Mason jars always play an important role in the kitchen and around the house. Summer means jam-making, and mason jars are perfect for that. Don’t forget all the pickled goodies like cabbage and beets stored in them too. In winter, you’ll find homemade pepper stew bases in jars, and isn’t it great to bring a hot soup to work in a secure mason jar and pour it into a bowl there? But when these handy jars start to accumulate at home, it’s easy to run out of ideas. Here are some awesome ways to reuse them when they’re not filled with grandma’s heavenly strawberry jam or iconic fermented cucumbers!
1. Store Dry Ingredients
No need to buy new decorative jars for every dry ingredient—your unused mason jars keep pantry staples fresh just as well. Store dry pasta, rice, flour, cornstarch, or breadcrumbs in them. Always label your jars so you know what’s inside, and if you plan to keep them for a while, jot down the sealing date too.
2. Create a Mini Ecosystem
Mason jars are perfect for building a mini ecosystem. Add plants that thrive in a closed, humid environment—think ferns, moss, and low-growing, eye-catching fittonia. Your sealed terrarium—whether from a large jar, a mason jar, or a balloon-shaped container—becomes almost self-sustaining thanks to water circulation, oxygen-producing plants, and high humidity.
3. Prep Breakfast Ahead
Nothing beats enjoying a thoughtfully prepared breakfast from a cozy little mason jar. Whether it’s chia pudding, tapioca pudding, oatmeal, or other treats, smaller jars are ideal. Assemble your breakfast the night before, let the seeds soak up the moisture and set, then top your pudding or porridge in the morning with fresh berries, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit.
4. Summer Cocktails
No shaker? No problem! Use a sealable mason jar to mix your favorite summer cocktails. Some decorative jam jars are even great for serving—just add a few fun cocktail sticks, paper umbrellas, and of course, ice cubes. The same goes for lemonade or refreshing iced tea—perfect for alcohol-free options.
5. Fermentation and Oil-Infused Treats
Mason jars aren’t just for jams and pickles. If you love oil-infused delights like sun-dried tomatoes or olives, or fermented foods like kimchi, these jars are perfect for storing them too. Just remember to sterilize and thoroughly clean your jars before making any fermented or oil-based foods!
6. Vase and Decoration
Mason jars hold endless possibilities for decoration. Pop in a fresh flower from your garden, add calming pebbles at the bottom topped with a string of LED lights. Fill them with dried botanicals, potpourri, candles, or tie dried flowers tastefully around the outside. Let your creativity run wild with your décor!
7. Bathroom Organizer
Wondering where to store your makeup remover cotton pads? Tired of the dull plastic bag holding your cotton swabs or band-aids? Store them in small jars that protect against moisture and water. It’s a stylish and practical way to organize your bathroom essentials. Simple, yet brilliant!
