In today’s blog post, I’m excited to share with you my 3 favorite canning books. While we all love watching videos about canning, having a reliable set of canning books is indispensable. They are fantastic resources for learning how to can safely and for discovering great recipes. While videos are great, when it comes right down to it, when it’s time to can, reaching for a book with step-by-step instructions is very helpful.
The problem is, with so many canning books on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. So, I’m here to help narrow down your choices with my top picks.
My 3 Favorite Canning Books (Video)
To complement this blog post, I’ve created a detailed video where I delve deeper into my 3 favorite canning books, sharing my personal experiences and why I find them indispensable for both beginner and seasoned canners. Be sure to watch the video below for an in-depth look at each book.
1. The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving
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The first book I want to mention is the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving (Amazon) This was the absolute first book I ever bought when I started canning, and it’s the one I recommend most if you can only get one book.
I didn’t grow up canning, and I don’t personally know anyone who cans, even though I’m sure there must be people nearby who do. When I decided to start canning in my late 50s, I went online and watched videos, but I also purchased this book. It was a godsend, providing a wealth of information that even experienced canners will find helpful.
Getting Started with Canning
The book starts with a “Getting Started” section, including five basic recipes: Strawberry Jam, Mint Jelly, Simple House Pizza, Traditional Corn Relish, and Pickled Vegetable Dill Pickles. These are all water bath recipes, which are great for beginners. The book covers various categories like soft spreads, fruits, salsa, relish, chutney, condiments, pickles, tomatoes, and pressure canning of low-acid foods.
The Art and Science of Home Food Preservation
What makes this book particularly useful is the second section, “The Art and Science of Home Food Preservation.” It covers essential topics like altitude adjustments and includes a “Home Canning Problem Solver” that offers solutions for common canning issues. Additionally, the “Produce Purchase Guide” helps you determine how much produce to buy based on your canning needs.
Wish your canning was more organized? This practical guide + printable toolkit will transform the way you stock your pantry.
👉 See the book on AmazonWhat I Don’t Like About the Book
However, my biggest complaint about this book is its heavy focus on water bath canning. Out of 448 pages, 332 are devoted to water bath canning, and only 29 pages are dedicated to pressure canning. While it provides some information on pressure canning, it’s not comprehensive.
Check out The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving on Amazon.
2. The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving
My next favorite book is The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving (Amazon) This book is visually appealing with slick paper and lots of photos. It covers the basics of canning and more advanced techniques like fermenting, freezing, dehydrating, curing, and smoking.
My Favorite Feature of This Book
One feature I love about this book is the “green sections” which provide easy steps for various canning processes. For example, “Jam in Five Easy Steps” and “Jelly in Five Easy Steps” offer clear instructions and preparation tips for different fruits. There are also sections on canned fruit, fruit butter, salsa, canned tomatoes, refrigerator pickles, simple one-jar meals, and one-jar vegetables, each with straightforward steps and variations.
What I Don’t Like About This Book
A drawback of this book is its limited index, making it hard to find specific information. Like the first book, it’s also heavily focused on water bath canning, with only about 30 pages on pressure canning. Despite these shortcomings, it’s a great resource for water bath canning and offers numerous recipes for using your home-canned food.
Check out The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving on Amazon.
3. Pressure Canning for Beginners and Beyond by Angi Schneider
My favorite book for pressure canning is Pressure Canning for Beginners and Beyond (Amazon) by Angi Schneider. Angi is not associated with any big companies or state extension offices, but she focuses on safe canning practices. While the recipes in this book aren’t officially tested by government agencies, they adhere to safe canning guidelines.
Make every jar count. Learn how to set smart canning goals, track your inventory, and build a pantry your family will love—with the Home Canning Success System.
👉 Check it out on AmazonOne thing that I especially love about this book is that it provides canning recipes that fit with my family’s taste. For instance, there are delicious canning recipes for things like teriyaki chicken, beef street tacos, and refried beans. So far, I’ve been super happy with everything that I’ve canned from this book, and I know when I serve the food, my family will enjoy eating it.
Angi provides solid information on pressure canning, making it a reliable resource for those looking to build a prepper pantry with pressure-canned foods. This book fills the gap left by the other two books, which are more focused on water bath canning.
This book is a great one for those who want to go beyond canning individual ingredients, and want more canning recipes for “real food” that you can reach for any time you want to put a delicious meal on the table in a hurry.
Check out Pressure Canning for Beginners and Beyond on Amazon.
Your All-in-One Canning Companion
The Home Canning Success System is your all-in-one canning companion. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned canner, this book helps you plan, organize, and track your projects with confidence. Ditch the guesswork—preserve with purpose!
Conclusion
In conclusion, while videos and online resources are great, having a set of reliable canning books is invaluable. The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving (Amazon) is perfect for beginners and those looking for comprehensive water bath canning information. The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving (Amazon) offers visually appealing and detailed instructions for a variety of canning processes. Finally, Pressure Canning for Beginners and Beyond (Amazon) by Angi Schneider is an excellent resource for safe pressure canning.
By having these three books in your collection, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle a wide range of canning projects, ensuring your pantry is stocked with delicious and safely preserved foods. Happy canning!
Related Articles
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out these canning articles.
- Pressure Canning Lemon Garlic Green Beans
- Canning Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate in the Nesco Canner
- How to Water Bath Can in the Nesco or Carey Canner
💬 I’d love to hear from you!
Have you tried this yourself? Have a question or tip to share? Leave a comment below — your experience or question could help someone else, too!