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A Jarring Experience
A storm of controversy surrounds your food and water today. More precisely, the containers that hold your food and water. Recent scientific studies claim that Bisphenol-A (BPA), a polymer found in plastic bottles and the linings of food storage cans can leach from plastics into your food or beverage, especially when containers are heated as in a microwave.
The Canadian government this year moved to classify BPA as a risk to infants and proposed classifying the chemical as toxic to human health and the environment. Not surprisingly, the plastics industry counters that the amount of BPA that leaches into food is not harmful. However with all of the controversy, we suggest avoiding plastic altogether by canning and storing fruits and vegetables in safe glass jars.
Canning and jelly jars are quite reasonably priced, with regular prices ranging from $7.99 to $11.99 for twelve jars. Unlike plastic storage containers, Ball jars do not change shapes of containers or lids. You can always find the same jar-fitting lid that worked last month or last decade. Lids are also interchangeable between jars of different sizes. As an exmaple, a “regular” size Ball jar lid fits all “regular” jars, from one half pinto to one half gallon.
You’ll recognize these jars as the same ones that your Grandmother used to preserve bountiful summer fruits and vegetables for the winter months. I fondly remember summers spent canning with my Grandma Opal, who farmed for her family’s food well into her eighties. A visit to her home included a trip to the cellar, where ruby beets, emerald peppers and pickles and golden corn glistened like edible gems inside Ball jars. Lucky grandchildren were given these gems to take home, savor and remember.
Cole Hardware also carries all of the supplies necessary to can this season’s fresh produce, including jar lifters, funnels, jar rings and lids, and canning pots. Many customers buy and can local produce, so they also help reduce their carbon footprint of food processing, transportation and storage.
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| Firenze Hermetic Jars by Global Amici |
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| Hermetic Milk Bottles |
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| Canning Jars |
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Even if you “can’t yet can”, Cole Hardware’s jars have other food storage advantages. Our assortment of jars with rubber rings and airtight metal closers keep dry food safe and visible. Wide-mouth jars are great for saving leftovers because the large opening makes them easy to use. Many of the jars are taller than wide, thus taking up less shelf or refrigerator space. Small wide mouth jars go from fridge to microwave safely. All jars can be conveniently washed in the dishwasher.
Firenze Hermetic Jars by Global Amici, elegant yet bulging, provide an airtight seal to preserve the contents. The clean lines of these jars allow these jars to be displayed on a kitchen counter. Air tight Canisters from Global Amici also offer great storage and the tall sizes can accommodate spaghetti noodles. (Assorted sizes and skus, 5.99-14.99) The hermetic Milk Bottle, made of recycled glass in Italy, looks as though the milkman might have just delivered it with its retro design. This bottle is perfect for storing liquids. (Sku 630006, 8.99)
Come to Cole Hardware for safe and affordable glass jars for all your food storage needs. See our color ad for special pricing on Ball jars and canning accessories.
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- Hardware Hotline August, 2008
Click on item numbers to order this product:
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