I am a food Preservation Coach at https://preservingguide.com. I'll help you grow your love of food preservation - even if you have no experience at all.
Pick the Right Preserving Method (and Save Yourself a Lot of Time)
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Keeping food safe matters, but so does keeping it simple. The fastest way to save time and money while preserving food is to match the food to the right method. When you do, your results are better, your prep feels lighter, and you waste less. Choose your method first, not lastCanningBest for shelf-stable jars you can grab anytime. Great when freezer space is tight, or you want ready-to-use basics in the pantry. Use safe, tested recipes and the correct processing method (water bath or pressure, depending on the food). FreezingBest for speed. Freezing keeps flavor and color well, and it’s often the lowest-effort option for busy weeks. It also works well for foods that don’t can nicely. I love freezing fresh peas. Drying (dehydrating)Best for saving space and using up small batches. Dried herbs, fruit, and snacks are easy to store and easy to pack. Drying also helps reduce waste when you have “a little too much” of something. PicklingBest for quick flavor and a shorter path from fresh to finished. Pickling is perfect for cucumbers, onions, peppers, and mixed veggies. It also adds variety to meals without a lot of work. Safe recipe first, alwaysA proven recipe is your time-saver and your safety net. It keeps you from guessing, redoing a batch, or ending up with food you don’t trust. Use this guide as your go-to starting point: safe and tested canning resources. It’s the kind of page you’ll want to bookmark for those moments when you’re tempted to use a random recipe from the internet. Two free resources to save time right nowIf you want fewer steps and fewer “wait, what do I do next?” moments, these free guides help. One tool that helps you waste less (and finish more)The biggest money drain in home preserving is buying extras you don’t need, forgetting steps, or starting a batch without a plan. A simple checklist fixes that. Grab the Preserving Checklist to keep your tools, timing, and next steps in one place. What to do this weekPick one food you’re preserving this week, then choose the method that fits your life right now (pantry, freezer, or quick snacks). Start with a safe, tested recipe, and you’re already ahead. Happy Preserving! |
Preserving Guide
I am a food Preservation Coach at https://preservingguide.com. I'll help you grow your love of food preservation - even if you have no experience at all.
Preserving saves money, but only when you give it the one thing it needs most: your full attention. Block off a no-distraction window Pick a time when you won’t be pulled away by dinner, appointments, or a house full of noise. Preserving goes smoother when you can stay close to the stove and keep an eye on the details. If possible, treat it like a real appointment. Put it on the calendar and protect it. Add extra time to every recipe Plan for the recipe time, then add more. Real life always...
You can save a lot of time and money with one simple habit, check your supplies and ingredient amounts before you begin. Preserving days go best when everything is ready. No last-minute store runs, no swapping jars halfway through, no guessing if you have enough lids, sugar, or vinegar. A quick pre-check keeps the work calm and keeps your food safe. The 10-minute pre-check that saves your whole session Before you wash produce or heat a canner, do this: Read the recipe start to finish. Make...
Fresh produce is at its best when it’s in season. It tastes better, it’s often cheaper, and it’s usually easier to find in good shape. That makes it a smart place to start if you want to preserve more, without spending more. This week’s goal is simple: plan your preserving around what’s already abundant. Blueberry Jam Ingredients Why seasonal preserving saves you money (and hassle) Lower prices: In-season crops tend to be available in larger quantities, which can mean better deals. Better...