A good book for taking your homesteading techniques to the next level with flavor. I've enjoyed what we've tried so far.

Book Review: Preserving with a Purpose by Sarah Thrush

Rating: 4 Stars

As someone who has dabbled in canning but never really found my groove, I was excited to dive into Preserving with a Purpose: Next-Generation Canning Recipes and Kitchen Wisdom by Sarah Thrush. This book is a refreshing take on canning that feels both modern and accessible, and I was thrilled to find that it contains so much more than just traditional recipes.

From the get-go, The author emphasizes that this isn't your average canning book filled with dusty old recipes. Instead, it’s a vibrant guide that delivers 125 delightful recipes ranging from the classic tomato and green bean preserves to innovative dishes like DIY Teriyaki Sauce and Carrot Cake Jam. The best part? Each recipe is designed to fit into today's diverse culinary landscape, making use of global flavors that often get overlooked in traditional preserving literature.

One of the aspects I love about this book is how it seamlessly integrates canning into meal planning. As someone who is always looking for ways to streamline my cooking, I appreciated the practical advice on how to incorporate these delicious preserved goods into my daily meals. The recipes are straightforward and easy to follow, complete with serving sizes, ingredient lists, and clear canning instructions. Plus, many come with stunning photographs that not only illustrate the finished product but also provide ideas for modifications—perfect for someone who likes to get creative in the kitchen!

Thrush doesn't shy away from the challenges of canning either. She lays out the benefits, steps, science, and even potential obstacles of the canning process. This comprehensive approach is incredibly beneficial for newbies like me who may feel daunted by the thought of preserving food. It gives you the confidence to tackle canning without fear.

A standout in Preserving with a Purpose is Thrush's focus on reducing waste. Many recipes encourage using ingredients that are often discarded, which aligns perfectly with the current push toward sustainable living. For instance, her approach to creating Spiced Apple Butter from leftover apple scraps feels not only resourceful but also deeply satisfying.

In short, if you're looking to step up your canning game—whether you're starting from scratch or already have a few jars under your belt—Sarah Thrush's Preserving with a Purpose is a must-have on your kitchen shelf. It’s informative, visually stunning, and packed with useful wisdom that makes you want to roll up your sleeves and get started. This book has certainly earned its four stars in my collection!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

A great addition to your cookbook library. For experienced canners there are recipes that go beyond the basics (many which incorporate flavors inspired by world cuisines), and for the novice there are excellent step by step instructions as well as information showing how preserving can be beneficial to the wallet and the environment. Author Sarah Thrush has a highly popular TikTok channel, so those who follow her there are sure to want a copy of this for their collection, and those who are not as familiar with her will find her can-do spirit engaging. Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group/Harvard Common Press for allowing me early access to this helpful new work.

Preserving with a Purpose is a cheerfully written guide to canning and food preservation with recipes and tutorials by Sarah Thrush. Due out 30th July, 2024 from Quarto on their Harvard Common Press imprint, it's 304 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is not a traditional collection of preserving and canning recipes (nor is it meant to replace one). For that, readers almost certainly already have a copy of a classic book like the Ball Blue Book. This collection is more culturally diverse with a number of recipes for bases and preservables/fermented items inspired by a wide range of world cuisines. Some are adventurous, nearly all seem outside the regular canned tomato sauce and sauerkraut range.

The chapters are arranged thematically: purpose (self-sufficiency, money saving, etc), food and family, canning safety essentials, challenges, water and pressure canning (each in its own chapter, VERY good and essential info here), budget and traditional cost saving (many of which come down from depression and austerity era advice).

The recipes are written with an intro/background, ingredients in a bullet list, and step by step prep info. Yields are given in relevant units (pints, quarts, etc). Many, but not all, recipes are accompanied by one or more photos. Photos are clear and in color.

The uses for an ever-abundant crop of zucchini are probably worth the price of admission.

Four stars. It's a useful and versatile book with a whimsical, upbeat, positive you-can-do-it vibe that's very nice to see. Probably aimed at a younger audience (TikTok generation), it's nevertheless good to see preserving and canning being promoted to the next generations in a cool and accessible way.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Not an easy process but easy recipes. And different recipes. Zapple pie filling is just one example. (Zucchini instead of apples eww) I don’t know that I’ll be a preserving princess but I could now.

If you want to learn how to can for preserving, this is your book. If you want new ideas to use up your garden vegetables, this is also for you. The instructions are so well written. I love the recipes as they are varied and surprising in the ingredients. There are lots of photos as well. What a great resource!

There is a lot of great information here so many practical, time and money saving recipes. I loved the juice concentrates, so much better than the store has. So much more than jams and pickles.

This is a beautiful book. I love looking for new canning/preserving ideas and recipes to try. However, there is a clear recommendation from canning experts that dairy, in any amount, is not safe to can. This book containing a recipe for canning butter makes me concerned about the safety of the other recipes and if USDA or National Center for Home Food Preservation guidelines were followed.

Thanks the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. I can jams,jellies and fruit butters in the summer; so always looking for new recipes to try to add to my usual rotation. There were some great tips and tricks.

I grew up watching my great-grandmother can all kinds of things, but unfortunately didn't take the time to learn from her while she was still around. My mom and I have recently started experimenting with canning and this book is going to be an invaluable resource! I love the discussion about why canning is important and beneficial and the meal plans are a fun addition. The instructions are pretty comprehensive and can be cover everything from planting to canning to meal planning.

"Preserving with a Purpose" offers wonderfully detailed instructions on canning techniques, making it an excellent resource for beginners looking to start canning with confidence. The book also provides helpful tips with each recipe and suggestions on how to incorporate the canned items into various meals.

I have two criticisms. First, the table of contents only lists categories rather than individual recipes. While the individual recipes are listed in the glossary at the back of the book, they are presented in a confusing manner that includes various ingredients and pieces of equipment. Listing the individual recipes under their respective categories in the table of contents would be more helpful.

Second, most of the recipes produce large quantities. If you don't have a lot of storage space, it will be challenging to make many of these recipes unless you plan to give a lot of the canned items away. Including tips on how to scale down the recipes for those with smaller homes or apartments would have been beneficial.

Overall, "Preserving with a Purpose" is a valuable guide for beginners, but it could be improved with a more user-friendly table of contents and advice on adjusting recipe quantities.

Sarah Thrush is a third generation canner and author of this swoon-worthy book about preserving food. In Preserving with a Purpose she explains the importance of food preservation and the reasons for it (survival, gratification, cultural traditions, community building, eating what we want, and so on). I grew up on a farm and started canning and preserving at a very young age. It's evolved over the years from canning fruit and making jams to making condiments, cordials and canning farm chicken.

The author also includes pantry necessities, meal plans, canning by month and problem solving. I used to can in short-season Saskatchewan...if you can forage, harvest and preserve there, you can do it anywhere. What can be as rewarding as choosing from rows of glistening jars of homemade preserves in -40C winter when plants are buried under snow for months?

But oh, my...the recipes! Nearly all of them tickle my taste buds including Apple Ketchup, Caramel Apple Pie Filling, Spiced Christmas Pears, Watermelon Lemonade Concentrate, Dandelion Jelly, Tomato Garlic Soup, Asian-Inspired Beef and Annie's Sweet Pickle Chips. Be sure to ogle the canning meat chart and learn more about depression-era wisdom and fermenting honey.

Recipes are simple yet it is precisely these additions which elevate and add oomph to meals. The recipes scream out for all sorts of uses and occasions, including special teas and charcuterie boards, or simply a light summer snack.

I am in love with preserving and adore this book. The combination of traditional and modern twists is fantastic, suitable for beginners and experienced canners alike.

My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Harvard Common Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this practical book, one I will refer to again and again as I happily can and preserve nature's best.

Prepare to be blown away by 'Preserving with a Purpose' by Sarah Thrush, a delightful compendium spanning 304 pages of pure culinary bliss. From the moment I cracked open this book, I was captivated by Thrush's profound expertise and the enchanting world of her pantry.

Now, let's delve into the book's heart and explore its offerings. As I perused the pages, I found that the author has meticulously covered everything a beginner like myself could possibly desire in a preserving guide. From the importance of canning to essential tools and proper hygiene practices, Thrush leaves no stone unturned, providing a comprehensive guide that reassures even the most inexperienced canner.

The recipe section is easy to navigate, providing all the necessary information for successful preserving endeavours. Clear instructions, accompanied by easily understandable weights and measurements, ensure that readers can confidently embark on their preserving journey. With many recipes to choose from, 'Preserving with a Purpose' equips readers with the tools they need to achieve food security for themselves and their families, both now and in the future.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking to enhance their food security and to novice homesteaders looking to expand their culinary repertoire. I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the next growing season, eager to put into practice the invaluable lessons I've gleaned from these pages. 'Preserving with a Purpose' is the perfect companion for any kitchen, destined to become a cherished staple in your culinary library.

Thank you, NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group, and Harvard Common Press, for generously providing me with an e-book copy of 'Preserving with a Purpose' in exchange for my honest review.

If you're reading this review, go buy the book! Whether you are just learning to can or your pantry shelves are already filled with jars of fruits and vegetables in every color of the rainbow, this book will be an asset to your library. Sarah Thrush shares a wealth of knowledge on pantry planning, equipment needed, and clear concise recipes to please even picky eaters. She breaks down canning methods and safe storage tips to help the modern-day homemaker feel confident in trying out these mouth watering recipes. She even dedicates an entire chapter to troubleshooting your canner and canning recipe woes! This is a fantastic resource every home cook needs in their collection.

*I received a free advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Much love to NetGalley, the book's publisher and of course the author for this gracious opportunity!

This gorgeously photographed guide to canning and preserving, with 125 delicious recipes reflecting global flavors, is a must-read for new and experienced canners alike. Written by TikTok sensation Sarah Thrush, PRESERVING WITH A PURPOSE makes readers drool with such scrumptious recipes as Pork Carnitas Meal-in-a-Jar, Spiced Apple Butter, Carrot Cake Jam, and Date and Fig Fermented Honey. It's everything you want to know about the topic, plus money-saving and green living tips. Highly recommended!

This is such a great resource for anyone serious about canning and preserving their food. Most of the recipes yield large batches, though there are some moderate sized batch recipes (like Dilly beans).

This is a very thorough explanation of canning and preserving with recipes that have more modern flavor profiles than most preserving guides.

What an amazing resource for new and experienced canners alike!

This book is full of great information and tools to help anyone start or expand their preserving journey. Complete with meal plans, storage calculations, altitude adjustments, and of course, amazing recipes. If you're looking to dip your toe into preserving food, or want to shake up your current plans look no further!

A BIG THANK YOU to Quarto Publishing Group, Harvard Common Press, and NetGalley for the ARC of Preserving with a Purpose: Next-Generation Canning Recipes and Kitchen Wisdom by Sarah Thrush. This is a lovely collection of canning recipes, some practical and some more adventurous for a beginner canner. Some of the recipes included have been passed down through the author’s family and date back to the 1800s—how incredible is that?!

In the preface, the author details the challenges her family faced in past generations. From living in an area where blizzards and short growing seasons are common to surviving the Great Depression and living off of their Victory Garden through World War II. It’s no wonder she becomes an expert in canning practices to preserve harvests and stretch food resources on a shoestring budget. She also details her own struggles with homelessness and food insecurity. Despite these circumstances, she approaches every obstacle before her as a new problem with a possible solution. She relies on her extensive knowledge of food preservation to survive through lean years, and shares that same knowledge with her readers. As the author states:
Life is a never-ending series of challenges that test us mentally, physically, financially, and emotionally. We all encounter moments of suffering and struggles along the way. My own journey hasn’t been easy, but throughout the challenges, one constant has been my lifeline: knowing how to survive.

As someone that also grew up in a family of canners and also struggled through these same issues as a young adult, I appreciate any new recipes and preserving advice this author shares.
From the publisher:
Preserving with a Purpose is not your mama’s or grandma’s canning and preserving book. In 125 scrumptious and foolproof recipes, Sarah Thrush—whose inspiring, informative, and frequently viral videos on TikTok @peeliesnpetals have been seen by tens of millions of people—shows you the best and tastiest ways to put up the traditional canning foods, from tomatoes and green beans to apples and peaches, just like mama and grandma did. But she also ranges widely in the more robust flavor profiles that come from the best cuisines from all over the planet—all of which earlier preserving books neglect. Hers is the kind of food today’s world citizens eat, diverse and glorious in its variety. Sarah reveals her most beloved recipes—none of which are available online—in these beautifully photographed pages. The recipes include:

Date and Fig Fermented Honey
Aunt Madge’s Dill Pickles
DIY Teriyaki Sauce
Pickled Peaches
Pork Carnitas Meal-in-a-Jar
Carrot Cake Jam
Fresh Mint Jelly
Spiced Apple Butter

Alongside the recipes, Sarah shares:
Hard-won wisdom on how to use canning to really save money and achieve a self-sufficient, nearly waste-free home
Seasonal and monthly pantry-planning and meal-prepping tools
A complete guide to safe water canning and pressure canning methods
Troubleshooting guides

Whether you grow some or all of your own food or seek out bargains at the store or farmers’ market, this comprehensive guide will have you preserving with a purpose.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 30 July 2024
#PreservingwithaPurpose #NetGalley

I have been following Sara Thrush on TikTok for months and to see this cookbook was an absolute score!
Canning is very intimidating however, after watching her on TikTok, this cookbook really gave me the push to try a few things out. I was impressed with the layout and recipes inside. I will definitely be getting a physical copy of this to have on hand. There are ideas for when you just get a little too much of something on sale and know it will go bad. I love the idea of having these in my back pocket for those times.