Preserving food is one of the most practical skills for homesteaders who want to make the most of their harvest. Canning and fermenting not only extend the shelf life of fresh ingredients but also add depth to flavors and keep a well-stocked pantry year-round. Learning the right methods can prevent spoilage, reduce waste, and cut grocery costs. With a few basic tools and some know-how, even beginners can safely store everything from vegetables to meats. Preserving food the right way means less reliance on store-bought options and more control over what goes into every jar.
How to Use a Fermenting Crock
Fermenting crocks aren't just for grandmas and hipster pickle enthusiasts. They help preserve food naturally while boosting flavor and gut health. Learn how to use one properly so you can keep vegetables fresh long after harvest.
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Best Canning and Preserving Books
If you're serious about preserving food, a solid book collection is a must. These picks cover everything from beginner-friendly canning to advanced fermentation. Stock your shelves so you never waste another harvest.
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Quick and Easy Garlic Dill Pickle Canning Recipe
Crisp, garlicky pickles should never come from a soggy store-bought jar. This foolproof recipe locks in freshness and crunch so you can enjoy homegrown cucumbers year-round. A must-have skill for anyone serious about preserving food.
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15+ Ways to Preserve Tomatoes
Tomatoes have a short window before they turn into mush. Whether you want to can, dry, or freeze them, this guide walks you through the best ways to keep them usable long past summer. No more wasted garden bounty!
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7 Ways to Preserve Blueberries
Blueberries don’t last long unless you know how to store them right. This guide covers freezing, dehydrating, and other easy methods to keep them on hand year-round. Perfect for anyone who hates running out of homegrown berries.
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How to Store Cucumbers from The Garden
Homegrown cucumbers tend to pile up fast, and tossing them is not an option. Learn how to keep them crisp and fresh for weeks with simple storage hacks. No more sad, wilted cukes in the fridge.
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Smoking & Dehydrating Game Meat
If you’ve got wild game in the freezer, you don’t want to let it go to waste. Smoking and dehydrating extend its shelf life while locking in flavor. A must-know skill for anyone serious about preserving food.
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How to Ferment Vegetables
Fermenting vegetables is an easy way to keep them fresh while adding gut-friendly benefits. This guide breaks down the basics so you can start stocking up on homemade ferments. Perfect for turning extra garden produce into long-lasting staples.
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How to Dehydrate Eggs for Long-Term Home Storage and Use
Fresh eggs don’t last forever, but dehydrating them makes sure you always have some on hand. This method is perfect for off-grid living, emergency prepping, or just keeping your pantry stocked. Say goodbye to grocery store shortages.
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Easy Ways to Get Started Canning Right Now
Canning seems intimidating until you realize how simple it is to start. This guide walks you through beginner-friendly methods so you can stock your pantry with homemade goods. Preserving food has never been this stress-free.
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How To Smoke Fish
Fresh fish doesn’t stay fresh for long, but smoking locks in flavor while keeping it shelf-stable. Whether you caught it yourself or just want to skip the overpriced store-bought stuff, this guide covers everything you need.
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How to Can Food: 50 Tips for Beginners
Canning mistakes can lead to wasted food—or worse. These 50 essential tips help beginners avoid common pitfalls and build confidence in the kitchen. A must-read for anyone new to preserving food.
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How to Start Water Bath Canning
If pressure canning sounds too intense, water bath canning is the way to go. This method is beginner-friendly and perfect for preserving high-acid foods like jams and pickles. A simple way to get started with food preservation.
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Chicken Jerky Recipe
Store-bought jerky costs a fortune, and who knows what’s actually in it? This easy recipe lets you make flavorful, long-lasting chicken jerky at home. A great option for keeping protein stocked without refrigeration.
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Food You Should Not Dehydrate
Not all foods handle dehydration well, and some turn out downright awful. This list saves you from wasting time on bad ideas so you can focus on what actually works. A must-read before you plug in that dehydrator.
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Dehydrating Foods: How to Get Started
Dehydrating is one of the easiest ways to preserve food without needing a freezer. This beginner-friendly guide shows you what works best and how to store everything properly. Perfect for stocking up without taking up fridge space.
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Canning, Preserving, and Dehydrating Food
If you're serious about food storage, you need more than one method in your toolkit. This guide covers canning, dehydrating, and other ways to keep food fresh long-term. A great resource for anyone looking to waste less and save more.
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The Bernardin/Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving
With 400 recipes, this book is basically the bible of home food preservation. Whether you're into canning, pickling, or fermenting, it has a recipe for everything. A must-have for anyone looking to master preserving food.
Get the Recipe: The Bernardin/Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving
How to Preserve Eggs
Fresh eggs don’t keep forever, but with the right methods, you can store them for months. This guide covers freezing, dehydrating, and other techniques to make sure you never run out. No more scrambling when supply runs low.
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How to Store Your Harvest Without a Root Cellar
No root cellar? No problem. This guide shares practical storage solutions that keep fruits and vegetables fresh without fancy setups. A must-read for homesteaders looking to stretch their harvest through the seasons.
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