Ask Extension Database, NDSU Extension Service Ask Extension for answers to commonly asked questions. University of Wisconsin Standard glass canning jars are economical for home canning because with careful handling you can use them for several years.
Jars come in different shapes and sizes and are tempered, or strengthened, for heat and cold.
The size you use depends on the product you can and family needs. Examine the sealing edge of each jar to make sure there are no nicks, cracks or sharp edges that would prevent a seal. Discard any jars showing these faults. Wide-mouth jars have openings of about 3 inches, making them more easily filled and emptied. Half-gallon jars may be used only for canning very acid juices.