Perfectly Preserved Podcast

Are you wondering how to preserve amazing applesauce? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we discuss how to make and can applesauce. We cover what makes applesauce a beginner-friendly preserve that introduces fundamental canning techniques. Jenny shares why it’s her favorite thing to can and why a food mill is the best applesauce tool. You’ll also learn how to prepare and co...

Are you looking for food preservation methods that last longer than canning? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we discuss food preservation for preppers who are interested in long-term food storage for large quantities of food. We cover food preservation tips and techniques for preppers of all kinds. Our conversation includes how oxygen absorber packets aid in preserving d...

Would your kids love digging into a jar of homemade fruit leather? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we share how to make fruit with a dehydrator.   We cover the tools you need to make delicious fruit leather and what fruit ripeness works for fruit leather. You’ll hear why Anna adds citric acid to her fruit leather and which fruits she recommends cooking before pureeing. Y...

How can food preservation spice up your next barbeque? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we discuss food preservation that makes for delicious summer gatherings We cover our favorite foods to preserve for a cookout, including canned pickles, quick pickles, and relish. Jenny shares how to can ketchup that beats any store-bought version, and Anna shares why pickled vegetable...

Who doesn’t want to pair a productive skill with relaxation? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we share how to make food preservation a relaxing experience. We cover why food preservation used to be a stressful experience and how you can make it fun and relaxing in your own home today. You’ll learn why we think repetition is the key, how to organize your canning supplies,...

Are you in the dark about when you need to use pectin in a recipe? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we discuss how to know if you need to use pectin in your home canning recipe. We cover what pectin is, the relation between pectin and acid, and fruits with high pectin levels. You’ll also learn which foods are low in pectin, natural ways to add pectin to a recipe, and how...

Are you holding yourself back from trying pressure canning? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we discuss how to get comfortable with pressure canning. We offer our very best tips for using a pressure canner with confidence. You’ll hear what qualities make a great friend to pressure can with and why water, broth, and tomato sauce are great to pressure can as a beginner. We...

Looking for a way to make jams and jellies with less sugar? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, share everything there is to know about Pomona’s Pectin. We dive into why pectin is important in jams and jellies, where pectin is found naturally, and how Pomona’s Pectin is different than other commercial pectin products. You’ll learn who can benefit from Pomona’s Pectin and Ann...

How does always having fresh fruit juice on hand sound? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we dive into how to steam and can juice.  We share our favorite fruits to steam juice at home, our best tips to set up your steam juicing equipment, and what each component of a steam juicer does. You’ll also learn the process of steaming from start to first sip. We cover how we make...

Dreaming of a blue ribbon prize for your food preservation skills? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we share advice for entering your home-preserved goods into a state or county fair.  You’ll learn our best tips for participating in a county fair contest, what judges are really looking for, ways to set yourself apart from the crowd, and the various food preservation categ...

Feeling hesitant about using a pressure canner? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we discuss the parts of a pressure canner and our tips for success. You’ll learn about each part of a pressure canner and what they do. We cover what the pressure canner gauge does and how using two racks can save you time. You’ll also learn how the pressure regulator, air vent, and overpress...

Wondering what all the hype is about bone broth? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we share how to pressure can bone broth and why we love it.  You’ll learn the benefits of bone broth and how to preserve this low-acid pantry staple safely. We share the best types of bones to use, and our favorite vegetables to add to bone broth. Jenny shares how she boils bone broth on the...

Are you interested in becoming a Master Preserver? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, Extension Professor, Melanie Jewkes, joins us to discuss the Master Food Preserver Program. You’ll learn exactly what a Master Food Preserver certification course entails, how it equips you with all the knowledge you need to safely preserve food at home, and how it allows you to help other...

Looking to perfect your jam and jelly skills? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we share our very best tips for making jams and jellies. You’ll learn the differences between jams, jellies, and conserves. Anna shares the must-have tools for making great jam, and Jenny covers the best way to make a large batch of jam. We also cover why high-quality fruits make a difference,...

Is a getaway with other women calling your name? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we tell all about the upcoming Smart Home Canning Retreat. You’ll hear from Anna on this amazing opportunity to come together with other women and learn all about food preservation. Anna shares how to know if this retreat is right for you, details about the beautiful cabin she’s hosting it i...

Interested in how to preserve food with a freeze dryer? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, Jessica Kay from Harvest Right Freeze Dryers joins us to discuss freeze drying at home with Harvest Right freeze dryers.  Jessica covers why more people are preserving food through food drying, the process of freeze drying food at home, how freeze drying compares to dehydrating, the n...

Do egg prices have you interested in preserving eggs? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we share safe methods of preserving eggs at home. You’ll learn how to pickle eggs for your hors d'oeuvre plate along with some unique flavors to try. We also talk about what it means to water gloss eggs, their associated risks, and how their quality doesn’t stack up to fresh eggs....

Does preserving food actually save money? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we share how food preservation saves money in our households and offer tips for how it can do the same for you.  We teach you how a variety of food preservation methods can cut your grocery budget. You’ll learn how to get started with canning and dehydrating for less. We also cover how to prolong t...

Looking to stock your pantry with home-canned tomatoes? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we share how to can tomatoes.  You’ll learn how the acidity of tomatoes has changed over time, three safe acidifying ingredients for water bath and steam canned tomatoes, and why it isn’t safe to change a tested tomato recipe. Anna shares a new salsa recipe she loves and Jenny shares...

Wondering how to make the best homemade pickles? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we share how to can quick process pickles. Cucumber pickles were one of the first homemade canned goods we made, and we’re here to teach you all the tips and tricks. You’ll learn which cucumber varieties work best for pickles, which cucumbers make great relishes, how to prepare your cucumber...

Looking to give a tested recipe your own touch? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we share how to safely alter tested canning recipes. Certain recipe alterations pose risks, but we’re here to cover changes you can make without worry. We discuss adjusting the recipe yield, adding flavor through spices or essential oils, and what to consider before altering sugar or salt in...

Wondering how you can plant a garden to fuel your canning season? This week on the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we talk about planning your garden for canning season.  As a Master Gardener, Anna shares her best advice to get started with gardening, how to plan your garden for canning season, ideal plant spacing, why you need to test your soil, and how to be consistent with watering. She also cover...

Interested in expanding your sourdough horizons? This week on the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we share our experiences and knowledge to set you up for sourdough loaf and starter success. You’ll learn what sets sourdough apart from other bread and why it’s worth making on your own. Jenny shares her tips for how to make a sourdough starter and her favorite ways to use sourdough starter in baking. A...

Wondering how to make your garden extra delicious and hearty? This week on the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, Anna geeks out about seeds and shares how to start a local seed exchange in your area. Anna’s explanation of the difference between seeds harvested locally versus those that originate elsewhere will leave you motivated to swap seeds. You’ll learn what a seed exchange involves and its benefit...

Looking to learn all you can about canning and food preservation? This week on the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we share opportunities for you to develop your canning craft through our online courses and other in-person opportunities. Like our podcast, these courses are all about teaching you safe and practical at-home canning practices to provide your family with wholesome food year-round.  We ea...