Who Makes Ball Canning Jars?: The Definitive Guide
Ball canning jars are currently made by Newell Brands, a company that acquired Jarden Corporation, which previously owned the Ball brand. Newell Brands continues to manufacture and market these iconic jars under the Ball and Kerr brands.
A Deep Dive into the History and Ownership of Ball Canning Jars
The history of Ball canning jars is intertwined with American ingenuity and the evolution of food preservation. While the Ball name is synonymous with home canning, the company’s journey from its humble beginnings to its current ownership is a fascinating tale of adaptation and acquisition.
The Ball Brothers and Their Legacy
In 1880, the Ball brothers – Edmund, Frank, George, Lucius, and William – started a glass manufacturing business in Buffalo, New York. Initially, they produced various glass products, but soon recognized the growing demand for glass jars used in home canning. This foresight proved to be pivotal.
- The brothers moved their operations to Muncie, Indiana, in 1887, attracted by the availability of natural gas, a crucial energy source for glass production.
- Over the next century, Ball became a household name, dominating the canning jar market.
- The distinctive Ball script logo became a symbol of quality and reliability for generations of home canners.
From Jars to Aerospace: Diversification and Change
As consumer habits shifted and other preservation methods emerged, Ball Corporation began to diversify its business interests. In the 1990s, the company shifted focus from glass manufacturing to aerospace and packaging.
- Ball Corporation spun off its glass manufacturing business into a separate entity called Alltrista Corporation in 1993.
- Alltrista later changed its name to Jarden Corporation.
- This marked the end of direct Ball family involvement in the jar manufacturing business.
Jarden Corporation and the Modern Era
Jarden Corporation continued to manufacture Ball canning jars, along with other consumer goods, under the Ball brand name through a licensing agreement. They also owned the Kerr brand, another prominent name in home canning. Jarden focused on innovation, introducing new jar designs and accessories to meet evolving consumer needs.
Newell Brands Acquires Jarden Corporation
In 2016, Newell Brands, a global consumer products company, acquired Jarden Corporation. This acquisition brought Ball canning jars under the Newell Brands umbrella, alongside other well-known brands like Sharpie, Rubbermaid, and Yankee Candle.
The Future of Ball Canning Jars
Under Newell Brands, Ball canning jars continue to be a popular choice for home canners. The company maintains the high standards of quality and reliability that have made the Ball brand a trusted name for over a century. Newell Brands continues to innovate in the canning space, launching new products and designs to meet the needs of both experienced and novice canners.
The Manufacturing Process
The creation of a Ball canning jar is a meticulously controlled process.
- Molten glass is formed into the desired shape using sophisticated machinery.
- The jars are then annealed, a process that slowly cools the glass to relieve internal stresses and prevent breakage during use.
- The jars are inspected for flaws and imperfections to ensure they meet quality standards.
- Finally, the jars are packaged and distributed to retailers.
Why Ball Jars Remain Popular
- Trusted Brand: A legacy of quality spanning over a century.
- Reliable Seal: Designed to create a vacuum seal for safe food preservation.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for canning fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, pickles, and more.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality glass that can withstand high temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Vintage Ball Jars Safe to Use for Canning?
While vintage Ball jars can be aesthetically pleasing, using them for canning presents certain risks. The glass may be weaker and more prone to breakage due to age and previous use. Additionally, older jars may have imperfections in the sealing surface, making it difficult to achieve a reliable seal. It’s generally recommended to use new jars that are specifically designed for canning to ensure food safety.
Where Are Ball Canning Jars Manufactured Today?
Most Ball canning jars sold in North America are manufactured in the United States. While specific plant locations may vary, Newell Brands maintains production facilities within the country to ensure quality control and efficiency.
What is the Difference Between Ball and Kerr Jars?
Both Ball and Kerr are brands owned by Newell Brands and are essentially the same in terms of quality and functionality. The jars are made using similar processes and materials. The main difference is the brand name and logo printed on the jar. Both brands offer a range of jar sizes and styles to suit different canning needs.
Can I Reuse Ball Lids for Canning?
No. Ball canning lids are designed for single use only. The sealing compound on the lid flattens during the canning process to create an airtight seal. Reusing lids can result in a compromised seal and increase the risk of food spoilage. Always use new lids each time you can food.
What Sizes of Ball Jars Are Available?
Ball jars are available in a wide range of sizes, from small 4-ounce jars perfect for jams and jellies to large half-gallon jars suitable for storing pickles or fermenting vegetables. Common sizes include 4-ounce, 8-ounce (half-pint), 12-ounce, pint, quart, and half-gallon.
Are Ball Jars Oven Safe?
Ball canning jars are not designed for oven use. The rapid temperature changes in an oven can cause the glass to shatter. While some people use them for baking in certain situations, it is not recommended by the manufacturer and carries a significant risk of breakage.
How Do I Sterilize Ball Canning Jars?
Sterilizing canning jars is crucial for eliminating bacteria and ensuring food safety. There are several methods for sterilizing jars:
- Boiling Water: Submerge the jars in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Dishwasher: Run the jars through a hot cycle in the dishwasher.
- Oven: Place the jars in a preheated oven at 200°F for 10 minutes (however, this is generally not recommended as a primary method).
What is the Shelf Life of Canned Goods in Ball Jars?
When properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place, canned goods in Ball jars can last for at least one year. However, the quality of the food may start to decline after that point. It’s best to consume canned goods within 1-2 years for optimal taste and texture.
How Do I Know if My Ball Jar is Properly Sealed?
A properly sealed Ball jar will have a concave lid that doesn’t flex when pressed. When the jar cools, you should hear a popping sound as the vacuum seal forms. You can also tap the center of the lid. A properly sealed lid will sound solid and firm.
Can Ball Jars Be Used for Freezing?
Yes, Ball offers specific freezer-safe jars. These jars are designed to withstand the expansion of food during freezing. However, it’s important to leave headspace (space between the food and the lid) to allow for expansion. Regular canning jars can break if used for freezing due to insufficient headspace.
Where Can I Purchase Ball Canning Jars?
Ball canning jars are widely available at most major retailers, including grocery stores, hardware stores, and department stores. You can also purchase them online through retailers like Amazon and directly from the Ball website.
What is Headspace and Why is it Important?
Headspace refers to the empty space left at the top of a jar when canning. Leaving the correct amount of headspace is crucial for proper sealing. Too little headspace can cause the jar to burst during processing, while too much headspace can prevent a good vacuum seal from forming. The recommended headspace varies depending on the type of food being canned, so it’s important to follow canning recipes carefully.