How do you open canned jars? Any use for used lids?

[applestar]

OK I know this isn't a recipe but this is where canning experts hang out.

I can't open the lids with my hand (can anyone?) So I use the side of a can opener to pry the edge and break the seal on the lids. This usually leaves a crimp.

Also, I don't really want to just throw away the used lids but I won't re-use them either. I found that if I use a sticker label on the lid, it's easy to tell that it's been used. Any use for used lids?

Oh, one more thing -- home canned jars always evoke in my mind the pinked calico circles tied on with a kitchen twine. Does any one do that or is that only practical for gift giving?

[shadowsmom]

I don't reuse lids either for canning. LOL about the calico! If I give some canned goods as gifts I do cover the lid with fabric and screw a lid back on. I just use whatever scraps I have that are appropriate for the occasion/season.

I know someone who makes needlepoint covers for the lids....

[Kisal]

I've seen people reuse canning jar lids by making a hole near the edge and hanging them from string or twine in fruit trees, bushes, and other areas to scare birds away. It's kind of like those shiny strips you sometimes see hanging in fruit trees. Some people do the same thing with old CDs.

[petalfuzz]

If you're using a church-key style opener, don't use the pointy end, use the flat end:



That means use the right side of the opener, not the left. Then your lid doesn't get marked.

As for using the used lids? I just recycle mine in the city bins... never though about trying to find a use for them. Maybe a hanging mobile?

Yes, I've used fabric over my jar lids as gifts, but it's easier to screw the lid on over the fabric than messing with twine, unless you're doing "in-a-jar" gifts that require a partial recipe card, of course.

[cynthia_h]

I can usually open the jars with both thumbs at the same time, used as a pry above the space where the glass threading of the jar gives the most space for the thumbs to "work."

If I can't get the lid to pop off (and, believe me, it takes some effort; if it doesn't, I worry!), I use a church key. Very slowly and gently, so I can reclose the jar many times.

Not even the best toast in the world needs a whole jar of jam at once!

Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9

[Ozark Lady]

Oops! I do reuse the lids!
But not in canning foods.

I take beans, rice, pasta etc out of their original boxes. The boxes are often areas for bugs to lay eggs.
I use my canning funnel and non-mason type jars that the canning jar lids fit, and fill these jars. Then I simply date them and place them in the pantry, I date with paper and scotch tape. Then I simply rotate my dry goods the same as canned goods. I really lament when I don't have any used lids, and have to use a fresh canning lid.

But, hey the glass jars with canning lids on them, are bug and vermin proof. If I have an outbreak of bugs in... oh beans, they can't get out to get into the other food items, like they could with bags or boxes. And it is simple to dispose of bug-infested jar, just dump in trash and wash the jar. Sure beats scubbing the whole pantry and dumping all dry goods!

(editted to add: new canning lids are not hurt by being used on dry goods. I date my canned goods with a sharpie on the lid, so I can quickly spot a used one. Also, if the lid is badly damaged in opening and won't seal, I set them aside for many uses, like nailing over mouse holes in the feed room etc.) They also can be bent to fit around water lines coming into the house and keep out pests there.)

[applestar]

Hey, this is turning into a pretty interesting thread.
Thanks for your comments and suggestions. I knew I could count on ya!

[hit or miss]

To open jars I first-

Unscrew the band

Flip it over

Hold jar in my left hand, left thumb about a half inch below the top

With my right hand I place the band on the thumb using it as a fulcrum

Catch the edge of the lid with the edge of the band and pry down, pushing the lid off the jar!

Clear as mud, right!

[applestar]

I don't understand.... Do you do this over a bowl?

I think if I followed thses instructions, the contents of the jar would pour out the moment the seal is broken....

[cynthia_h]

That's what I envisioned, too: splot! all over the counter.

Cynthia

[Ozark Lady]

I read and re-read it a couple times. I just didn't get it, upside down? Okay if something solid in jar I get it, but with things with liquid?

I just would not be coordinated enough to not make an awfully big mess.

[hit or miss]

Not upside down!

Set the jar on a table and try it. I'll try to post some pics later.

[Kisal]

I get it! It's the band that you "flip over," not the jar itself!

Took me a couple of readings to catch on! I envisioned the contents of the jar all over the floor and counter, too!

[lorax]

I take off the ring, then use the back edge of a butterknife - slide this up the threads until you've got it tight against the edge of the lid, then just lever it and *pop* - off it comes.

Like OzarkLady, I reuse cleaned jar lids in dry-good storage. I've also painted them with enamel and used them as outdoor coasters - sticky ring side up.

[applestar]

Not upside down!

I get it! It's the band that you "flip over," not the jar itself!

OOOhhh.