vasetto

Vasetto is the diminutive form of vaso in Italian, referring to a small jar or pot with a lid, used to contain solids or semi-liquid substances. Typically made of glass, but also ceramic, metal, or plastic, vasetti are designed for storage, preservation, and dispensing. The term commonly implies a capacity of around 70 to 250 milliliters, though sizes vary by market and purpose. The most common design is a cylindrical or slightly tapered container with a screw-on metal cap or a metal lid with a rubber gasket, enabling airtight sealing. Some vasetti feature a twist-off lid with a two-piece cap, while others rely on cork or snap lids.

Uses: In domestic and commercial settings, vasetti are used for preserving food through canning, such as jams, pickled vegetables, sauces, and oils. They are also employed for cosmetic creams, ointments, and sample portions in pharmacies or laboratories. In Italian culture, vasetti are often repurposed after sterilization for homemade preserves and gifts. For mass-produced products, the term vasetto contrasts with barattolo, which generally refers to larger jars.

History and production: The broader practice of preserving food in sealed containers began in the 19th century with canning advancements. Vasetto-sized jars followed as part of mass production of glass packaging. Manufacturing involves mouth-blown or machine-formed glass, with consistent threads for lids and a smooth interior to facilitate cleaning.

Overall: Vasetto denotes a small, sealable container widely used for storage, preservation, and portioning across various domains.