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Mason Jar Food Storage: A Great Way to Save Money
Many people are starting to shop in bulk to save money, and it’s actually a smart way to shop as long as you have the right place to store the extra food. Large kitchen pantries are perfect for buying extra and using mason jar food storage methods.
If you are starting to buy in bulk to prepare for any unforeseen emergencies, or you have a large family and want to cut down on your shopping trips, you may want to consider storing dry goods in mason jars.
Using Mason Jars for Bulk Food Storage
When you think about the subject of mason jar food storage, often the term “canning” comes to mind. Canning is a process of preserving a variety of fresh foods, such as fruits, and vegetables for the long-term in airtight containers, often in mason jars.
However, for dry goods, the process is much simpler and requires just a few basic steps.
Dry Foods to Store in Mason Jars
Storing dry foods requires using airtight containers, just like foods in a canning process. However, properly storing foods for long periods in mason jars also requires the use of oxygen absorbers to preserve your foods.
Why would you want to store dry foods in the first place? Many people like to save money by purchasing often-used foods in bulk and then storing them in a pantry for later use. Another reason for preserving and storing foods is so you have it on hand in an emergency, such as catastrophic weather closing down roads and grocery stores. In that situation, it is best to have a good supply of stored food on hand.
Supplies Needed
Here are the basic supplies needed for mason jar food storage:
Here are just some of the foods you may use often and want to buy ahead of time that will work extremely well in mason jars for long-term storage:
- Rice
- Cereal
- Dehydrated fruits and vegetables
- Pasta
- Beans
- Powdered milk and creamers
- Oatmeal
- Flour
How to Store in Mason Jars for Food Storage
As mentioned earlier, mason jar food storage does not require any special process other than cleaning your jars first. The one thing you should do, though, if you plan to store the food for several months is to place an oxygen absorber on top of the food before you close the lid on the jar. An oxygen absorber helps to keep the food fresh and extend the shelf life of the foods you store.
Where you store your foods is equally important to keep them fresh. Many people set up shelving in a basement, which provides the dark, dry, and cool place the foods in the jars need. Ensure that the first shelf is at least six inches off the ground to protect it from any floor dampness.
While oxygen absorbers work very well for protecting your foods, they will not last forever. For long-term storage, be sure to label the jars with the dates so you always use the oldest date first.
Pros and Cons of Mason Jar Food Storage
When it comes to the pros and cons of storing food in mason jars, the pros absolutely outweigh the cons, making it one of the most effective ways to store your food. Provided you close and seal the jar correctly, ensuring it is airtight, foods can last several months to up to a year as long as they remain unopened.
There really aren’t any cons to mason jar food storage. Of course, if you live in a small home or apartment with limited storage then buying in bulk may not be a good option for you. You could still save money by buying in bulk and splitting with family or friends.
Mason jars are easy to find and they are very cost-effective compared to buying a vacuum sealer machine and bags. For regular use, such as storing coffee, sugar, cereal, and flour, the jars are perfect and fit with pretty much any decor.
So now you know just why mason jar food storage is such a great option for saving money. Are you looking for other creative ways to use mason jars? If so, be sure to check out these 33 delicious mason jar salad recipes.
