Perfectly Preserved Podcast

If you’re considering selling your preserves at a market or want tips on how to speed up your canning process, then we have the episode for you! On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, Anna is back to divulge all of her tips and tricks that make canning more manageable, no matter the volume. 

Anna is nearly through her mission to make over 3,000 jars of jam for a local Christmas market. You’ll hear how it’s going and all the ins and outs of this crazy endeavor. She offers advice on how to make any large project more approachable and shares why doubling batches in canning doesn’t actually save time. You also won’t want to miss the two canning tools she discovered that will help anyone speed up their canning process whether they’re doing large or small quantities. 

This episode wraps up our second season of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast. We’re so happy you’re here, and cannot wait to keep talking all things food preservation in Season 3 beginning April 1st 2025! 

Thanks for listening! Send your food preservation questions to [email protected]

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Cracked jars and under processed food sound like a canner’s nightmare, right? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we dive into how to keep jars warm before processing. 

Jenny explains why you must warm your jars before filling them, and why the best warming method depends on your personal circumstances. She’ll walk you through the most time-efficient ways to warm your jars whether you’re steam canning, water bath canning, or pressure canning. You’ll also be surprised to learn why you don’t need to sterilize your jars before starting the canning process. 

No doubt that warm jars matter, but the way you get there is your choice! We hope this episode gives you confidence to go in whatever direction suits your needs best.  

Thanks for listening! Send your food preservation questions to [email protected]

Join us on Instagram

Follow Anna @SmartHomeCanning

Follow Jenny @TheDomesticWildflower

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Perfectly Preserved is made possible by our listeners! Learn how to support our show with Buy Me a Coffee

Is it time to phone a friend with your latest canning struggle? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we help a dear listener with her problematic pressure canner.

While we wish it weren’t true, not all pressure canners are created equal. Jenny deep dives into the Barton pressure canner user manual and product specifications. You’ll hear where this particular pressure canner and its manufacturer fall short. Her discussion gives listeners a tale of caution when selecting new canning equipment and shares best practices for using other pressure canners. She shares advice on water measurement to avoid botulism, stove temperature, required steps, maintenance, and more.

You’re never alone in your canning journey! We love supporting our listeners, and a cooperative extension is always just a phone call away. 

Thanks for listening! Send your food preservation questions to [email protected]

Join us on Instagram

Follow Anna @SmartHomeCanning

Follow Jenny @TheDomesticWildflower

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Perfectly Preserved is made possible by our listeners! Learn how to support our show with Buy Me a Coffee

Are you in search of a pressure canning appliance that can do it all? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss kitchen appliances that are marketed for pressure canning.

Jenny discusses the technical differences between pressure canners, pressure cookers, and electric pressure cookers. You’ll learn the capabilities of a pressure canner that allow it to safely preserve shelf-stable food. Tune in as Jenny debunks the use of Instant Pots or other electric pressure cookers as pressure canners, and shares all the ins and outs of the Presto Digital Pressure Canner. 

Low-acid pressure canned recipes aren’t the thing to play around with. Follow these recommendations to steer clear of toxins and enjoy your delicious food! 

Thanks for listening! Send your food preservation questions to [email protected]

Join us on Instagram

Follow Anna @SmartHomeCanning

Follow Jenny @TheDomesticWildflower

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Perfectly Preserved is made possible by our listeners! Learn how to support our show with Buy Me a Coffee

Ready to spice up your meals and share the love with homemade condiments? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to can hot sauce, BBQ sauce, and other condiments.

Jenny clears the air of misinformation to bring you safe and tested recipes for your most-loved sauces. Listen to be in the know on how to select suitable tomatoes and vinegar for these products. You’ll learn how to safely modify a hot sauce or BBQ sauce recipe without lowering the acidity. You also won’t want to miss how to make ketchup with a unique flavor profile, or the steps for homemade dijon. 

These condiments are sure to liven up your table, work as tasty marinades, or make perfect gifts!

Thanks for listening! Send your food preservation questions to [email protected]

Condiment recipes from North Dakota State University

Helpful episodes:
How to Can Tomatoes

Join us on Instagram

Follow Anna @SmartHomeCanning

Follow Jenny @TheDomesticWildflower

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Perfectly Preserved is made possible by our listeners! Learn how to support our show with Buy Me a Coffee

It’s time to further your homesteading skills and diversify your pantry with a crash course in preserving wild game! On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to pressure wild game.

Jenny shares her first-hand experience with preserving buck as her very first pressure canning endeavor. She discusses the benefits of pressure canning wild game, including meat tenderness and improved flavor. You’ll learn the pros and cons of raw packing versus hot packing your meat and the best ways to flavor wild game. Further your wild game knowledge with information on preserving sausage and beautifully flavored duck.  

Caribou, rabbit, and bear, oh my! There’s no shortage of wild game to preserve, and this episode has you covered. 

Thanks for listening! Send your food preservation questions to [email protected]

Find The Pressure Canning Cookbook by Jennifer Gomes

Join us on Instagram

Follow Anna @SmartHomeCanning

Follow Jenny @TheDomesticWildflower

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Perfectly Preserved is made possible by our listeners! Learn how to support our show with Buy Me a Coffee

If you’re interested in preserving all things from our oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams, it’s time to tune in. On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to pressure can seafood.

We share why seafood must be pressure canned and how to handle it for safe preservation. Find out what ingredients to add to preserve seafood’s taste and texture, and steps to take to ensure a tight seal when dealing with fatty fish. You’ll also learn the ins and outs of canning salmon, tuna, crab, oysters, shrimp, and more things that swim!

Canning seafood is a rewarding way to preserve your fresh catch. This episode has all you need to get underway!  

Find The Pressure Canning Cookbook by Jennifer Gomes


Thanks for listening! Send your food preservation questions to [email protected]

Join us on Instagram

Follow Anna @SmartHomeCanning

Follow Jenny @TheDomesticWildflower

Support the show

Perfectly Preserved is made possible by our listeners! Learn how to support our show with Buy Me a Coffee

With apples in abundance, it’s time to make the most of them by using every last drop. On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to make and preserve apple cider at home. 

You’ll learn what tools you need for a smooth apple cider making process, and which apples are best for apple cider. Jenny also shares advice for using every last bit of your apples like a true food preservationist and how to pasteurize your cider while maintaining the fresh taste. You’ll also learn how to ferment apple cider to make an alcoholic beverage and how to turn apple cider into vinegar. 

There’s no way to top fresh-pressed apple cider on a fall day. Let this episode be your guide to craft your own. Cheers! 

Thanks for listening! Send your food preservation questions to [email protected]

Join us on Instagram

Follow Anna @SmartHomeCanning

Follow Jenny @TheDomesticWildflower

Support the show

Perfectly Preserved is made possible by our listeners! Learn how to support our show with Buy Me a Coffee

If you’re looking for ways to preserve now that will enhance your cooking later, look no further! On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we share how to prepare and store flavored vinegars.

We discuss container options for flavored vinegar and how to properly prepare them, including corked bottles for your cottagecore goals. You’ll learn how to infuse your vinegar with just enough of the right herbs for the best flavor, along with unique flavor pairings. Jenny also walks listeners through how to select vinegar from distilled white, to apple cider vinegar or wine vinegars. 

Give flavored vinegar a try today and treat yourself or others to delightful salad dressings and marinades!

Thanks for listening! Find the links and resources mentioned in today’s episode in the show notes below. Send your food preservation questions to [email protected]

Join us on Instagram

Follow Anna @SmartHomeCanning

Follow Jenny @TheDomesticWildflower

Support the show

Perfectly Preserved is made possible by our listeners! Learn how to support our show with Buy Me a Coffee

Few things say fall more than pumpkin, but did you know it can only be preserved with some guidelines in mind? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to preserve everything pumpkin. 

We discuss what sets pumpkin apart from other foods, and what that means for how to preserve it. You’ll learn what it takes to work around pumpkin’s low acidity and high density when canning, as well as how to dehydrate and freeze pumpkin. Jenny also shares some favorite apple recipes for more fall preservation. 

Tune in, get inspired, and let’s make the most of those fall flavors!

Thanks for listening! Send your food preservation questions to [email protected]

Join us on Instagram

Follow Anna @SmartHomeCanning

Follow Jenny @TheDomesticWildflower

Support the show

Perfectly Preserved is made possible by our listeners! Learn how to support our show with Buy Me a Coffee