Food Preservation Basics
Are you interested in food preservation or pickling? Understand the basics of this age-old tradition and find useful tips to get you started.
The Recipe Finder
What Would You Like to Cook?
![Preserved Pears](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/fLovnC8DJZiJs1J40UZkUY7x0KM=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/173575572-56a30e045f9b58b7d0d0324d.jpg)
Canned Pears
![Steaks wrapped in freezer paper](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/atio39qktRI9K2Vw5ZfJ8L3eKHM=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/freezerpaperDebbiSmirnoff-bb51a0089f8b405bbd0fefcc46463025.jpg)
What Is Freezer Paper?
![Kimchi (fermented food)](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/XlEqEl5UCK88hjxmECby7otYVVU=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/kimchiWestend61-0317fafcb73a40b0bb8963f2447a33c5.jpg)
What is Fermentation?
![Lemons](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/7I7TVHujJbofFM3uoF7tfK9WTqk=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/lemonsMeretheSvarstadEeg-0a02672293954be6bea4f258ae5d7f04.jpg)
What to Do With Lemons
![wooden spoon with powdered milk](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/EjZ1fpYE_9YbUJcBB8SBDCPRkJU=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-157439404-8dd3bc1e91af44c38e1051d652d30b1a.jpg)
How Long Does Powdered Milk Really Last?
![sour cream in a wooden bowl](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/iCAXE9vxqkJtHm0j3-gnLcmJrFw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/sourcream-c4af0248f308419b9230ab58ace8b308.jpg)
How Long Is Sour Cream Still Good to Eat?
![Brandied Cherries](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/n9SSKbbSZYEE_MDjSxRnB-A3quo=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spiced-brandied-cherries-2217571-012-6c72ca7ab7c64b42bf764a0ef3eb115c.jpg)
Spiced Brandied Cherries Recipe
![Gingerroot on a plate](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/Q4lSHV3cRcDSiY3HCc8YsGBi30w=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/gingerGettyImages-126372179-594811115f9b58d58ac5fb82.jpg)
How to Freeze Fresh Ginger
![variety of mushrooms on gray surface](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/EqET6PyD1d6X6FhQaKL8lvf_5Zg=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-723502209-21540bd960cc445ab4a2a6f4cfbe8b16.jpg)
How To Freeze Mushrooms the Right Way
![Frozen Apples](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/jZyuBlqVIwh6FvPUaBm4DMHlS98=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/frozen-apples--584717668-5bc94324c9e77c0051a8dac9.jpg)
Yes, You Can Freeze Apples! Here's How.
![Frozen foods](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/6lqzqvQS5ZBjprNmvDb89eBSsp0=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/iStock-626104336-58b9747a5f9b58af5c48be2b.jpg)
How Long Meat Can Last in the Freezer
![lemons packed with salt](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/2203l_cOX3QafI-oDwQx4rrJ7eg=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/preservedlemonsmakingGetty504843701-56d2cffa3df78cfb37d06ca6.jpg)
How To Make Moroccan Preserved Lemons
![Mushrooms in brown bag](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/C_GK9mxbEKREF2stFJAhESHi2r8=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-530317445-21fff79b8e4448ad99ca63f5e1eb364a.jpg)
How to Store Fresh Mushrooms
![Freeze bread](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/VoUsf3LdnaMpC0-2_41RvG32Bi8=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-freeze-bread-1388438-hero-01-1e35346146964c80ae06d1aa066fa4b9.jpg)
How to Freeze Bread for Maximum Freshness
How to Freeze Heavy Cream
![sliced red onions on cutting board](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/EvLAdtklTxSEnyCSporxoDQ74iA=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/easy-quick-pickled-onions-recipe-3062118-step-02-cropped1-a764b48108534affb9f2dab522944ccc.jpg)
How to Freeze Onions in a Few Easy Steps
![Cut celery into sticks](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/TMyXUHHtLbM6CCbtd4GxT9qQ11A=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/buffalo-chicken-wings-recipe-101167-step-04-5c28dec346e0fb000160c77b.jpg)
How to Freeze Celery
![cream cheese open in foil wrapper](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/8Q0jFriUpTKBk2K9Vw_HtpyXJpE=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-9081221801-655bb737b9d04dd196471cf56e54d383.jpg)
How to Freeze Cream Cheese
![Freezing butter](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/N-afzEGvR6hXi5xeOR7W2mRE77Q=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/can-you-freeze-butter-1388415-hero-01-bcd92057dbc54f14af29342135168939.jpg)
Can You Freeze Butter? Yes! Here's How.
![Easy oil pie crust](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/lswDJaA0aFPZo74usWbK0RXDoK8=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/easy-oil-pie-crust-recipe-304979_14_preview-5b291cf58e1b6e00369949ff.jpeg)
How to Freeze Pie Dough and Pie Crusts
![](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/mK1wsp8J5waoI6n2079oShkB-SM=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Crispy_Maple_Leaf_Duck_Confit_29382826581-ba507f41260f43d5bf66bbe99538f8b8.jpg)
Confit: A Classical Preservation Technique for Duck, Goose and Pork
![Fresh organic dill on new wood surface](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/GOLJfKHwHaw1z2cSB1J2VKhKIL0=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/fresh-organic-dill-on-new-wood-surface-643267600-5a6a585c31283400368ed3b2.jpg)
How to Freeze Fresh Dill
![Continue beating cream](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/uyUVK8usdkPDsIKlsmFhIeEVBF8=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/sweetened-whipped-cream-with-variations-3056203-step-04-5c8e8494c9e77c00010e96ba.jpg)
How Long Is Heavy Cream Good For?
![Close-up of hands rinsing greens under water](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/9P1MOoqqq07A8D3nPq77OKPLDLI=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-200431044-001-5c913b2846e0fb0001f8d11b.jpg)
Keep Lettuce Fresh Longer
![Baby Aubergines](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/SnfS3ovcLFi_I0yB7WJXEq4794U=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/baby-aubergines-102940708-5bdba89246e0fb002d7eb689.jpg)
How to Freeze Eggplant: 4 Easy Ways
![Remove browning leaves](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/UIaFJdo611mYJaqZp5zU_5ZIDkw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/butter-braised-cabbage-2215898-step-02-5c3bd87e46e0fb0001c19469.jpg)
Yes, You Can Freeze Cabbage—Here's How
![A selection of cured meats](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/T4QmCXSlcPxoznW7yLpvtr2UBtU=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cured-sausages-2500-56a210ed3df78cf7727192f6.jpg)
What Are Sodium Nitrate and Sodium Nitrite?
![Flour in bowl](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/rtqllsTKbjVBGdgCw5MklM-JA-k=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/amish-milk-bread-recipe-428137-step-02-5c18623cc9e77c000177e97e.jpg)
How To Test Yeast—Plus, Yeast Substitutes if It Fails the Test
![Individually quick frozen (IQF) peas](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/C0EcHh9djkMXV-nUSeQjg-wKnTU=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/peas-frozen-2500-57bfe8873df78cc16ed5854e.jpg)
What Is IQF Food?
![Pears](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/PRof5znEgwt_bw5wcP6FSh9RguQ=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/freezingpearssashabellGettyImages-168110631-5969433e5f9b582c356dd29a.jpg)
The Best Way to Freeze Pears
![Kneading pizza dough on a floury surface](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/cT4LC0SbR0MW-6LQ43dsILWIPNk=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/chef-kneading-pizza-dough-142550613-575599c63df78c9b465d4ab6.jpg)
How to Freeze Pizza Dough
![Steak au Poivre Recipe ingredients](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/Fj6eA0tW77M8Hy_HWf3K1WC7Y70=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/classic-french-steak-au-poivre-995498-step-01-5bdcb86746e0fb00269fe200.jpg)
Is Refreezing Steak and Hamburgers Safe?
![How to save money by freezing milk](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/ev0CvoDIzOzP0fpL_g2ZPQUIZTY=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-save-money-by-freezing-milk-1388299-main-image-392072a6856146f0b23937c1db6c865a.jpg)
How to Freeze Milk
![Frozen raw hamburgers](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/nTZ17yVazqiV0J7eGZcYn6Nx4sc=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/hamburgers-157482247-5c0b3164c9e77c0001072a12.jpg)
The Best Way to Package Meat for Freezing
![Tomato Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/Ke0Cini0QG79BFwO_MasA8oTsZE=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-make-tomato-sauce-1388960-hero-01-193ed1400d6642a69dde9d64750da9f6.jpg)
How to Make Tomato Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes
![Green olive and sprig of leaves in small dish of olive oil, close-up](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/I2zDxqjz5BzUyCM1YirccVZR_B4=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-81740527web-58a47d185f9b58819c9daf36.jpg)
How to Cure and Brine Olives at Home
![Child reading back of jar](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/OucvDIEZX87NpezX154qCJfrPOk=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-164814716-5aa18bf6642dca0036fa9010.jpg)
The Shelf Life of Refrigerated Foods
![Separate eggs](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/dZdjsXyavFEgkKE90dyeNg3Ubw8=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cranberry-upsidedown-cake-recipe-4151669-step-02-432d56fdffa74a49be8d707c10d3b9fb.jpg)
How to Freeze Eggs for Cooking
![close up of fresh cranberries](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/yIpXSc28Peq2bIqRiVPFzjhdzyw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/vegan-cranberry-and-pear-holiday-pie-3377333-step-01-cropped-f6920b5823ca4357b817eb1d22ca11da.jpg)
How to Choose Cranberries and Keep Them Fresh
![close up of butter](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/ZF4JS5Of5MkOKDoDrH1Jb42dykI=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/almond-paste-crescent-cookies-recipe-304787-butter-5c101cdcc9e77c00014bc641.jpg)
What Is the Shelf Life of Butter?
![Preserved foods](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/GheRwBP_iE5ciLgytTwI6_pF1so=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/preserved-foods-jars-2500-56809beb3df78ccc15a649ed.jpg)
What's Fat Tom? The Trick That'll Help Keep Food in the Safe Zone
![Watermelon Smoothie recipe](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/bKeJxLI9ZC8jgWPBXExo-Z4EscQ=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/rich-creamy-watermelon-smoothie-recipe-2097116-Step_2-5bc652254cedfd00518aa868.jpg)
How to Freeze Leftover Watermelon
![Pear Sauce](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/VCJohk5UIjnafeTKvXrDAmjwfD0=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-873193721-5b648a4e46e0fb002c7e5a4f.jpg)
How to Make Pear Sauce
![Pantry](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/m-wODfgsR8fc04_mVjuhPtkwoSs=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/5PH-67dbe912ba7c48069ae5f08c5b2f0495.jpg)
Shelf Life of Pantry Foods
![Jalapeño peppers](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/5oJqHs0RRbtzhjfGvjv8-r16kcM=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/jalapenopeppersmarcgutierrezGettyImages-88850228-5988ace7d963ac0011de677f.jpg)
How to Freeze Jalapeño Peppers (and Other Hot Peppers)
![Open fridge full of groceries](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/D0O-k8D91w2p4ogCmLOR3m-1-wM=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/open-fridge-full-of-groceries-123527027-5a724c9f1d6404003754348d.jpg)
Does Refrigeration Prevent Bacterial Growth in Food?
![A jar of honey](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/6O0U5UQ3XpiA4k4_IHkY8rKtMxU=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/honeyantoniorosarioGettyImages-84552864-5842e5f73df78c0230a7ab0a.jpg)
Does Honey Go Bad?
![Roasted fingerlings](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/s6lC3D1KeoHdyZoA8lN4PST--HM=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/herb-roasted-fingerling-potatoes-996206-step-04-5c2816a246e0fb00010ac5b9.jpg)
How to Store Potatoes to Keep Them Fresh
![Frozen blackberries on table](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/_w28ODWNo9Jd5P9XhQt4lIQn7C0=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/frozen-blackberries-on-table-803763176-5bf5889b46e0fb00510b223a.jpg)
How to Freeze Blackberries
![Dried beans](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/R5l-zw2ulxcvDQ0WH4Yxb3AnSM0=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/driedbeansGettyImages-696252323-5a540dd222fa3a0036ee3a5c.jpg)
How Long Are Dried Beans Good For?
![Close-up of strawberry popsicle on table](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/sRRWuaoeDc_JkL4xHmhCp3P-wsU=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-769798301-5a39abc2842b170037306b20.jpg)
How to Make Strawberry Popsicles
![Man carving a cooked ham](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/FraxVRc_SqoYiAsEtOshe1AkOjk=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-83189279-57bba6625f9b58cdfd914186.jpg)
How to Freeze a Ham Bone for Later Use
![banana split open on cutting board](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/h5Mw5Xijs5juZj3EPIWJidNa7ac=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/BananasFoster2-5ffd2b1272ec487884ac794e93695ad6-09ca3be8c976441bbb01c43aaf668078.jpg)
How to Quickly Freeze Ripe Bananas
![Ingredients and equipment for canning pears](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/qy-U6b4SsEruJbNGyZeOfpXJN-E=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-89004475-581a8afc3df78cc2e88a1107.jpg)
Common Methods of Food Preservation
![Fresh organic beetroot over wooden background](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/6zZv3flPj5jRRxV5jgznYl75CjM=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/fresh-organic-beetroot-over-wooden-background-684252498-5aa04d238e1b6e0036dbd636.jpg)
How to Freeze Beets for Easy Meals
![bag of frozen peas](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/OKcw42MVI4zJXSOmmXWcRd4OsaI=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-126552260-8535e785d2c9424dbfebc99d259b1055.jpg)
How Long Can Food Be Frozen and Stored in Freezer?
![Sterilizing canning jars](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/YAYiMcTNybB-cCEvuWog43NoMGw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Canning-jar-equipment-GettyImages-89795243-588b753e5f9b5874ee52643d.jpg)
How to Properly Sterilize Canning Jars
![](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/d7OINgpUfrWnBFVb87RQ6q2RaUw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-127741243-5892285b3df78caebc8da2e8.jpg)
Choosing a Ripe Watermelon and Keeping It Fresh