Preserving the Seasons was a very interesting and informative book. There is an enormous amount of information about different methods of preserving foods and goods. Not only is there information on how to can, freeze, freeze-dry, dehydrate food, there are also large amounts of recipes for after the items are preserved. This is a complete book on how to preserve and use food. As a gardener one of my largest issues is how to properly save and store the food I grow. With this book I have all of the information I could possibly want on the topic. The instructions are clear and thorough. The book is well-organized. Overall, I think this book is a must have for every household. It would also make a great gift. I would recommend this book.

Quick Summary: An inspired how-to & why-you-should-practice "preserving the seasons" book

My Review: Preserving the Seasons: A Guide to Canned, Jammed, Frozen, Dehydrated, Freeze-Dried, Quick-Pickled, and Infused Produce, Herbs, and Flowers (A Cookbook) by Holly Capelle is a 2025 release from Simon Element. It is scheduled for publication on 7/29/25.

About the Book: "...a straightforward guide to boiling water canning, drying, dehydrating, freeze-drying, infusing, freezing, and quick pickling."

In My Own Words: This!!! It is an incredibly comprehensive tool that is jam-packed with goodness on everything one needs to know about preserving the seasons via canning, jamming, freezing, dehydrating, freeze-drying, pickling, infusing, and combining. It is my dream book come to life.

My Favorites: Every yummy thing!

But seriously...

Culinary Powders
Canning Jams and Jellies
Quick Pickling
Infused Vinegars
Edible Flowers

What I Cannot Wait to Make:

Zucchini Bundt Cake
Orange Glaze
Avocado Garden Toast
Garden Quiche
Totally Twisted Yogurt
Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup
Fresh Pea Soup
Rosemary Candied Bacon
Wild Violet Peppercorn Vinaigrette
Honey-Garlic Glaze
Garden Focaccia
Botanical Candy Bars
North Pole Hot Chocolate with Whipped Toppers
Holiday and Colorful Fruit Ice Cubes

My Final Say: I am overjoyed about this book. It is a must have item that should be on everyone's Christmas List, Birthday Wish List, and maybe even Valentine's Day Chef's Kiss List.

There was so much to love about this book. Holly opened my mind up to the possibilities of what could be. Going through it got me excited about creating masterpieces featuring the colors and flavors of life. In truth, her approach to preserving the seasons reminded me of With Love, Meghan. (Watch it, if you haven't. It's lovely and charming...just like this book. I would love to see these two create something magical together.) The attention to detail and the pop of personal delights just adds to the experience and "elevates" the simple, making it extraordinary.

I genuinely appreciated the troubleshooting information, the helpful tips, the various recipes, and the colorful photos. I also loved the heartwarming nuances of family and home life that were sprinkled in. It made the content more relatable.

Other: This cookbook will delight readers of all levels. From the beginner to the advanced - anyone will undoubtedly be stirred up and energized to preserve the seasons.

* I think this book would provide a great family bonding experience. It's ripe with opportunities to teach, learn, and grow together.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: All
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Hard Copy Preferred: Yes!
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Note: I could easily see this content in a series of books, videos, or even as a Food Network show. Because the material is so inspiring, it motivates others to try something new and different; it also encourages those who may be more familiar with these concepts to up their game. Can you imagine?! To build a community of followers who want to preserve the season is genius.

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Simon Element | S&S/Simon Element), and to NetGalley. Thank you, from my heart, for providing access to this remarkable title in exchange for an honest critique. It was an absolute pleasure to review this work. Not only am I thrilled that I had a chance to read it, but I am also very much looking forward to securing a hard copy for my own personal library, once the book is officially released.

This book has reinforced my want for a food dehydrator. Loved the tips, recipes, and bright pictures.

This book could not have come at a better time for us! We recently bought a dehydrator, as we are campers and are in our kayaks nine months out of the year.

Carrying fresh fruits is messy and not the best after they turn brown or mushy. We have tried apples, strawberries, lemons and oranges so far but this lovely book has expanded our knowledge.

Storage was particularly of interest to me. If you have a question, I think this book will answer any questions you have.

Very well done! Excellent reference book.

NetGalley/ Simon Element July 29, 2025