Welcome to my kitchen! As a Paleo chef, I’m all about healthy ingredients and creating delicious meals that will nourish our bodies. One of the biggest challenges for any home cook is how to preserve our ingredients so that they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Today, I want to share with you some of my top tips for Paleo preserving. Whether you’re new to this lifestyle or an experienced cook, I hope you’ll find something helpful in this guide. Let’s get started!

1. Stock Up on Mason Jars 🍎

Mason jars aren’t just for pickles anymore! These handy glass jars are perfect for storing everything from spices to bone broth. You can find them in various sizes, and they’re relatively inexpensive. Buy a bunch and use them to organize your pantry and fridge. I like to use them for storing nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. They also come in handy for leftovers like soups, stews, and chili. And of course, you can use them for homemade jams and preserves.

A line of mason jars filled with different types of preserved food

2. Invest in a Good Dehydrator 🍌

Dehydrating is one of my favorite ways to preserve fruits and veggies. This process removes the moisture from the food, which makes it last longer. You can dehydrate just about anything, from apples and bananas to kale and mushrooms. A good dehydrator will give you even results and save you a lot of time. You can also use an oven on its lowest setting (around 170°F) and prop the door open with a wooden spoon.

A dehydrator filled with fruits and vegetables in trays

3. Freeze Everything 🥕

Another great way to preserve your ingredients is by freezing them. This works especially well for meat, fish, and poultry. Invest in a good quality freezer and storage containers, and you’ll be able to keep your food fresh for months. You can also freeze fruits and veggies, either whole or chopped. Just be sure to blanch them first to preserve their color and texture.

A freezer filled with various frozen foods in containers

4. Use Fermentation 🍅

Fermentation is an ancient technique that has been used for thousands of years to preserve food. It involves creating an environment that encourages beneficial bacteria to grow and consume sugars and other carbohydrates. The result is a tangy, flavorful food that can last for months in the fridge. Some delicious fermented Paleo-friendly foods include sauerkraut, pickles, and kimchi.

A jar filled with fermented pickles and sauerkraut

5. Make Your Own Spice Mixes 🌶️

Many store-bought spice blends contain added sugar, MSG, and other unwanted ingredients. That’s why I love making my own spice mixes at home. Not only do they taste better, but I can control the quality of the ingredients. Some of my favorites include taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, and curry powder. Make a big batch and store it in a mason jar for easy use.

A spice rack filled with homemade spice blends in jars

Conclusion 🍲

Thank you for joining me in my kitchen today! I hope you’ve learned some helpful tips for preserving your Paleo ingredients. Whether you’re stocking up on mason jars, investing in a good dehydrator, freezing everything, using fermentation, or making your own spice mixes, there are so many ways to keep your diet fresh and healthy. As always, happy cooking!

A person standing in a kitchen smiling while holding a bowl of fresh produce