Preserving Food for Lean Times: Lessons from the Great Depression Era

During the Great Depression, many families learned to preserve food in order to ensure they had enough to eat throughout the year. They canned fruits and vegetables, made jams and jellies, and dried herbs and fruits during peak seasons when produce was abundant and costs were low. We can learn valuable lessons from this practice by adopting basic preservation techniques like canning, dehydrating, and freezing our produce. By applying any one of these methods we can enjoy year-round access to off season fruits and vegetables while reducing reliance on processed foods and the expense of buying out of season produce.

Canning is a popular method of food preservation that involves sealing food in jars or cans and processing them to create a vacuum seal, preventing bacteria from growing inside the container. Amazon offers various canning kits like the Presto 01781 Pressure Canner and Cooker 23 quart, which allows you to safely process jars at the appropriate pressure for different types of foods.

Dehydrating is an ancient method of preserving food that involves removing moisture from fruits and vegetables using heat or air. This process not only extends the shelf life but also enhances the natural flavors of the produce. Amazon offers dehydrators like the NESCO FD-7SSD Digital Food Dehydrator which can be used to preserve a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, and even meats for lean times.

Freezing is another effective way to preserve food during peak seasons when produce is fresh and affordable. By freezing fruits and vegetables, we can enjoy them throughout the year without relying on out-of-season produce that may have traveled long distances or come with a higher price tag. 

By incorporating these preservation techniques, we not only learn from the resilience of past generations but also contribute to reducing food waste and promoting sustainable living practices. Preserving food during peak seasons allows us to enjoy fresh produce throughout the year while saving money on our grocery bills for out-of-season fruits and vegetables . So let’s take a cue from our resourceful ancestors and embrace these time-tested methods of preservation for lean times ahead.