It’s hard to believe it’s been over six years since a pivotal moment changed my perspective on providing for my family. At the time, we were struggling to make ends meet and were responsible for feeding three young children. The pressure was mounting as I grappled with how to ensure a healthy diet for my loved ones without breaking the bank. My mother-in-law’s suggestion about food preservation came at just the right moment.
Prior to that, I had never given much thought to preserving my own food, having grown up in urban environments where access to grocery stores was readily available. But once I delved into the world of self-sufficiency and food preservation, I was captivated by its potential to transform our lives. For those who share my interest in this area, let me outline some of the key methods for preserving food that have been instrumental in our journey.
Food Preservation Methods
Drying
Starting a food preservation journey? You’re off to a great start with the basics! A food dehydrator is all you need to get started. This method is straightforward – simply lay out the food in the dehydrator and wait until it’s completely dry. If you’re eager to try your hand at drying your own food, check out these recipes: Dehydrated Blueberries are a great place to start if you love blueberry pie. By preserving them this way, you can enjoy them without worrying about spoilage.
Plus, they’re easy to store in a mason jar with a screwtop lid. Other dehydrating options include Sundried Tomatoes, which will allow you to create your own fresh sundried tomatoes at home. This recipe is perfect for those who love the flavor and convenience of sundried tomatoes without the cost. Finally, Dehydrated Marshmallows are a fun twist on a classic treat. Imagine being able to add homemade marshmallows to your cereal anytime you like – it’s a game-changer!
Jugging
Jugging, an ancient method of food preservation, had lost its appeal by the 20th century. But before we move on from the past, let’s delve into what jugging entails. Essentially, it’s a multi-step process that starts with hunting game and bringing it back home. The next step is to place the freshly caught animal or fish in an earthenware pot or casserole dish, followed by covering the meat in a mixture of gravy, broth, or even the animal’s own blood.
Once the dish is prepared, it’s sealed, creating an environment that allows for some preservation. Although this method may not seem like a sustainable solution for long-term food storage, it can provide a temporary reprieve if you’re unable to consume the entire animal in one sitting. Unfortunately, as jugging has largely fallen out of use, there are no recipes to share on this topic.
Jellying
When it comes to preserving food, many people think of methods like canning or freezing, but making jelly is another effective way to enjoy your harvest for months to come. If you’re ever overwhelmed with fruits or vegetables, consider turning them into a delicious homemade jelly that your family will love. Not only does it allow you to use up an abundance of produce, but it also creates a tasty treat that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
One of the biggest differences between jellies and jams is that jam typically leaves seeds in the mixture, whereas jelly works hard to remove them. This summer, why not try making some watermelon jelly? It’s a simple recipe that can be adapted into a jam or jelly, making it perfect for using up a bounty of watermelon.
Another favorite recipe of mine is blackberry jelly. I’ve made it with my mother-in-law for years, and now I continue the tradition out of habit if nothing else.
As you’re preparing for summer, keep this recipe in mind when the blackberries are ripe and ready to be picked.
Sugar
Sugar plays a crucial role in preserving food, especially when it comes to fruits and their byproducts. A common practice is to dip fruit rinds or other organic matter into large quantities of sugar, cooking them until they crystallize. This process allows for dry storage, keeping the preserved goods fresh for a longer period. Similar methods are employed by various cultures, where fruits are dipped in honey instead of sugar, achieving an extended shelf life.
However, it’s essential to exercise caution when using these preservation techniques, as they may not be suitable for all types of food or individuals.
Root Cellar
Without relying on recipes or specialized equipment, some foods can be preserved using a straightforward yet effective method. One such approach involves utilizing vegetables like carrots, onions, potatoes, and other root vegetables by storing them in a cool, dark location beneath the ground. This method also lends itself well to preserving apples and tomatoes, as long as they are properly wrapped or separated to prevent bruising or rot from occurring.
Potting
One traditional British approach to food preservation is known as potting. This method involves sealing meat in a container with a small quantity of liquid, effectively preventing the growth of microorganisms and spoilage. The technique has gained popularity beyond Britain’s borders, with larger industries adopting similar methods. For instance, canned goods like Spam, often referred to as ‘potted’ or ‘canned’ meat, are now widely available in stores.
Freezing
Freezing is an effective method for preserving a wide range of foods, from dairy products and meats to fruits and vegetables. Next time you’re at the grocery store and spot discounted items that are near their expiration dates, consider stocking up and freezing them instead of letting them go to waste. By doing so, you can enjoy your favorite foods throughout the year. For instance, you can freeze blanched fruits and vegetables in airtight bags to extend their shelf life.
Similarly, meatloaf made from freshly cooked ground beef or pork can be frozen for later use. In fact, freezing is an excellent way to meal prep for busy nights when cooking might not be feasible. And who knows, you might just find yourself with an abundance of zucchini or squash during the summer months! If that’s the case, don’t worry about them going bad – simply follow a simple tutorial on how to freeze them and enjoy their freshness again come winter.
Pickling
One of my favorite hobbies is pickling, and I’m excited to share my passion with you. The process involves combining sugar, vinegar, and boiling water, then simmering everything together. Next, you’ll pack your chosen ingredients into a jar and cover them with the liquid mixture. This preserves the food and helps extend its shelf life.
While I have a few favorite pickling subjects – jalapenos, banana peppers, cucumbers, and radishes are among my top picks – I encourage you to experiment and find what works best for you. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are two recipes to get you started: The Best Dill Pickles, which yields a tangy and delicious snack or accompaniment; and Fridge Pickled Jalapeno Peppers, which allows you to enjoy the spicy flavor of jalapenos without the heat becoming overwhelming.
Simply let the peppers pickle in the fridge, eliminating the need for canning equipment.
Salting
The concept of salting foods has been around for centuries, with references dating back to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book. One common method of preservation was to cover meats in generous amounts of salt and hang them in the barn to cure. This traditional technique still holds value today, particularly in areas where temperatures remain cold enough to prevent meat from rotting. The art of salt curing is a valuable skill to possess, as it allows for the production of high-quality meats like ham.
Not only can this method provide a unique taste experience, but it also serves as a means of preserving food for future consumption. The recipe below shares the process of salt curing a ham, which offers a tangible way to connect with the past while producing an exceptional product. Beyond meat preservation, salting foods has other uses. For instance, egg yolks can be preserved in salt to create a cheese-like substance.
This unusual method might pique curiosity at first, but the resulting flavor profile is surprisingly appealing, especially for those who appreciate strong cheeses.
Smoking
When it comes to preserving food, smoking is another timeless method that still holds its own in modern times. For those who raise their own meat, having the skill to create smoke-flavored meats can be a valuable asset. To get started, here are some recipes to help you master the art of smoking: The Smoked Turkey, for instance, is an excellent way to mix things up on Thanksgiving. By giving your turkey a smoky twist, you’ll not only impress your guests but also tantalize their taste buds.
With its irresistible aroma and flavorsome goodness, this smoked turkey recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Vacuum Sealing
Preserving your food through vacuum sealing is a simple and effective method that requires minimal effort. All you need is a vacuum sealer and some bags to store your food. To get started, simply place the food in the bags and seal them using the machine. While it’s true that vacuum-sealed food typically needs to be frozen to prevent spoilage, utilizing this technique can help prevent freezer burn from occurring.
Canning
Canning is my go-to method for preserving food, and I’m not alone in that preference. The simplicity of the process is a major draw – it’s incredibly easy to recreate store-bought canned goods at home. When faced with excess food, rather than letting it go to waste or spoil, I like to think creatively about how I can incorporate those ingredients into my favorite recipes. By cooking and then canning those dishes, I’m essentially preserving a taste of the past for months to come. The best part?
It’s not just about saving time – it’s also about having control over the quality and freshness of the food I eat. And let’s be real, there’s something satisfying about knowing exactly what’s in your canned goods and how they were prepared. Of course, canning isn’t a solo endeavor – try these recipes to help you get started: Homemade Applesauce is a personal favorite, as it allows me to enjoy the fruits of my labor (pun intended) at any time, without the hassle of last-minute prep.
Simply put, once you’ve mastered the art of canning, the possibilities are endless.
