Tea / Sugar Storage Containers

Boathook

Boathook

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Most of the ones you see in the shops are solid in that you can't see the contents. I need some new ones and have seen some clear acrylic ones of the correct size with easy open lid. Does / would the contents deteriorate any quicker in clear containers ? There might be an issue with seeing scratches from spoons but that would be a future worry.
 
I've got some translucent ones with screw on lids. You can see the contents and the contents don't deteriorate. I got them from Aldiddl. They're not always there but VicS will probably alert you.
 
I use the round polythene ones just above the diameter of a typical tea bag with clip tops and a gasket seal around the edge of the lid. Sugar always dry and free (not lumpy).
 
Boathook said:
Most of the ones you see in the shops are solid in that you can't see the contents. I need some new ones and have seen some clear acrylic ones of the correct size with easy open lid. Does / would the contents deteriorate any quicker in clear containers ? There might be an issue with seeing scratches from spoons but that would be a future worry.
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I would worry about a sugar container with an easy open lid on the boat. I use the translucent plastic containers with snap-on lids and blue 'O-rings'. (In fact I also use two much bigger versions of the same in the cool box.)
 
I use kitten milk containers from the vets, double sealed, contents good for months. Can't see in them but what need? Mark with "T" "S" and "C"
 
ghostlymoron said:
I've got some translucent ones with screw on lids. You can see the contents and the contents don't deteriorate. I got them from Aldiddl. They're not always there but VicS will probably alert you.
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Mine originally contained laboratory chemicals. Nothing toxic, caustic soda IIRC he said very quietly
 
As I understand it, most plastic containers are polypropylene which is a good cheap mechanically strong plastic, but isn't a 'food grade' barrier. I did some work a million years ago with Reed Plastic Containers who had just started to make plastic ketchup bottles for Heinz. To meet the food requirements the bottles were extruded and blow moulded and contain five layers of different plastics, and the amounts regulated so that each layer was the same thickness all through the bottle... made my jaw drop to see it...
 
I use Douwe Egberts small instant coffee jars. They have a plastic seal. I wash them in the dishwasher every year and refill them with tea bags and sugar as required. Even after a winter afloat, any sugar in them is OK and I've never had a problem with the tea bags (the sugar lasts a lot longer than the tea bags anyway). It obviously works with coffee, too. When cruising, I take rice and pasta shells in them too but I don't leave them on board afterwards. My only failure is powdered milk. I often take ready made stews in the Plastic Kilner jars. I freeze it before closing the lid. They're ideal emergency rations and help keep milk and bacon fresh in to cool box.
 
We are currently using a plastic screw top jar that previously held dry roasted peanuts for the tea. Sugar is in a similar re-used container and rice is in two ex Quality Street screw top jars (2kg in each). Re-use is the best way forward on so many levels!
 
I'm not fond of the clip on type. Screw tops are much easier to use on a small boat such as mine and my Aldidl one were three for a pound.
superheat6k said:
I use the round polythene ones just above the diameter of a typical tea bag with clip tops and a gasket seal around the edge of the lid. Sugar always dry and free (not lumpy).
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for the replies, most helpful as usual. What I called easy opening was a flip catch so lid is airtight and secure. I do like the look of the John Lewis ones (thanks pvb) and the ones that I was interested in were at Waitrose so a bit more homework is required before the epic purchase !
 
I have a few Tupperware containers I use, do prefer glass jars with screw on lids,but don't use them in case they get broken, most plastic does the job, you can have a seal and locking lids in most combinations.
 
Boathook said:
Thanks for the replies, most helpful as usual. What I called easy opening was a flip catch so lid is airtight and secure. I do like the look of the John Lewis ones (thanks pvb) and the ones that I was interested in were at Waitrose so a bit more homework is required before the epic purchase !
Click to expand...

The generic name for these is "Kilner" jars. Last century, [possible even the one before] the kilner company made glass jars with flip lids and rubber seals around the top. The company name was moulded into the glass. The glass ones are still available in various sizes and excellent for storing portions of stew without the need for refrigeration.
 
I buy peaches in clear plastic containers with screwtops.
Now have pasta, sugar, tea, coffee, rice and all that stuff in them. They're square, so fit nicely together economical on space.
 
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