Generally, pickling vegetables is an awesome and healthy way to preserve their freshness, taste and texture. This makes it important to be intentional about the kind of food storage containers you use for pickling. Over the years, experts have identified glass large jars to be the most suitable containers for pickles.
In this article, we discussed 4 reasons why a glass jar container is preferred to a plastic container for pickles.
What Type of Jar is Best for Pickling?
Several factors contribute to the selection of a pickling jar. These factors include the size of the pickles, sealing techniques, and the safety and shelf life of the vegetables. Though some people might opt for plastic containers, the best kind for pickling containers regardless of how long you want the pickles to last, is a tempered glass jar container due to its uncompromising properties.
5 Reasons Why Glass Large Jars Are Ideal for Pickling
1. Glass Jars Pickles Last Longest
Glass large jars with lids are undoubtedly functional in preserving pickles for long periods because of their unreactive nature and their airtight lids that seal the containers from external contaminants. This property ensures that your vegetables do not get spoilt before the intended shelf life.
2. Glass Jars Shield Pickles from Oxygen and Moisture
Oxygen and moisture can easily spoil pickles when exposed to them. A glass jar container with lids ensures that these elements do not come in contact with the pickles. Glass jars with lids are durable, heat resistant, and nonporous. This means they can’t be easily penetrated like plastic containers, which when exposed to heat, can get distorted easily.
3. Glass is Unreactive to Pickle Acids and Oils
The vinegar, acidic components and oil in pickling brine can easily react to the container. When this happens, the container may leach chemicals into the pickles which can lead to spoilage. This process often occurs with plastic containers because they are mainly made from reactive materials. A glass jar container, on the other hand, does not react to these components. This helps prevent unwanted chemicals in your pickles that can affect the taste or flavour.
4. Glass Jar Container is Generally Recognised BPA-Free
Being health-conscious by using food-safe jars is important. Glass large jars are generally recognised as the most suitable containers for food products. This is because they’ve been tested to be free from Bisphenol A (BPA-free), a chemical found commonly in containers like plastics. This chemical can leach into food content and pose health risks.
At Southern Jar Company, our collection of glass jars with lids are made from high-quality glass and are heat resistant, making them suitable for different kinds of canning processes, especially for food products including pickles. Browse our extensive collection to explore the different sizes and designs we have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size jar to use for pickles?
The size of the jar you use for pickling depends on the quantity of vegetables and pickles you intend to make. There are different sizes of jars in ml you can consider using depending on your preference. Choose the sizes that provide you with ample storage space for your pickles.
How do you pickle in a glass jar?
Below are the steps to follow to pickle in a glass jar:
- Clean thoroughly and sterilise the glass jars with lids
- Prepare your vegetables
- Prepare your pickling brine
- Pour the vegetables into the jar and add in your pickling brine while leaving a small headspace.
- Seal the jars and sterilise them.
Can you use any glass jar for pickling?
Yes, you can use any type of jar for pickling. However the most suitable kind of glass jars to use are tempered glass jars, which are specifically designed for canning and pickling because they can withstand heat, especially during sterilisation.