This collection of documents from University Extension offices nationwide provides overviews of preservation methods. Note that some documents only refer to using a boiling water canner (aka water bath canner), but you may also use an atmospheric steam canner to can high acid foods such as fruits, pickled products, as well as jams and jellies.
Research on food preservation is ongoing – recommendations may have changed since the release of some documents. Please refer to the National Center for Home Food Preservation for the most current recommendations.
Topics on this page:
Overview, Canning, Dehydrating, Freezing
Overview
- Food Preservation Techniques, Utah State University Cooperative Extension
- Food Preservation with Reduced or No Salt or Sugar, University of Wyoming, 2022
- Ingredients Used in Home Food Preservation, Penn State University Extension, Code EE0164, 2019
- Preserving Foods, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet HGIC 3000, 2020
- Canning and Freezing Questions and Answers, Penn State University Extension, Articles, 2017
- Advice about Vinegar, Penn State University Extension, Articles, 2020
- Food Acidity and Safety, Utah State University Cooperative Extension, FN/Food Safely/2008-01, 2008
- Available Moisture in Foods: What Is It Anyway?, Clemson University Cooperative Extension
Canning
- Canning Basics, UC Master Food Preserver Program, 2019
- Complete Guide to Home Canning: Guide 1, Principles of Home Canning, United States Department of Agriculture, 2015
- The Basics of Safe Canning, University of Missouri Extension
- Canning Foods at Home, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet HGIC 3040, 2020
- Basics of Home Canning, Penn State University Extension, Code EE0066, 2019
- Safe and Successful Home Canning, University of Missouri Extension
- Home Canning: Questions and Answers, Mississippi State University Extension, 2016
- Where Do You Find Safe, Reliable Canning Recipes?, Clemson University Cooperative Extension
- Use Tested Recipes to Preserve Food, Penn State University Extension, Articles, 2018
- Why Old Time Recipes Can't Be Used for Canning, Clemson University Cooperative Extension
- Changes and Substitutions to Approved Home Food Processing Recipes, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension
- Why Add Lemon Juice to Tomatoes and Salsa Before Canning?, North Dakota State University Extension, FN 1396, 2018
- Acidifying Canned Products for Safety, Penn State University Extension, Articles, 2018
- 10 Tips for Safe Home-Canned Food, Kansas State Research and Extension, MF 3170, 2014
- Alternatives to Smooth Top Ranges, Clemson University Cooperative Extension
- Approved Canning Methods: Types of Canners, Penn State University Extension, Articles, 2019
- Avoiding Common (Major and Minor) Canning Mistakes, Utah State Extension, FN/Food Preservation/2009-01, 2017
- Canning with Half-Gallon Canning Jars, Clemson University Cooperative Extension
- Canning Terms: Packing and Processing, Penn State University Extension, Articles, 2018
- Troubleshooting General Canning Problems, North Carolina State University Extension
- Plan Now for Summer Canning, Penn State University Extension, Articles, 2019
- Why Mason-type Canning Jars, Clemson University Cooperative Extension
- Safety of Canned Food that Freezes, Oregon State University Extension Service, SP 50-695, 2013
- Eight Reasons to Consider Canning, Utah State University Cooperative Extension, 2018
Boiling Water Canning
- Principles of Boiling Water Canning, Utah State Cooperative Extension, FN/Food Preservation/2008-03, 2017
- Home-canning Using Boiling Water Canners and Pressure Canners, Montana State Extension, MT200905HR, 2017
- Questions and Answers About Using a Boiling Water-bath Canner, North Dakota State Extension, FN 1425, 2015
- How to Guide to Water Bath Canning and Steam Canning, Kansas State Research and Extension, MF 3241, 2015
Pressure Canning
- Principles of Pressure Canning, Utah State University Cooperative Extension, FN/Food Preservation/2008-04, 2017
- How to Guide to Pressure Canning, Kansas State Research and Extension, MF 3242, 2015
- Questions and Answers About Using a Pressure Canner, North Dakota State Extension, FN 1415, 2018
- Pressure Canner Dial Gauge Testing, Penn State University Extension, Articles, 2018
- Using and Caring for Your Pressure Canner, Pacific Northwest Extension, PNW 421, 2013
Dehydrating
- Dehydrating Basics, UC Master Food Preserver Program, 2019
- Drying Food Indoors, UC Master Food Preserver Program, 2019
Freezing
- Freezing Basics, UC Master Food Preserver Program, 2019
- Freezing Tips, UC Master Food Preserver Program, 2020
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