Can you freeze mason jars? The answer is yes, but let’s discuss how to do it correctly.
If you are like us, you adore a mason jar. They are so handy, and you can use them for many things. Not only mason jars, though. We tend to reuse any glass jars with a lid. Those without lids, well, they make great vessels for plants and flowers.
Mason jars are staples for the sustainable kitchen and perfect for our low-waste lifestyle. They can not only store dry goods but sauces, soups, and snacks.
When it comes to freezing, you need to take some easy steps to keep your jars and the items inside safe.
Steps to Take to Freeze Your Mason Jars
Let’s get to the simple steps to use your glass mason jars for more sustainable uses, like freezing for storage.
1. Select the Right Mason Jar (Or Other Glass Jar)
Not all glass jars are created equal. When it comes to freezing, you want to choose jars with straight sides rather than shoulders. Straight sides allow for the expansion of liquids as they freeze without putting too much pressure on the glass. Why do you want this? Because you don’t want broken glass or edible items in your freezer.
Here are some examples:
Wide-mouth mason jars are much easier to work with. They make it simpler to pour items in and out, as opposed to a regular mouth, which seems a bit small for the task.
Also, the 64 oz jars are amazing if you have enough of a substance to freeze. You’d be surprised at how much you can fit into quart mason jars. However, the 32 oz. wide mouth mason jars are versatile. We often use them for drinking glasses.
2. Leave Enough Head Space
Headspace is the space between the top of the food and the lid of the jar. As the contents freeze and expand, they need room to grow. You need that wiggle room.
Here are some tips for how much you need:
- Freezing Liquids: Leave at least one inch of head space.
- Freezing Solids: About 1/2 inch is usually enough.
3. Cool Your Contents Before Freezing
This is true for any storage container, but especially when freezing glass. Never put hot (or warm) food directly in your freezer or refrigerator. Rapid temperature changes can cause the glass to crack. If you have ever worked in a restaurant, you probably already know this.
Let your food cool to room temperature before transferring it to the mason jars.
4. Use Plastic Lids
This is one of the most common mistakes that people make. Metal lids can sometimes rust over time, especially in the freezer. Plastic lids are a great alternative—they’re easy to screw on and off and won’t rust. There aren’t many times when we suggest plastic, but this is one of those situations.
If you want to freeze your mason jars, believe us. The reward is worth it to invest in the plastic lids.
5. Label Everything
Labeling your jars with the contents and date can save you a lot of guesswork later. Anytime you are canning or storing food, this is needed. You may think you will remember what is in that jar, but more than likely, you won’t. You also want to know the date because frozen items don’t last forever.
6. Leave Some Room in the Freezer
When using jars for freezing, like mason jars, leave room for them in your freezer. You want to have enough space for air to circulate the jars. Again, it may seem obvious, but crowding your freezer can affect the evenness of the freezing. This can also prevent them from breaking.
We have a small living space, and our refrigerator is no different. We found these freezer shelves to be helpful to keep our jars on.
Freeze Your Mason Jars With Ease
Hopefully, you feel good about whether or not you can freeze your mason jars. Mason jars are a great way to preserve food, reduce waste, and organize your kitchen. Following these simple tips can ensure your food stays fresh and your jars intact.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
We have found that not all glass jars are made equally. Hence, they are not all freezer safe. Very thin, cheap glass is better used for other repurposing, like storage, but not for freezing.
High-water-content foods like lettuce or cucumbers don’t hold up well. You will find that they can become mushy when thawing and that is not cool.
Typically, frozen foods are best used within 3-6 months. They can be stored longer if the food can be stored in the freezer longer. This is why it is important to label your jars.
