There is not a need for another post on “Mason jars” when so many have already been written. The Atlantic’s article The Mason Jar, Reborn, published on September 24, 2015, entertains and enlightens readers with not only historical information but also the author’s personal experience with this ubiquitous object:
– The Mason jar, created in 1858, was named after its inventor John Landis Mason, a New Jersey native.
– In early 20th century, the Ball Corporation mass-produced the jars etched with the company name “Ball.”
– The Mason jar experienced renaissance a few times, including the World War II era, and quite noticeably in recent years.
The ribbed neck and screw-on cap that create an airtight seal are without doubt the invention’s most noteworthy features and achievement.
A sigh was my first reaction to seeing tea being served in a Mason jar, or was it an eye roll? I approached the shopkeeper to request a menu and was told that if I were to bring back the jar and order another cuppa, I would receive a 5% discount. Since I had not had tea from a Mason jar yet, a purchase must be made. It was not until the tea was prepared and the cap was placed that I realized my jar could have been used and returned by any stranger. I asked the shopkeeper how the jars were washed and cleaned at the premises. Sensing my inquiry’s legitimacy, the honest shopkeeper pointed at a regular household dish-washing machine. Right away I lost all desire to own that jar. Two other customers stood behind me – the jar must have enticed them to wait in line like it had enticed me moments earlier.
Subconsciously I must have wanted to get rid of the jar. I poured some hot water in it a few weeks later; it broke in half and went straight to the trash can.
The story of ‘All My Trash Fits in a Single Mason Jar’
is much more interesting than drinking tea from a Mason jar.
Though readily available for purchase online, according to the company’s website, the Ball Corporation no longer manufactures the glassy canning jars that we all take for granted.
I’m having some confusion understanding why you’re uncomfortable with tea being served in a mason jar. I’ve been drinking tea from mason jars for years – yes, i must be a trend setter- but where’s the concern? Aren’t all tea mugs, cups, glasses etc washed in a machine or hand washed? Is it the cap then with its many grooves? Help me to understand here.
I did enjoy the history of the Mason jar – thank you for researching that. Very interesting.
No concern whatsoever at all – I was merely recording my reaction and personal experience… As a consumer I purchase only brand new merchandise and simply have no desire of owning such a jar. I am not sure why you got confused…
Now I understand. The mason jar is used. That didn’t register with me. I buy second hand items all the time. I thoroughly wash them at home and then reuse them. This could be items for the kitchen or clothes perhaps. I do understand that some people are not interested in buying previously used items. I choose this for environmental reasons as well as financial reasons. I understand that each person gets to choose what they want to buy. There is no right or wrong, simply personal preference.
Hello, I had started to write a note about Mason Jars and noticed the comment there was not another need for a post on this subject. I did write a long post and deleted it, but this need to get this out was just too much so please forgive me. This will be short.
The Mason Jar used for canning,as is stated, could be found in all of my friend’s homes when I was growing up. Their families had them in their home, canned goods came over, as did other items in this little jar.
For some, they are new, for others they hold memories. Canning, jelly, preserves, chutney too good to be true, other items that fell out of them in the kitchen moving their way to the table.
Finding peaches, chutney, dates and other items in our bread was not unusual.
Finding the Mason Jars in garages used as workshops was another location.
And, for me at night after dinner, when the weather was scorching and you just started to cool down, you could catch fireflies. Sounds silly, but for many this small jar has many memories.
We had ice cream (homemade), strawberries with basil and vinegar – sounds awful, but was great. It was not unusual to have our tea served in a glass with a silver bottom. This too was able to be replaced if broken.
We might get Iced Tea in a jar with the lid to take outside. Stayed colder longer, and we carried them to the gardens, or beaches/parks to make mud pies.
You might find hair ribbons or clips elsewhere.
We were frugal in those years, the 50, 60 and 70’s. I do not know when disposable became a multimillion dollar business, but it is. The top ten fast food chains cannot fill enough of them with a sugar water colored blue, or green or another flavor.
So, yes, I like the Mason Jar, and I like the concept to refill with hot water. The teas, I carry at my Shoppe, are so delicious that a second cup or pot filled will be just as good and sometimes better.
I also like the idea that we can have different opinions and have conversations about a jar. May be silly, but it is good to agree to disagree.
I respect the concept that this put you off, but let’s give the Mason Jar a bit of credit, it served and serves it purpose at a specific time and is still serving it today. If not the same one the concept.
Reuse,and perhaps a start to change from Recycle everything and it is ok, because it is not. I firmly believe we have to learn to reuse items.
And, one last item, I could remember 4 or 5 places where this dear little jar hung around the house and attics for years. I do not remember ever wanting to bring home a paper cup. Thank you for the information and the memories of life with a Mason Jar in the house.
Hi Angela,
Thanks much for sharing your thoughts. We have all taken Mason jar for granted. I recently visited another tea establishment and decided to keep that shop’s Mason jar (as a souvenir) because I really like their brew. Have you heard of “Sunshine in a Bottle” and “Solar Jar?” Those are basically solar lanterns and are selling like hotcakes… Mason jar is indeed indispensable to our daily living. Let’s continue to exchange ideas whenever we can! Hope you are enjoying this summer, wherever you are. – Ifang