As nutrition and food quality has become more important, home canning and preserving has increased in popularity for the benefits it offers: – Cooks gain control of the ingredients, including organic fruits and vegetables – Preserving foods at their freshest point locks in nutrition – The final product is free of chemical additives and preservatives – Store-bought brands cannot match the wonderful flavor of homemade – Only a few hours are needed to put up a batch of jam or relish – Home preserves make a great personal gift any time of year