Freezing Using Mason Jars

you could also make preserved lemons for tagines (ie moroccan chicken with preserved lemons and olives) and such. cut the lemons into quarters (don't cut them all the way through). generously sprinkle salt all over the cut lemons' cut surfaces. stuff a bunch into a quart size mason jar. cover completely with lemon juice (don't add water). shake for the first week or two (i actually took some to our honeymoon at point arena to shake them!). then you let them sit for six weeks or so. they keep for a long time (two years we've been married and still have some). look up the recipes online. yum!

how about cutting the lemons up into wedges or slices and freeze them on a cooky sheet. when frozen put them in a freezer bag. when you want lemon in your water just add a frozen lemon slice. a good way to get your vit.c without adding calories.

I have found that lemons stay fresher much longer in the refridgerator if you place them into a zip lock bag with a little water. The water helps keep the lemons from dehydrating. Expensive lemons stay fresh for weeks! Hope this helps!

my lemons don't stay fresh only 2 days they go old and how do i keep them and fruit fresh longer . tired of the waist on them Thank You
Shirley Dean

Another benefit of freezing a lot of this is that a freezer that is FULL uses less electricy to stay cold than one that has a lot of empty spots. So....not only are you keeping your groceries fresh over the long haul, you are cutting down on your power bill and usage!

Thanks for the tips......I, too, had forgotten about putting grains in the freezer this way to keep them fresh!

Be -very careful- when freezing glass and always put it in the back of your freezer on a level surface. Glass, when it gets super-cold, has a higher capacity to shatter when dropped, and the last thing you want is frozen bits of ANYTHING mixed with glass all over your floor ... or worse, on your toe.

Great idea to keep grains, etc in canning jars. Especially over the "off" season. I am going to get my jars out and start using them instead of leaving small amounts in the box. Thanks for that!

Why don't you purchase a water bath canning kettle? You can find them quite cheaply at hardware stores, around $25-30. (Or check out rummage sales, thrift shops, etc.)

The other thing is not to put the lids on til they are frozen. The expansion of the liquid as it freezes will actually blow off the lid and blow up the jar!