A Jarring Experience

I've been a car-less (not careless) pickler for about 7 years now, so I've had a few adventures in hauling pounds of produce and cases of jars on buses and trains, up narrow staircases and the like. But now that I have my own kitchen and a few awesome friends that always check with me before they go to the grocery store I've been able to really stock up on jugs of vinegar and water and lots of jars. My goal is to always have on hand my basic needs, so if a pickling opportunity strikes, I AM READY.

On my last shopping trip I picked up 2 cases of jars to supplement the 1/2 case of waiting jars I already had tucked away. I'd filled the other half back in June with my 1st NOLA batch of pickles . My usual jar of choice is a Ball Brand wide mouth jar. Sometimes I have silver bands and lids, sometimes gold (don't you wish they came in all sorts of shiny aluminum colors?). But on my last trip to Wal-Mart I decided to try their line of canning jars and so saved about 2 cents on a case of quart jars and a case of pint jars.

The line is called "Mainstays" and they are pretty lovely jars. The main attraction is sort of their lack of one-the jars are totally plain. No logo on the side, just a smooth, clear surface, which is perfect if you want to add a label. And if you do, check these out!

I didn't see a wide mouth jar option so I went with the regular size and I have to admit, for pickling you really have to have a widemouth. I'm usually a pro at packing my jars nice and tight while still making them look pretty, but with these jars it was a struggle even with my pencil thin wrists.

The glass of the jars seemed a little thinner than a Ball jar but maybe that is just my perception since they don't have the added thickness of the logo in relief on the side. I am pleased with them so far and will keep checking back for a wide mouth version. I'll probably but Ball brand again the next time I purchase jars because they are made in America (Mainstays are made in China) and the difference in cost is really not an issue. My goal is to eventually have the perfect number of packed jars and empty jars that are continually being reused and recycled every pickling season so that I really don't need to buy new jars anymore.


Are you obsessed with jars? Do you have a preference when it comes to your jars or will any old jar do?