There are numerous modern preservation methods, but the Fowlers Preserving Kit has maintained its standard throughout the years.  And, with the iconic Vacola Jars, this truly outstanding system continues to deliver amazing quality since 1915.

Nonetheless, there’s a lot of history and other details behind this technique of storing foods and fruits with Fowlers Vacola jars.

Where did the Fowlers Preserving kit begin, what are the different types, and how has it evolved through the years?

What types of food can you preserve in the Vacola jars and what benefit does your food get from this particular preserving process?

Below, you will find the answers to these and every other thing there is to know about the Fowlers Vacola bottling process.

In 1913, an Englishman, Joseph Fowler, emigrated to Melbourne, Australia, and brought his knowledge and experience of a food preservation process.

This knowledge is believed to have come from his uncle, George Fowler who had started the  family business.  Joseph did a fantastic job with its expansion in Australia.

While the Fowlers Preserving Kit was registered in the 1934 it was established in 1920.  In fact, this home preserving equipment had been selling wonderfully since 1915 using a cart.

Moreover, people came to recognize this invention and it became a common product during the depression era, and went on to be very useful during World War II.

Fowlers Vacola Preserving Bottles

When Joseph passed away in 1972, the business was managed by his son, who died shortly after.

Since then, the company’s ownership has changed repeatedly until bought by an investment company in the 90s.

Fowlers Vacola and its now infamous preserving kit continues to exist, but the stovetop versions have been replaced by a  modern electric unit.

Benefits of the Fowlers Preserving Kit

best vacola jars for home preserving

Preserving food has existed since man started thinking of ways to keep foods for a later time.  With this in mind, numerous techniques have been developed to ensure this.

The Fowlers Preserving Kit preserves food by placing them in special Vacola Jars and heating them until all air is eliminated and a vacuum is created. 

This home food preservation method allows you to keep fruit at its best state of ripeness all year round. By preserving fruits using this method, it will keep them fresh for many years.

Fruits that are overripe before being picked may also be processed to avoid wastage.  Another benefit it offers is the ability to control the sugar level in your processed food.

The Fowlers Preserving Kit is made up of parts that are reusable multiple times.  In fact, there are machines and vacola jars that have been handed down through many generations.  The only reason to buy another one is if you want to run a simultaneous batch, or you break jars.

Vacola lids are not only iconic, with their clips, they do not react with food inside which may cause spoilage.

Types of Fowlers Preserving Kits

There are two types of Fowlers Preserving Kits.

  • The Simple Natural Preserving kit; and 
  • The Professional Preserving kit.

The Simple Natural Preserving kit comprises three Vacola Jars, an electric preserving unit and an instructional booklet.

The Professional Preserving kit is more extensive and includes the stainless-steel preservation unit, bottles, rings, lids, clips and an instructional booklet.

Both kits come with a 12-month warranty.

simple fowlers preserving kit

Simple Natural Preserving Kit 

professional fowlers preserving kit

Professional Preserving Kit

How to Use Vacola Jars

The original Fowlers Preserving Kits consisted of the bottle, a sterilizer, lid, ring for holding the bottle in place and a  thermometer.

Fowlers Vacola Manufacturing company also produces books with instructions for using the kits and for preserving different food and fruits.

The actual process is very simple.

  • Select the appropriate jar for your processing,  depending on the type of fruit you want to preserve.
  • Fill in the jars with the fruits, cut in half or as required.
  • Put a liquid or syrup around 12mm from the jar top will minimize air pockets inside the jar.
  • Then, fix the ring on the jar’s neck and put the lid on top of it.
  • Next, secure the cover with the correct clip and place everything inside the Fowlers preserving unit.
  • Put cold water on the fowler before turning the unit on to allow the processing that runs 60 to 70 minutes.
  • Remove the packaged Vacola jar from the unit using a tong, and allow it to cool.
  • Now, you can remove the clip and store it in a cool dark place.
fowlers kit for preserving food at home

Conclusion

A Fowlers Preserving Kit allows you to access natural products all year round through a quick, straightforward process.  This will ensure nutritional foods, save on food wastage to landfill and keep money in your pocket.

Fowlers Preserving Kits and Vacola Jars have been around for a very long time and are still very popular.  A family-owned company until recently, they have made specific improvements to their equipment to keep with modern times.

So, if you are ready to enjoy yummy, healthy fruits all year, order any of the unit types and start your home food preserving today!

Read more articles about home food preservation equipment in our best home preserving page.