In 1795, Napoleon offered 12,000 francs to anyone who could devise a way to help preserve food for military use. Fifteen years later, Nicholas Appert, who created a method known as “appertizing” or ...

several rows of canned mason jars filled with fruit vegetable preservation - Inti St Clair/Getty Images There are few things as iconic in American kitchens as the humble and versatile mason jar.

Next time you're strolling through the glassware aisle at your local Goodwill, you may want to pay close attention to the Mason jar section. Mason jars aren't just a continually trending home decor ...