There are few things as iconic in American kitchens as the humble and versatile mason jar. Whether it's storing pantry essentials, serving as a makeshift vase, or holding a refreshing drink, the mason jar has been our go-to for over a century. Have you ever wondered where these ingenious glass jars came from? You can thank John Landis Mason for that, a New Jersey tinsmith and inventor born in 1832.

Mason invented and patented the beloved mason jar in 1858, the first of its kind: a glass jar with a screw-on lid. In the 1800s, food preservation was essential for survival, especially during long winters and food shortages. Families relied on methods like drying, pickling, and canning to keep their produce from spoiling, but these processes were far from foolproof.

The jars used at the time had cork stoppers sealed with wax which was prone to breaking or leaking. Without an airtight seal, canned goods often spoiled, putting families' food supplies at risk. That's where Mason entered the picture, coming up with a brilliant idea that would revolutionize food storage and home canning.