Pick the Right Time, and Give Yourself More of It (Week 4 of 4)

Published 4 days ago • 1 min read

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 adds minutes.

Sometimes, jars take longer to heat through
Sometimes, canners take longer to vent
Sometimes it takes longer to reach pressure
Sometimes you just need a slower pace to stay safe

That buffer keeps you from rushing, and rushing is when mistakes happen.

Set timers, then set one more

Timers save batches. Set a timer for each step that needs one, and don’t rely on memory.

Processing time
Cool-down time
Any prep steps that simmer, soak, or rest

If you tend to get busy, use a second timer as a backup.

Don’t preserve when you’re tired

Late-night canning sounds productive, but tired brains miss steps. Save the batch for a time when you feel steady and alert. Your food, your jars, and your confidence will all be better for it.

Make a preserving plan, then stick to it

A simple plan keeps you from guessing at the last minute.

What you’re preserving
What day will you prep
What day will you process
What tools and jars do you need
Where the finished jars will go

For an easy way to keep it all in one spot, use the Preserving Planner. It helps you map out batches, track what you’ve done, and stay organized from prep to storage. If you want preserving to feel calm and doable, the Preserving Planner is a solid place to start.

$10.00

Preserving Planner

Preserve the freshness and flavors of seasonal produce. Effortlessly plan your preserving activities with precision with... Read more

Get it now!

This week’s goal: Choose one preserving day, block off a quiet window, and add at least 30 minutes more than the recipe lists.

Happy Preserving!

Email 3, Check your supplies before you start preserving

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...

11 days ago • 1 min read

Front cover of the Preserving Guide Preserving Checklists

Pick the Right Preserving Method (and Save Yourself a Lot of Time)

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 last Canning Best 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...

18 days ago • 1 min read

Ingredients needed to make blueberry jam. Blueberries, lemon juice, sugar, and pectin in bowls on a counter.

Save Time and Money when Preserving (Week 1 of 4)

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...

25 days ago • 1 min read

Preserving Guide