September 20, 2017

BOB here! As we enter the fall season, it’s about that time to start wrapping up your garden season. As the colder months move in quickly, some fruits and veggies will be out-of-season and scarce on store shelves. What better way to keep that fresh from the garden taste than preserving your favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables in glass containers? BOB has compiled a list of the top five reasons why glass packaging is the best solution for preserving your garden produce.

Garden to Table

Glass packaging is pure and natural, preserving the taste and freshness of food. In fact, according to EcoFocus Worldwide (2017), 90% of consumers favor glass because it preserves the taste or flavor of the food it contains. Glass is the only food and beverage packaging that doesn’t require a plastic or chemical liner, so there’s no interaction between the container and the product inside. When packaging your own foods, the air-tight capabilities of glass are extremely important, as they alleviate microorganisms that normally break down foods quickly. By packaging your fruits and vegetables in glass, your food is safeguarded against moisture, oxygen and odor invasion. In fact, glass is the only widely-used food packaging granted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) status of ‘GRAS’ or Generally Regarded As Safe.

Glass is 100% Recyclable

With a history that spans more than 2,000 years, it’s no secret that glass sets the environmental standard for packaging. BOB believes that protecting the environment is just as important as protecting our food. Consumers also agree. According to a recent study conducted by SurveyUSA, 91% of consumers say that recycling is an important part of conserving natural resources. After all, glass is made from 100% natural, sustainable raw materials found in the U.S. – recycled glass, limestone, soda ash and silica sand. And, glass recycling is a closed-loop system, creating no additional waste or by-product. BOB encourages you to recycle your glass containers. If you don’t know where to locate a recycling facility near you, visit Earth911 and use their recycling location search.

No Surprises

Today’s consumers also care about how food is packaged and preserved. In fact, 85% of consumers say that some packaging can leave undesirable chemicals in their foods and beverages, while another 64% have changed what they buy to reduce their exposure, according to EcoFocus Worldwide (2017). Clearly, glass is the healthy packaging choice. Glass is impermeable and highly inert, meaning it will not rust, corrode or leach into foods or beverages.

Your Wallet Will Thank You

Think about it, fresh cut strawberries last one to three days in the fridge, which doesn’t allow time to enjoy the fresh-picked taste. Glass packaging can handle vacuum or high-pressure sealing, protecting foods from spoilage and bacteria. In canning communities, it isn’t uncommon to question how long home canned jars can be stored away for the future. BOB suggests using your home canned goods a year after sealing, due to food deterioration over time. This does not, however, include opening the jar, then resealing it. With out-of-season produce increasing in price, canning your favorites while in-season allows you to enjoy them year-round without breaking the bank.

Equipment

Canning is not cut and dry, which is the appeal for most people. A well-known benefit to canning is that you decide what is in all of your recipes – no additives or preservatives – just fresh, high-quality food. Although canning requires cookware items to begin, sites like FreshPreserving.com offer beginner kits for as low as $20. It is important to educate yourself on the specifics of food, such as bacteria or microorganisms, before beginning one of the following canning methods. A Pressure Canner is used for low-acid foods such as vegetables, meats and poultry, which requires more heat to kill off microorganisms. This process takes longer, but is necessary to safely preserve the contents in the jar. For foods with high-acid levels, such as fruits, jams, jellies and salsas, Water Bath Canning is the best method. The acid levels allow you to use this quick alternative as the foods kill off unwanted bacteria. Whether it be from your garden or the local farmers market, canning allows you to save more than just your monthly grocery bill.

When it comes to preserving your produce, glass packaging is the optimal choice. Glass is the trusted and proven packaging for health, taste and the environment. BOB would love to help you preserve all of your favorite seasonal produce. You are invited to request a sample today of his beautiful glass bottles and jars that are proudly made in the USA.

Bon appétit!