jar rim. A metal clamp goes over the lid and tightens down to press the lid in place for an airtight seal. The gasket compresses to fill any small gaps.
Factors that Determine Effectiveness
Several factors play a role in how effective an air tight jar is at preserving foods:
- Quality of the seal – The lid must form a complete seal without any gaps or leaks.
- Vacuum level – The tighter the vacuum, the less air remains to cause spoilage.
- Container material – Glass and metal block light and contaminants better than plastic.
- Food acidity – Acidic foods like fruit require less vacuum sealing than low acid foods.
- Storage time – An air tight container extends shelf life but does not prevent eventual spoilage.
Properly filling jars is also critical. Headspace allows room for food expansion as the contents heat up during canning. Too little headspace can prevent an airtight seal.
Benefits of Air Tight Jars
Let’s look at some of the main benefits that air tight jars offer for food storage and preservation:
Extended Shelf Life
By preventing air exposure, air tight jars significantly extend the shelf life of many foods. Canning can store foods for 1-2 years or longer. Even without canning, mason jars can keep leftovers fresh for weeks compared to a few days in regular containers.
Maintains Food Quality
Minimizing air exposure also helps maintain food texture, color, and flavor. It prevents drying out, freezer burn, and oxidation that degrades food over time. Nutrient levels also remain higher compared to food stored in permeable packaging.
Easy Storage
Most air tight jars are lightweight and stackable, making them easy to organize. Their durability also allows for repeatedly canning each season. Many modern lids even let you quickly check seal integrity before storing.
Budget Friendly
Air tight jars are inexpensive to purchase and reuse. Home canning and preserving your own food can provide substantial savings over buying canned goods. The jars pay for themselves after just a few uses compared to disposable packaging.
Environmentally Sustainable
Since air tight jars are reusable and recyclable, they generate far less waste than single-use containers and bags. Home canning reduces your reliance on packaged goods. This helps minimize your environmental impact from processing and transporting commercial foods.
Potential Drawbacks
Using air tight jars does come with a few potential downsides:
- Canning requires specialized equipment and training for proper technique.
- Glass jars can break if dropped, though many are quite durable.
- Metal lids can eventually corrode and degrade the seal if stored for very long periods.
- Improper canning can allow botulism bacteria to grow, emphasizing the need for tested recipes.
- Jars take up more storage space than flexible packaging.
However, following proper canning methods and taking care when handling jars helps minimize risks and downsides.
Storing Different Foods
Air tight jars work well for preserving a variety of foods. Here are some guidelines for maximizing freshness:
| Food | Recommended Storage Time |
|---|---|
| High-acid foods like fruits and pickles | 12 months |
| Low-acid vegetables | 2-5 years when properly canned |
| Meats and fish | 2-3 years when properly canned |
| Dairy products like butter or hard cheese | 6 months to 1 year |
| Leftover meals and baked goods | 4-5 days in the fridge |
| Dry goods like flour, rice, and beans | 1 year or more |
Proper handling is important when filling jars – be sure to use clean equipment and sanitize the jars before filling. Always leave appropriate headspace as specified in canning recipes. Acidic foods may require special processing to prevent corrosion of lids over time.
Tips for Success When Canning
Follow these tips to get the most out of your air tight jars:
- Examine jars carefully for any cracks or defects before use. Tap the sides to listen for a clear ringing sound.
- Use newer lids each season – old lid rubber rings may not seal properly.
- Clean jar rims thoroughly before sealing to allow a tight seal.
- Follow trusted canning recipes and processing times exactly.
- Allow jars to completely cool undisturbed to maximize vacuum seal strength.
- Label jars with contents and date to track shelf life.
- Store jars in a cool, dark place to maintain food quality.
Conclusion
When used properly, air tight jars are an extremely effective method for preserving foods. The vacuum seal created by these jars provides long-term storage by preventing spoilage-causing air exposure. Jars maintain food safety, quality, texture, and nutrients far better than many other storage methods.
While improper canning can create risk, following trusted guidelines and recipes minimizes chances of food spoilage or contamination. Air tight jars’ versatility, convenience, and budget-friendly nature make them a smart choice for home cooks looking to save money and food while reducing waste.
