10 Best Canning Books 2025 in the United States

The 'Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving' is a popular choice for anyone interested in home canning, from beginners to more experienced preservers. With 448 pages, the book offers a comprehensive guide to canning that covers a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and more. It includes detailed information on various canning methods such as water bath and pressure canning, making it a versatile resource for different preservation needs.

The recipe variety is impressive, providing numerous options to explore and try out, keeping the canning process exciting and diverse. In terms of instruction clarity, the book is well-regarded for its easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips, which are particularly useful for those new to canning. Safety guidelines are thoroughly covered, ensuring that users can preserve their food safely and effectively, which is a crucial aspect of home canning.

However, the book's large size and weight may make it less portable, and its dense content might be overwhelming for absolute beginners who prefer more visual or simplified guides. Despite these minor drawbacks, it remains a highly recommended resource for anyone serious about home preserving.

The Complete Guide to Pressure Canning is tailored for those interested in preserving a wide range of foods, from meats to vegetables, using the pressure canning method. It's a comprehensive resource that covers an array of canning methods and offers a substantial variety of recipes, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced canners looking to expand their skills. The book is well-structured, providing clear instructions and detailed safety guidelines, which are crucial for those new to pressure canning. Safety is emphasized throughout, ensuring that readers can confidently engage in home canning without concerns about spoilage or contamination.

However, the book might be a bit daunting for complete novices, as it is densely packed with information. The hardcover format and 240-page length make it a physically hefty book, which could be cumbersome for some readers. While it covers a broad spectrum of foods, those looking for specific niche recipes or more advanced techniques might find the offering somewhat limited.

In essence, this guide serves as a solid foundation for anyone looking to delve into pressure canning, providing the necessary tools and knowledge to can safely and effectively. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who are keen to explore diverse canning options and need a reliable reference to guide them through the process.

The Farmhouse Culture Guide to Fermenting is a well-rounded cookbook that suits both beginners and those with some experience in fermenting foods. With 100 recipes covering a wide variety of live-cultured foods and drinks like kimchi and kombucha, it offers plenty of choices for anyone wanting to explore fermenting beyond basic canning. The book focuses specifically on fermentation methods rather than traditional canning techniques, so it may not cover water bath or pressure canning in detail.

Instructions are clear and approachable, making it easier to follow even if you're new to fermenting. Safety guidelines are included, which is important when working with live cultures to avoid spoilage or contamination. The 368 pages provide a good mix of background information and practical recipes, making it a strong resource for those interested in the health benefits and flavor variety fermentation offers.

If your main interest is classic canning of fruits, vegetables, or jams, this book might not fully meet those needs since it leans heavily on fermentation. It is an excellent choice for anyone eager to try making probiotic-rich fermented foods at home with clear guidance and recipe variety.