Humans have been pickling food for around 4,000 years, going all the way back to the days of Mesopotamia. What started as a way of preserving perishable fruits and vegetables so that they last longer has developed into something we do to intensify the flavour of food and reap its health benefits even more.
In theory, any food can be pickled but it’s most commonly used for fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices and some meats. However, there are some important considerations to take into account to ensure all your hard work doesn’t go to waste and you’re left with a delicious end product.
Right at the top of this list is the decision of which jars to use for pickling. There are many different options available and depending on what it is you are preserving (or even fermenting) the best jar to use will be different. So, here are a few recommendations taken from our experience in the bottle and jar industry.
Why Glass Jars Are Perfect Pickling Paraphernalia
For seasoned picklers, it may go without saying that glass jars are the best choice, but it’s worth noting this if you’re newer to the practice of pickling. There are many reasons for this, but perhaps the most important is the fact that glass jars are much safer than plastic or metal. Whilst metal may react with the brine to destroy flavours, plastic can be susceptible to damage and will retain odours for much longer.
Choosing a glass jar will also make it easier to clean and sterilise everything before you start and you’ll be able to instantly see how your pickles are coming along just by looking at them. Better yet, find some that are dishwasher-safe to make it even more straightforward. Finally, the smooth glass creates a label-friendly service so that you can keep track of what’s in each jar and when the pickling process began.
Creating A Sound Seal
For most fruits and vegetables, you’re looking to achieve an intense flavour along with a nice crunch. However, if the jar isn’t sealed correctly, the final result could end up being as limp as a wet lettuce. The best way to ensure everything is kept airtight is to opt for a screw-top or swing-top lid with a rubber seal. We have a wide range of jar lids available in various colours and sizes to help you choose the right option for your pickling project.
The goal is to avoid spoilage and contamination, so keep an eye out for the warning signs. Try to remove as much air as possible and be wary of the lid bulging sightly, bubbles appearing or the brine turning more cloudy than you would typically expect.
Size Is A Big Dill
As you’ll know, the size of the jar that you choose for your pickling is very important. The right vessel for the job will depend on the items you’re using and whether you want a small batch to keep in the fridge for a few months or a large selection that will put you in pickle paradise for a much longer period.
The first thing to consider is the size of the jar’s mouth. This may not seem too important when you’re preparing your items but it will make things a lot harder if you have to struggle to get them back out again. If you’re pickling small ingredients like onions, garlic or peppers, the mouth won’t need to be that wide, but when using whole vegetables such as carrots and cucumbers, you need to make sure there’s room to get your fork in when it comes to eating them.
The size of the jar itself also matters. Obviously, larger food items need a bigger jar, but you also need to think about how much brine is required to achieve a polished pickle. Depending on the recipe, even small ingredients may need a lot of liquid to create the desired flavour. Finally, if your pickle involves fermentation, in the case of kimchi or sauerkraut, you’ll need to remember to leave about an inch of headspace for expansion and bubbling.
Now that you know what to look for in a good pickling jar, the sky is the limit in terms of the wonders you can create. Be adventurous with your recipes and don’t be afraid to factor in a bit of trial and error so that you can get the final result exactly how you want it.
If you need more advice on the best jars for pickling or are ready to start preserving and conserving, speak to our experts today. We have a wide selection of high-quality glass jars in various shapes and sizes.
About the author : Amanda Hallinan
