There’s nothing worse than spending tons of money on fruit and vegetables to have them turn bad before having the chance to eat them!
I wanted to save money and keep my expensive groceries fresher for longer, so I decided to try storing fruit in mason jars, and …..it worked!
I discovered for myself that storing fruit in mason jars works to keep produce fresh. Fruit can stay fresh for twice as long when stored in jars.
If you’re ready to ditch the plastic and use a healthier way to store your food, you’re in luck!
My guide will highlight the key steps to storing fruit in glass mason jars to keep it fresh and save money.
This simple technique shows how to keep fruit fresh for up to twice as long compared to fruit kept in plastic containers. Keep reading to learn more.
Before we dive into the detail here are my top 3 choices for mason jars that I find particularly useful, especially for storing fruit!
Le Parfait Wide Mouth Mason Jars
4 pack of these wide-mouth mason jars. Perfect for filling with soft fruit without damaging or bruising while filling.
Weck Canning – Mason Jars
These jars have the widest mouth I’ve found at 3.875 inches across. Great for preserving and fruit storage.
24 Pack 8 oz Mason Jars with Lids and Bands
24 pcs 8-ounce mason jars with lids and bands. 24 round labels, 30 Chalkboard Labels, 1 black pen, 1 Liquid Chalk Marker.
Does Storing Fruit In Glass Mason Jars Work?
Yes! it really works wonders for keeping fruit, and other produce fresher for longer. Taking the proper steps before storing fresh fruit in a mason jar can help it last up to twice as long.
Fresh fruit will last longer than if stored in plastic grocery store containers and can even help save space in the fridge!
It’s also a healthier option for storing fruit, as prepping helps remove bacteria and germs from your produce.
Storing Fruit In A Mason Jar
Storing fruit in reusable jars requires a few extra steps. But considering the money shoppers save on replacing rotten fruit, it’s worth the additional effort!
Before storing fresh fruit, it’s essential to wash, dry, and prepare it. Once it goes into the fridge, keep an eye out for condensation.
Before storing fruit in reusable glass mason jars, there are a few things to gather. Firstly, make sure to have a few glass jars or airtight containers, a large bowl, a strainer, and distilled vinegar.
I use the ever-trusty and traditional Le Parfait Mason Jars for all of my fruit and veg preserving, they are so versatile.
When all the items are together, it’s time to store the fruit.
How to store fruit in mason jars:
- Remove the fresh fruit from its plastic containers or bags.
- Fill a bowl with fresh water. Clean sinks can also be used instead of a bowl.
- Add two to three tablespoons of distilled vinegar to the water. This mixture will help to remove bacteria and make the fruit last longer.
- Add the fruit to the water and vinegar mixture and allow it to soak for around fifteen minutes.
- Remove the fruit and drain any excess water.
- Rinse the fruit with fresh water.
- Allow the fruit to dry. Leave it in a strainer over your sink or place it on a paper towel to soak up additional moisture for quicker drying.
- Cut the fruit (optional).
- Place the fruit into your mason jars and secure them tightly with a lid (No need to vacuum seal)
- Pop the jars into the fridge and enjoy some fresh fruit!
Find new, exciting ways to reuse Mason jars & reCAP!
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Do You Wash Fruit Before Storing in Mason Jars?
When re-packing the fruit, it’s essential to wash it off with a mixture of fresh water and distilled vinegar.
Vinegar will help to rid the fruit of germs and bacteria that cause it to go rotten. If the fruit isn’t washed before storing it in a mason jar, the bacteria will spread, and the fruit won’t last very long.
To avoid having fresh fruit go bad inside a mason jar, it’s essential to wash and dry it properly before storage.
If the mason jars are filled with condensation, remove the fruit and wipe it out to keep the fruit fresh.
One of the most important tips when storing fresh fruit in a container is to let it dry completely before storing it. If the produce is still moist in a mason jar, it will decay much quicker.
Fruit does best in containers with low humidity, so it’s essential to ensure that the fruit is dry and clean before putting it in the fridge.
Will Food Last Longer In Mason Jars?
Storing fresh fruit and vegetables in mason jars is a great way to extend their shelf-life.
With the proper preparation, some produce can last up to twice as long as fruit kept in plastic containers.
However, it’s important to remember that fruit and vegetables are still considered perishables.
Because fresh fruit and vegetables aren’t chock-full of preservatives to help them last longer, they tend to go bad quickly.
And while washing and storing them in jars can help keep them fresh for longer, it doesn’t mean they can be stored for long periods.
The time it takes for the fruit to go bad will depend on the fruit itself. For example, suppose strawberries usually last for two to three days in a plastic container. In that case, they should last for around a week in a mason jar – provided they are cut and prepared correctly.
Prepped fruit generally means it will be eaten faster, so don’t worry about the produce going bad before the family enjoys it!
The Best Method For Storing Fresh Fruit
The best way to store fruit is the process I’ve gone through above, fresh fruit can last much longer after being washed and stored in clean glass jars. When keeping fresh fruit in plastic containers and bags, it will likely decay much faster.
This decay is because – direct from the store – fruit has bacteria on the surface and hasn’t been washed or prepared before it goes into the fridge.
What are the benefits of storing produce in glass rather than plastic containers?
Storing produce in glass containers rather than plastic can have a number of benefits. Glass is non-porous and does not absorb odors or flavors, so food stored in glass will remain more flavorful.
Additionally, glass is much more durable and reliable than plastic since it is less likely to crack or break when dropped. Unlike plastic, it won’t warp or become misshapen after multiple uses.
When it comes to sustainability, glass is the clear winner. Glass can be recycled an infinite number of times without losing any of its original quality or strength, while plastic containers must be replaced as they begin to degrade over time.
It also has a much longer lifetime compared to plastic, as glass products can last up to five times longer than their plastic counterparts before needing to be replaced.
Glass containers also offer superior protection for fresh fruits and vegetables by helping them last longer when stored properly.
The airtight seal created by a lid keeps out oxygen, moisture, and other contaminants that cause spoilage and decay. Plus, fruits and vegetables won’t come into contact with any potentially toxic chemicals that may be present in certain types of plastics.
Overall, using glass containers for storing produce is a much better option than using plastic containers because of the many advantages it offers – from sustainability and durability to flavor retention and food safety protections.
FAQ
What kinds of berries, fruits, and veggies can you store in mason jars?
Storing berries in mason jars is the perfect solution to keeping them fresh. Other fruits such as apples, oranges, and pears, can also be stored in mason jars.
Vegetables that work well with mason jars include carrots, peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
Other vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, and lettuce should not be stored in glass containers; they are better suited for plastic or produce bags.
It’s best to do a bit of research on the particular fruit or vegetable you would like to store before putting it into a jar to ensure it will stay fresh the longest.
Where can I get glass jars or containers?
Follow these links to find the best value Mason Jars:
ReCap Mason Jars
Le Parfait Mason Jars
Do you need to vacuum-seal mason jars to store fresh fruit?
No, you do not need to vacuum-seal mason jars to store fresh fruit. The airtight seal created by the lid of the jar will keep out oxygen, moisture, and other contaminants that cause spoilage and decay.
How do you sterilize mason jars to store fruit?
To sterilize mason jars, simply wash them out with warm soapy water – particularly if they have been used previously.
For storing fruit this should be adequate but if you want to be extra careful then fill them with clean boiling water and leave them for 10 minutes. After this empty the jars and let them thoroughly dry and cool before adding your fruit.
What is the cost-effectiveness of using mason jars over plastic containers?
Mason jars have multiple uses, from storing fruits and veggies, to use as DIY decorations. These versatile containers can be washed out and used over and over. They are much more cost-effective than single-use plastic containers.
How long can you keep fruit in a Mason jar?
This depends on the age of the fruit when purchased or picked and also on the longevity of that particular fruit. As a general rule of thumb, I find that fruit lasts twice as long as it would normally in plastic store-bought containers.
Does fruit last longer in mason jars in the fridge?
Yes, the combination of washing and storing the fruit in a mason jar and keeping it chilled maximizes the life of the fruit.
How to choose the right size mason jar for storing fruit?
Use the following Mason Jar Size Calculator to check what mason jar size you need.
Mason Jar Size Calculator
Conclusion
Correctly preparing and storing fresh fruit can help it last much longer than keeping it in plastic packaging from the store.
By using this simple mason jar fruit hack for storing your fruit, not only are you helping to preserve the longevity of your fresh produce, but you’re also making an eco-friendly and sustainable choice.
Say goodbye to wasteful plastic containers and hello to a greener, healthier solution.
Plus, with the added benefits of saving money and creating more space in your fridge, choosing mason jars is truly a win-win situation.
So why not make the switch today and enjoy the many benefits of sustainable fruit storage with mason jars!
ReCAP Jars use BPA-free plastic in their design. Their mission is inspired by a personal goal of Karen (reCAP Inventor & President) of zero-waste. Karen was passionate about bringing reCAP to life in the hopes the cap would make Mason jars more useful and have a positive environmental impact. The best way to reduce waste is not to create it in the first place!
Find new, exciting ways to reuse Mason jars & reCAP! Free USA shipping on orders over $30.
