Freezing Food

Freezing is an easy and convenient method of preserving food. However, freezing does not kill bacteria, rather freezing slows down the growth of bacteria and enzyme activity- which affects the quality of the product over time. 

All Freezing Food Content

Home canning supplies and canned vegetables arranged on a countertop.

Preservation

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

Woman preparing fresh herbs for canning in glass jars.

General Kitchen Safety for Food Preservation

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.

Canning supplies arranged on a kitchen counter.

Home Food Preservation Self-Study Course

This course provides research-based information on food preservation.

Home canning supplies and canned vegetables arranged on a countertop.

Master Food Preserver Volunteer Program

If you enjoy preserving food, volunteering and helping your community, SDSU Extension's Master Food Preserver volunteer program may be for you!

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.

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.

Two jars of freezer jam on a countertop with fresh strawberries.

Freezer Berry Jam

Try this research-tested recipe for freezer berry jam courtesy of the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Mother with child cooking homemade jam in a kitchen.

Preservation Station!

At the end of this lesson, participants will be able to list the most-common methods used to preserve fruits or vegetables.

A woman holding a frozen pork cut next to an open freezer.

Pork Carcass Fabrication: Packaging and Meat Safety

This article is intended to provide guidance on the proper techniques for packaging meat and storing meat at home.

Left: Fresh herbs preserved inside ice cubes. Right: Variety of fresh herbs hanging in bunches from a burlap string.

Preserving Herbs

Fresh herbs add amazing flavor to recipes during the summertime! Their great flavors can be carried over to cooler seasons through the preservation of the plants and leaves, and the two best ways to extend the life (and flavor) of herbs is through freezing or dehydrating.