Consumption of food plays an indispensable role in the process of existence. Not only humans but other living organisms as well need to consume food items regularly to survive.  

However, since we humans are the most intelligent of the species, we have figured out different ways to preserve the food for later. With the help of preservation, the leftovers will remain as tasty and healthy as before. This way, we can save our money, time as well as effort. This article discusses, in detail, the 6 best ways to preserve food so they last longer.

The process of canning

There are two ways you will be able to can your food to preserve them. 

●        Water Bath Canning 

This process is primarily used for preserving pickles, syrups, jams, acidic fruits, and jellies.  The foot item needs to be acidic, precisely at 4.6pH or lower than that for this procedure to work correctly.  

All you need for this is mason jars with lids, a big pot, and a stand which will help keep the jar above the ground of the pan. You will have to fill the 1/3rd of the pot with water and leave it to boil. Add your food item into the jar and make sure the lid is tight. Take the stand and situate it inside the pot. That’s it; water bath canning has started. 

●        Pressure Canning

Pressure canning is preferable for food items that are non-acidic or basic. Food items like soups, meat, combination recipes, and a few certain vegetables can be ideally preserved using this method. 

Dehydrate your food

Another great way to preserve your food is by dehydrating them. The excellent prospects of dehydration are mostly dry foods, jerky and dry fruits. Fruits like dried zucchini, dried carrots can be eaten later in the day after being preserved by dehydrating them. Dehydrating foods can be a fun cooking activity to do with your kids, especially if you want to spend more time with them.

Preserving food by root cellar and cold storage 

People who have a backyard as a garden or prefer to grow their vegetables and fruits are probably already aware of the term root cellar.  

It is nothing but a dark and cold place that keeps the root veggies damp since it is the recommended method of preserving them. It, more or less, does the work of a refrigerator except, in this case, the items are even fresher. 

Freezing leftovers or raw food items

Since refrigerators were invented, it has become more of an instinct to us to store whatever food is left in the fridge. But what we must take care of is packaging them properly. It might get spoilt or sore if it is not appropriately packaged.  

Items like egg, milk, butter, and homemade cheese can also be stored in the freezer for at least a few months.

Salt curing 

This method fundamentally caters to the preservation of meat.  

Salt is such an element that has been used by people worldwide for keeping a moist item dry. It is also popular in the construction industry, mining industry as well as agro-industry keeping aside its importance in the food industry.  

According to food experts at fitibility.com, whenever a lump of meat needs to be dried, you can keep it in an air packed packet with some salt in it. That way, you can preserve dry beef for a long time. 

Preserving by fermentation 

Fermentation is an essential process to preserve items like pickles and kimchi. It requires you to make a saltwater solution or brine and submerge the vegetables in it. That way, the taste, and quality remain intact. To make good quality pickles, it is compulsory to ferment them.