Canning vs. Vacuum Sealing Mason Jars: What’s the Difference and How to Use Avid Armor Products for Dry Canning

Mason jars have been a kitchen staple for decades, cherished for their versatility and timeless design. But when it comes to food preservation, there’s often confusion between canning and vacuum sealing mason jars. While both methods serve to extend the shelf life of your favorite foods, they are not the same and serve different purposes. Let’s dive into the key differences, the best foods for vacuum sealing in mason jars, and how you can use Avid Armor products to achieve the best results.

Canning vs. Vacuum Sealing: Understanding the Difference

Canning is a traditional method of food preservation that involves heating jars filled with food to a specific temperature to kill bacteria, yeast, and molds. This process creates a vacuum seal as the jars cool, keeping the food safe for long-term storage. There are two main types of canning: water bath canning, suitable for high-acid foods like fruits and pickles, and pressure canning, required for low-acid foods like meats and vegetables.

Vacuum sealing, on the other hand, does not involve heat or cooking. Instead, it removes the air from the jar, creating a vacuum that slows down the growth of aerobic bacteria and mold. This method is excellent for extending the freshness of dry goods and dehydrated foods but is not a substitute for canning when it comes to long-term preservation of perishable items.

What Foods Can Be Vacuum Sealed in Mason Jars?

Vacuum sealing in mason jars is often referred to as “dry canning,” but it’s essential to understand that it’s a different process. While traditional canning is about preserving foods for months or even years, vacuum sealing is more about maintaining freshness for a shorter period, particularly for dry foods.

Here are some foods that are perfect for vacuum sealing in mason jars:

• Grains and Rice: Keep your pantry staples like rice, quinoa, and oats fresh by vacuum sealing them.
• Nuts and Seeds: Prevent nuts and seeds from going rancid by removing the air that can cause oxidation.
• Spices and Herbs: Extend the potency of your dried spices and herbs by keeping them airtight.
• Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables: Perfect for hikers and snackers, vacuum sealing keeps dehydrated foods crunchy and flavorful.
• Powdered Goods: Flour, sugar, and other powdered goods stay dry and clump-free when vacuum sealed.

What Kind of Mason Jars Should Be Used?

When it comes to vacuum sealing, the type of mason jar you choose is crucial for both safety and effectiveness. At Avid Armor, we recommend using Ball brand tempered glass mason jars. These jars are known for their durability and consistent quality, making them an excellent choice for vacuum sealing.

Here are some tips to ensure the best results:

• Avoid Previously Used Canning Jars: If a jar has been used for traditional canning (involving heat), it may have undergone stress that could weaken the glass. For vacuum sealing, it’s best to use jars that haven’t been exposed to high temperatures.
• Check for Scratches and Blemishes: Inspect your jars before using them. Any scratches, chips, or other imperfections can compromise the jar’s integrity, increasing the risk of implosion under vacuum pressure. Always use jars that are in perfect condition.
• Choose the Right Size: Make sure the jar fits comfortably inside your vacuum sealer or canister. 

Safety Note: While it’s very rare, there is a possibility of a jar imploding under vacuum pressure if it’s compromised. If this happens, discard the jar and its contents immediately. Then, thoroughly clean the chamber or canister to remove any broken glass and ensure the area is safe for future use.

By selecting the right mason jars and following these guidelines, you can confidently vacuum seal your dry foods with Avid Armor products, keeping them fresh and safe for your pantry.

How to Vacuum Seal Mason Jars with Avid Armor Products

Avid Armor offers versatile options for vacuum sealing your mason jars, ensuring that your dry foods stay fresh and ready for use. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Vacuum Sealing Inside the Chamber of a Chamber Vacuum Sealer

One of the most effective ways to vacuum seal mason jars is by using a chamber vacuum sealer. With Avid Armor’s chamber vacuum sealers, you can place your mason jars directly inside the chamber. The machine will remove the air from both the jar and the chamber, creating a tight vacuum seal.

• Step-by-Step Guide:
  1. Place your dry goods inside the mason jar, leaving some headspace.
  2. Place the lid on the jar but do not screw the band on yet.
  3. Position the jar inside the chamber, ensuring it does not come in contact with the chamber lid.
  4. Start the vacuum sealing process. The sealer will remove the air from the jar and seal it.
  5. Once complete, remove the jar and screw on the band to secure the lid.

2. Vacuum Sealing Using Avid Armor’s 3-Piece Canister Set

If you don’t have a chamber vacuum sealer or prefer a different method, Avid Armor’s 3-piece canister set offers a fantastic alternative. The largest canister in the set can accommodate a wide-mouth quart-size mason jar, making it a convenient option for vacuum sealing.

• Step-by-Step Guide:
  1. Place your dry goods inside the mason jar and cover with the lid (again, do not screw on the band yet).
  2. Place the mason jar inside the largest canister in the set.
  3. Place the lid onto the canister and turn the lid dial to SEAL.
  4. Attach the accessory hose to both the canister lid and sealer accessory port. 
  5. Use the vacuum sealer to remove the air from the canister. As the air is removed, the lid on the mason jar will seal.
  6. Once sealed, turn the canister lid dial to OPEN, remove the jar and secure the mason jar lid with the band.

Note: Regular-mouth quart jars are slightly too tall to fit in the canister, so stick with wide-mouth jars for this method.

Why Choose Avid Armor for Your Mason Jar Vacuum Sealing Needs?

Avid Armor’s products are designed with versatility and ease of use in mind, making it simple to keep your dry foods fresh. Whether you prefer using a chamber vacuum sealer or the convenient canister set, Avid Armor provides reliable solutions for your home food preservation needs.

By understanding the differences between canning and vacuum sealing, you can make informed decisions about how to store your food, reduce waste, and maintain freshness. So go ahead, start dry canning with Avid Armor, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your pantry is stocked with fresh, ready-to-use ingredients.

Ready to take your food preservation to the next level? Explore Avid Armor’s range of vacuum sealing products and discover how easy it is to keep your food fresh and your pantry organized.