I ran out of quart jars the other day, and absolutely flat out refused to pay $10/dozen (Canadian) for new jars. So I put out the word among friends that I needed more. From one source, I got 100-150 jars, a water bath canner, and all the bricks and boards the people used for shelving. I could have gotten a pressure canner as well, but I didn't need one. I was (obviously) delighted, but many of the jars are mayonaise jars. I considered sorting them out, but these people canned with them so I thought I'd give it a shot. So far I have water-bath canned with no problems, but I'm a bit leary of pressure-canning with them. What do y'all think?

-- Cathy N. (keeper8@attcanada.ca), August 10, 2001

Answers

I think it is a bad idea. The mayo jars are manufactured as "single- use" jars. They are not as heavy-duty as canning jars and may crack, chip, or break either during processing, especially under pressure, or in storage. Your friends may have had success with them in the past, but I would not risk it.

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), August 10, 2001.

I've used Mayonaise jars for years as did my mother and I can't remember any problems with them either in hot water baths or pressure canning.

-- Linda at Peaceful Valley (peacefulvalley3@yahoo.com), August 10, 2001.

I, too have used them successfully. The only problem is that sometimes the rings don't fit well, and you need to try several to find one that will fit tightly enough to enable the jar to seal. Jan

-- Jan in CO (Janice12@aol.com), August 10, 2001.

I have used mayonaise jars in the water bath with no problem, but every time I try to use them in the pressure canner they break. So I just save them and use for tomatoes.

-- Barb Stiarwalt (Barb43@countrylife.net), August 10, 2001.

My mom says she has had them break in the pressure canner, and since that's the only way she cans, she always tosses them. I should think water bath would be a safer way to use them.

-- mary (marylgarcia@aol.com), August 10, 2001.

Have used them both ways. I do not think new mayo jars are fit to use because glass is not as heavy. I'm sure the ones you have are older and will do just fine. DW

-- DW (djwallace@ctos.com), August 10, 2001.

I recall JD saying in one of his replies a long time ago in Countryside that he wondered why all the folks were using store bought mayo... LOL:):) Good point. But I personally have used both and actually save my mayo jars for canning tomatoes in or water bath if I run out of jars. I don't think its a bad idea.

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), August 10, 2001.

I would not be concerned with the glass, but with the sealing material on the lids which can become damaging with use and lose its ability to seal well. I use new mayonnaise jars and new lids for bottling and selling my honey. I get them at my local apiary supply store and pay something like 13 cents apiece for new lids. Hopefully you are using new lids with your canning jars as well every time you can.

-- Skip in Western WA (sundaycreek@gnrac.net), August 10, 2001.

Hi Cathy ive been canning maters all summer. lol the only that broke was a mayo. jar. btw way at final count i had 22 gts. now i know thats not much for you gals but dang it was a lot for me.Bob se,ks.

-- Bobco (bobco@hit.net), August 10, 2001.

I agee with the idea the new mayo jars aren't so great. I have used mayo jars in the pressure canner (that's how I can almost everything, including tomatoes) for years. Sometimes I have some jars that break and they aren't always mayo, the other ones do too, sometimes. Some years nothing breaks. Just the way it goes. Gatting used jars is always a bit risky, whether mayo or made for home canning. If the people canned you are probably safe because they'd know what it takes to be careful. Buying at an auction can be a bit chancey.(sp?)

Maybe try pressure canning a load of something you have a lot of first and give them a whirl.

-- Tracey Burnash (burnash@gisco.net), August 10, 2001.

I've had success with mayo jars both in water bath and pressure; however some of the new mayo jars will not seal. It is so frustrating to go to all that work and not have a jar seal. I'd recommend you just let a few people know you're in the market for canning jars. I told one person at our church--we ended up with hundreds of jars (real canning jars), rings, funnels, etc. Several people were thrilled to get them out of their basements--they just hated to throw them away. I carefully checked them before using them as some of them were chipped, but overall most of them were just perfect. And FREE! Happy canning! Sharon

-- Sharon (spangenberg@hovac.com), August 11, 2001.

I kept track of the success of different kinds of jars used in my canning during the first few years of wedded life... funny thing was, that I never lost ONE Mayo jar in those first 5 years, even though I used over a hundred! Every single jar that broke was a "canning" jar.

-- daffodyllady (daffodyllady@yahoo.com), August 11, 2001.

Another good jar to save for canning is those spaghetti sauce jars that have Mason right on them. Now before you yell at me for BUYING spaghetti sauce let me explain that I never seem to get enough tomatoes to can my own though I keep trying! When I make a big huge batch we run out of freezer space too so we started buying the store brand that is in these canning style jars and adding our own stuff to it. not cost effective I know but then I get these dandy jars out of it too! LOL

-- Alison in N.S. (aproteau@istar.ca), August 11, 2001.

There is probably no reason not to use mayonaze or syrup jars if you don't handle them before they completely cool. We use three pressure canners and do it like a production, and still don't have time to let things cool down completely before taking the jars out of the cookers as soon as the pressure has fallen to 0. A friend of mine had an aunt that had a jar of something explode as she was removing it from a hot pressure canner, she was burned over 75% of her body. We do not use anything but jars designed for canning at home. It just isnot worth the danger. Its dangerous enough anytime you are handleing hot liquids. Canning is rewarding but be careful

-- David (bluewaterfarm@mindspring.com), August 11, 2001.

I've had regular made for canning jars explode on me too, so its not just limited to the mayo jars. I have used several varities of canning jars to can with, even had at one time the old jars with the rubber seals and glass tops. I really LIKED those, they held up extremely well in the pressure canner. Guess they just don't make them like they used to. I miss those jars and when we moved several yrs ago had to give them to a friend as we didn't have room.

I disagree with the concerns over using mayo jars. But then thats my humble opinion and everyone has one, just like everyone has a nose. The reason I disagree is because I have experienced troubles with both kinds and have had luck with both as well. And isn't homesteading about being resourceful and self sufficient anyways? Sometimes you have to make do with what you have. I'll probably get flammed for this thinking. Sorry to hear about your friend's accident canning. But then it could ahppen to anyone canning.

I have a story to tell about using the dial pressure canners instead of the weights. We started homesteading without electricity and used a propane gas stove to can on. I had just purchased this used dial pressure canner at a flea market and set out to use it. I'd used the weighted ones before, Mirro, and this was new to me. I was canning up something, forgot what, and that dang lid blew off, yep, exploded right in the air, off goes the lid, hits the ceiling and then landed in the sink and broke several jars i had lined up. I also had to re paint the ceiling as a few jars broke as well. REAL CANNING JARS, no mayo, want to make that clear.

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), August 12, 2001.

I've been canning for 20 years, and have very little breakage when using either hot water bath or pressure, and I have always used mayo jars --in fact, I paid attention and the last three jars I broke during canning were all regular mason jars. I think older mayo jars are heavier than the ones out there now, plus, Kraft mayo went to plastic lids and now the threads are more shallow and won't allow a canning ring to tighten. I use those for cannister storage, marking a big x on them with permanant marker so they don't accidentally get back in the canning jar stash. I use the jars in pressure canning without any problem either. For buying new jars, try a "Big Lots" or a Family Dollar or Dollar General store--they have the best prices. Avoid supermarkets and farm supply stores--I have seen jars for $8-11 dollars a dozen there! Best of luck!

-- Denyelle Stroup (dedestroup@hotmail.com-), August 12, 2001.

The way to avoid jar breakage applies to both mayo jars and those designed for home canning. Never put a jar of anything into HOT water, only always lukewarm, (I always remove half of the boiling water after each batch, and replace with COLD water.) The hot water can raise the temp of the glass to fast, and cause it to break. Never set jars flat on the bottom of the kettle: use a basket or homemade rack to keep jars off the bottom(I made one out of a few coathangers.) Never lift the lid of the pressure canner off till the pressure has dropped to complete zero. When I take pressure canner lid off, I always set it slightly ajar for a little while, to allow the temp to drop a little inside before lifting those hot jars out. Never set jars into a cold or drafty place to cool.

It all boils down (no pun intended there) to being respectful of glass and its incapacity to handle abrupt temperature changes. Also, heat-stressed glass shouldnt be bumped around, of course. Using these techniques, over the span of 18 years, I have broken only enough jars to count on one hand, probably. And half of my jars are Mayo jars.

-- daffodyllady (daffodyllady@yahoo.com), August 12, 2001.

I know some of the folks here are boycotting Wal-Mart, but, our local Wal Mart has canning supplies on sale this week. Looked like pretty good prices, I think around 30% off. Might be worth checking in your area if you need more jars.

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), August 12, 2001.

OOOHHH! Thank you! For the most part I started getting my jars at Big Lots cause they are cheaper but if they are 30% off, that'd be a great deal.

-- stephanie nosacek (pospossum@earthlink.net), August 12, 2001.

I use mayo jars, and their lids for those layered cookie mixes that I send back to my stepson. Use a bent spoon or a small hoe that might come with one of those small Zen gardens to tamp each layer down. Even the little bamboo "hand" backscratchers will work.

If the lid is not in perfect shape (tad bit of rust perhaps) I put a square or circle of plastic wrap over the jar before putting the lid on.

You can also use them for things like lemon curd or other preserves that you don't can because of limited shelf life.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), August 12, 2001.

You're right about Big Lot Stephanie. Last year I bought 62 dozen CASES of jars, they were so cheap! I noticed this year that the price had increased by about 25% in my area. Fortunately I do not need any more for awhile.

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), August 12, 2001.

Big Lots / Odd Lots, last time I bought went up about 20¢ a dozen from 1999 to 2000. But still the best deal around.

golden harvest brand
• jelly $3.89 /dz [8oz]
• pint $3.99 /dz
• quart $4.09 /dz
• lids $0.79/dz

-- (perry@ofuzzy1.com), August 12, 2001.

I use the mayo jars, and used seals and rings that are still in decent condition, for storing my dried stuff. I don't like them for canning, I've had too many of them break.

-- Connie (Connie@lunehaven.com), August 17, 2001.

I was Looking for this thread last night to post a comment I found in my Homesteading "Bible" The Encyl. of County Living by Carla Emory. I was looking for the directions for the post on the old fashioned glass top canning jars thinking i found how to use them in her book. what i found instead was a comment Carla made about it being safe to use mayo jars to can in. She even posted a quote from a Coop extension person in there. I don't have time to type it in, however, if anyone is interested I can try over the weekend. Carla went on to say about the glass tops that theyw ere not safe because the seals are not a sure thing.

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), August 17, 2001.

O.K. now, I know this is thread drift and PLEASE don't anyone take this as a comment on your opinions in anyway.........but is there anyone besides me who has been reading the CS mag for a long time that is having a deja vu experience reading this thread????

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), August 17, 2001.

I want first of all to say thank you to everyone who responded to this thread. I have decided to use these jars for waterbath canning and have had only one break. I decided not to risk pressure canning since pressure canning makes me nervous anyway, with little children running through the kitchen. And to Diane, I'm sorry if I have brought up an old discussion. I am new to Countryside, having only just today gotten my second issue (although I have read some back issues).

-- Cathy N. (keeper8@attcanada.ca), August 17, 2001.

Cathy........I am sorry if you thought I was being critical....honest I was not meaning it that way at all. I really got a really neat deja vu experience is all and wondered if any old-time readers got it as well. Years back there was a discussion that went on for many issues about this topic. .... big gigantic sigh.........this is why I stop posting......even having fun backfires.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), August 17, 2001.

Actually, I welcome posts from newcomers, as I was one myself not too long ago. Speaking only for myself, I think that there is an elitism amongst certain forum members who have been around awhile which has no place on these forums. We all need to realize that the format of these forums in NOT necessarily readily apparent to all users, especially those who are new to computers, the internet, online forums, and this forum in particular. I myself posted here for quite awhile before learning of the archives, and then it took awhile to get around to surfing through the posts. I have no problem with someone starting a thread which might seem repititious, even if the original thread was recently posted. Realize that new people discover this forum every day. Many people do not have the luxury of being able to spend a lot of time searching archives even if they do know how to. And, by starting a new thread they might be providing an opportunity for others who missed an earlier thread to provide their valuable insights on a subject which then benefits the rest of us. If someone thinks a thread is redundant, they can gently direct the poster to the archives, but I personally do not see the harm in repeats. If someone has tired of the subject they can simply skip that post. Now Ken might disagree, since he acts as the resident housekeeper and has to deal with all these posts, but I haven't heard him complain yet.

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), August 17, 2001.

Elizabeth..........please, my reference was to the magazine, not the forum. I am a relative new forum person also. sorry you feel that there is an elitism. Perhaps your response would be one of the reasons that most of the people who were here when I got here are gone. People misunderstanding people seems to be very common on this medium.

If it were winter and I had a lot of time on my hands I would dig out the old issues and copy for you. JD finally got so tired of publishing the letters about jars that he wrote a little blip that the discussion was over. People were sending in letters from this extention office and that source and it was very comical.

I have a dear friend who just recently passed away who I originally met as a penpal from the old CS magazine. She never got to get on to the forum here cause the medical bills kept her broke so she never got a computer. She did participate vicariously through me and my deja vu had to do with her and the fact I was doing pickles today..........in mayo jars.

I have made some posts that I wish I had not, and I have reacted when I wish I had not. Some people are big enough to forgive mistakes, and other chose to maintain grudges and take mean jabs at people when ever they find an opening. Sure takes the fun out of it for me.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), August 17, 2001.

Actually Diane, when I spoke of a perceived elitism I wasn't talking about the CS forum. I have found that generally people here are very friendly and gracious. Of course, there are always exceptions, but they are just that, exceptions. I don't have any complaints about CS and hope my earlier comment will not be misconstrued. I suppose it's natural with a subject as universal as canning to get a lot of input from readers- I'm just glad I don't have to sort it out. Now, if we could get that many people talking about worms, or bees, or recycling in addition to canning, I'd be one happy reader!

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), August 17, 2001.

Thanks for clarifying Elizabeth. I even had my husband read what I wrote cause I was trying to figure out how it was elitist.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), August 17, 2001.

I have to checukle, please pardon me.... but I got the humor in Diane's post. to me, a avid Countryside magazine reader for years and years, I found the humor in her commnet. I think you meant it that way, hope so. I Recall the repeated letters to the magazine and Jerry Finally mentioning what are homesteaders doing with all those store bought mayo jars anyways?

As for the forum, there are several different blends of personalitites on this forum. Most folks are very helpful and nice, but there are a few who are "testy" and don't have social graces. but those are few and far between. I tend to stay away from the posts that generate as i say, "political" repilies and stay out of the "soup"... "the kitchen can get pretty hot" too on some posts.

Its hard sometimes to show human emotion, etc with e-mail, so sometimes its hard to determine what someone means in their e-mails, just take things with the best intentions of the poster. That seems to help.

Got to go, just got home from work and have a ton of e-mails to read. been a long day. take care.

Bernice

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), August 17, 2001.

thanks Bernice.........I ment it that way. The new mag would come out and Val, my friend who died, would call me and say "Did you get rid of your Mayo jars yet?". I just really had one of "those" moments when I was reading this thread. hugs

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), August 17, 2001.

Diane, I see that this thread has gone into the archives, so I don't know whether you will check back or not. I am sorry about the misunderstanding. This is one of the frustrating things about internet communication--you can't hear the tone of someone's voice. A person can write something down, and unless you know the person, you can't tell if they are frustrated, being sarcastic, recalling fond memories, or even if they are "elitist". No offense taken, and I hope none given.

-- Cathy N. (keeper8@attcanada.ca), August 17, 2001.