Canning’s a great way to preserve your garden’s bounty or snag deals on seasonal produce. But safety is key. Botulism is no joke, and a reliable guide is essential to avoid it. I’ve been canning for years, and a good book is still my go-to resource for new recipes and techniques. So, I’ve rounded up the best canning books out there to help you get started (or improve your skills) with confidence.
Here’s a quick look at my top picks:
- Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving: The bible of canning, with a huge range of recipes and clear instructions.
- The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving: Updated version of a classic, with modern recipes and techniques.
- Foolproof Preserving: A Guide to Small Batch Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Condiments, and More: Perfect for beginners or those who want to make smaller batches.
- Preserving by the Pint: Quick Seasonal Recipes for Small Batches: Another great option for small-batch canning, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- The Amish Canning Cookbook: Plain and Simple Recipes for Jams, Relishes, Pickles, Salsas, Sauces, and Syrups: Traditional recipes with a focus on simple ingredients and techniques.
Top 5 Best Books on Canning
1. Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving
This book is widely considered the gold standard for home canning. It’s comprehensive, covering everything from basic techniques to advanced recipes. If you only buy one canning book, this should be it.
Pros:
- ✅ Huge variety of recipes, from jams and jellies to pickles and sauces.
- ✅ Clear, step-by-step instructions with detailed illustrations.
- ✅ Updated information on food safety and canning techniques.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be overwhelming for beginners due to its size and scope.
- ❌ Some recipes may require specialized equipment.
- ❌ Occasionally, the recipe instructions can be a bit lengthy.
Verdict: The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving is a must-have for any serious canner, beginner or experienced. It’s a reliable and comprehensive resource that will guide you through every step of the canning process.
2. The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving
Consider this the updated and slightly streamlined cousin of the “Complete Book.” It keeps the best of the original while adding new recipes and reflecting current canning advice. It’s like the classic, but with a modern twist.
Pros:
- ✅ Features updated recipes and techniques for today’s home canner.
- ✅ Includes a helpful guide to selecting the right equipment and ingredients.
- ✅ Beautiful photography that makes you want to start canning immediately.
Cons:
- ❌ Some users may prefer the even more extensive recipe selection of the original “Complete Book.”
- ❌ May not be necessary if you already own a recent edition of the “Complete Book.”
- ❌ Assumes some basic canning knowledge.
Verdict: A fantastic choice if you’re new to canning or want a modern update to the classic Ball canning guide. It’s well-organized and easy to follow.
3. Foolproof Preserving: A Guide to Small Batch Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Condiments, and More
This book is ideal if you’re intimidated by large-batch canning. It focuses on smaller yields, which is great for trying new recipes or using up small amounts of produce. I personally love this because it stops me from wasting food!
Pros:
- ✅ Perfect for beginners or those who want to make smaller batches.
- ✅ Features creative and unique recipes, like spicy ketchup and pickled grapes.
- ✅ Emphasizes seasonal ingredients and flavors.
Cons:
- ❌ Not suitable for those who need to preserve large quantities of food.
- ❌ Some recipes may require unusual ingredients.
- ❌ Fewer traditional recipes compared to the Ball books.
Verdict: Foolproof Preserving is a great choice for adventurous cooks who want to experiment with small-batch canning. It’s fun, inspiring, and perfect for using up whatever you have on hand.
4. Preserving by the Pint: Quick Seasonal Recipes for Small Batches
Similar to “Foolproof Preserving,” this book specializes in small-batch recipes. The focus here is on seasonal produce, with recipes organized by season. It’s a great way to make the most of your local farmer’s market.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent for using up seasonal produce in small quantities.
- ✅ Offers a wide variety of recipes, from jams and jellies to pickles and chutneys.
- ✅ Includes helpful tips on selecting and preparing seasonal ingredients.
Cons:
- ❌ May not be comprehensive enough for experienced canners.
- ❌ Some recipes require specialized equipment or ingredients.
- ❌ Limited information on basic canning techniques.
Verdict: Preserving by the Pint is a wonderful resource for those who want to can seasonally and in small batches. It’s inspiring, practical, and perfect for preserving the flavors of each season.
5. The Amish Canning Cookbook: Plain and Simple Recipes for Jams, Relishes, Pickles, Salsas, Sauces, and Syrups
If you’re looking for simple, straightforward canning recipes, this is the book for you. It features traditional Amish recipes with a focus on basic ingredients and techniques. Think comforting, classic flavors.
Pros:
- ✅ Features simple, easy-to-follow recipes with minimal ingredients.
- ✅ Emphasizes traditional canning techniques and flavors.
- ✅ A great resource for beginners or those who prefer classic recipes.
Cons:
- ❌ May not appeal to those looking for more adventurous or unique recipes.
- ❌ Limited information on modern canning techniques and food safety.
- ❌ Recipes might be too basic for experienced canners.
Verdict: The Amish Canning Cookbook is a solid choice for those who want to learn traditional canning techniques and create classic preserves. It’s simple, reliable, and perfect for beginners or those who appreciate traditional flavors.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right canning book depends on your experience level and what you want to preserve. Here are a few things to consider:
- Your experience level: Are you a beginner or an experienced canner? If you’re new to canning, look for a book with detailed instructions and clear explanations of basic techniques. The Ball books are great for this.
- The types of foods you want to preserve: Do you want to make jams and jellies, pickles, sauces, or something else? Some books specialize in certain types of preserves.
- The size of batches you want to make: Do you want to make large batches or small batches? If you prefer small batches, look for a book like “Foolproof Preserving” or “Preserving by the Pint.”
- The ingredients you want to use: Do you want to use seasonal ingredients or year-round ingredients? Some books focus on seasonal ingredients, while others offer recipes for a wider variety of ingredients.
- Food safety: Make sure the book you choose follows current USDA guidelines for safe canning practices.
FAQs
Q: Is canning safe?
Yes, canning is safe as long as you follow proper procedures and use tested recipes from a reliable source, like the books mentioned above. Always follow USDA guidelines to prevent botulism.
Q: What equipment do I need to start canning?
You’ll need a water bath canner or pressure canner (depending on what you’re canning), jars, lids, rings, a jar lifter, a wide-mouth funnel, and other basic kitchen equipment. The books usually list everything you need.
Q: What’s the difference between water bath canning and pressure canning?
Water bath canning is used for high-acid foods like fruits, jams, and pickles. Pressure canning is used for low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, and poultry. Low-acid foods require higher temperatures to kill botulism spores.
Q: Can I reuse canning lids?
No, you should only use canning lids once. The sealing compound on the lid is only effective for one use. Rings, however, can be reused.
Q: How do I know if my jars have sealed properly?
After processing, the lids should be concave and not flex when pressed. If a jar doesn’t seal within 24 hours, you can reprocess it with a new lid or store it in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Canning is a rewarding way to preserve food and enjoy the flavors of the season year-round. A good canning book is an essential tool for both beginners and experienced canners. Each of the books listed above offers something unique, so choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences. Happy canning!
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