I was dismayed to learn this summer that traditional canning jar lids contain BPA. Add to this that they're meant to be used once and disposed of, and I really wanted to find a better option. I had an opportunity to try Tattler reusable canning lids this week and I'm sold!
Tattler canning lids are made of plastic, which initially went against my environmental ways. However, they're designed to be used again and again (the company reports many customers have been using the same lids for over 30 years) and are made of a food-grade, BPA-free plastic.
I'm happy to report that the lids worked extremely well for me. While I have canned before, I'm not an expert and I was a little worried about the learning curve. I followed the directions (which are nearly identical to traditional directions except that the lids must be loosened during processing 1/4 of an inch to allow venting, and then tightened after removing them from the hot water bath) and every seal worked like a charm.
I was very impatient to see if the lids indeed were sealed, and as soon as the jars were cooled I was already fiddling with them to find out. They were indeed sealed tight, and I was able to remove the bands for storage.
Later, I went back and really wrestled with them to see if they were really on there securely. I tried my best to pry them off and they held tight. When I went back and opened one with a butter knife (which is how they instruct you to open them, slipping a butter knife between the rubber ring and seal), it finally opened with a pop and a hiss of escaping air.
Tattler lids come with rubber rings, which are also reusable as long as they don't become torn or cut (hence the butter knife to open the jars). The lids cost $20.95 for three dozen (plus shipping) on the site (plus larger quantities at a bulk discount), and are also available in Minnesota at the River Market Co-op in Stillwater and several locations in Ohio and Oregon. It's certainly worth asking other local stores to start to carry them, too!
The lids are guaranteed by the company to last a lifetime or they will be replaced for free. Tattler claims that no request has ever been made for a replacement.
The products are made in the USA.
I'm delighted to have found an answer to my BPA dilemma and also to have found a reusable product. I will definitely be switching to Tattler lids for my home canning.
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