The information provided on Preserve Your Garden is intended for general informational and educational purposes. I share food preservation methods, recipes, tips and experiences to help readers learn more about preserving food at home.
Food preservation recommendations and safety guidelines can change as new research becomes available. When canning, fermenting, dehydrating, freezing or otherwise preserving food, always follow current food-safety recommendations and use tested recipes from reliable sources.
For home canning in particular, I recommend consulting current guidelines from trusted sources such as the National Center for Home Food Preservation, the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning, or an appropriate government or university extension food-safety resource.
Home Canning Safety
Home canning requires the correct preservation method, processing time, temperature, jar size and, when applicable, altitude adjustment. Water bath canning is intended for appropriately acidic foods, while low-acid foods generally require pressure canning using a tested recipe and procedure.
Do not change ingredient proportions, processing times or preservation methods in a tested canning recipe unless the source providing the recipe specifically states that the change is safe.
If you are unsure whether a recipe or preservation method is safe, check current recommendations from a recognized food-safety authority before proceeding.
Food Storage and Spoilage
Always inspect preserved food before eating it. Do not taste food from a container that is leaking, bulging, unsealed, spurts liquid or foam when opened, has an unusual appearance, or shows other signs of spoilage.
When in doubt about the safety of preserved food, do not taste it.
Storage times provided on Preserve Your Garden should be considered general guidance unless otherwise stated. Actual storage life can vary depending on the food, preparation method, processing method, packaging, storage temperature and other conditions.
Fermentation, Dehydrating and Other Preservation Methods
Food-safety considerations are not limited to canning. Fermenting, dehydrating, freezing, freeze drying, root cellar storage and other preservation methods also require proper preparation, handling and storage.
Follow current recommendations appropriate to the particular food and preservation method you are using.
Personal Responsibility
Preserve Your Garden cannot control the ingredients, equipment, preparation methods, processing conditions or storage conditions used by individual readers.
By using information from this website, you accept responsibility for following appropriate food-safety practices and determining whether a particular recipe or preservation method is suitable for your circumstances.
The information on Preserve Your Garden is not a substitute for current guidance from qualified food-safety authorities.
Questions About Food Safety
If you are uncertain about the safety of a home-canned or preserved food, do not rely solely on appearance, smell or taste to determine whether it is safe.
Consult a current, reputable food-safety resource or your local food-safety authority before consuming questionable preserved food.
Last updated: September 2026