National Mason Jar Day is November 30th

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The Mason jar, named after John Landis Mason who first invented and patented it in 1858, is a molded glass jar used in home canning to preserve food. While some forms of food preservation have existed for centuries, it wasn’t until Mason’s improvement in screwneck bottles that home canning became a safe reality. The young tinsmith from New Jersey had created a revolutionary design. What made it so successful? Below is a brief expalnation of how the jar works: The jar's mouth has a screw thread on its outer perimeter to accept a metal ring (or "band"). The band, when screwed down, presses a separate stamped tin-plated steel disc-shaped lid against the jar's rim. An integral rubber ring on the underside of the lid creates a hermetic seal. For those who do home canning the Mason Jar makes it possible to pickle just about any garden fruit or vegetable. I remember my Mom's side of the family, who resided in North Carolina, did plenty of Mason Jar canning. I was always curious if that was predominatly a Southern United States thing, because being from New Jersey (U.S.), in the Northeast, I never was very aware of home canning in my state. Here are some other interesting facts about the Mason jar: -Mason jars had hundreds of variations in shape and cap design. After it was discovered that Mason's patent had expired, many other manufacturers produced glass jars for home canning . -Colored jars were considered better for canning because the color blocked some light from reaching the food, which helps to retain flavor and nutritional value longer. -Antique canning jars are often sold through antique stores and auction sites such as eBay. The value of a jar is related to its age, rarity, color, and condition. Mason jars are also very vesatile and have been used for many other purposes. Perhaps you have used a Mason jar in this way. They serve as excellent flower vases, do it yourself projects for gifts, and containers for pens or recipes. Thanks to this improved invention we can (no pun intended) all enjoy summer foods during wintertime. Source- Wikipedia & National Day Calendar.com Photo- worldmarket.com