Guides to Canning, Pickling, Freezing, Drying, Fermenting, & More
Welcome to our Beginner Guides to Home Food Preservation! To make it simpler for you, we’ve ordered our guides from easiest to hardest!
Find step-by-step guides on freezing vegetables, making quick refrigerator pickles and fruit jams, drying herbs and produce, water-bath canning, canning jams and jellies, pressure canning, fermenting, and preserving.
NOTE: These guides were updated and fact-checked by Christina Ferroli, PhD, RDN, FAND to adhere to the latest and highest safety and quality measures to deliver on the trust and reputation of The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Introduction to Preserving
Pickling, Freezing, and Storing Tips for Your Harvest
Freezing
Frozen Food Storage Chart, Plus Handy Tips for Freezing Meat, Cheese, and Produce
Learn two easy methods—sliced or grated—to freeze zucchini for soups, baking, and year-round meals.
Freezing Spinach, Swiss Chard, and Beet Greens
Making Quick Pickles
Quick and Simple Refrigerator Pickles Without Canning
Making Quick Jams: Refrigerator or Freezer Jam
Vinegars
Discover the benefits of fire cider, a powerful herbal vinegar tonic, and learn how to make your own.
Water-Bath Canning
Unlock the secrets of water-bath and pressure canning to preserve your favorite fruits, veggies, jams, and more
A Beginner's Guide to Water-Bath Canning at Home
How to Can Tomatoes
Step-by-Step Guide to Canning Tomato Sauce Safely
How to Can Pickles
Learn All About Quick Pickling and Water-Bath Pickling
How to Can Jam and Jelly
Pressure Canning
How to Pressure Can at Home: Safe Canning Guide for Low-Acid Foods
Drying
Food Dehydrating 101: How to Dry Fruits, Tomatoes, and Peppers Like a Pro
Salting and Brining
A Traditional Guide to Salting, Brining, and Curing Meats at Home
Fermenting
Ferment Your Own Sauerkraut: Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices
A Recipe for Fruit Kvass. An easy, delicious, fermented fruit drink!
Learn to make this tangy, fermented drink with our simple recipe!
