Have you ever found yourself with a bunch of unmarked jars of preserved food and had no idea what’s inside? Well, you’re not alone. One time, I was looking for the strawberry jam I had made, but the funny thing is there were two jars with the same red color and texture. So, I had to open them both, which was not quite ideal since I was not really using the canned tomato that day. That’s when I realized that it’s necessary to label your canning jars.
Why Should You Label Your Canning Jars?
Well, for starters, you should label your canning jars to avoid the same mistake I made. Taking this extra step not only saves you time and money but also helps keep track of the age of the food items stored in those jars so that they don’t expire before consumption
Additionally, labeling not only helps you easily identify the contents but it will also make your pantry look more organized and inviting. By clearly marking the contents of each container or jar, you can easily create an orderly system for locating what you need, making it simpler and faster to find cooking ingredients or snacks.
And if you plan on giving away any of your canned goods as gifts, labeling will make them much more presentable. Labeling canning jars also ensures that everyone in the family knows exactly what is inside each jar before consuming its content. This is especially important when dealing with potential allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Easy Ways to Label your Canning Jars
I told my Nana about what happened while looking for my strawberry jam. So, she taught me some of her simple ways to label my canning jars.
Use Adhesive Labels
One of the efficient ways to label your canning jars is to buy adhesive labels that are specially manufactured for canning jars. These waterproof labels are sturdy enough to withstand the extreme heat of the canning process.
Writing the contents and date on these stickers makes them ideal for labeling your jars. Once applied, the label will stay firmly in place, so you don’t have to worry about it coming off during the sterilization process.
Use a Permanent Marker
If you don’t want to use adhesive labels, you can write directly on the jar with a permanent marker. You can choose to use white permanent markers or light-colored ones for dark-colored jar content.
Opt for Glass Marking Pen
If you want to go the extra mile, you can utilize a glass marking pen to label your canning jars. These pens are specially designed for writing on glass surfaces such as the exterior of your jars. This is an ideal way to add a personal touch and easily identify each jar’s contents.
Use Label Maker
Another option for easy labeling is to use a label maker to create custom labels for your canning jars. Label makers can print out waterproof labels that you can customize with the contents and date of the canning. This is ideal if you’re canning in bundles, whether for business or personal gifts. But one thing about it is the fact that it will be hard to take them off if you want to reuse the jars.
Create your Own Labels
If you are feeling creative and want to make something unique, why not create your own labels for jars or containers? You can use cardstock, scrapbook paper, or even thin cardboard. Cut the material into small squares or circles and add a hole at the top with a hole punch. Then simply thread some string through the hole and attach it to the jar or container of your choice – easy as that! With this simple technique, you can add charm to any canning jars in your home.
Use Washi Tape
You can also use decorative washi tapes to label your jars, helping you to easily identify the contents. However, it is still necessary to handwrite the information onto the tapes for it to be clearly readable. Washi tapes are ideal for labeling canned foods stored in a dry environment, as some varieties of tape are not waterproof and may smudge if exposed to moisture.
Tips When Labeling your Canning Jars
When labeling your canning jars, make sure to follow some of these helpful tips.
Write Clearly
It is important to always write clearly the date on each jar of canned foods, as well as the type of food in it. This can help ensure that the food is still fresh and safe for consumption. Knowing when the food was canned and what kind it is will allow you to determine how long it will remain edible.
Put Labels on Lids
When using adhesive labels, it is typically best to avoid attaching them directly to the glass if you are planning on reusing the jars. Placing the labels on the lids provides a quick and easy way to read it and enables swift removal when necessary.
Avoid Smudging
When labeling items, it is important to take the utmost care to ensure that smudging does not occur. Take your time and be meticulous when printing or writing labels, making sure all the information is clear.
Use a Labeling System
Creating and sticking to a consistent labeling system can help you easily identify the various types of food that you have canned. This could include employing different colors or symbols to differentiate between the different types of food or perhaps using a numbering system to indicate the order in which each item was canned.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Once you have carefully labeled your jars, it is important that you store them in an area that is cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight. This will help to maintain the freshness of the food stored within. It will also ensure that the labels do not become faded or begin to peel off due to exposure to sun or heat.
If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to guarantee that your canning jars are correctly labeled and arranged. Then, it will make it much simpler for you to keep track of the meals you have saved and to continue to enjoy them for the coming months. You’ll also save time being confused about which jars to open.
