10 Best Canning Books 2026 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 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.

The All New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving is a comprehensive guide packed with over 350 recipes for canning, jamming, pickling, and preserving a wide variety of foods. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced canners. The book covers a broad range of foods, ensuring there's something for everyone, whether you’re looking to preserve fruits, vegetables, or create delicious jams and jellies.

One of its strengths is the detailed instructions provided for different canning methods, from water bath to pressure canning, which can help users follow along easily. The recipe variety is impressive, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Additionally, the book includes clear safety guidelines, which are crucial for ensuring that canned goods are safe to consume.

However, the book's considerable weight and size might make it less portable and cumbersome to handle in the kitchen. Some users might also find the number of recipes overwhelming if they are just starting out. Despite these minor drawbacks, the clear instructions and extensive range of recipes make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in canning and preserving food.