Preservation

SDSU Extension provides established and trusted research-based food preservation information.

Our Programs

A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables displayed on a countertop.

Pick it! Try it! Like it! Preserve it!

Pick it! Try it! Like it! Preserve it! materials are filled with tips for selecting, preparing, and preserving a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

cans of various jams and jellies on a shelf

4-H Food Preservation Project

Food preservation is a way to enjoy fresh-grown fruits, meats and vegetables all year! Many every day foods we eat are preserved by canning, pickling, freezing or drying.

Canning Resources

A Guide To Water Bath Canning

Water bath canners have fitted lids and removable wire racks. While they come in many sizes, the canner must be deep enough to allow a minimum of 1-2 inches of briskly boiling water that covers the top of jars during processing.

Five jars of canned stewed tomatoes sitting on a gray kitchen towel with a gray background.

Canning on Smooth Stovetop

Learn about the Dos and Don'ts of canning on a smooth stovetop.

dial on a pressure canner

A Guide To Pressure Canning

Pressure canners may have a weighted-gauge or dial-gauge, for indicating and regulating the pressure during processing.

Related Topics

Canning, Freezing Food, Dehydrating Food

Related Content

Three canning jars filled with cucumber slices.

Safe Canning Recipes

One of the most common errors in home canning is not using a scientifically tested recipe. Canning a family recipe is risky as it can cause spoilage and foodborne illness.

Variety of home-canned, pickled vegetables on a silver table in a kitchen.
Jul 14

Food Preservation @ Home

SDSU Extension will be offering a 9-week Food Preservation series, every other Tuesday starting on June 2 at 10 AM CDT/ 9 AM MDT.

dial on a pressure canner

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.