Today we’d like to introduce you to Yer Xiong.
Yer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I married into my husband’s family in 2010. From the very beginning, I was welcomed into a home where gardening was not just a hobby, it was a way of life. My in-laws had cultivated a beautiful garden for years, and we found great joy in bringing our kids along to help plant, tend, and eventually harvest the crops each season.
Growing up in an Asian household, food was a central part of our lives. Preserving food for the long winter months was second nature, whether that meant freezing seasonal vegetables or pickling a bountiful harvest. So, when I became part of a family that shared that same value, it felt like coming home.
Each year, my in-laws’ garden produced more than enough cucumbers, dill, and peppers. Rather than let anything go to waste, we would gather up the extras and spend the cooler months pickling. Pickled cucumbers were always a favorite, both in our family and among our friends. We loved gifting jars to neighbors, cousins, and anyone who appreciated a good crunch and a hint of tang.
Eventually, after years of practice, we brought the pickling tradition into our household. It became a seasonal ritual, labor-intensive but deeply satisfying. From picking and cleaning to prepping and sealing each jar, we cherished the process. When we needed more produce, we turned to our local farmers’ market. Supporting local farmers became part of our mission, and using their fresh, organic ingredients made all the difference.
Still, there was something missing: the spice. We tried countless store-bought options and recipes from others, but none had the heat or the boldness we craved. So we got creative. We began experimenting, adding habaneros, playing with flavor profiles, and bringing in the unique flavors we grew up with. That’s when Jars of Heat was born.
What makes Jars of Heat different? It’s the fusion of fiery habaneros with a distinctly Asian-inspired twist. It’s the balance of sweet, salty, and spicy in one jar. And most importantly, it’s made with care, from locally grown ingredients to time-honored traditions passed down through generations.
This small-batch pickle brand is more than just a product. It’s a reflection of our roots, our values, and our love for community. Every jar tells a story, of family, hard work, and the beauty of making something by hand.
We feel incredibly fortunate to share Jars of Heat with others. And we hope, when you open a jar, you’ll taste more than just a pickle. You’ll taste heritage, love, and a little bit of heat.
I’ve always believed that food brings people together. Whether it’s a small gathering or a big celebration, there’s something special about sitting around a table, sharing stories, and connecting over a good meal. Beyond the pickles themselves, that sense of togetherness is a core inspiration behind Jars of Heat. It’s what drives us to keep creating, growing, and sharing what we love, with the hope that our jars bring people a little closer, one bite at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have always been challenges along the way, from our very first batch to where we are now. We’ve thrown out more bad batches than we can count. From sourcing the right ingredients to perfecting the ratios for a well-balanced flavor, it’s been a journey of trial and error. On top of that, balancing the demands of our small business with full-time jobs and raising our kids hasn’t been easy. But every mistake taught us something valuable, and every piece of feedback from our customers pushed us to get better. We’ve taken it all to heart, and we continue to grow, one jar at a time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By day, I work full-time as a telecommunication designer at an AEC firm, creating blueprint aerial views of work areas and mapping out existing utilities in our project drawings. It’s detailed, technical work and a world away from my pickling table. But that contrast is what I love. Jars of Heat started as a creative outlet, something I did for fun outside of work and family life. What began as a small batch in our kitchen has grown into a passion project that connects my roots, community, and creativity, one jar at a time.
Our family and friends have been incredibly supportive from day one. I’m amazed at how much we’ve grown, and honestly, I’m still surprised at how far we’ve come. It’s been a scary, exciting wild ride for Jars of Heat, and I’m so grateful for every step of it along the way. I can’t wait to see what’s in store next and where this journey will take us.
What I am most proud of is my little family; they’re my greatest pride. It’s incredibly humbling to see how eager my kids are to be involved and help in any way they can, always offering their help with open hearts and willing hands. I’m truly grateful for their support and commitment, it means the world to me, they’re the heart and soul behind everything I do.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can reach out to us be email at Jarsofheat@gmail.com, or instagram @jarsofheat, or our facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/jarsofheatofficial
Pricing:
- $10 – 16oz Pickle-on-point/Thailicious jars
- $13 – 16oz Pineapple X-plosion
- $20 – 32oz Pickle-on-point/Thailicious
- $25 – 32oz Pineapple X-plosion
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jarsofheat
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jarsofheatofficial
