Yes, I’m basic. I. LOVE. MASON. JARS. And honey, if you don’t love them too, you’re missing out. Here’s why…
I can't pinpoint exactly when my obsession with Mason Jars began but I don't regret a day of it! To be fair, the term “mason jar” is used loosely in this post as I love glass jars of all kinds.
I bought a few large glass canisters to house my baking ingredients. Slowly I began to incorporate more. Whenever I bought a product that came in a glass jar, I saved the jar to reuse. As I began to find new ways to use them, I started to buy jars. At this point, I've accumulated so many jars that literally EVERYTHING in my house is stored in some kind of glass canister.
When I began exploring the safety--or lack of safety--in plastic dishware, I found that I needed something to use instead of plastic. However, the majority of glass food storage doesn't have a spill-proof seal. To add to that, I wanted a budget friendly option that won’t break the bank in case I accidentally break it. (Which happens quite a bit.)
Here are some of my favorite ways to use mason jars.
Small, Glass Bottles
I use these for my spices. You can buy the spices that come in glass jars or you can buy a uniform set.
Flat, Half Pint Mason Jars
Store items that come in small quantities and aren't pourable. I use these for baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and ground flaxseeds. You could also use them for single servings of oatmeal or fruit.
Pint Mason Jars
These are good for items that are pourable like nuts, beans, seeds, and even drinks. Store things like extra marinara sauce or jam in them. I like to make overnight oats in them.
Regular Mason Jars
I mainly use these to freeze vegetable broth (see my recipe here) and for glassware. I'll use them for water or to take iced coffee to-go.
Top tip: Brew a single serving of tea right in the jar! Place one tea bag in a jar and fill 2/3 with HOT tap water. Allow to sit for a few minutes. Fill to the brim with ice and shake. Voila, iced tea!
(When you heat plastic up, like when you're making tea, the plastic chemicals leach into your drink. If you use a glass jar instead of a plastic pitcher, you forfeit those nasty chemicals!)
Wide Mouth Mason Jars
I think these babies are my favorite. The large ones are just the right size to plant household herbs--make sure to place rocks at the bottom for proper drainage. I like to make artificial flower arrangements inside them. They're great for storing household things like laundry detergent or vinegar. You could also use the smaller ones for cotton balls, q-tips, bobby pins, hair ties, nail polish, sewing supplies, pens, spare change, EVERYTHING!
Large Glass Canisters
I put regularly used, large quantity items in these. Think oats, flour, sugar, pasta, rice, beans, cookies, crackers. The airtight seal keeps items fresher for longer and because it's glass you don't have to worry about BPA or other harmful chemicals contaminating your food.
Perhaps the best thing about glass jars is using them for gifts! Use them for homemade jam or create a Pamper Night in a Jar with nail polish, face masks, and travel sized lotion. Make DIY bath salts or spice rubs in interesting jars. Use one to share your grandma's homemade chocolate sauce with your girlfriends or send some homestyle ranch dip in your child's lunch. The possibilities are endless.
How do you use glass jars around your house? Leave a comment and let me know!
Lots of Love,
Anne
