Canning is a method used for the preservation of a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, and meats. Pressure canning or water bath canning is used to preserve food based on the acidity level of the selected food. When proper canning practices are followed, the quality of fresh foods can be extended to safely consume many months beyond their usual expiration and decline in quality.
Acid Foods
Acidified Foods
Low-Acid Foods
Pressure canners may have a weighted-gauge or dial-gauge, for indicating and regulating the pressure during processing.
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.
Water bathing and pressure canning are two common ways to preserve foods by canning. These techniques use heat processing to preserve foods, and which technique you use depends on the acidity of the food.
SDSU Extension provides established and trusted research-based food preservation information.
There has been a rising concern regarding home canning and the use of 4% vinegar. Learn some important vinegar safety guidelines from the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Try this research-tested recipe for strawberry-rhubarb jelly courtesy of the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
This course provides research-based information on food preservation.
If you enjoy preserving food, volunteering and helping your community, SDSU Extension's Master Food Preserver volunteer program may be for you!
Interested in canning fruit at home? Learn some expert tips for selecting the proper liquid for your canning objectives.
For accuracy before use, it is recommended that dial gauges get tested each year. Gauges that read high cause under-processing and may result in unsafe food.
With cooler temperatures and decreased daylength, gardeners may have an abundance of green, unripened tomatoes this fall. Learn some delicious ways to use them in the kitchen along with some expert tips for ripening them!
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.
Kitchen safety during preservation is just as important as using a safe, evidence-based preservation method. Kitchen cleanliness can affect the safety of the preserved product.