Canning Book

A good canning book is the most important tool you may need.

There are other preserving methods books available as well. Dehydrating information is also included in many preserving books. A good book will have up to date canning methods and processing information.

It is recommended that you not depend on a book that is more than 10 yrs old.

There are books specializing on just pickling or jam and jelly making. These are great if you want to specialize in these areas.

Go to your local library and check some books out to get a feel for what they have included. Try out some recipes.

A basic book like the ones i've listed below are a really a good idea to have on hand on your own shelf. These two are my favorites from my shelf.

The Ball Blue Book

Before all the canning equipment and all the food you want to preserve, this book is one of the first things you should get for your recipe bookshelf.

It has all the basics and safety information and many many recipes as well.

Chapters include

Learning About Canning
High-Acid Foods
Soft Spreads
Pickled Foods
Low-Acid Foods
Special Diet
Something Extra (condiments, spreads and salsas)
Freezing
Dehydrating
Planning Guide

With sections on common problems, a glossary and Index this is a thorough book.

canning book

Big Book of Preserving the Harvest

Another preserving book that I own and use regularly is the Big Book of Preserving the Harvest.

It has the same safety information that the Blue Ball Book has as well as many more canning recipes.
Chapters include,