Mason genie

[Finster]

Testing the Mason genie that Santa brought.
it's supposed to keep fruit fresh longer. We'll see.

[Santamarina]

This thing has been popping up on Instagram for a while…they’ve got me darn close to ordering one. Please share a review after you’ve got a few miles on it!

[SheilaAnn]

+1 👆🏼

[Jessterr]

+2

[DavidNorcross]

Good stuff.

[Thunder77]

I have something similar. I use the jars for dried beans, rice, etc. I am pleased so far.

[Duanessmokedmeats]

It works. Kept my kosher salt and mesh black pepper fresh. Just a bugger to pop off the lid with fingers.

[Finster]

Mine came with a tool to pop the lids

[Duanessmokedmeats]

Finster I must have lost mine.

[Finster]

This thing seems to work.
after a week in the fridge, the ones in the jar are in much better shape than the ones I left in the plastic container..
The ones stored in the jar are on the right.
next experiment will be with shelled walnuts.

[SheilaAnn]

Bumping as I am still interested in results Finster or anyone else that uses this product.

[RonB]

Me too.

[Finster]

Sorry SheilaAnn RonB for not chiming in sooner.
This thing definitely works for what I've been using it for. It extends the shelf life of berries for sure, and I've also been using it with good results for almonds and walnuts that I buy in bulk. Long term results for rubs and spice mixes (I keep my homemade ones in small Mason jars) is incomplete at this time but I have no reason to believe it isn't extending the life of those as well. It creates an obvious air tight seal. It's simple to use. Just place the genie on top of the lidded jar and push the button. Within seconds you hear the pop of the lid. After 60 seconds it shuts itself off. You just need to charge it every once in awhile. It comes with a USB charger. It works on both regular and wide mouth jars.

[Mosca]

I took a home canning class Monday evening, and the instructor brought one of these with her and demonstrated it; we got to inspect and use it hands on, and when I came home I ordered this one:

Limited-time deal: M12 Auto Stop Electric Mason Jar Vacuum Sealer - 2026 Upgrade Smart Jar Vacuum Sealer for Mason Jars with Wide and Regular 2500mAh Battery Portable Mason Jar Sealer Machine Kit https://a.co/d/0czT6bS0



I just unboxed it, and haven’t used it yet. But based on my hands-on with it the other night, it is worth the $26. (There are cheaper ones out there, I bought the one I held in my hands and that I knew someone had been using for a couple years problem-free.)

[Mosca]

Since I just made some salsa, and just unboxed this item, I guess I can give it a go. I REUSED an existing lid. For regular canning and pressure canning, you’re not supposed to reuse lids.




Lid on, notice the center is “popped”:




Seal. Shaky vid. Seal is done when counter says “75”:

https://youtube.com/shorts/C0rv4y1YhYc?si=CNg-YOAKllcH13yh

Afterward looks the same, but note the slight depression in the cap:




And I can pick the jar up by the lid:




Works as advertised!

[Mosca]

Nope. Just regular mason jar lids. These have been sealed once, but reused multiple times as just jar lids, they’re probably a year or so old.

[realdocBBQ]

That's good to know Mosca. I don't do any canning, but I'm not opposed to it, this might be something that gets me interested... we'll have to think about applications in my particular situation.

[Mosca]

realdocBBQ I started doing it because I was unsatisfied with every jarred salsa I bought in the store. It’s pretty simple, and it’s not hard to be safe. I did buy a pack of pH test strips, because I don’t follow a recipe when I make salsa and you need to keep it under 4.6. I shoot for 4.3.

[SheilaAnn]

Mosca so for everyday storage (leftovers, fruit, etc) just seal into a clean jar and lid. But for putting up items for longer term, you would still boil the jars and lids like for traditional canning, right? I was reading through the amazon link and didn’t really see that addressed.

[Mosca]

Also, I learned that you shouldn’t boil your lids. Just hold them in hot water, below simmering. I’ve always boiled them with no problems, but you aren’t supposed to because it will degrade the seal.

[SheilaAnn]

When I said lids…I meant the rings only….

[Finster]

Mosca
That’s my understanding as well. Does not take the place of traditional canning. It just extends the shelf life of dry goods and refrigerated items.

[jayjordan]

Mosca here’s another thing to do if you eat salad. https://saladinajar.com/salad-in-a-j...ong-freshness/

[Mosca]

Oh, nice! Thanks!

[Finster]

Thanks for sharing this. It never occurred to me to try this.
It's a game changer. I tried it with a bagged salad mix. I filled 3 jars that made perfect portion sizes for a workday lunch. Add chopped chicken breast or canned tuna and lunch is ready!!