Fresh Food Preservation Techniques

Pop-quiz! Which food items are easiest to keep in a kitchen pantry? What type of vegetables will remain fresh if kept in a crisper drawer within the refrigerator? If you were able to name at least three items for each question, then give yourself a pat on the back; not everyone knows the food they eat as well as they should. The fact that you were able to identify three for each question means you have done far more homework with regards to fresh food than your neighbor. The majority of people on planet Earth have no idea what they are consuming. In fact, many of them have no idea how fragile the industrial food system is. They rely and depend on it so much that they fully expect it to keep showing up on store shelves when they arrive to purchase it.

While some of this information may be second nature to you, not everyone reading this is in the same position. This simple, yet surprisingly in depth guide, will provide you with invaluable information on how to preserve food and keep it fresh for longer. This, in turn, should allow you to appreciate and enjoy your edibles year round.

If you are growing your own food, then give yourself a round of well-deserved applause. Again, not everyone is in the same position as you are. If you are unable to grow your own food, for whatever reason, then it is highly recommended you begin purchasing from a local farmer’s market. Not only will the food be fresh, you will also be helping the local economy. Buying local produce in bulk will also ensure that using these preservation techniques helps you keep fresh food available for you and your family. It may also help reduce the expense associated with purchasing food in general. Keep in mind that food is seasonal. Crops will come to harvest at different times during the year. If you are buying in bulk, then learn what these harvest times are. This is when you want to purchase in bulk; you will be able to purchase more at a lower cost than at other times of the year. After making the purchase you will need to determine which method of preservation works best for you. Many of the foods mentioned in this guide will fall into several categories of preservation. You will need to discover what works best for you, the amount of time you have available to dedicate to the preservation method, and how you plan on cooking the food in the future.

Cold Storage Crops:
The crops listed under this category will store for 3-6 month when kept in a cool, dark place, without the need for processing, such as a food pantry/cool closet.

Crop - Season - Storage

Winter Squash - Late Summer/Early Fall - 45-55°F/Moderate Humidity
Sweet Potatoes - Late Summer/Early Fall - 55-60°F/High Humidity
Garlic - Midsummer - 60-65°F/Moderate Humidity
Nuts (in the shell) - Fall - 45-60°F/Moderate Humidity

Underground Storage Crops:

The crops listed in this category will remain fresh for a period of at least 2 months when stored unprocessed under cold conditions, such as in a root cellar.

Crop - Season - Storage
Turnips - Fall - 32-40°F High Humidity
Rutabagas - Fall - 32-40°F High Humidity
Apples - Late Summer/Early Fall - 30-40°F High Humidity
Brussel Sprouts - Fall 40°F - High Humidity
Cabbages - Late Summer/Early Fall 32-40°F - High Humidity
Beets - Summer/Fall - 32-40°F High Humidity
Carrots - Late Summer/Early Fall - 32-40°F High Humidity
Parsnips - Late Summer/Early Fall - 32-40°F High Humidity
Pears - Fall - 29-34°F High Humidity
Potatoes - Late Summer/Early Fall - 40-45°F High Humidity
Onions - Late Summer/Early Fall 32-40°F - Moderate Humidity

Water Bath Canning Crops:

The crops listed under this category will work best when put through a water bath canning process prior to being stashed away and preserved for future consumption.

Crop - Season - Storage
Tomatoes - Summer - Glass Jars Food Pantry
Rhubarb - Summer - Glass Jars Food Pantry
Whole Fruits - Late Summer/Early Fall - Glass Jars Food Pantry
Fruit Preserves/Jams/Jellies - Late Summer/Early Fall - Glass Jars Food Pantry
Cucumbers (Pickled) - Summer - Glass Jars Food Pantry

Pressure Canning Crops:

The crops listed under this category will work best when subjected to a pressure canning process prior to being stashed away as part of the food supply.

Crop - Season - Storage
Vegetable Medleys - Summer/Fall - Glass Jars Food Pantry
Green Beans - Summer - Glass Jars Food Pantry
Whole Fruits - Late Summer/Early Fall - Glass Jars Food Pantry
Tomatoes - Summer - Glass Jars Food Pantry

Frozen Food Crops:
The crops listed in this category will work best when put through a freezing process prior to being added to the surplus food storage supply.

Crop - Season - Storage

Sweet Corn - Midsummer/Late Summer - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Asparagus - Spring/Early Summer - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Summer Squash - Summer - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Berries - Spring/Early Summer - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Spinach - Spring/Fall - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Broccoli - Late Spring/Fall - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Snap Beans - Summer - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Cauliflower - Late Spring/Fall - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Peppers - Late Summer/Early Fall - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Cantaloupe - Midsummer/Late Summer - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Peas - Early Summer - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Chard - Summer/Fall - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Eggplant - Late Summer/Early Fall - Zip-lock Freezer Bags
Edamame - Midsummer/Late Summer - Zip—lock Freezer Bags

Dehydrated Storage Crops:
The crops listed under this category will work best when dehydrated prior to being introduced to the food storage supply.

Crop - Season - Storage

Whole Grains - Summer/Fall - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Apples - Late Summer/Early Fall - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Tomatoes - Summer - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Berries - Spring/Fall - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Summer Squash - Summer - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Cherries - Summer - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Dry Beans - Midsummer/Late Summer - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Snap Beans - Summer - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Grapes - Late Summer/Early Fall - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Peppers - Late Summer/Early Fall - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Herbs - Summer - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Peaches - Summer - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Mushrooms - Spring/Fall - Airtight Animal Proof Jars
Plums - Summer - Airtight Animal Proof Jars

Summary:
This is by no means a complete guide to all the food sources and preservation techniques for them. This guide focuses on some of the most common and prevalent food sources and those methods that have proven to work best with each. You will notice that some food crops fall under more than one category, this is because that specific food works well under all the categories listed. The food has been included in each category to assist the reader with determining which method they have time to use.

Growing food is an excellent way to begin the journey to self-sufficiency. Being able to preserve food to see you through until the following season’s crops come to fruition, is a great indicator that you have adopted the sustainable lifestyle many of us are striving to achieve. Use this guide to give you an idea of which method to research and utilize, then get back out in that garden and get to work; these food storage containers are not going to fill themselves!

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