Reviving the lost art of self-reliance, one small step at a time
Whether you have a garden abundance or support your local farmers market, there are a number of food preservation methods that will allow you to store food to last through the winter. There’s nothing better than pulling a jar of fresh applesauce out of the panty in the middle of a cold winter. It’s like summer in a jar. And tomato sauce from the garden? So much better than the store bought stuff.
But canning isn’t the only way to preserve food for long-term storage. In addition to water bath and pressure canning, dehydrating fruits and vegetables, fermentation, and freezing are other methods to try. Start with the food preservation method that seems most doable to you. Soon you’ll have a pantry full of produce to enjoy in the off-season.
Scroll through the recipes and methods here or use the search function at the top of the page to find a specific recipe.
When avocados are abundant (or inexpensive) freezing avocados makes sense. Here’s how to preserve avocados for use when the season’s done. Did somebody say guacamole??
Savor the Flavor of Avocados All Year Long – Here’s How to Preserve ThemRead More
This homemade applesauce recipe doesn’t require any measuring at all. I’ve been making it like this since I was a child and it’s still a winner. If you’re used to picking up a jar of applesauce at the supermarket, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised. Homemade applesauce is easy to make and much less expensive.
Homemade Applesauce Recipe for Canning or Fresh EatingRead More
Canning nectarines preserves the flavor of this summertime stone fruit. These canned nectarines feature fresh ginger and blueberries for a flavorful pop of summertime that you’ll appreciate having in your pantry.
Blueberry Ginger Spiced Nectarines in Light Honey SyrupRead More
These lightly sweetened chai spiced peaches will rock your pantry! This recipe for canned peaches makes a shelf-stable product rich with summertime flavor.
What’s the difference between jam and jelly? And while we’re at it, what about preserves and chutneys? Here’s what you need to know, PLUS a bunch of recipes for making fruit spreads at home.
Canning Jams, Jellies, and Other Preserves (And 100+ Recipes to Get You Started!)Read More
When cauliflower is in season, consider making pickled cauliflower using the lacto-fermentation method to preserve it. These fermented cauliflower florets are tasty and crunchy and packed with probiotics. Plus? There’s no cooking involved and it’s *easy.
Try Making Pickled Cauliflower with the Lacto-Fermentation MethodRead More
Canning dried beans at home makes them ready to use for fast weeknight dinners. Plus, canning beans at home means you’ll skip the BPA-lined cans from the supermarket. Canning beans safely requires the use of a pressure canner, but the process itself is not difficult. Canning dried beans is a great pantry tactic.
Canning Dried Beans: Planning Ahead for Fast and Easy MealsRead More
Homemade stock is simple to make. With a pressure canner, you can easily make it a ready-to-use shelf stable pantry item. Canning chicken stock or turkey stock means that you’ll be able to get meals ready in a hurry using real, homemade ingredients. Plus? It’s like free food!
Canning Chicken Stock: Broth from Roasted Chicken (or Turkey)Read More
For an unusually flavorful way to add probiotics to your diet, try this healthy pumpkin recipe. Fermenting pumpkin with cardamom seeds for a surprising snack!
This Healthy Fermented Pumpkin Recipe is a Twist on Preserving SquashRead More
