Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving (Second Revised Edition) [Paperback]

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 13, 1999

Practical, easy-to-follow guide contains virtually everything consumers need to know about home canning: how to select, prepare, and can fruits, vegetables, poultry, red meats and seafoods; how to preserve fruit spreads, fermented foods, and pickled vegetables; how to prepare foods for special diets, and much more.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; 2 Revised edition (May 13, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486409317
• ISBN-13: 978-0486409313
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #85,801 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #52 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Cooking, Food & Wine > General
  • #56 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Canning & Preserving
  • #97 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Drinks & Beverages > Wine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

206 of 210 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars reference book for beginners and committed canners, January 21, 2000

By 

ca spinelli (NC, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving (Second Revised Edition) (Paperback)

A few years ago I came across the first edition of USDA's "Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving" in a second-hand bookshop. At the time I had zero experience with canning or preserving -- both of which seemed, to me, to be akin to alchemy. The USDA's guide contained all the information I need to get started, and answered many of my questions about the process, the 'science' and my options (such as added pectin vs. no added pectin in jams) I recently acquired this edition of the USDA's guide. It has all the strengths of the first guide, with a few changes to better suit most modern kitchens. Most notably is the listing of measurements using cups and spoons; as opposed to the weight measurements used in the first book. The USDA's guide also provides objective, practical information about selecting jars, canners, storage, ingredients etc. I now have a few books with fancy, tasty canning recipes, but I always use the USDA's Guide as reference . . .especially when purchasing equipment or creating my own recipes.

152 of 155 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's good, but...., January 10, 2000

By 

edunn "edunn782" (Idaho) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving (Second Revised Edition) (Paperback)

This is the definitive guide for County/State fair entries in my area (Idaho) but frankly, the receipes in the Ball Blue Book (also available from Amazon.com) are much more palatable. If you're canning to win at the fair, use this book. If you're canning to EAT, use the Ball Blue Book! However, the canning TIMES should be followed in this guide for safety (they are usually the same as in the BBB). If Amazon doesn't have either of these titles, check with your county/state extension service. They will probably carry them.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars reference book for beginners and committed canners, January 21, 2000

By 

ca spinelli (NC, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving (Second Revised Edition) (Paperback)

A few years ago I came across the first edition of USDA's "Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving" in a second-hand bookshop. At the time I had zero experience with canning or preserving -- both of which seemed, to me, to be akin to alchemy. The USDA's guide contained all the information I need to get started, and answered many of my questions about the process, the 'science' and my options (such as added pectin vs. no added pectin in jams).

I recently acquired this edition of the USDA's guide. It has all the strengths of the first guide, with a few changes to better suit most modern kitchens. Most notably is the listing of measurements using cups and spoons; as opposed to the weight measurements used in the first book. The USDA's guide also provides objective, practical information about selecting jars, canners, storage, ingredients etc. I now have a few books with fancy, tasty canning recipes, but I always use the USDA's Guide as reference . . .especially when purchasing equipment or creating my own recipes.