Canning and Preserving Books

If you're like me, you're probably looking for some good canning and preserving books! When we first started, we felt like we desperately needed a written guide, a manual, anything to give us some direction on how to can.

Since we didn't have anyone who could teach us, it was absolutely necessary that we have a good canning book.

Thankfully, we found several that provided good, solid information on basic canning questions. And I keep coming back to them, years after we've already learned to can.

Below are several good canning and preserving books. Some of them we own, others we don't; but they're all great canning and preserving books with practical information. I hope you find a "gem" in one of them - I think every canner needs a guidebook! :-)

Recommended Canning and Preserving Books

Canning For Dummies, by Karen Ward.

This is a great book that gives a solid foundation for the beginner canner. It was one of the first books we bought while we were learning to can!

Okay, even if you're not a dummy, the name certainly describes the book. Canning for Dummies gave us a good, basic understanding on the ins-and-outs of canning; plus it has a lot of great recipes, as well. Pretty much any question you have will be covered in this book!

Inside you'll find clear, hands-on instruction in the basic techniques for everything from freezing and pickling to drying and juicing. There's plenty of information on the latest equipment for creating and storing your own healthy foods.

Encyclopedia Of Country Living by Carla Emery.

I HAVE to give this book a big thumbs-up, simply because it is the most exhaustive, detailed, informative book I know of on just about any country subject - including canning. We have the 9th addition, but since we bought it, they have come out with the 10th edition. I'm sure it has even more information in it than the one we have!

In the 10th edition of this timeless book, Carla not only gives detailed instructions on canning; she also gives instructions on pretty much any topic related to the country life.

If you're a country gal (like me), than this is the book for you. I promise you, you won't be disapointed! It's a bit more expensive than any of us would like, but well worth every penny you spend on it.

By the way, if by now you're wondering just how much canning information this book really has in it, don't worry. This book covers all the basics and more.

Ball Blue Book of Preserving 2009 edition

I have heard great things about this book. I don't personally own a copy of it, but I do know that it is one of the best canning and preserving books out there!

People everywhere are saying that this is "THE" canning book. It provides various charts on canning methods, plenty of delicious recipes, as well as processing times for different foods.

Others are raving about it - why not try it? And when you do, let me know how you like it!

Preserving Summer's Bounty by by Rodale Food Center and Susan McClure

This book covers pretty much everything you'll need to know about preserving food - including freezing, drying, and canning. It takes you step by step from the harvesting process, right into the actual preserving process.

Here's a review from a happy customer:

"Preserving Summer's Bounty is a treasure trove of sage advice and enticing recipes. It's a delightful book that will let you enjoy your garden's harvest all year long."--Carol Hupping, Editor of Stocking Up III

Another great guide to canning! This book covers both the preparation and canning of unique foods, like salsas, marmalades, butters, soups, pickles, and chutneys.

But what sets this book apart from all the others is the photographs. Whereas most canning books have illustrations or drawings, this books contains lots of real photos.

The photographs in this book include the complete canning process, prize winning jars, equipment, and even some examples of spoiled food. Plus, USDA recommendations all the way through!

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