Mason jars are one of those kitchen items everyone turns to when looking to manage space in the freezer. Mason jars are good for food items that you intend to freeze for later use.
Moreover, these jars come in very handy almost every time. Beyond decorative use, you can count on them to help you store food in small portions, save space and prevent oxidation and spoilage.
In this article, I’ll answer your questions on what you can freeze in a mason jar and how to go about it.
Can you freeze mason jars?
Yes, you can freeze mason jars if you have the correct glassware.
Mason jars are least likely to shatter in the freezer even when they break open.
Can you freeze smoothies in mason jars?
Yes, you can freeze smoothies in mason jars.
Pour the smoothie into the mason jar after making it. Ensure you leave about one to two inches of headspace before covering the lid. Freeze the jar of smoothie for up to three months.
Can you freeze spaghetti sauce in mason jars?
Yes, you can.
Freeze spaghetti sauce in freezer-proof jars. Mason jars are more useful for freezing sauces than the jars the sauce came in. But ensure that you leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
Can you freeze soup in mason jars?
If you have leftover bean soup, rice soup, white chicken chili, baked potato soup, and puréed soup leftovers, freeze them in mason jars.
Moreover, mason jars will help you portion them in small quantities you can reheat at once.
Can you freeze jam in mason jars?
Yes, you can freeze jam in a mason jar.
If you have leftover homemade jam, don’t be in a rush to use it up. Transfer the jam into a freezer-proof mason jar and keep it for up to three months.
Can you freeze milk in mason jars?
Yes, you can.
Mason jars are also great for freezing liquids like milk. Milk can keep frozen in mason jars for three to six months.
Can you freeze broth in mason jars?
Yes, you can.
Mason jars come in very handy when you need to store broth in large quantities. The jars are preferred over broth cubes if you won’t need the broth very often.
Why should you freeze food in mason jars?
Freezing foods and liquids in mason jars is a good storage and preservation method. It helps to keep the food fresh and protected from contamination.
Additionally, mason jars lock very tight and are some of the best storage containers to prevent freezer burn.
How to freeze in mason jars
- Get suitable mason jars – shape and size
- Clean the jars and allow them to dry
- Meanwhile, the food your want to freeze should be cooling too
- Afterward, fill the jars with the food you want to freeze
- Make sure you don’t fill the jars to their brim. Leave one to two inches of headspace to allow room for expansion as the food freezes
- Put the jars in the refrigerator so they can cool properly. The cooling should take about an hour or two
- When the jars have cooled completely, transfer them to the freezer
- Make sure you’re not freezing mason jars on the door of the freezer. Keep them at the back of the freezer where it’s colder
How long can you freeze food in a mason jar?
Food can stay frozen in mason jars for up to five months.
After this period, the food will still be okay to eat, but it would have lost some of its nutritional value. To retain the quality of your food or liquid, don’t freeze it beyond this time.
Pros of freezing food in a mason jar
- There is a lower risk of contamination when you freeze food in mason jars, unlike when you freeze food in plastic containers
- Also, mason jars help you to make good use of freezer space. You can store a lot of food in small portions with little to no clutter
- Mason jars are durable, inexpensive, and simple to use
- In addition, mason jars are toxic-free and environment friendly
Cons of freezing food in a mason jar
- If you don’t freeze food in mason jars correctly, you risk the jar breaking and having your food contaminated.
Tips worth noting when freezing in a mason jar
- Use jars with straight sides
- Also, avoid freezing food in mason jars with narrow mouths and shoulders
- Freeze the mason jars first without the lids on. When the content freezes well, close the lid
- Let there be room between the jars
- Label the jars with the freezing date. Labeling will help you know how long the jar has been frozen
- You can also store mason jars on their sides to allow for more room for expansion
- In addition, use a funnel to fill the jars. It will help to prevent waste and creating a mess
FAQs
Can you freeze mason jars with metal lids?
No, you can’t.
Metal lids rust when ice wets them. Freezing mason jars with metal lids will expose your food to contamination with rust.
Why did your mason jars crack in the freezer?
Mason jars may crack in the freezer if the glassware is not tempered.
The non-tempered glass contains microscopic bubbles that expand upon freezing. When the bubbles expand too much, they stretch the glass then it cracks.
How do you thaw frozen mason jars?
Thaw the frozen mason jars overnight in the refrigerator before heating the content in the microwave.
Conclusion
If you have mason jars you planned on throwing out, change your plans. They are not only great at decorations or storing things in cupboards and the pantry. You can use mason jars to freeze food.
This way, you’ll not only be preventing food wastage, but you’ll also be storing a lot without having a littered freezer. Just make sure you’re using clean jars.
Keep them airtight and thaw properly to retain the quality of your food. Most importantly, use the right glassware to avoid cracks and waste.
Thanks for reading.
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