Canning jars question

[Tuco]

Is it ok to use old glass jars (pickle, jelly, etc) for canning?

 

[Hinotori]

If the bands and lids will fit, you can use them for water bath canning. I still have a couple old mayo jars that Mom used years for jams. I wouldn't use the old gem lids or the bail jars for pressure canning, only water bath. I know what the glass on my old jars looks like and think it would be likely to break in a pressure canner.

I use the old bail jars for dry goods. Same with the gem lids. They are pretty on display. Most of mine are full of mint and other teas.

 

[WendyJ]

@Hinotori you know Gem lids are still sold, right?

 

[WendyJ]

@Tuco, just be sure to check carefully for cracks or chips, those shouldn't be used for canning, but are fine for dry goods.

 

[baymule]

It really gripes me that mayonnaise is now in plastic jars. I used to use them for jelly and pickles.

 

[Hinotori]

@Hinotori you know Gem lids are still sold, right?

No, I didn't. Can't find them anywhere here. Mom found a few at a swap meet. I still have a lot of old jars without their gem.

 

[WendyJ]

No, I didn't. Can't find them anywhere here. Mom found a few at a swap meet. I still have a lot of old jars without their gem.

How close are you to the Canadian border? Bernardin (Canadian branch of Ball) still makes the rings and lids, they are available in quite a few places around here.

 

[Hinotori]

It's a trip up there. About 2.5 hours. Hubby wants to go up to Vancouver sometime. I'll be sure to look for them when we go, then

 

[WendyJ]

It's a trip up there. About 2.5 hours. Hubby wants to go up to Vancouver sometime. I'll be sure to look for them when we go, then

Okay, if you want some sooner let me know, I can mail you a pkg or two