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Great Books for New Food Preservers


Great Books for New Food Preservers


I started preserving food years ago after a series of power outages occurred that cost me hundreds if not thousands of dollars in food loss that was stored in the freezer.



And while I continue to freeze food for storage, I don't rely on freezing completely.  Having a stocked pantry of home-canned food is just one more safety net against an uncertain food future.

So whether you are growing food yourself or taking advantage of sales at farmers' markets or the grocery store, the following books can get you rolling on the path to preserving food.  


And with the uncertainty of what lies ahead with our current food system, there is no better time to learn to preserve food than right now.


Here are some great book choices to start with to learn about the art of preserving food.  


Click on the book to learn more about each.



Ball's Complete Book of Home Preserving





This book has sold more than a million copies. it includes 400 recipes for salsas, savory sauces, pickles, chutneys, relishes and of course, jams, jellies, and fruit spreads. It includes comprehensive directions on safe canning and preserving methods plus lists of required equipment and utensils. Specific helpful instructions for first-timers.


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Canning and Preserving Food for Beginners




Lydia Reed wrote this complete guide to water bath and pressure canning, fermenting and preserving food at home. It includes easy recipes to get you started.


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Food in Jars





Also a great beginner's book, and very popular.  Marisa McClellan's first book for accessible home preserving for jams, jellies, pickles, chutneys, and more, as seen on her beloved food blog Food in Jars.

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She uses small batches and inventive flavors to make preserving easy enough for any novice to tackle. If you grew up eating home-preserved jams and pickles, or even if you're new to putting up, you'll find recipes to savor.


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Beginner's Guide to Canning














This book will teach you everything you need to know about water bath and pressure canning, with plenty of recipes for jams, pickles, vegetables, soups, and more.


This beginner’s guide starts your canning journey with an easy primer laying out all the essential information about pressure and water bath canning. In the first chapter, you’ll find several easy, sure-fire hits, like Low-Sugar Berry Jam and Dilly Beans, including step-by-step illustrations. From there, try your new skills with any of the 90 comforting classics and new twists that are sure to tickle your taste buds.

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Canning for a New Generation





This book is organized by season.  It illustrates fresh ways to preserve the harvest throughout the year, employing techniques like water-bath canning that are safe and easy to follow. 


The recipes are all created with small-batch yields in mind, which will appeal to beginner canners and expert homesteaders alike. In addition to canning recipes, there are old-style fermenting recipes, new freezing techniques, and recipes on how to use your canned goods to make delicious meals once you’ve put them up.  It includes 250 tried and tested recipes.


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Not Your Mama's Canning Book




Instructions on how to can food with basic recipes with alternative versions to take your canned food flavors up a notch. She will also provide recipes that highlight these unique flavor combinations so you can make use out of every canned good! 


From jams, jellies and preserves to pickles and relishes to drunken fruit and pressure canning, this book has something for everyone. Some recipes will require the use of pressure canners, but not all.


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The Canning Kitchen




In addition to year-round recipes, The Canning Kitchen includes all the basics you’ll need to get started. Boost your canning confidence with straight-forward answers to common preserving questions and find out about the canning tools you need, many of which you may already have in your kitchen. 


Get tips on choosing seasonal ingredients and fresh ideas on how to enjoy your beautiful preserves. Use the step-by-step checklist to safely preserve each delicious batch, leaving you with just enough jars to enjoy at home plus a little extra for sharing.


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The Complete Guide to Pressure Canning






Everything You Need to Know to Can Meats, Vegetables, Meals in a Jar, and More. The Complete Guide to Pressure Canning delivers everything you need to confidently achieve pressure canning perfection. 


With The Complete Guide to Pressure Canning you will discover the ease of pressure canning, understand the science behind safe food preservation, and enjoy delicious recipes for stocking your kitchen and feeding your family.


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The Homestead Canning Cookbook





This book will teach you the basics, including how to fit the process into your busy life, the equipment you’ll need, and step-by-step instructions for both water-bath and pressure canning.


Enjoy wholesome recipes for canning fruit, vegetables, meat, soups, sauces, and so much more. Save money by preserving your own food and gain valuable peace of mind by knowing exactly what’s going into the meals you’re serving. 


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Complete Guide to Home Canning




The first part of this publication explains the scientific principles on which canning techniques are based, discusses canning equipment, and describes the proper use of jars and lids. 


It describes basic canning ingredients and procedures and how to use them to achieve safe, high-quality canned products. Finally, it helps you decide whether or not and how much to can.

The second part of this publication is a series of canning guides for specific foods. 


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So what are you waiting for?  Grab some great books and start your food preserving journey today!



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