Home Food Preservation – 13 Easy Ways to Preserve Food at Home

Here at Secret Life of Homesteaders, we believe learning about home food preservation is essential to a successful homestead. That’s why today we are sharing 13 easy ways to preserve food at home.

The good news is, this is a skill you can learn no matter how much homesteading space you have!

Preserving food at home is a great way to save money and make sure you always have access to healthy, delicious ingredients.

It can also help reduce food waste by extending the life of your groceries. With just a few simple techniques, you can easily learn how to preserve foods in your own kitchen.

In this article, we’ll discuss 13 easy ways to preserve food at home so that you can enjoy it for weeks or even months after purchase. From traditional methods like freezing and dehydrating to new techniques such as fermentation and pickling, there are plenty of ways to keep your favorite foods fresh all year round!

Why Preserve Food at Home?

As someone who has a mild obsession with food storage and being prepared for the future, I am always looking to learn new ways for preserving and storing food well.

Preserving food at home might seem like an intimidating task, but it’s actually quite simple and rewarding. Not only does it allow you to stock up on seasonal produce all year round, but it’s also a sustainable way to reduce food waste and save money on groceries.

Preserving food at home can be an eco-friendly and economical way to make the most of your groceries or your garden harvest.

Plus, there’s something magical about opening up a jar of preserved fruits or veggies that you made yourself.

When you dive into home food preservation, you can experiment with different flavor combinations that you are your household will love, and you can create unique gifts for friends and family.

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Plus, if you’re a fan of traditional cooking methods or specialty ingredients, or even if you’re not, preserving food at home allows you to make them yourself rather than relying on store-bought options. Who doesn’t love a little bit of food security?

So why not roll up your sleeves, put on some tunes, and give food preservation a try? Your taste buds (and bank account) will thank you.

What Are Some Methods For Preserving Food?

Here are just a few of the most popular modern methods of food preservation.

1. Canning- including water bath canning, steam canning, and pressure canning
2. Dehydration
3. Preservation with yeast
4. Preserving in oil
5. Preserving in salt
6. Immersion in alcohol
7. Vinegar Pickling
8. Root cellar storage
9. Freezing
10. Freeze drying
11. Artificial Food Additives

Have you tried any of these methods for preserving food? Which one has been your favorite?

Which Food Preservation Method Is Best?

Picture this: it’s the middle of summer, and you just harvested a bountiful crop from your garden. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are overflowing in your baskets.

But what do you do with all this produce before it goes bad?

You could freeze it, can it, dry it, or even ferment it.

 

Each food preservation method has its own unique perks, but which one reigns supreme? Well, that all depends on your personal preferences, what it is exactly you are planning to preserve, and what you plan to use the preserved food for. It also depends on your available storage space and your intended time commitment.

For example – Are you looking for a quick and easy way to keep fruits and veggies fresh, or are you willing to invest time and effort into a long-term storage solution? Do you have a ton of extra freezers or is your freezer space limited to the upper half of your refrigerator?

There are so many available food preservation methods and techniques and there really is no one size fits all. You’re likely to dive into several different food preservation techniques

Regardless of your choice, one thing is for sure: with the right preservation method, you can enjoy the fresh flavors of summer all year round!

Canning

Canning is like bottling up summer and being able to enjoy it all year round. It’s a way of preserving fresh fruits and vegetables by sealing them in air-tight jars, making them last longer without the need for refrigeration.

This method of food preservation dates back to the early 1800s (actually, 1795) when Napoleon Bonaparte offered a prize to whoever could develop a way to keep food fresh for his army. Since then, canning has become a popular way to store food and even make delicious jams and pickles.

Whether you’re an experienced canner or just starting to dip your toes into this art form, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as opening up a jar of homemade canned goods and sharing the flavors and memories of summer with loved ones.

Just be sure to follow the temperature and cooking instructions for the canned foods you are planning on working with. Unsafe canning practices can result in very dangerous situations.

Water Bath Canning

What is water bath canning?

Picture this: a cozy kitchen on a crisp fall day, the sounds of canning jars clinking together in the background, and the delightful scent of ripe fruits and vegetables wafting from a pot on the stove.

This is the world of water bath canning, an art steeped in tradition that has been passed down for generations. But what exactly is it?

 

In a nutshell (or a jar, rather), water bath canning is the process of preserving foods by immersing them in boiling water.

This method of canning ensures that harmful bacteria are killed off, allowing your canned goods to last for months on end. From jams and jellies to pickles and relishes, water bath canning is a versatile technique that can bring a taste of summer to your table all year round.

Steam Canning

Steam canning, the name itself conjures up images of a magical process, doesn’t it? Well, it isn’t magic but it’s a game-changer for sure!

Steam canning is a safe and efficient process of preserving food.

The traditional way of canning involves boiling water and submerging the jars in it for a specific time, but steam canning simplifies the canning process by using steam instead of water.

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Steam canning is perfect for those who are short on time, lack the equipment, or do not have the experience. It’s easy, fast, and a perfect way to ensure that your favorite fruits and vegetables are available to you throughout the year.

If you want to try your hand at steam canning, all you need is a pot with a tight-fitting lid, a canning rack to place the jars on, and of course, mason jars.

Pressure Canning

Pressure canning is a method of preserving food that has been around for quite some time. It’s a process that involves using high pressure to seal food in jars and containers, thus preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.

With pressure canning, you can flavor your food to your heart’s content, whether it’s with herbs, spices, or a little bit of honey. The possibilities are endless!

And the best part? You can enjoy your favorite fruits and veggies and even meats all year round. Because of the higher temperatures that pressure canning achieves, this is the safest way to do home canning meats.

So if you’re looking to up your food preservation game, pressure canning might just be the way to go.

Can I Use A Pressure Canner For Water Bath Canning?

Yes, you can absolutely do a water bath inside of your pressure canner. All you need to do is make sure your jars are covered but your lid is not screwed down tight.

You want the heat that comes with the boiling water but you do not want to build up too much pressure if your goal is water bath canning.

Preserving Food By Dehydration

Have you ever wondered how to make your favorite fruits and vegetables last longer, without having to dive into the world of canned food? Dehydration might just be the solution you’ve been searching for.

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This preservation method involves removing water from food, allowing it to be stored for months without spoiling. Not only does dehydration extend the shelf life of your favorite snacks, dehydrating food also concentrates the flavor, resulting in a delicious and nutritious treat that’s perfect for on-the-go snacking.

And the dehydration method of food preservation is not just limited to fruits and veggies – you can even preserve meats, grains, and herbs through dehydration.

So next time you find yourself with a surplus of produce, consider dehydrating it for a tasty and cost-effective snack that will last for months, or, when stored properly, even years!

Food dehydration is often accomplished with electric food dehydrators but you can also dehydrate certain foods yourself in your oven. Just be sure to look up the temperatures and food safety tips for the specific food drying goals you have. (i.e. bananas and chicken will each have drastically different temperatures and drying times.)

Preserving Food With Yeast

Preserving food is something that humans have been doing for thousands of years. One of the easiest and most effective ways to preserve food is by using yeast.

This magical ingredient not only adds flavor and texture to various recipes, but it also acts as a natural preservative.

 

Yeast works by consuming sugar and producing carbon dioxide, which creates an environment that is unfavorable for harmful bacteria to grow in.

This process is what makes bread rise and turns grapes into wine. But yeast can also be used to preserve food like pickles, and even fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.

With yeast, you can enjoy the taste of fresh, homemade food all year round.

Preserving Food In Oil

Preserving food is an age-old practice that’s been carried on for centuries. However, preserving food in oil is a method that’s picked up popularity only in recent years. It’s a perfect way to keep food for longer periods without adding any chemical preservatives.

All you need to do is drop your favorite veggies, fruits, fresh herbs, or meats into a jar full of extra virgin olive oil, and voila! You have flavors that are intense and ingredients that are preserved for several weeks.

Just be sure to keep your oil-preserved foods in the fridge or freezer as this food preservation technique is not approved for long-term storage on the shelf. You will experience food spoilage via bacterial growth or microbial growth if you try and store oil-preserved foods on the shelf long term.

You can use the same oil for cooking too, which means you won’t just preserve but also enhance the flavors of your dish. Whether it’s pickled onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or a spicy jar of pickled jalapenos, many preppers and foodies are ditching traditional methods of preservation for oil.

Preserving Food In Salt

One of the oldest and most effective ways to preserve food is by salting it. This food preparation method has been used for centuries, and for good reason.

By adding salt to food, it inhibits the growth of bacteria that can cause spoilage.

Plus, the salt helps draw out moisture from the food, which also aids in preservation. It’s a simple yet highly effective technique that can be used for a variety of foods, from meat and fish to fruits and vegetables.

 

Preserving food in salt may seem like an ancient and outdated method, but don’t knock it until you try it. Salting food adds a unique flavor to your food that is hard to replicate with other food preservation methods. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce waste and use up some excess produce from your garden or farmer’s market.

Immersion In Alcohol As A Food Preservation Method

When it comes to preserving food, there are a variety of methods to choose from – but have you ever considered immersion in alcohol?

While it may sound unconventional, immersing fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, or meats in a high-proof alcohol can actually be very effective at preventing bacterial growth and decay.

This method has been used for centuries, particularly in certain cultures or regions where alcohol is a common ingredient.

While it may not be the most practical or feasible preservation method for everyday use, it sure is interesting to think about.

Vinegar Pickling

Vinegar pickling is truly an art form. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, the beauty of pickling lies in the endless possibilities.

Vinegar pickling is the process of preserving food in a solution of vinegar and water, along with spices and seasonings, to create a uniquely flavorful and crunchy treat.

The tangy and zesty flavor can complement a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches to even a charcuterie board.

 

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into perfectly pickled vegetables or fruit, knowing that you created this elevated taste experience. And the fun doesn’t stop at just pickling cucumbers. Experiment with different vegetables and fruits to find your own unique flavor combinations.

Root Cellar Storage Of Cool Storage

Root Cellar storage is one of the oldest and most effective ways to preserve food. This method was traditionally used by farmers and homesteaders to store root vegetables, fruits, and other perishables over long periods of time through the winter season.

The key to success with this method lies in finding an underground area that can maintain a consistent temperature and oxygen levels.

Root cellars can be built above or below ground, but both need to provide the right environment for food preservation.

Once these conditions are met, your harvest will keep fresh and stay edible over extended periods of time – a true blessing! Plus, root cellaring is an incredibly sustainable solution that will help reduce food waste and overall energy consumption.

And, if done correctly, it won’t take up much space in your home. Win-win!

Freezing Foods

One of the easiest methods of preserving food is freezing. Popping food into your freezer will extend the shelf life by up to a year or more, all with little to no effort on your part!

With most foods that you turn into frozen food, all you really have to watch out for is freezer burn. This happens when air comes into contact with the food and it starts to dry out.

In order to prevent this from happening, use airtight freezer containers or bags and never refreeze food once it’s been thawed.

Freeze Drying

Freeze drying is a great way to preserve food for long periods of time. This method involves freezing the food, then rapidly reducing the pressure and temperature in order to vaporize any remaining moisture which preserves food well.

The end product is a lightweight and nutrient-rich food that can be stored at room temperature without refrigeration.

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Plus, freeze drying preserves the flavor and texture of food more effectively than other preservation methods, making it a great way to store your favorite foods for later.

This method is particularly useful for fruits and vegetables with high water content, like berries or tomatoes, as the process will help maintain their original texture and taste even after months or years in storage.

Artificial Food Additives

If you’re looking for an easy way to extend the shelf life of your food, consider using artificial food additives.

Adding a bit of preservative or antimicrobial agent to help reduce spoilage is a common practice among commercial food producers and can be useful for home cooks as well.

This method is especially great for extending the shelf life of high-moisture products, such as breads, cakes, and other baked goods.

Just be sure to use them in moderation, as too much of a good thing can lead to unhealthy results!

And remember: always read labels carefully when using artificial additives to make sure you’re using the correct amount for your food.

These methods are just a few of the many ways to preserve food at home! With a bit of research and experimentation, you can find the perfect preservation method for your needs.

Have fun exploring and discovering new techniques – happy preserving!