Food Preservation

All Food Preservation Content

Several cans of homemade salsa sitting on a table.

Canning Tomato-Vegetable Mixtures

Tomatoes are unique when it comes to home canning recipes. Some tomato and vegetable recipes recommend using a boiling water bath canner, some recipes recommend a pressure canner, and some recipes offer both options.

A woman preparing a jar of pickled cucumbers in a kitchen.

Modifying Canning Recipes

Understanding how swapping ingredients, adding ingredients, increasing or decreasing ingredients and making changes to processing plays a vital role in ensuring that home-canned products are safe.

A bowl of raw meat being distributed into clear, glass jars.

Canning Meats and Poultry

Canning is a great method to preserve and extend shelf life for many types of foods, including meat products. Using safe preparation and storage practices allows for anyone to store nutritious, high-quality protein.

Several jars of canned salmon filets stacked neatly on top of each other.

Canning Fish

Canning is a great method to preserve and extend shelf life for many types of foods, including fish and seafood products. Using safe preparation and storage practices allows for anyone to store nutritious, high-quality protein.

Botulism testing supplies arranged in a lab.

Canners Beware: Botulism

Botulism is a serious, rare illness that is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Botulism is a concern when it comes to canning and fermenting foods, as the anaerobic conditions can cause the Clostridium botulinum spores to create a harmful toxin.

Blue-tinted antique canning jars in a brown box.

Canning Jar Update

Before you start canning, take some time to learn the latest canning jar safety updates, including safe jar types, lid selection and handling practices.

Altitude Adjustments for Home Canning

There are many guidelines to follow when canning, an important one often overlooked is checking one’s need to adjust for altitude.

Several jars of sealed, canned peaches in a boiling water bath.

How to Can Peaches

While peach season is only May through September, you can enjoy peaches all year by preserving them through safe canning methods. Learn how to can peaches in your own kitchen with these step-by-step instructions.

Strawberries, rhubarb, and five jars of strawberry-rhubarb jam on a picnic table.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Jelly

Try this research-tested recipe for strawberry-rhubarb jelly courtesy of the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Cover of the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning

Importance of Evidence-based Food Preservation and Where To Find Information

The key to a safe and delicious product starts with the preservation recipe. View some recommended resources that offer safe, evidence-based recipes and step-by-step preservation method procedures.