Canning and preserving food is a great way to save on groceries while feeding your family healthy, homemade meals. I’ve put together a list of the 17 best canning and preserving books for beginners.
These canning books for beginners are packed with simple recipes and helpful tips, making them a great resource for anyone just starting out. Whether you’re looking for a beginner’s guide or just some new ideas, these books will help you get started with ease.
Canning Your Food
There are a lot of different reasons you should be canning your food. It’s a great way to preserve your harvest. After working hard in your garden, you don’t want any of those vegetables to go to waste.
Canning helps save on grocery costs. You can buy produce when it’s in season and on sale, then can it for later. By preserving food in your own home, you control exactly what goes into your food. Store-bought canned foods often have additives you might not want.
Home-canned foods are also super convenient because the food is cooked a bit during the canning process, which means less cooking time later. As a busy working mom, I love having meal options that can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Other reasons for canning your own food include reducing food waste since you can preserve fruits and veggies before they spoil. Canning recipes are also a fun way to try new flavors and combinations. Plus, home-canned foods make great gifts!
Finally, canning is a great way to be prepared for emergencies, giving you a stocked pantry of delicious, homemade meals.
Equipment Needed for Canning
When you start canning, you need some special equipment to do it safely and easily. For water bath canning, you’ll need a water bath canner, which is perfect for high acid foods like fruits, jams, and pickles.
For low-acid foods like vegetables and meats, you’ll need a pressure canner because it gets hotter and kills off any bacteria.
Besides the canners, you’ll need jars and lids. There are different sizes of jars, like pint and quart, depending on what you’re canning. The lids come in two pieces: a flat lid with a rubber seal and a metal ring that screws on.
You can also preserve some foods by fermenting them, which doesn’t need a canner at all. Fermented foods, like sauerkraut and kimchi, use just a jar, salt, and time to become delicious and safe to eat.
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The Best Canning Books for Beginners
1. New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving
The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving is one of the best ball books for beginners. It has step-by-step instructions that are super easy to follow, making it perfect for first-time canners.
This book is filled with some of the best recipes for canning, and you can be sure they’re safe to use. Plus, it has tons of color photographs that show exactly what you should be doing. If you’re looking for a great guide to get started with canning, the New Ball Book of Canning is the way to go.
2. The Amish Canning Cookbook: Plain and Simple Living at Its Homemade Best
The Amish Canning Cookbook: Plain and Simple Living at Its Homemade Best is a great book for beginners. It covers basic canning practices with a step-by-step guide, making it one of the best home-preserving books out there.
The book has plenty of recipes and even shows how to safely modify them to suit your taste. It also dives into the history of canning, comparing old ways to tested, modern recipes. There’s also space in the book for you to jot down notes on different recipes, which is super handy. With its variety of recipes and easy instructions, this book is perfect for anyone looking to start canning at home.
3. The Beginner’s Guide To Canning: 90 Easy Recipes to Can, Savor, and Gift
The Beginner’s Guide to Canning: 90 Easy Recipes to Can, Savor, and Gift is one of my favorite canning books for beginners. It contains simple recipes that are super easy for beginners to follow. Even though it’s a beginner’s guide, it’s also a useful reference for experienced canners.
The recipes can be safely modified to suit your taste, making it a versatile choice for anyone. If you’re looking for great recipe books to start or expand your canning journey, this one is definitely worth checking out.
4. The Complete Guide to Pressure Canning: Everything You Need To Know to Can Meats, Vegetables, Meals in a jar, and more
The Complete Guide to Pressure Canning: Everything You Need to Know to Can Meats, Vegetables, Meals in a Jar, and More is a fantastic book for canners of all levels. It includes both basic and advanced recipes, so it’s great for everyone.
The book walks you through the canning process step by step with straightforward instructions, making it super easy to follow. It’s also a comprehensive guide that explains why certain things are done when canning, which helps you understand the process better. With this book, you can safely preserve your favorite foods and try new recipes with confidence.
5. Ball Canning Back to Basics: A Foolproof Guide to Canning Jams, Jellies, Pickles, and more.
Ball Canning Back to Basics: A Foolproof Guide to Canning Jams, Jellies, Pickles, and More is another great book from the makers of Ball canning products. I love all the Ball Canning books because they have clear pictures and explanations on why certain steps are followed when canning. This book has tons of jelly and pickle recipes, which I also love.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to become a master food preserver and focus on healthy living.
6. The Homestead Canning Cookbook: Simple, Safe Instructions from a Certified Master Food Preserver
The Homestead Canning Cookbook: Simple, Safe Instructions from a Certified Master Food Preserver is a great book for canning. It has safe, easy-to-follow instructions, which makes it perfect for both beginners and longtime canners.
I really like how it gives tips on fitting canning into your everyday life. The book is full of new ideas and recipes that keep things interesting. If you’re looking for a good book with good information on healthy canning, this one is a fantastic choice.
7. Canning and Preserving for Beginners: The Essential Canning Recipes and Canning Supplies
Canning and Preserving for Beginners: The Essential Canning Recipes and Canning Supplies is a great book for someone who has never canned before. It has easy-to-follow recipes and even helps beginners with canning meats.
The book breaks everything down into simple steps, making canning doable for everyone. If you follow the instructions, you can use this book to master any preservation technique. It’s perfect for any beginner canner looking to get started with confidence.
8. The Water Bath Canning and Preserving Cookbook for Beginners
The Water Bath Canning and Preserving Cookbook for Beginners is a fantastic book that’s super easy to follow. It’s great for beginners because water bath canning is simpler than pressure canning, with fewer steps involved.
This method is perfect for high-acid foods like fruits and jams. If you’re looking for one of your favorite books to get started, this one covers the main methods of preservation and helps you get the hang of things. It’s a great choice if you want to dive into canning without feeling overwhelmed.
9. The Complete Book of Pickling: 250 recipes for Pickling, Fermentation, and More
The Complete Book of Pickling: 250 Recipes for Pickling, Fermentation, and More is a bit different from traditional canning books, but it’s perfect for beginners who want to preserve their own food. It’s all about the joy of pickling and the art of preserving, with easy-to-follow instructions for both fermentation and pickling.
The book covers a range of other food preservation practices, so it’s great if you’re looking to explore more than just canning. If you’re excited about getting into pickling and fermentation, this book is a fantastic place to start.
10. Freeze Fresh: The Ultimate Guide to Preserving 55 Fruits and Vegetables for Maximum Flavor and Versatility
Freeze Fresh: The Ultimate Guide to Preserving 55 Fruits and Vegetables for Maximum Flavor and Versatility is a fantastic book for anyone interested in freezing their produce. It’s all about getting the most flavor and versatility out of your fruits and veggies.
Just like pickling, Freeze Fresh isn’t a canning book, but it’s a fantastic guide for preserving your harvest. Freezing is an easy food preservation method that helps you keep fruits and veggies fresh and tasty.
This book is a great first book if you’re new to preserving food. It’s especially useful during times of food shortages when you want to make sure you have plenty of delicious produce on hand. If you’re looking for a straightforward way to preserve your harvest, Freeze Fresh is definitely worth checking out.
11. The Complete Guide to Home Canning
The Complete Guide to Home Canning is an excellent resource, guided by the USDA to ensure top-notch quality control. As the USDA Complete Guide, it offers reliable and up-to-date information on safe canning practices.
The most recent edition includes all the latest guidelines and techniques, making it a must-have for anyone serious about home canning. If you want a trustworthy book to help you with every step of the canning process, this is the one to go for!
12. The Only Beginner Freeze Drying Book You’ll Ever Need
The Only Beginner Freeze Drying Book You’ll Ever Need is not a canning book, but it’s a fantastic resource for preservation. If you’re interested in freeze-drying, this book is a great guide. It covers everything you need to know about freeze drying, which is a different method of preserving food compared to canning.
With clear instructions and useful tips, it’s perfect for anyone looking to explore this preservation technique. If you want to expand your food preservation skills beyond canning, this book is definitely worth a look!
13. The Essential Guide to Pressure Canning for Beginners
The Essential Guide to Pressure Canning for Beginners is an excellent pressure canning guide for those just starting out. It’s specifically designed to be beginner-friendly, with clear, easy-to-follow instructions that help you get comfortable with pressure canning.
The book breaks down each step of the process and explains key concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. If you’re new to pressure canning and want a straightforward guide to help you get started, this book is a great choice.
14. The Prepper’s Canning & Preserving Bible
The Prepper’s Canning & Preserving Bible is a really helpful book for getting ready for different scenarios. This particular book is all about preparing yourself with canning and preserving techniques that can be useful in various situations.
It’s great if you want to make sure you have plenty of stored food, whether it’s for emergencies or just long-term planning. The book covers everything you need to know to stay prepared and keep your pantry stocked. If you’re into prepping or just want to be ready for anything, this book is definitely worth checking out!
15. The Complete Book of Small Batch Preserving
The Complete Book of Small-Batch Preserving is one of my favorites for putting away things as they come out of the garden. Instead of waiting until you have a huge batch of food, this book lets you preserve smaller amounts as you go.
It’s perfect for fitting into your next canning adventure without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re diving into the canning world and want a more manageable approach, this book is a great choice!
16. A Guide to Canning, Freezing, Curing & Smoking Meat, Fish, & Game
A Guide to Canning, Freezing, Curing & Smoking Meat, Fish & Game is a really handy book if you’re into preserving different kinds of meats and fish. It covers a bunch of techniques like canning, freezing, curing, and smoking, so you can keep your meat, fish, and game in great shape.
Whether you’re new to preserving or have done it before, this book gives clear instructions and helpful tips.
17. Pressure Canning for Beginners and Beyond
Pressure Canning for Beginners and Beyond is a really helpful book if you’re looking to dive into pressure canning. It’s perfect for beginners, with easy-to-follow instructions that break down the process step by step. But it’s also great if you’re a bit more experienced and want to learn new tips and tricks.
The book covers a range of recipes and gives you the confidence to handle pressure canning like a pro.
Canning Books for Beginners FAQs
Remember that you should always consult the National Center for Home Food Preservation if you have any questions about preserving your food at home. It’s the best and most up to date resource.
What should I look for in a canning book for beginners?
Look for books with clear instructions, step-by-step guides, and lots of helpful tips. Books that explain safety and offer simple recipes are great for getting started.
Are there canning books that focus on specific types of food, like fruits or vegetables?
Yes, some books focus on specific types of food, like fruits, vegetables, or even meats. You can find books that cater to whatever you’re interested in preserving.
Do canning books provide information on how to store canned goods?
Many canning books include tips on how to store your canned goods properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat.
Are there canning books that offer recipes for low-acid foods?
Absolutely! Some books focus on low-acid foods and provide guidance on pressure canning, which is necessary for safely preserving these items.
Can I find canning books that include tips on using different types of canning equipment?
Yes, some books offer guidance on using various canning equipment like water bath canners and pressure canners, including tips on what works best for different types of food.
What’s the best way to choose a canning book if I have dietary restrictions?
Look for books that offer a variety of recipes and highlight how to modify them for dietary needs. Some books even focus on special diets, like low-sugar or gluten-free options.
Are there canning books that include information on making preserves and sauces?
Definitely! Many canning books include recipes for a range of preserves and sauces, from jams and jellies to salsas and pickles.
How can I tell if a canning book is up-to-date with current food safety standards?
Check if the book is recent and see if it’s published by a reputable source or organization. Books with updated information often include the latest food safety guidelines.
Do any canning books offer troubleshooting tips for common canning problems?
Yes, some books have sections dedicated to troubleshooting, helping you solve issues like sealing problems or discoloration.
Are there any canning books that are also great for preserving herbs and spices?
Yes, there are books that cover preserving herbs and spices, including drying and infusing methods, along with traditional canning techniques.
Canning Books for Beginners-Final Thoughts
Finding the right canning book can make all the difference when you’re starting out. With the right guide, you’ll be able to learn new techniques, preserve your favorite foods, and feel more confident in your canning adventures. Whether you’re looking for simple recipes or detailed instructions, there’s a book out there to fit your needs.
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