"The term Mason jar is often used to mean any kind of glass canning jar, in the same way that people refer to all types of facial tissue as Kleenex. However, not all canning jars are made by the Mason brand or have a Mason jar design. These days, you can find a wide variety of different canning jar brands and styles on the market. So while all Mason jars can be used for canning, not all canning jars are actually Mason jars."
"If you have ever wondered who really makes Mason jars, you're not alone. It can be confusing since a few different companies sell jars with the Mason embossing. The Mason brand all started when John Landis Mason patented the jars in 1858. However, when his patent expired in 1879, Alexander Kerr changed the lid's one-piece design into a two-piece mechanism that is still used today. Then, the Ball Brothers mass-produced the jars using Kerr's design."
John Landis Mason patented a glass canning jar in 1858, establishing the Mason jar concept. After the patent expired in 1879, Alexander Kerr redesigned the lid into a two-piece mechanism that remains standard. The Ball Brothers later mass-produced jars using Kerr's design, prompting broader availability. Many companies now produce jars bearing the Mason embossing and offering varied styles. Mason jars are widely used for canning and also repurposed as drinking cups, airtight wine storage, and for creative serving solutions using lids as muffin tins or mini charcuterie platforms. Ongoing consumer use suggests continued multi-company manufacturing.
Read at Tasting Table
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]