To save money on canning, most jars that food came in will work just as well as "canning jars." Save the ones that are the size you need and are nice thick quality. The important thing is to use canning jar lids that are in excellent condition with no evidence rust and chips, and that securely fit your jars. It's ok to re-use the metal lid twist on "band" part, as long as the sealing center part is good.
After canning, always test the seal. It should cause a "popping: sound when cooling. That let's you know it is vacuum sealed. If you have one or two that don't seal, all is not lost. Simply refrigerate and use soon.
This will salve money, since jars can be costly.
Also, I find canning jars and sometimes new boxes of lids/ and or bands at rummage sales, yard sales, and sometimes on sale at the end of canning season in the grocery store.
By Grayce from Fort Pierce
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Don't know how you buy your jams(jellies to you) or marmalades, but I've been bottling (canning) my own jams and marmalades for years. I've always used the jars that jams and marmalades originally came in. Either from friends or family, who don't throw them away, but give them to me to use.
Europeans always reuse these jars for home canning and never hear of others getting sick from improper seals. People often state that the jars may not be strong enough to withstand the canning process, but they were originally processed in this manner, and I've had several brand new "canning" jars explode in a water bath. Personally, I think it's just a marketing gimmic to instill fear in us so we buy new jars.
Also, when making jelly, pour some melted parafin over the jelly, then put the lid on and can in a water bath. The parafin won't mix with the jelly, but float on top of it, making an extra seal.
I use jars when I buy coffee. I seperate the large can into smaller jars. It stays fresher. I also use them to store noodles, rice, just about anything. It keeps things freshers and saves space.
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