You may choose to preserve food at home to save money, to have greater control over what you consume, or for the simple satisfaction of doing it yourself. Regardless of the reasons, it is important to do it safely. Using the proper equipment and following recommended guidelines and recipes can ensure that the food you preserve at home is safe and delicious.

Clostridium botulinum is a spore forming bacterium. A spore is a phase that some cells enter when conditions  become unfavorable. Spores are resistant to extreme temperatures, drying, and UV light and can be found in soil and water. Spore are found everywhere in the environment.