1999 lids and rings from unopened boxes of jars

[Jasminegirl]

I have used 15 boxes of jars I bought back in 1999. But I have kept the rings and lids in their white boxes and clear package and bought new lids and reused the same 2 dozen or so rings over and over b/c I was told the lids on these boxes would not be any good after this long. Do you think these lids are usable or do I need to throw them away? They look like new and in good shape and still in the clear wrapping plastic they came in inside the box of jars. I am waiting on the to cool so i can take my jars out. Going to take a break the next 2 or 3 days from canning I think. Have a few blueberries to go pick but there aren't that many, so will just put them in freezer. My Mom wants me to come have a cup of which is just about 3 miles or so down the road. everyone!!

[Tracie]

Oh, I have six or seven unopened boxes of jars my mom gave me. We have *no* idea how old they are. Does this mean the lids are no good now? I hadn't even considered that option.

[Violet]

The shelf life of lids is approx. 5 years. All you can do is look at them and see if they are cracked or gummy on the sealing surface, then try a few and see when canning.

[MamaTiger]

I used jars/lids/rings from 1999 just last summer. Had no problems with them at all.