Complete Book of Home Preserving - by Judi Kingry & Lauren Devine & Sarah Page (Paperback)

About the Book

A comprehensive guide to safe canning and preserving at home, including instructions for beginners, tips for experienced cooks and 400 recipes. Written by experts from a company specializing in home canning product.

Book Synopsis

From the experts at Ball(R), the updated bible in home canning and preserving.

The bestselling Ball(R) Complete Book of Home Preserving continues to be updated. Changes over the past 20 years have led to new recipes, and larger sections on low sugar, fermentation, and updates on acidulation techniques. Ball(R) Home Canning Products are the gold standard in home preserving supplies, with their trademark jars on display in stores every summer from coast to coast. This companion to their products has sold almost 1.5 million copies, earning its nickname as the "bible of home preserving." The book includes 400 innovative recipes for salsas, savory sauces, pickles, chutneys, relishes and, of course, jams, jellies and fruit spreads. You'll find comprehensive directions on safe canning and preserving methods plus lists of required equipment and utensils. Specific instructions for beginners and expert tips for the experienced home canner make this book a valuable addition to every kitchen library.

HIGHLIGHTS

More than 300 changes reflecting the Ball(R) brand's commitment to continuous improvement based on research by trusted experts.

With almost 1.5 million copies in print, this bible of home preserving has been further improved with updates reflecting the latest trends and best practices for canning and preserving in the industry.

Includes 400 recipes and comprehensive directions on safe canning and preserving developed by experts, with results that are better than ever.

Detailed list of required equipment and utensils for beginners and expert tips for the experienced, all backed by the latest research to ensure safety and efficiency.

Review Quotes

Ball's collection of canning books has been the standard for home canners for decades. The first edition of Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving came out in 2006, and what makes this book still one of the best canning cookbooks out there is that Ball continues to update it with new recipes and new information for safe canning. This 2024 updated edition includes the latest research and expert guidance to ensure that all recipes and techniques reflect current safety standards. It includes 400 hot-water and pressure-canning recipes, making it a versatile addition to any cookbook collection.

--Food & Wine (4/23/2026 12:00:00 AM)

A bible for those of us who consider canning a way of life... clearly written and easy to follow... creative recipes... encouraging, concise text. With its extensive sections on technique, special equipment, the science of preserving and problem solving, the beginning preserve maker as well as the expert will find recipes to love.--Julie Turjoman "Contra Costa Times" (7/5/2006 12:00:00 AM)

A must-have for home canning veterans for its many terrific new recipes... great for novices too because its breezy, fast-paced jump-in-and-do-it approach makes the techniques of home canning immediately accessible.--Susan LaaTempa "Los Angeles Times" (8/30/2006 12:00:00 AM)

A standard resource.... Information [matches] the USDA guidelines.--Kathie Smith "Blade" (4/21/2009 12:00:00 AM)

All-purpose detailed guide to home preserving... extensive tips for beginners and expert canners and troubleshooting pointers.--Margaret C. Merrill "Library Journal" (11/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)

More than 400 recipes, as well as guidelines for rookies and tips for pros.--Renee Enna "Chicago Tribune" (8/16/2006 12:00:00 AM)

Offers a variety of tempting options for those who wish to preserve summer's bounty. One versatile recipe is the tomato and olive antipasto, which is a wonderful way to use up tomatoes.--Rosemary Buck "Daily News (New York)" (7/29/2009 12:00:00 AM)

The problem...is that the book, which includes 400 recipes, presents so many appealing options.--Jolene Ketzenberger "Indianapolis Star" (8/19/2009 12:00:00 AM)

The season's bounty of fruit and vegetables can be enjoyed year-round with the help of .--Renee Enna "Tha Pantagraph (Bloomington IL)"

This all-purpose detailed guide to home preserving from one of the major manufacturers of canning jars offers extensive tips for both beginners and expert canners and troubleshooting pointers.-- "Library Journal" (11/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)

This guide has everything you ever wanted to know about putting things in jars.--Liane Faulder "Edmonton Journal" (9/16/2009 12:00:00 AM)

This is the ultimate go-to guide for the canning beginner. It is the book to which I defer on canning questions and techniques.--Andrea Weigl "News Observer (Raleigh NC)" (7/15/2009 12:00:00 AM)

Will answer all of your questions and many you don't yet know to ask... Homemade is just plain better.-- "Detroit Metro Times" (10/25/2006 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Judi Kingry honed her skills and passion for preserving as the Marketing and Consumer Services Manager at Bernardin(R).

Lauren Devine has experience as a Product Research and Test Kitchen Scientist at Ball(R) Fresh Preserving.

Sarah Page brings her knowledge and expertise to this updated edition. She has experience as the Culinary Marketing Manager for Ball(R) Fresh Preserving.