19 Unique Ways to Preserve Food (Mostly) at Home

You might be into at home food preservation methods because you want to extend the shelf life of your produce that’s always running away from you in the back of that produce drawer in the fridge. Or maybe this is your ticket to saving some money by reducing food waste. Maybe you simply enjoy a few seasonal foods & want them available all year round. Anyone say “All of the above”?! My girl!

In a world where convenience often comes at the cost of health & sustainability, more & more people are turning to traditional food preservation methods to keep their kitchens stocked with wholesome, home-prepared foods. And that is my jam (pun intended).

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So this blog post will guide you through the vast world of food preservation. Because in case you haven’t heard, it’s much bigger than you think. I wanna run you past 19 different methods, each with unique benefits, common uses, necessary equipment, & startup costs. All so that whether you’re a novice looking to start small or a seasoned preserver searching for new techniques, you’ll find something here. It’s a comprehensive overview to provide you with the knowledge & inspiration to make the most of your food preservation journey.

When it comes to preserving food at home, there are so many options available today. And every single one of ‘em has unique benefits & requirements. So that you can navigate the many options, I grouped 19 food preservation methods into several categories based on their core techniques. Understanding these categories will make it easier for you to choose the right preservation method for your needs. 

Related blog post: How to Get Started Preserving Food at Home Now

Food Preservation Method Categories (Temperature-dependent)

Without delay, here’s the categories.

1. Thermal Processing: Thermal processing involves using heat via high temperature to destroy harmful microorganisms in food without degrading food quality, thereby extending its shelf life. This category includes methods like canning & pasteurization, which are widely used for preserving fruits, vegetables, & other perishable items. These methods are a great way to increase food storage rather rapidly as most things will eventually live on a shelf.

2. Cold Preservation: Cold preservation methods are simple techniques that rely on low temperatures to slow down the growth of bacteria & enzymes that cause food spoilage. This includes common techniques like freezing, refrigeration, & root cellaring, which are essential for maintaining the freshness & nutritional value of various foods. I think these tend to be the easiest method for beginners partly because you don’t really need expensive special equipment. Plus, you can store a variety of different foods. 

3. Drying/Dehydration: Drying or dehydrating food removes moisture, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, & molds. This category includes traditional drying, as well as more advanced techniques like freeze-drying, which preserve the texture & flavor of foods while significantly extending their shelf life. It’s incredible that you can take fresh foods, remove the moisture to create a dry food & that’s shelf stable for 10-20+ years! (I’d like to note that freeze-drying is actually a different process than the dehydrating you may be used to. And freeze dried food lasts a long time too!)

Food Preservation Methods (Chemically-active)

These methods might rely on temperature as a factor to their success, but there’s a little more chemistry & biology happening with these methods compared to the first few.

4. Fermentation: Fermentation is an ancient preservation method that uses beneficial bacteria to convert sugars into acids or alcohol. Such an acidic/alcoholic environment really prevents a lot of things from growing so it reduces spoilage. This process not only extends the shelf life of foods but also enhances their nutritional value sometimes & adds unique flavors. You may hear alot about gut-healthy foods which are often fermented. Some common examples include fermented vegetables & dairy products (think kimchi or yogurt), The acids developed during the process act as a natural preservative! 

5. Chemical Preservation: Chemical preservation involves using substances like salt, sugar, vinegar, oil, or alcohol to create conditions that are inhospitable to bacteria. This category includes salting, pickling, sugaring, oil preservation, & alcohol preservation, each offering distinct ways to preserve & flavor foods.

6. Physical Removal of Air: Methods that remove air from the food’s environment help to reduce oxidation & spoilage. Vacuum sealing & Mylar bag storage are two effective techniques in this category, ideal for preserving the freshness & quality of a wide range of foods.

7. Smoke & Radiation: These methods use smoke from burning wood or ionizing radiation to kill bacteria & other pathogens. Smoking adds a distinct flavor to foods like meats & cheeses, while irradiation extends the shelf life of various foods without significantly altering their texture.

With this in mind, I hope you understand how many diverse approaches there can be to food preservation.

Cheat Sheet of the 7 Categories

Alright so lemme spill the beans about each of these methods here. The prices are rough estimates, but you may also need supporting accessories like benches or tables, common utensils like thermometers or cookware. Always compare prices & brands when shopping around hello! Furthermore, ask around before making a purchase with others who have that item. Not only might you be able to borrow it, but also they can tell you their honest opinions.

Comparing Canning to Pasteurizing

Some preservation methods seem so alike it’s almost like they’re twins. So I want to highlight those that are like that & point out their differences.

1. Canning & Pasteurization: 
   • Both methods involve using heat to kill microorganisms & extend the shelf life of foods. Canning is a more intensive process that creates a vacuum seal, while pasteurization involves heating foods to a specific temperature for a set period to kill existing bacteria. If not sealed properly though, the product could be exposed to other bacteria.
   • There are 2 main canning methods:  Pressure canning is a reliable method of food preservation for low acid foods such as green beans & other fresh vegetables. By using a pressure canner, foods are processed at a higher temperature than water bath canning, effectively destroying harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum. You can hot pack food which means hot food goes into a hot mason jar & then into a hot canner with  several inches of water (hot water at that). This method is recommended by the National Center for Home Food Preservation for its safety & effectiveness in preserving low acid foods for long periods of time.

Other Similarities in Temperature Dependent Methods

2. Freezing, Refrigeration & Root Cellaring: 
   • All methods use low temperatures to slow down bacterial growth & enzymatic activity. Freezing extends the shelf life significantly more than refrigeration, but both are essential cold preservation techniques. The only real difference lies in the temperature they maintain.
3. Drying/Dehydrating & Freeze-Drying: 
   • These food preservation methods remove moisture from foods to prevent spoilage. Traditional drying/dehydrating uses heat & air circulation, while freeze-drying uses a process of freezing followed by sublimation to remove water. That means the water goes straight from water to a vapor.
   • ​Drying, or dehydration, is a method of preserving foods by removing moisture, inhibiting bacterial growth, & extending shelf life. For instance foods with low water content, such as herbs, fruits, & meats, are ideal candidates for drying. Using specialized equipment like food dehydrators or oven drying techniques, foods are dried to the desired level of moisture content & stored in airtight containers for long-term storage. Dehydrated foods retain their nutritional value & flavor so that they make an excellent way to preserve excess food from the garden or grocery store.
   • Freeze drying is a preservation technique that involves freezing foods & then removing the ice crystals through sublimation, resulting in a final product with excellent quality & long shelf life. This method is particularly suitable for preserving raw foods like fruits & vegetables while maintaining their natural color, flavor, & nutritional content. By comparison, freeze-dried foods have been known to retain more of their nutrient profile too. It should be stored in airtight containers at room temperature. This makes them a convenient & reliable option for home food preservation.

Similar Non-temperature Dependent (mostly) Techniques

1. Fermentation & Lacto-Fermentation: 
   • Both involve using beneficial bacteria to ferment foods, enhancing their flavor or preserving the food. Where they differ is, lacto-fermentation specifically uses lactic acid bacteria, which is a subset of general fermentation processes. The general fermentation process might also produce acids (like acetic acid) or alcohols. This would result in a different product like a vinegar or a wine. Sourdough & mead (honey wine) are both examples of general fermentation. Kefir is an example of lacto-fermentation.
2. Salting/Curing & Pickling: 
   • Each method uses salt &/or acid (vinegar) to create an environment that inhibits bacterial growth. Salting/curing often applies to meats, while pickling is used for vegetables & fruits.
3. Vacuum Sealing & Mylar Bag Storage: 
   • Both methods aim to remove air (specifically oxygen) from the storage environment to prevent oxidation & spoilage. Vacuum sealing uses a vacuum pump to remove air, while Mylar bag storage often involves the use of oxygen absorbers within the sealed bag.

6 Unique Food Preservation Techniques

Some food preservation methods are quite distinct in their approach & application: 

• Oil Preservation:  Uses oil to create a barrier against air & bacteria.
• Alcohol Preservation:  Uses alcohol to inhibit bacterial growth & preserve foods.
• Water-Glassing:  Specifically used for preserving fresh, clean, unwashed eggs in a lime solution. If the eggs have been washed, the protective bloom they carry has already been removed leaving them susceptible to spoiling quicker.
• Smoking:  Uses smoke to add flavor & preserve foods by creating a protective layer.
• Irradiation:  Uses ionizing radiation to kill bacteria & other pathogens, which requires specialized equipment.
• Sugaring:  Uses sugar to preserve fruits by creating a hostile environment for bacteria.

Best Practices for Home Food Preservation: 

At any rate, regardless of the preservation technique chosen it’s essential to follow proper canning techniques, food preservation guidelines & food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illness. You did not just go through all that time, effort & storing to lose your food. So follow authoritative sources as well as your own intuition to ensure the best quality final product. When you’re familiar with the landscape & comfortable enough you might try more complex methods or variations.

Whether you’re pressure canning green beans, water bath canning fresh fruits, or drying excess produce from your garden, relying on reliable sources & specified temperatures is key to successful home food preservation. Jump in & explore different methods & techniques! It’s one of the best ways to find your new favorite foods.

Conclusion

You know, girl, we live in a fast-paced world where convenience often overshadows nature. Sustainability & health. However, learning these forgotten skills is making a comeback! The traditional act of preserving food offers a great way to reconnect with food & family. 

I mean, our ancestors relied on natural preservatives like olive oil & salt to keep food items fresh & flavorful. Today, we have an edge by having access to modern technology & equipment like food dehydrators or solar ovens. Equally important, these tools can simplify the preservation process & help achieve a high rate of food safety. So don’t be afraid to dip your toes in & start.

So take the time to learn & apply these different food preservation methods. After all it brings the satisfaction of preserving your own food items, reducing waste, & creating a well-stocked pantry of home-canned goods & dried foods. Whether you’re packing jars with fresh produce or layering trays for the drying process, remember that every step you take is another step towards healthier habits & really great eating. Happy preserving!

You’ve got this, lovely.