Food Preservation

Food preservation doesn't have to be a mystery.

Enjoy garden-fresh foods all year long by preserving at home. Canning methods have changed over the years to improve the safety of the foods we store. The art of food preservation is not as difficult as you might first believe. We'll take you through the journey, from the equipment you'll need to the step-by-step process.

Food preservation tip sheets

Versiones en español

Fermentación | Recetas de fermentados | Deshidratar los Alimentos en Casa

It begins with the right equipment.

Having a safe canning experience begins with choosing the right equipment. If you've been given older equipment from a friend or relative, be sure to take it to your local Extension office for testing. It's important that the gauge is working so food is heated to the correct temperature.

Why Can Produce?

Check out all the benefits of canning your own produce.

Canning Equipment

Here's an overview of what equipment and supplies you will need for canning at home.

Canning Jars

They may be pretty, but not all jars are appropriate for canning.

Freezing Equipment

Make a list of the equipment you need for freezing fruits and vegetables.

Freezing locks in vitamins and nutrients

Freezing is a quick and convenient way to make your fruits and vegetables last well past harvest. When you freeze food correctly, it pauses the aging process and locks in the nutritional value, preserving the fresh-food goodness for a long time. Freezing also helps reduce food waste. If you bought too much, don't toss it away; instead take a few minutes to freeze and save for later.

Freezing Blueberries

Start with firm ripe blueberries, spread on a tray, and place them in the freezer for a quick freeze before bagging.

Freezing Strawberries

Don't cut the stem before you wash berries.

Freezing Peaches

Score peaches at the bottom, slide into boiling water, slide into ice cold water, and remove the skin.

Freezing Green Beans

Start by snapping off the stem end, then snap into inch-long pieces. Don't forget to blanche.

Keep your family safe with proper canning methods.

Many families tried vegetable gardening for the first time in 2020. Don't waste the produce. Canning is a great way to preserve food to enjoy throughout the year. Canning methods have changed. Keep your family safe by learning proper canning methods in an easy-to-understand way.

Canning Strawberry Jam

Measuring your strawberries is essential for getting your jam to jell.

Canning Green Beans

Wash, cut the ends off, and slice into one inch pieces. Leave one inch of headspace

Canning Tomatoes

Air bubbles can cause trouble when canning your tomatoes.

Food Preservation Resources

National Center for Home Food Preservation

Whichever preservation method you choose, the National Center for Home Food Preservation provides easy instructions.

USDA Canning Guide

This great book is for people who are canning for the first time or for experienced canners who want to improve their practices.

So Easy to Preserve

Chapters in the 388-page book include Preserving Food, Canning, Pickled Products, Sweet Spreads and Syrups, Freezing and Drying.

Food Preservation: How to Can Foods

What is the difference between pressure canning and water bath canning? What equipment do I need? What recipes are safe to use? This webinar answer these questions, along with up-to-date information on canning. Whether you are new to canning or have been doing it for years and want a refresher,...