Preserving food has become a passion of mine—it saves money, reduces waste, and keeps my kitchen stocked with fresh flavors year-round. Here’s a list of the tools I’ve personally used and loved, along with my experiences using them.
This is a game-changer! I use my vacuum sealer for meal prep and bulk storage. It keeps meat fresh in the freezer for months without freezer burn and even works wonders for marinating meats quickly. My favorite hack is sealing individual portions of ...
Food Vacuum Sealers | FoodSaver
These jars are a classic, and for good reason. I’ve used them to preserve my homemade strawberry jam, which stays fresh for months. They’re also great for storing fermented foods like pickles or kombucha. There’s something nostalgic about seeing them...
Airtight Mason Jar - Target
I switched to these a year ago, and they’re amazing for freezing smoothie ingredients or chopped vegetables. They’re durable, easy to clean, and reduce my reliance on single-use plastic. I also love that they don’t take up much space in the freezer.
Silicone Food Storage Bags
Dehydrating apples, bananas, and even tomatoes has been such a fun way to preserve food. I make my own fruit leather and veggie chips, which are way healthier than store-bought snacks. My kids love them, and I feel great knowing what’s in them!
Dehydrators / Specialty Kitchen Appliances
I was hesitant to try fermenting, but my crock made it so easy. My first batch of kimchi was a huge success, and now it’s a staple in our fridge. The crock maintains the perfect environment for fermentation, and I’ve had zero issues with spoilage.
Lehman's European Style Fermenting and Pickling Crock ... - Target
This might seem like a small thing, but labeling has saved me from countless freezer disasters. I write the date and contents on every package, and now I never have to guess what’s inside or when I froze it. It’s such a simple yet effective tool.
Freezer Labels - Target
These are my go-to for storing flour, sugar, and grains. They’ve saved me from throwing out pantry staples because of pests or moisture. I also love how tidy my pantry looks—I feel like a professional chef when I open the cupboard!
Air Tight Container In Food Storage Containers for sale - eBay
This little gadget has saved me so much money. I used to toss wilted herbs weekly, but now my parsley, cilantro, and green onions stay crisp and fresh for up to two weeks. I feel like a pro chef with fresh herbs always on hand!
Fresh Herb Storage Containers - Target
Even with all these preservation tools, scraps are inevitable. My countertop compost bin makes it easy to collect peels, coffee grounds, and other scraps, which I later use in my garden. It feels great to turn waste into something useful.
Compost Bin
I started using cheese storage paper when I got tired of throwing away moldy wedges of brie and gouda. This paper is a game-changer—it keeps my cheese fresh and perfectly textured for weeks. Now, every slice tastes like it came straight from the chee...
Cheese Storage Paper
These little packets have been a lifesaver for storing rice, beans, and flour. I used to struggle with pantry pests, but not anymore. My dry goods stay fresh for months, and I don’t worry about waste.
Food Grade Oxygen Absorbers
I freeze everything from pesto to leftover wine (yes, sometimes there’s leftover wine!) in these trays. The lids keep freezer smells out and make stacking easy. It’s so satisfying to pop out a cube of flavor for quick sauces or soups.
Ice Cube Tray With Lid
When I started making pickles, my cucumbers kept floating to the top, which led to spoilage. These weights changed the game. They keep everything submerged in brine, and my pickles are now perfectly crisp and delicious every time.
Drying my own herbs used to feel intimidating, but this rack made it easy. I’ve dried basil, thyme, and even lavender, and now my pantry is stocked with homegrown flavors. It’s also fun to see the herbs hanging as they dry.
Drying Racks For Herbs
I was skeptical about these little fridge filters, but they’ve extended the life of my greens and berries by weeks. It’s so satisfying to see my produce stay fresh instead of wilting or going slimy.
Fruit Saver Containers - Target
I originally got my sous vide machine for cooking, but it’s become a fantastic preservation tool. I vacuum-seal soups and stews, then pasteurize them for long-term storage. It feels like having gourmet meals on standby anytime I need them.
Sous Vide Machine
1
I use these wraps for covering cheese, bread, and even leftovers. They’re reusable, sustainable, and keep food surprisingly fresh. I love how they mold to the shape of whatever I’m wrapping—plus, they smell faintly of honey, which is a nice bonus.