You must have heard about the miracles of mason jars, but you are not sure how they can help you with your fruit storage problems. Fret not, this article will show you the light.
Mason jars are excellent for canning and pickling and are also perfect for storing fruit. Not only does this help keep your countertops and refrigerator organized, but it also helps the fruit last longer.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of storing fruit in mason jars and how to do it. We'll also cover the different types of fruit that can be stored in mason jars, along with some valuable tips.
What are Mason Jars, and What Makes them Special?
Nowadays, mason jars are widely available and can be found at most stores that sell home goods. These containers come in various sizes, but the most common are 8 and 16-ounce jars. These jars are insanely famous, but what is so special about them?
Mason jars were initially designed for canning food. The screw-on lids create an airtight seal, which helps to preserve food. Their airtight seal will keep your fruit fresh for a more extended period of time. Mason jars are airtight and watertight, which makes them ideal for storing fruit.
If you are wondering why these jars are called mason jars, it is because they were originally designed in 1858 by John Landis Mason, who patented the idea. However, he didn't update the patent and never got the financial compensation. But Manson's name has become synonymous with the jars, which are now commonly known as mason jars.
Benefits of Storing Fruits in Mason Jars
This segment focuses on the benefits of storing fruit in mason jars. Here are the key benefits:
Affordable
The most significant benefit of using mason jars is that they are affordable. You can buy these jars in bulk at most stores, which will help you save money in the long run.
Multi-purpose
As we mentioned earlier, mason jars can be used for various purposes. Not only can you can vegetables and fruits, but you can also use them for storage.
Airtight and Watertight
This is the most crucial benefit of using mason jars for storage. The airtight and watertight seal will keep your fruit fresh for a longer period.
Easy to Clean
Mason jars are very easy to clean, and they are dishwasher-safe. You can reuse them multiple times without any worries.
Easy to Store
Mason jars are very easy to store. They come in various sizes, so you can choose the size that best fits your needs. With mason jars, you can organize your refrigerator and countertops.
Portable
Mason jars are very portable. You can take them with you on the go, and they will not leak or spill. Since they are available in different sizes, you can choose the size that best fits your needs.
Durable and Sustainable
Mason jars are very durable and sustainable. They are made of glass, which is a very strong material. With proper care, you can use them multiple times. These jars are eco-friendly as they are recyclable.
Portion Your Food
Lastly, storing fruit in mason jars is a great way to portion out your fruit. This is a great way to do it if you are trying to eat healthily and watch your portions. You can portion your fruit into individual mason jars and then grab one when ready to eat it. This is a great hack to make sure you are not overeating.
What Kind of Fruits can be Stored in Mason Jars?
Before we move on to discussing how to store fruit in mason jars, let's review what kind of fruits can be stored in them. Here are some examples:
Essentially, mason jars can be used to store all kinds of fruits. The most common fruits that are stored in these jars are berries. You can store strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in mason jars.
Other fruits that can be stored in mason jars are cherries, peaches, plums, and apricots. You can also keep sliced fruits such as apples and bananas.
If you are planning to store fruits in mason jars, make sure to wash the fruit first. Cut the fruit into small pieces and then place them in the jar. We'll touch upon this process in more detail later on.
You can store these jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. After that, the fruit will start to spoil, and it will not be safe to eat.
How to Store Fruit in Mason Jars
The ultimate benefit of storing fruit in mason jars is that can keep the fruit fresh for as long as possible. Here is the right procedure to ensure that your fruit does indeed stay fresh:
Wash the Jars
Start by washing the mason jars with hot water and soap. Doing so will remove any dirt or residue that might be on the jars.
Wash the Fruit
Next, wash the fruit that you will be storing in the mason jars. Be picky and remove any fruit that is bruised or has blemishes.
Cut the Fruit
Once the fruit is washed, you need to cut it into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better, as it will allow more air to circulate.
Let Everything Dry
Place the fruit on a clean towel and let it air dry. Once the fruit is dry, you can start placing it in the mason jars.
Can the Fruits
Next, put the fruit in the jars. Decide the size of the jar depending on how much fruit you have. For example, a pint-sized jar should be sufficient if you are storing berries. Make sure to leave some headspace at the top of the jar.
Store the Jars
Once the jars are filled with fruit, you can store them in the refrigerator. The fruits will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
As you can see, storing fruit in mason jars is very easy. With a little bit of prep work, you can keep your fruit fresh for a long time. Now that you know how to store fruit in mason jars, try it out!
But before you go, take these tips into consideration:
Tips to Keep them Fresh for Long
Here are a few general tips that you can follow to keep your fruit fresh for even longer:
- Pick the right fruit: Not all fruit is created equal. Some fruits are more delicate than others and will not last as long. When picking fruit to store in mason jars, make sure to pick ones that are firm and not overly ripe.
- Berries last the longest: In general, berries last the longest when stored in mason jars. This is because they are small and have a hard surface.
- Use a paper towel: Place a paper towel at the bottom of the jar before adding the fruit. Doing so will help absorb any moisture that might be present.
- Do not overfill the jars: Make sure to leave some headspace at the top of the jar. This will allow the fruit to breathe, and it will prevent the formation of mold.
