How to Get Started Preserving Food at Home Now

Understanding the Basics of Home Food Preservation

Before diving into the world of home food preservation, it’s essential to understand the basics. Food preservation methods aim to slow down the growth of bacteria & enzymes that cause food spoilage. It’s the shortcut to extending the shelf life of food. And by creating optimal conditions through chemical reactions you can effectively inhibit bacterial growth & enzyme activity. All the hooghly boogaly that makes the food rot quicker. 

This means we can safely preserve food for long periods of time if we crack the code. Or just practice the right skills. Some of the most popular methods of food preservation include canning, freezing, drying, fermenting, freeze drying & pickling. I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of a few & probably even use some yourself! So whooo hoo! We’re on the right track.

But preserving food at home isn’t just about extending the shelf life of fresh green beans. It’s also about preserving family traditions, values, & culture. In essence, food preservation is not just a practical necessity for modern families; it’s also a deeply meaningful & enriching experience that contributes to the makeup of family culture. 

See, modern technology has made it possible for so many families to do this now. Just think back to a time when everyone had to have a root cellar because refrigerators weren’t as commonplace as they are now. Or imagine eating a lot of dehydrated food because it would spoil any other way. 

By preserving foods together, families can strengthen their bonds, pass down cherished traditions, & create lasting memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

Related blog post: The Beginner’s Ultimate Guide to Preserving Food at Home This Year

Assessing Your Food Preservation Needs & Goals

Alright so where to get started then, right? Because you have all this produce & need to make quick work of it somehow or else you’ll lose it. 

Well, when it comes to preserving food or storing it up, it’s essential to consider your needs, motivations & priorities so that you can set achievable goals. Here’s some things to consider:

• Are you looking to preserve excess produce from your garden? 
• Do you just want to stock up on seasonal fruits & vegetables when they’re in abundance at your local grocery store? 
• Are you looking for an easy way to save money on groceries? 
• Do you want to enjoy the taste of fresh food all year round? 
• Are you concerned about reducing food waste & living more sustainably? 

Identifying your priorities & reasons for wanting to preserve food at home allows you to tailor your approach to match your needs & dreams. Because remember, preserving food at home offers a multitude of benefits beyond simply extending the shelf life of your favorite fruits & vegetables. 

Buying fresh produce in bulk when it’s in season is just the best thing first off. But preserving it for later use can result in significant savings over time as you begin to waste less & less. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your food & where it came from, making for a healthier & more budget-friendly diet.

Seasonality Year-round!

If you’re passionate about enjoying the taste of fresh food year-round, this is a fantastic solution for that too! Several different methods will achieve this without altering the texture or profile of your food too much. Using moderately high temperatures to dehydrate a variety of fruits & vegetables at home will lock in their flavor & nutritional value while creating delicious snacks perfect for any time of year. Freeze drying them might be better long-term if you have the ability to do this. 

And whether you’re using the hot water bath method to can high acid foods like pickles, salsas or fruits or the fermentation process for a unique flavor, there’s a lot of different ways to bring the taste of the seasons into your kitchen year-round. The possibilities are really endless when it comes to preserving fresh food at home.

Sustainable Living

For those looking to live more sustainably, preserving your own food fills that gap. By preserving excess produce from your garden or local farmers’ market, you can prevent perfectly good food from ending up in the trash. Plus, home preservation allows you to take advantage of seasonal abundance, ensuring that nothing goes to waste during the colder months when a lot of fresh produce is scarce. One of my favorite ways to achieve this is to vacuum seal different things & put them in my freezer where the lower temperature slows down the spoiling so they’ll be ready when I am. This also prevents freezer burn! 

Personal Preferences & Style

When setting goals for your food preservation journey, it’s important to be realistic & considerate of your personal preferences & lifestyle. Start by assessing how much space you have for storing preserved foods & which methods suit your needs. Processing time varies, so keep that in mind too. If you’re short on space, focus on preserving foods you can store in airtight containers or freezer bags. Along with space, consider how much food you need/want to preserve too. Be flexible & willing to compromise on the greater good based on your “Why”. 

If you want to preserve enough jam to use as great gifts this Christmas with a loaf of fresh sourdough bread here’s what that could mean. You might have to be comfortable with the fact that those hot jars will spend the night on the dining room table if there’s no place in your kitchen for them to set. Additionally, a good place might be under your bed until winter if there’s no other place to put them! Will you be ok with that? 

Likewise, if you have a personal preference for certain types of fruits or vegetables, prioritize preserving those items first before your “fun” things – like the salt pork. Ahahahah yeah, that’s me! ✋🏽

By taking the time to consider your motivations, priorities, & goals, you can basically build lasting momentum on your food preservation journey. And that’s both rewarding & sustainable. Home preservation offers a great deal of flexibility & versatility. So roll up your sleeves, stock up on fresh produce (or harvest it out your backyard) & get ready to enjoy these flavors all year round girl!

Choosing the Right Home Food Preservation Method

With so many food preservation techniques to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. 

So here’s what you do. Consider factors such as acidity, moisture content, & kitchen setup. Pressure canning is a great way to preserve low-acid foods like vegetables & meats, while water bath canning is ideal for high-acid foods like fruits & pickles. If you’re short on space, consider freezing or drying your food for long-term storage. Freezing is suitable for preserving a wide variety of foods, especially those with high moisture content, while drying is ideal for creating shelf-stable, dry food like herbs & jerky, which when packaged properly in air tight containers can be stored at room temperature. 

Regardless of the method you choose, it’s essential to follow proper guidelines & safety precautions to prevent foodborne illness (like e. coli) & ensure the quality of your preserved foods. I can’t hit on that one enough. Always start with the best, prime, most beautiful food you have. It will go a long way.

If you have blemished foods, sometimes that’s OK. Blemished appearances are often OK because they can be cut out. But truly damaged or spoiled foods should be avoided. Understand the pros & cons of each method & select the one that aligns with your needs & goals. This way you’ll enjoy the benefits of home food preservation while minimizing risks of illnesses & maximizing efficiency in your kitchen.

Here’s a quick comparison chart of 4 most popular food preservation methods you can download for free to refer to. More details are provided in the table below.

Technique	Ideal Use	Pros	Cons
Water Bath Canning	high-acid foods like fruits, pickles, & jams	– Requires minimal equipment & can be done with basic kitchen tools. – Preserves foods at room temperature, eliminating the need for refrigeration. – The high acidity of the preserved foods prevents the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum.	– Not suitable for preserving low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, & seafood. – May not be the best option for kitchens with limited space or ventilation.
Pressure Canning	low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, & soups	– Preserves foods at room temperature, eliminating the need for refrigeration. – Can be done with minimal equipment, including a pressure canner & mason jars. – Utilizes high heat & pressure to destroy harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum	– Requires a pressure canner, which can be bulky & expensive. – Requires careful monitoring of pressure & processing times to ensure food safety.
Freezing	a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, & baked goods	– Preserves foods at low temperatures, maintaining their texture & flavor. – Requires minimal equipment & can be done with standard freezer bags or containers. – Allows for flexible storage options, including ice-cube trays for portioning & storing small quantities of liquids.	– Requires freezer space, which may be limited in smaller kitchens. – Some foods may suffer from texture changes or freezer burn if not properly packaged.
Dehydrating	Fruits, vegetables, herbs, & meats	– Preserves foods by removing moisture, inhibiting the growth of bacteria & mold. – Requires minimal equipment & can be done with a dehydrator or oven. – Produces shelf-stable, dry foods that are lightweight & easy to store.	– May not be suitable for preserving foods with high moisture content. – Requires low heat & extended drying times, which can be time-consuming. – Texture may not be preferred for some foods

Gathering Necessary Equipment & Supplies

To start preserving food at home, you need some basic equipment & supplies. Mason jars, a canning rack, & a water bath canner are essential for water bath canning, while a pressure canner is necessary for pressure canning low acid foods. For either of these you may also need citric acid or lemon juice to help adjust acidity. (I’m not sure if you can sub in lime juice). 

For freezing & drying, you’ll need airtight containers or freezer bags, while fermenting requires fermentation weights & airtight fermentation vessels. (Lactic acid will be produced during the process & is not something you need to buy). Be sure to gather all the necessary equipment & supplies before starting your preservation projects.

Preparing Your Kitchen & Workspace

Creating a dedicated workspace for home food preservation is also really helpful to running a smooth operation. Choose a clean, well-ventilated area with plenty of counter space & natural light. You may be here awhile sometimes, so keep it organized & free from clutter. But also make sure it’s comfy to make the preservation process as enjoyable as possible. Anti-fatigue mats for the places where you’ll be doing a lot of standing. Your favorite cup of joe (or tea). Your favorite playlist or podcast playing in the background. Also consider investing in shelving or storage containers to keep your equipment & supplies neatly organized & easily accessible.

Starting with Simple Projects

If you’re new to home food preservation, girl start with a simple project; it’s a great way to build your skills & confidence. Try making refrigerator pickles or freezing excess fruits & vegetables from your garden or from a local farm stand. This is hands-down one of my favorite ways to preserve food. You could even preserve herbs by infusing them into olive oil for several weeks. (Please note they must be absolutely dry beforehand otherwise it will spoil!)

These easy projects require minimal equipment & can be completed in a short amount of time. As you gain experience, you can gradually expand your repertoire & tackle more complex preservation projects. But there’s nothing wrong with going for the low-hanging fruit first!

Learning from Others

One of the best ways to learn about home food preservation is to seek guidance from experienced preservers & reliable sources. The National Center for Home Food Preservation is a great place to start, offering comprehensive guides & resources for beginners. Binge it. Download it. Refer to it when working. 

You can also connect with local preservation groups or attend workshops & classes to learn from experienced enthusiasts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions & seek advice from those who have been using preserving methods for a long time. Your county extension office might also be a valuable resource to you so look online for that.

Home Food Preservation Common Issues & FAQs

As with any new skill, learning to preserve food at home comes with its own set of challenges. From jar sealing failures to mold growth, there are many potential pitfalls to watch out for. If you encounter any issues along the way, don’t panic! Many common problems can be easily resolved with a little troubleshooting & experimentation. Be patient, stay organized, & don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Conclusion

Making a move to finally put an end to food waste is incredible. Preserving food at home is a rewarding & empowering skill that allows you to take control of your food supply & reduce your reliance on store-bought goods. Once you understand the basics of food preservation, choose the right method for your needs, & gather the necessary equipment & supplies, you’ll enjoy the flavors of fresh, home-preserved foods all year round. 

And remember, whether you’re preserving your own garden harvest or stocking up on seasonal favorites from the local farmers’ market, home food preservation is a great way to save money, reduce food waste, & create delicious meals for your family to enjoy. So roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, & get started! You’ll be that much more of a better you than last week. 

You’ve got this, lovely!

🌱 Start Small. Start Now. Start where you are with what you have. The rest will follow. 🌱