Preserving Jars at the Ready: Now’s the Time to Prepare for the Summer Harvest

For many home preservers, late June marks the start of one of the most exciting times of the year. Gardens are beginning to produce an abundance of fruit, local pick-your-own farms are opening their gates, and thoughts turn to homemade jams, chutneys and preserves.

Whether you're planning to make a few jars of strawberry jam for family and friends or preparing for a busy season of preserving, the best time to get organised isn't when the fruit is picked—it's now.

Every year, we hear from customers who have spent a glorious day harvesting fruit, only to realise they're short of preserving jars, replacement lids or storage space just when they need them most. A little preparation now can save a last-minute scramble later.

What Fruits Are Coming Into Season?

The summer harvest is already beginning across much of the UK. Depending on your location, you'll soon be seeing:

• Strawberries
• Gooseberries
• Cherries
• Raspberries
• Blackcurrants
• Redcurrants
• Early plums

Many of these fruits have relatively short harvesting windows, making it important to have your preserving supplies ready before the crop reaches its peak.

Choosing the Right Preserving Jar

One of the joys of home preserving is choosing the perfect jar for your produce. Different shapes and sizes can help showcase your hard work while making storage and gifting easier.

The Classic Choice: 370ml (1lb) Glass Jam Jars

When most people think of homemade jam, they picture the traditional 370ml (1lb) Glass Jam Jar.

This time-honoured preserving jar has been a favourite for generations and remains the most popular choice for strawberry jam, raspberry jam, marmalade, chutneys and pickles.

Its practical size makes it ideal for everyday use, while the durable glass construction ensures it can be reused time and time again. Fully recyclable, dishwasher safe and suitable for a wide range of preserves, it's easy to see why the 1lb jar remains a staple in kitchens across the UK.

The versatility doesn't stop there. Many small businesses also use these jars for candles, confectionery and gift products, making them one of the most adaptable glass jars available.

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Perfect for Gifts: 12oz Hexagonal Glass Jam Jars

If you're planning to give away some of your summer preserves, the 12oz Hexagonal Glass Jam Jar is a fantastic option.

With its attractive faceted design and heavyweight glass construction, this preserving jar offers a traditional, premium appearance that's particularly popular with honey producers, artisan food makers and gift businesses.

Holding approximately 12oz of jam, honey or preserves, these jars help transform homemade produce into something truly special. Their distinctive shape looks beautiful on market stalls, farm shop shelves and gift hampers alike.

For anyone hoping to create thoughtful homemade gifts this year, hexagonal preserving jars are a great way to add a professional touch.

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Ideal for Small Batches: 190ml Deluxe Panelled Food Jars

Not every preserve needs a large jar. Sometimes a smaller format is exactly what's required.

The 190ml Deluxe Panelled Food Jar is perfect for small-batch preserving, speciality products and premium presentations. Its straight sides make labelling simple and effective, allowing your branding—or your beautiful preserves—to take centre stage.

These jars are particularly popular for:

• Crab apple jelly
• Curds
• Chutneys
• Sauces
• Honey
• Herbs and spices
• Artisan preserves

Whether you're preserving for your own pantry or selling at local markets, the 190ml jar offers a smart and versatile solution.

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Don't Forget Your Jam Jar Lids

A preserving jar is only as good as the lid that seals it.

One of the most common frustrations during preserving season is discovering that lids have become damaged, misplaced or unsuitable for the recipe you're making.

Before the busy season gets into full swing, it's worth checking your stock of jam jar lids and making sure you have enough for the months ahead. Having spare lids on hand can save both time and disappointment when the fruit is ready to process.