In the dance of kitchen traditions, canning has its own special rhythm. It’s the art of preserving your favorite fruits, vegetables, and even meats, locking in their flavors for enjoyment throughout the year.
Whether you’re an old hand at this or a newbie looking to join the canning bandwagon, there are books to guide you on this journey. Let’s dive into this world of jars, jams, and more!
Classic Canning Books
In the realm of canning, there are some books that have stood the test of time, like old friends guiding us through the seasons.
The “Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving” is a bible for many home canners. It brings together 400 innovative and traditional recipes, from sweet jams and jellies to savory sauces, salsas, and pickles.
- Features hundreds of user-friendly recipes with broad appeal
- The Home Canning Problem Solver, which provides the answers to virtually any canning question
- A produce purchase guide, and an extensive glossary
- Sections include Soft Spreads (jams, fruit butters and marmalades); Fabulous Fruits (pie fillings, sauces and whole fruits); Salsa, Relish and Chutney; Condiments; Tomatoes; and Pickles
- By Kingry and Devine, 10″ x 7″, 448 pp.
Another gem in the world of canning is the “Blue Book Guide to Preserving by Ball”. This is a comprehensive guide that walks you through each step of the canning process, including detailed instructions, recipes, and tips.
- >> This is the new edition, edition 37, published in 2020. It is filled to the brim with more than 75 new recipes.
- Altrista Consumer Products (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 200 Pages – 12/10/2023 (Publication Date) – Ball (Publisher)
“Putting Food By” by Janet Greene, Ruth Hertzberg, and Beatrice Vaughan is another classic that is highly regarded in the canning world. Its pages are packed with reliable and practical information about freezing, drying, and of course, canning.
![[ Putting Food by (Updated) By Greene, Janet ( Author ) Paperback 2010 ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41HxpWOVxKL._SL160_.jpg)
- Janet Greene (Author)
- 01/01/2010 (Publication Date) – Plume Books May-25-2010 (Publisher)
Whether you’re just starting out or have been canning for years, these classic books offer tried and true advice and recipes to help you make the most of your home preserving efforts.
Modern Canning Guides
Even in the old-fashioned world of canning, fresh voices are popping up, adding a contemporary twist to traditional methods.
“Canning for a New Generation: Bold, Fresh Flavors for the Modern Pantry” by Liana Krissoff is one such standout. With its hip, bright, and clear approach, this book not only provides classic recipes but also introduces unique combinations and flavors that a modern palate will love.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Krissoff, Liana (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 867 Pages – 07/05/2016 (Publication Date) – Stewart, Tabori & Chang (Publisher)
For those with a penchant for gourmet tastes, “The Preservation Kitchen: The Craft of Making and Cooking with Pickles, Preserves, and Aigre-doux” by Paul Virant is a must-read. This book celebrates the craft of canning with a chef’s point of view, combining local, seasonal produce into amazing preserves.
![The Preservation Kitchen: The Craft of Making and Cooking with Pickles, Preserves, and Aigre-doux [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61cS8XjLcZL._SL160_.jpg)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Virant, Paul (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 603 Pages – 04/03/2012 (Publication Date) – Ten Speed Press (Publisher)
Canning for Beginners
If you’re new to canning and find the prospect a bit daunting, don’t worry – there are some fantastic resources out there designed just for you!
“Beginner’s Guide to Canning: 90 Easy Recipes to Can, Savor, and Gift” by Diane Devereaux is an excellent place to start. It breaks down the process into easy-to-understand steps and offers a wide variety of recipes to try.
- Devereaux, Diane (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 206 Pages – 05/05/2020 (Publication Date) – Rockridge Press (Publisher)
“Preserving Everything: Can, Culture, Pickle, Freeze, Ferment, Dehydrate, Salt, Smoke…and More!” by Leda Meredith is another excellent choice. The author’s friendly, straightforward writing style takes the fear out of the process, and before you know it, you’ll be canning like a pro!
- Meredith, Leda (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 272 Pages – 08/04/2014 (Publication Date) – Countryman Press (Publisher)
Starting your canning journey with these guides will help you master the basic techniques and gain confidence to experiment with your own recipes.
Specialized Canning Books
Looking to can something specific? You’re in luck! There are plenty of specialized canning books for your unique needs.
For the jam enthusiasts, “The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook” by Rachel Saunders offers a colorful, mouthwatering exploration into making homemade jams and marmalades. The combinations are imaginative and the instructions are easy to follow, perfect for a jam-making novice or expert.
- Saunders, Rachel (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages – 06/13/2017 (Publication Date) – Andrews McMeel Publishing (Publisher)
If you love to grow your own tomatoes, “The Complete Guide to Preserving Your Own Seeds for Your Garden: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply” by Katie A. Murphy is an amazing resource. It not only helps you can your tomato harvest, but also guides you on preserving seeds for next season!
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Murphy, Katie A (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages – 06/20/2011 (Publication Date) – Atlantic Publishing Group Inc. (Publisher)
Canning Recipe Collections
Looking to expand your canning repertoire? A recipe collection can provide a treasure trove of new ideas.
“Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving” by Judi Kingry and Lauren Devine features over 400 delicious and creative recipes. From basics to more gourmet options, it’s a reliable source of inspiration.
- Features hundreds of user-friendly recipes with broad appeal
- The Home Canning Problem Solver, which provides the answers to virtually any canning question
- A produce purchase guide, and an extensive glossary
- Sections include Soft Spreads (jams, fruit butters and marmalades); Fabulous Fruits (pie fillings, sauces and whole fruits); Salsa, Relish and Chutney; Condiments; Tomatoes; and Pickles
- By Kingry and Devine, 10″ x 7″, 448 pp.
“Canning and Preserving for Beginners: The Essential Canning Recipes and Canning Supplies Guide” by Rockridge Press not only provides a range of recipes, but also includes a comprehensive guide on the equipment needed for safe canning.
- Budiaman, Will (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 164 Pages – 06/16/2013 (Publication Date) – Rockridge Press (Publisher)
Conclusion
Canning is a wonderful skill to have, and with the right resources, anyone can master it. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for a new twist on an old classic, or a complete beginner, these books offer a wealth of information. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your canning jar, and let’s get preserving!