The component of containers that ensures the aim of storage, preservation, and packaging is achieved effectively, is the lids. From preventing contamination and spoilage to maintaining freshness or flavour, and enhancing shelf life, lids play an essential role in storage, preservation, and packaging. Let’s explore some historical events and facts about lids, to learn how it has evolved through time.
Exceptional Facts and Historical Curiosities About Jars’ Lids
1. The Earliest Known Lids
The earliest known lids were the ancient Mesopotamian seals which date back to around 3,000 BC. These lids were made of clay and used to seal clay jars that were used to store items including grains, and oil among others, to prevent spoilage or contamination.
2. Egyptian Canopic Jars’ Lids
The renowned lids used for the canopic jars in ancient Egypt during mummification were skillfully carved to represent the Four Sons of Horus. These lids play significant roles in preserving the organs of the deceased for the afterlife.
3. When the Twist-Off Lids Became Popular
The twist-off lids were first manufactured at the Linares plant in 1961 in Spain, then it gained popularity. The lids had a bilt-in-gasket which made it easy to open and reseal.
4. About the Greek and Roman Amphorae Stoppers
The amphorae jars that the Greeks and Romans used, were sealed with wax or clay stoppers to protect the contents in the jars, especially during long journeys. These large ceramic jars were used for transporting grains, wine, oil and other goods.
5. About the Medieval Pottery Lids
The medieval pottery lids date back to the 14th-15th century. These lids along with pottery jars were commonly used to store and seal food and household items across Europe. These jars later started coming along with ceramic and wooden lids to improve durability and hygiene.
6. Apothecary Jars’ Lids in the Renaissance Era
During the Renaissance era, around 1350 to 1600 AD, the apothecary jars which were used to store medicinal compounds and herbs, had tightly fitting lids used to preserve the the freshness and potency of the medicinal content. The lids and the jars came with designs on them that emphasised the science, medicine, and art of that era.
7. The Invention of the Tattler Reusable Lid
The tattler reusable lids were invented by Loren Stieg in 1976. This invention was a result of the shortage of metal lids. The tattler lids are made from BPA-free plastics and they come with a separate gasket.
8. The Lid’s Role in Fermentation
Did you know that some foods that ferment, like kimchi, miso and sauerkraut rely on breathable lids (airlock lids) or loosely fitted lids to allow gases to escape while keeping the food away from contaminants?
9. Fun Fact About Lid’s Musical Potential
Did you know that when you tap a spoon on either a glass, wooden, plastic or metal lid you have an impromptu percussion instrument? You can have a variety of tones when you experiment with different kinds of lids and lid’ sizes.
10. The Colonial American Stoneware Lids
During the American colonial era, around the 16th century through the mid-18th century, the settlers used wooden or stoneware lids to seal stoneware jars containing oil, food, beverages and other items to preserve them, especially with the state of the harsh conditions of the New World.
11. The Introduction of Plastic Lids
During the mid-20th century, the plastic lids were introduced. The advent of these plastic lids enhanced the production and use of containers with lids by offering a durable, lightweight and cost-effective alternative.
12. The Importance of Lids During World War II
During World War II, lids played an important role in preserving food in jars in homes. This helped reduce the reliance on commercial canned foods, to support the war.
13. The Invention of the Airtight Tupperware Seals
Tupperware containers alongside airtight and watertight lids were invented by Earl Tupper in 1946. This invention further inspired “Tupper parties” which became a culture of promoting the benefits of the containers and their seals.
14. The Invention of the Child-Resistant Lids
The child-resistant lids were invented by Dr. Henri Breault in 1967. They are designed to prevent children from accessing content in containers like medicine or potentially harmful content to reduce accidental poisoning risks.
15. The Vacuum-Sealed Lid
Did you know that vacuum-sealed lids significantly enhance food preservation by preventing the growth of bacteria or mould, and extending its shelf life?