Glass Storage Containers
Glass storage containers are typically used for the storage of food. They are convenient for
storing food in the refrigerator, storing cooked and uncooked food in the freezer and can also be used for
cooking and reheating food. Unlike plastic containers, glass storage containers are microwave friendly, and the better ones
can be used in the oven as well. Glass storage containers are
available with airtight lids to help keep food from spoiling, getting
stale, and spilling. Best of all, since the containers are made from
glass and not plastic they are BPA, PVC, phthalate-free
Glass food storage containers
Glass food storage containers are healthier and more eco-friendly to
use. They are reusable and recyclable unlike plastic
disposable storage containers, which generate a fair amount of
cumulative environmental waste. Glass containers on the other hand, can be
conveniently recycled if they become broken or damaged, and if treated
carefully can be used for longer than most plastic alternatives. Glass
food storage containers are stylish and available in all different
shapes and sizes.
Some common glass food storage containers are:
- Glass Bowl Containers available in a variety of sizes.
- 8x8, 9x9 or 9x14 glass casserole baking and storage containers.
- Glass storage jars- glass jars are available in a few sizes,
however most glass storage jars are small. Small glass jars
are used to preserve and store vegetables, fruit, relish, mustard,
jam, and jellies. Small glass jars are also used for candle
containers and cosmetic jars. Often referred to as "jelly jars" or
glass preserving jars.
- Large Glass Jars- also called canning jars are used to preserve
and store larger amounts of vegetables and fruits. Kosher dill
pickles are usually made in large glass jars because of the cucumber
size.
- Gallon Glass Jars- sold filled with food by restaurant
wholesalers, bulk food stores like Costco and Sam's. Gallon glass
jars are often filled with beans, cheese sauces, barbeque sauce,
mayonnaise, mustard, relish, jalapeño peppers, pickled eggs, oats,
flour, sugar, molasses, maple syrup, pancake syrup. These are also
available as the type of glass "anqitue" candy or cookie jars.
- Small Glass Bottles- commonly used to hold essential oils,
cooking extracts, olive oil, vinegar, vegetable oils and salad
dressings.
- Glass Spice Jars-used to hold fresh and dried spices.
Glass food storage container vs. Plastic food storage container
Despite the initial cost of glass storage containers,
they often offer a better deal in terms of long-term costs. Disposable
containers are initially cheap, but do not last so you have to factor in
the cost of
continuous replacement. (not to mention the extra trash pile up in the
landfills) eventually adds up. Also, plastic containers (labeled as re-usable
containers) are prone to staining and melting. Most plastic food containers
aren’t suited to microwave heating. Plastic storage containers are comparatively
flimsy, safe handling will enable glass storage containers to be useful
for far longer than most other alternatives.
Glass containers
Glass containers are convenient, and
durable against heating and freezing. Another reputed benefit of
a glass container arises from the possible health risks associated with the use of
plastic containers during microwave heating. Despite the lack of any
proven incidents directly linking plastic container contaminants with
ill health, scientists have claimed that chemicals could theoretically
enter food under certain temperatures, which could have adverse effects
on the human body.
This should probably be taken seriously, as the
chemicals within plastic could lead to increased levels of estrogen in
the body, excess levels of which are strongly linked with breast cancer.
The risk is perceived to be higher with liquids, where there is more
surface area contact with the container. Another potential increase in
risk involves acidic foods, which are proven to be more reactive with
plastics than other types of food.
Other alternatives to plastic containers are available.
Materials such as ceramic and porcelain are popular and effective in the
context of reducing chemical transfer, as is the use of stainless steel
pans, if you wish to cover them somehow. Scientifically, glass wins out
in the battle against chemical transfer, and is considered to be the
best material for safe and healthy storage.
Glass containers with lids
Glass containers may come with all different types of lids.
Depending on what you want to use the glass container for some lids may
work better for you than others. Common lids that are available
with glass containers: stainless steel lids, glass lids, plastic lids,
chrome lid, rubber lids, corks. Glass lids (without some type of
rubber or plastic seal) often do not have a tight seal,
and could therefore be inappropriate for the storage of a variety of
foods. The plastic lid solves these basic problems, and carries far less
of a health risk as the lid will rarely come into direct contact with
your food. The chances of chemicals transferring to your food through
the air are considered to be very minimal. Stainless steel lids seem to
be the choice among cooks and in restaurants for dry food storage such
as rice, beans, flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, spices and seasonings.
Glass Container Review and Price Comparison
Snapware 18pc Glasslock Tempered Glass Storage Containers
$34.00-46.00
Pyrex Storage 14-Piece Round Set, Clear with Blue Lids $20.00-23.00
Cuisine Magic Set of 2 8 ounce Rectangular Locking Glass Food Storage
Containers by Wentworth
approx $12.00
Bormioli Rocco Frigoverre Round Tempered-Glass Food-Storage Containers
with Blue Lids, Set of 4
about $30.00
Kinetic Glasslock 3 Piece Square Glass Food Storage Set With Locking
Lids $24.00-$38.00
Anchor Hocking 1-Gallon Heritage Hill Jar with Glass Lid $11.00-$15.00
Anchor Hocking Glass Refrigerator Storage Container 2-c approx $12.00
Libbey 77440 Big Mouth 70-Ounce Round-Shaped Storage Jars, Set of 4
approx $40.00
Set of 6 Small Storage Soup Serving Glass Bowl Container with Plastic
Lid approx. $20.00
Overall, glass storage containers appear to be the way forward when
dealing with food. They are cost effective, healthy, and in many
circumstances look far better than their plastic alternatives. Plastic
containers still tend to win the battle for shelf space in the majority
of retailers, but the discerning and knowledgeable customer, is perhaps
more likely to opt for glass. The general necessity for plastic lids
needn’t put people off, as current mainstream scientific opinion holds
that plastic lids are safe. With all things considered, you’re better
off with glass, and it’s probably about time we all said goodbye to
wasteful, un-recyclable, melt-able and disposable containers.
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