Sealing Mason Jars

Oddjob27

So I've started cellaring some of my bulk tobacco in mason jars. That being said, I was on Instagram and saw GentlyTamped (YouTube/Instagram) and he posted hot water bathing his jars to create the vacuum seal. Does anyone know if this is actually a good method to preserving tobacco "longer"? From my research, if a mason jar is "sealed" by hot water vacuum, the current rubber linings are designed to hold that seal for up to 18 months. At which I figured if this actually works than I would do it again with fresh lids every 18 months for the tobaccos I'm trying to store longer. Thoughts? Thanks!

Also, if you're in instagram my Pipe dedicated account is "oddjob27" my personal is "kwaktastic". 

PappyJoe

Like anything else pipe tobacco related, there are many answers to your question. I make sure my jars and lids are clean and dry. I do not use a water bath before sealing the jars. I tighten the lids as tight as I can by hand, let the sit on my desk for a day or two and then place in my file cabinet or footlocker.  Just opened a jar that’s been in there for 3 years and had to pry the top off. It was sealed tight and the tobacco was still fresh and moist. 

Oddjob27

@PappyJoe Thank you so much! I'll follow your method. Your method is a lot easier and hassle free compared to the water bath haha. Cheers!

Woodsman

@Oddjob27 I agree with @PappyJoe, a lot of people say that the vacuum will impede the tobacco fermentation that is so important to the aging process, I've put up some tobacco in tins and mason jars that pretty much aged the same.

Londy3

There is no need to hot water seal these jars. However, I will tell you this method will seal the jars indefinitely. This is how I can my veggies. I currently use mason jars and as @PappyJoe stated, just hand tighten and the rubber seal will take care of itself. It's an inexpensive and very effective way to store tobacco. 

motie2

I still use the small pyrex bowls with air tight silicone lids. Each holds about three or four ounces of tobacco. I seldom buy more than that at one time, so it works for me.

Darmon

@Woodsman stated the same thing I've always hear, water bath will reduce the amount of air in the jar and that will slow/stop the fermentation that is the whole point of cellaring in the first place.  I agree with @PappyJoe except I don't even place them outside or in the sun.  I just put the lid on and tighten the ring snuggly.  Haven't had any issues and some of the jars that have sat for a while, I've had to pry the lid off.

xDutchx

If you are like me, and a little worried that you may lose a seal on a mason jar, due to humidity or temperature fluctuations, you might want to consider dipping the lids in heated wine bottle wax after hand tightening. It is a much better choice, and will adhere to the ring and jar, much better than paraffin wax.

I use a pair of rubber dishwashing gloves to get the ring as tight as I can by hand, then dip in melted wine bottle wax. You can get a pound of the stuff on ebay for around $20.

This will leave all the oxygen inside the mason jar, which will allow for fermentation and proper aging.

Charles

I agree with @Londy3.  I do the same and have not had any problems with that method.  Seems to work just fine.  

motie2

What do y'all think of this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IY42F2K/ref=cm_sw_r_em_tai_c_ioWNAbWVMK6ZE Pipe Tobacco Tin Can with Hygrometer & Humidifier  Mr. Brog  $21.99

Oddjob27

I've definitely seen these types of jars for cigars but does pipe tobacco actually need a hydrometer? For the most part if i'm not mistaken many are just trying to keep it from drying out for long term storage. I could see this being used for shorter term storage or maybe "medium" term storage? haha

Londy3

They sell these little moisture packs for long term but you may not need it. 

Woodsman

I've got to go  get some Pint jars, I've been opening some quarts and want to jar up some of the tobacco.

Jayhawk422

Everyone has hit the nail on the head. My method is very similar to @PappyJoe. I do check on everything periodically to make sure they are still sealed.

Also, if you live in an area with a Menards, I have found they have the best price on Ball Jars and variety of sizes. They are cheaper than Wal-Mart.

Woobie

Water bath doesn't create a perfect vacuum. The air inside the jar is heated as the jar placed in boiling water. Once a sufficient period of time, as little as 5 minutes in some cases, has passed, the jar is removed. The air inside the jar is less dense than atmospheric air due to its higher temperature (PV=nRT). Once the temp inside the jar drops, the pressure follows suit, and due to the aforementioned lower density, the atmosphere presses on the outside of the lid with a force greater than the air in the jar presses on the inside of the lid.

Short version: there is still air in the jar, albeit a bit less than if the jar had not been water bathed.


But there is another consideration to water bath canning: it requires heating the contents of the jar to around the boiling temperature of water. This will have some effect on the sugars in the tobacco.

PappyJoe

@woobie - Something I've experimented with in the past is just heating the jars themselves before filling them with tobacco. Place a cookie sheet in the oven, put your jars on the cookie sheet (jars only, no rings or lids), set the oven for 170 - 180 degrees and close the door. When the oven comes up to temperature, remove one jar at a time and fill with tobacco. Put the lid and ring on and hand tightened. Caution: Use a pot holder or towel when handling hot glass jars. Repeat with the other jars, one at a time.

Jars I've done like this creates a tight seal and actually I have to pry the lids off when I open them. Tobacco doesn't get as hot as it would in a water bath and there is no chance of accidentally getting water in the jar.

Woobie

@PappyJoe That's a great idea