Best Canning & Preserving Books of 2026

The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving is the ultimate guide for anyone interested in preserving food at home. With over 400 innovative recipes for pickles, sauces, jams, and more, this book has something for everyone. The updated edition includes larger sections on low sugar and fermentation, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen library. The book also provides comprehensive directions on safe canning and preserving methods, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced canners. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who considers canning a way of life.

The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving is a must-have guide for home cooks who want to preserve their garden-fresh produce. With over 350 recipes ranging from classic favorites to new flavors such as Smoked Maple-Juniper Bacon and homemade Kombucha, this book covers all the techniques of canning, pickling, fermenting, freezing, dehydrating, and smoking. The book is thoroughly tested for safety and quality, making it a reliable guide for beginners and advanced home canners alike. The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving is an excellent addition to any kitchen and a classic in the making for a new generation of home cooks.

The Modern Pioneer Cookbook is a must-have for anyone interested in traditional cooking techniques. Mary Bryant Shrader shares her knowledge and experience in creating nutrient-dense meals using seasonal ingredients and traditional methods like canning, fermenting, and drying. The cookbook contains over 85 recipes for bone broths, cultured dairy, fermented vegetables, sourdough bread, and more. The detailed instructions and cooking guidance make it easy for readers of all abilities to cook like a pioneer. The book also provides tips for sourcing ingredients and stocking a traditional foods kitchen. Overall, The Modern Pioneer Cookbook is an excellent resource for anyone looking to cook healthy and delicious meals using traditional techniques.

The Complete Guide to Pressure Canning by The Canning Diva® Diane Devereaux is a comprehensive resource for safely preserving low-acid foods through pressure canning. With over 80 recipes, including stocks, soups, meats, vegetables, and more, readers of all skill levels will learn the science behind safe food preservation and enjoy delicious meals. The book also includes guidance for buying a pressure canner and pressure canning fundamentals. Overall, this book is a must-have for those new to pressure canning as well as seasoned canners looking to expand their recipe collection.

The Prepper’s Canning & Preserving Bible is an 11-in-1 guide and cookbook that offers the best methods to preserve food for any situation, including space! With over 1500 days of coverage, readers will learn effective food preserving and canning methods and strategies with no safety concerns. The book also includes time-saving tips and tricks, and mouth-watering, healthy, and nutrient-dense recipes for fruits, vegetables, soups, meats, and seafood. Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for anyone looking to prepare their pantry for any disaster or catastrophe, while also supporting the environment.

The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook is a great choice for those who want to eat healthily without spending too much time in the kitchen. With over 100 meal prep recipes and tips, the book offers 2-week meal planning templates and shopping tips designed to meet specific nutritional goals, including weight loss and muscle building. What sets this book apart is its focus on clean eating and variety, making it a great resource for busy people who want to cook homemade, healthy meals without eating the same dish every day. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to eat right and eat well.

The Complete Dehydrator Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to home drying, offering readers a variety of affordable and easy-to-follow recipes for dehydrated fruits, vegetables, meats, and more. With over 125 recipes ranging from stews and curries to bread and cookies, this cookbook provides a wealth of options for those looking to preserve seasonal crops or make protein-packed camping snacks. Additionally, the book includes troubleshooting tips and directions on how to dehydrate over 75 different kinds of food. Overall, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone interested in food preservation and a great addition to any kitchen.

The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Katz is a comprehensive guide to do-it-yourself home fermentation. Winner of the James Beard Foundation Book Award for Reference and Scholarship, this New York Times bestseller is the ultimate resource for anyone interested in preserving food through fermentation. The book covers a wide range of topics, from fermenting vegetables and grains to making alcoholic beverages and using fermentation in agriculture and energy production. Katz's writing is clear and informative, making the process of fermentation accessible to beginners while providing insights for experienced practitioners. Overall, The Art of Fermentation is an essential resource for anyone interested in learning about this ancient form of food preservation.

Fermented Vegetables: Creative Recipes for Fermenting 64 Vegetables & Herbs in Krauts, Kimchis, Brined Pickles, Chutneys, Relishes & Pastes is an impressive addition to the growing literature of fermentation, with a thorough review of basic concepts and a great recipe section. The authors provide precise instruction for beginners and then inspire the reader with wonderfully creative ways to use sauerkraut and all its cousins in everything from quiche to enchiladas. This beautifully illustrated book belongs on the shelves of both amateur and professional chefs.

Project Smoke is a complete guide to mastering the art and craft of smoking, with step-by-step instructions and 100 recipes that will take your smoked food game to the next level. From hot-smoking to cold-smoking, rotisserie-smoking, and even smoking with tea and hay, Steven Raichlen covers all the essential techniques and tools. The book also includes full-color photos and recipes for a wide range of dishes, from Smoked Nachos to Smoked Salmon and even Smoked Cheesecake. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves smoked food or wants to learn how to smoke like a pro.