The learning Libraries
Food Preservation Library
Practical beginner-friendly guides and resources for five different food preservation methods: water-bath canning, pressure canning, dehydrating, freeze-drying, and Mylar bagging.
The Library
Everything You Need to Preserve Food Long-Term
This library covers the four core methods of food preservation: canning, dehydrating, Mylar bagging, and freeze-drying. Each one is taught from scratch, with no experience assumed and no equipment gatekeeping. Whether you’re stocking a pantry for winter or building a long-term food supply, you’ll find a method here that fits your kitchen and your budget.
Start with the method that appeals to you most, or work through them in order. There’s no wrong place to begin.
The Methods
Choose Your Preservation Method
Each method has its strengths. Find the one that fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your goals.
Canning
Water-bath and pressure canning for shelf-stable jars of fruits, vegetables, jams, and broths.
Dehydrating
Remove moisture from fruits, vegetables, and herbs with a simple dehydrator or your oven. Lightweight, affordable, and beginner-friendly.
Mylar Bagging
Seal dry goods with oxygen absorbers for up to 25 years of shelf life. One of the most cost-effective long-term storage methods.
Freeze-Drying
Lock in 97% of a food’s nutrition and flavor for 25+ years. The gold standard for long-term food preservation.
Quick Reference
Compare Food Preservation Methods
Not sure which method is right for you? Use this table to compare the four preservation methods side by side so you can choose the one that fits your kitchen, budget, and goals.
| Method | Best For | Shelf Life | Upfront Cost | Skill Level | Equipment Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canning | Fruits, vegetables, jams, broths | 1–5 years | Low–Medium ($30–$150) | Beginner–Intermediate | Water bath canner or pressure canner, jars, lids |
| Dehydrating | Fruits, vegetables, herbs, jerky | 1–4 years | Low ($40–$100) | Beginner | Food dehydrator or oven |
| Mylar Bagging | Dry goods (grains, legumes, flour) | Up to 25 years | Very Low ($20–$50) | Beginner | Mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, heat sealer |
| Freeze Drying | Almost any food including dairy & eggs | 25+ years | High ($2,000–$5,000) | Intermediate | Home freeze dryer |
Where to Begin
Recommended Reading Path
New to food preservation? Follow this path to build your skills and confidence one topic at a time.
What is Food Preservation?
Food preservation is more than simply storing food for later. Learn the basics of food preservation, why it matters, and how different preservation methods help extend the life of the food you grow, buy and prepare.
Recommended First Read: What is Food Preservation?
Why Every Homesteader Should Learn to Preserve Food
Preserving food can help you reduce waste, stretch your grocery budget, build a more prepared pantry, and make the most of what you grow. Discover why food preservation is such an important part of a more self-reliant homestead.
Recommended First Read: Why Every Homesteader Should Learn to Preserve Food
How to Choose a Food Preservation Method
Canning, dehydrating, Mylar bagging, and freeze-drying all have their place. Learn what to consider when choosing a preservation method based on the food, your available space, equipment, budget, and how you plan to use it.
Recommended First Read: How to Choose a Food Preservation Method
Free Download
Which Food Preservation Method is Right for You?
Not sure whether canning, dehydrating, Mylar bagging, or freeze-drying is the best fit for you? Use this free guide to compare your options and find the preservation method that makes the most sense for your homestead.
Download the Free Guide: Which Food Preservation Method is Right for You?
Featured Guides
Featured Food Preservation Guides
Practical, step-by-step guides to help you preserve food at home with confidence, no previous experience necessary. Written as complete resources for beginners.
Canning
Canning Basics
Water-bath and pressure canning are one of the safest and most accessible ways to preserve foods at home. This guide walks you through every step for both methods from choosing jars to achieving a proper seal.
Dehydrating
Food Dehydration
Not all fruits and vegetables dehydrate equally well. This guide breaks down which the dehydrating process, how to prep it, and how to store it so it actually lasts.
Mylar Bagging
Mylar Bagging Storage
Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers are one of the most affordable long-term storage methods available. This guide walks you through bag options, which foods need oxygen absorbers, and sealing techniques step by step.
Freeze Drying
Freeze-Drying
Understand the freeze-drying process from start to finish: what the machine does, how to prepare food, how long it takes, and how to store your finished product for maximum shelf life.
featured Guide
The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Food Preservation
The Food Preservation Bundle
Build a well-rounded food preservation foundation with this complete collection of practical guides. The Food Preservation Bundle brings together everything you need to get started with canning, dehydrating, Mylar bag storage, and freeze-drying, helping you choose the right methods for your food, your space, and your goals. Whether you’re stocking a pantry, preserving your harvest, or simply becoming more self-reliant, this bundle gives you practical guidance you can return to again and again.
Free Resources to Get You Started
Build your confidence with these beginner-friendly downloads designed to help you take the next step in your homesteading journey.
Start Building a Stocked Pantry
Learn how to build a practical pantry one purchase at a time with this printable guide. Perfect for beginners who want to be more prepared without feeling overwhelmed.
Which Preservation Method Is Right for You?
Not sure where to begin? Compare the most common food preservation methods and discover which one best fits your goals, budget, and lifestyle.
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