Storing food is a practice that is instilled as one becomes acquainted with food, the kitchen, and cooking. There are many ways to keep and preserve foods that help with their shelf life. Storing food, when done accurately, helps with finances and, additionally, makes it more likely that there is the usage of the food. Some benefits of proper food storing include reduction of food waste, vegetables and fruits staying fresh longer, buying in bulk saving money, and this art of storing can serve as a hobby. Types of storage containers include foil, plastic, cloth, or glass. A method of canning in food storage of vegetables, sauces, jams, and purees, there is the use of glass preserving jars.
Glass as the Best Container for Storing Food
Glass is an effective alternative to plastic for storing food. Glass helps with preserving flavours and is waterproof. It is durable and environmentally friendly. It is a multipurpose component and can be placed in various locations, such as the fridge, countertops, dishwashers, microwaves, and ovens. Glass is washable and can be reused multiple times.
Choosing the Right Type of Glass Preserving Jars
There is a powerful distinction between a glass of seal jars with a mechanical closure and a twist-off screw lid.
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Jars with mechanical closures
Lock-Eat Glass:
Lock-Eat glass jars are the new generation of glass jars designed keeping in mind the preservation of all kinds of foods. Glass is the material for the lid, and rubber is the material for the gasket. The lid is fully removable and hence can be used in the microwave. These types of glass jars are excellent for freezing and storing foods.
Le Parfait Glass:
This type of glass jar has been available since the 1930s. Made 100% in France, the lid is completely attached to the jar. The use of microwaves and ovens are not feasible with these glass jars
Weck Glass:
Johann Weck, a German entrepreneur, invented these glass jars in the 1900s. He has revolutionised the food preservation technique. During preservation, the jars are closed with a rubber ring and temporarily via metal clips. Once the glass is cooled, the clips are removed, and the two parts are held together by a vacuum created. These types of jars are used exclusively for boiling.
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Jars with screw lid
These twist-off screw lid jars come with a removable lid. These jar types are in more demand for preserving jams and sauces as these jars allow for resealing.
Preservation Methods The preservation technique preserves the food’s taste, edibility, and nutritional property. The method is dependent on cold and heat. This extends the food shelf life, allowing one to enjoy foods all year round, limit waste, and the earlier preparation of meals saves time.
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Freezing in Glass:
Freezing inhibits the growth of bacteria and yeast, thus extending the life of a particular food. If frozen quickly, the nutritional properties are not disturbed. Freezing is such a process that almost all liquid and solid forms of food can be frozen. For freezing in glass containers, one should avoid tall and straight glass containers; instead, opt for large-diameter-sized glass containers. The larger the surface area and more area for the food to move around, the less pressure is exerted on the glass. The glass jar should not be filled wholly and kept vertically.
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Pasteurisation in Glass:
A pot of water is only required for pasteurisation at home, preserving all flavours. Examples of pasteurised foods include sauces, soups, and purees. For this technique, the glass jar, seals, and lid should be all washed. They should then go through sterilisation in hot water for ten minutes. The jars should be cooled quickly, and place the food within the pot.
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Sterilisation in Glass:
There is a need for a pressurised device to reach a temperature of 116 to 140 degrees Celsius. This destroys all the microorganisms and spores. Foods such as baby food, meats, fruits, and vegetables are sterilisable. For this sterilisation process, there is a requirement for pre-washing the glass jar, seals, and lid. Sterilise the glass jar in boiling water for ten minutes. Place the food in the jar and add boiling water to it if necessary. Take care to secure the glass jar. After this step of sterilisation, food storage should be at room temperature.
Using glass preserving jars makes a one-time investment as an alternative to single-use plastic. Glass jars are more durable and treated with care, and can last for generations. The jars are widely available and support various methods of preserving. One should take advantage of these jars and begin storing them now.
Explore a wide range of preservation jars online at Wheel&Barrow.
