Home canning is a time-honored way to preserve the bounty of your garden, seasonal fruits, and vegetables, ensuring fresh, flavorful foods all year long. This beginner-friendly guide focuses on safe home canning practices using Bernardin, Canada’s trusted canning brand, and Ball, a leading authority in North American food preservation.

Fermented, infused, and preserved beverages have long been central to seasonal eating and sustainable cooking practices.

From the orchard to the kitchen, the methods for turning fruit and herbs into drinks reflect both tradition and innovation. In this article, we focus on four categories: cider, shrub, vinegar, and tonic. Each offers a distinct approach to flavour, preservation, and culinary use, yet they share a common thread: making the most of seasonal ingredients while minimizing waste.

Carrot Tops

Those feathery greens on carrots are often tossed, yet they’re entirely edible and packed with flavour. Historically, carrot tops were simmered into soups or used medicinally in teas.

The kitchen table was as much a part of Canada’s war effort as the factory floor. Picture it: a narrow 1940s kitchen with a wood or coal stove radiating heat, ration books fanned open beside a jar of sugar no bigger than a teacup, rows of gleaming preserves stacked like sentries along the counter, and two fresh loaves of bread cooling under clean tea towels. The air carried the mingled scent of yeast, stewed fruit, and something savoury stretching its way into tomorrow’s supper.

There is a special ritual in Greece, one that transcends mere beverage consumption. Greek coffee is more than a drink — it’s a time-honoured tradition, steeped in cultural significance, history, and family. In every sip of thick, dark coffee, rich with foam (known as kaimaki), there’s a connection to centuries of history.

The preparation and enjoyment of Greek coffee are deeply tied to the social fabric of Greek life, a bridge between generations, neighbours, and cultures.

Learn how to forage pine resin sustainably with this beginner's guide. Discover its benefits, practical uses, and tips for responsible harvesting and long-term storage.

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner? Try these golden pork chops, pan-seared to perfection in under 20 minutes. A simple, flavorful main course perfect for busy weeknights.

These easy, pickled radishes are a quick and colourful addition to a meal.

Discover how to make delicious, homemade 100% whole wheat hamburger buns with this easy recipe. Perfectly soft and healthy, these buns are ideal for your next BBQ. Get the step-by-step guide now on Recipes and Roots!

Discover how to make homemade garlic aioli with this easy, step-by-step recipe. Perfect for adding a delicious, creamy kick to sandwiches, salads, and more. Learn the basics of making aioli from scratch using simple ingredients.

Discover how to make Ensalada Chilena, a refreshing Chilean salad featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a side dish or light meal. Explore the authentic flavors of South America with this easy-to-follow recipe on Recipes and Roots.

Discover how to make creamy, delicious homemade tahini with our easy recipe. Perfect for adding rich flavour to your favourite dishes, our step-by-step guide ensures a smooth, nutty tahini every time. Learn tips for perfecting this essential ingredient in your kitchen!

Learn how to make nourishing homemade bone broth with our simple recipe. Packed with flavour and nutrients, this guide provides easy steps to create a rich, savoury broth perfect for soups, stews, and more. Enhance your meals with this wholesome staple.

Discover how to make refreshing homemade ginger beer ale with our easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for adding a zesty, natural twist to your beverages. Learn the benefits of fermenting and enjoy a delicious, DIY alternative to store-bought drinks!

Discover how to make your own ginger bug with our easy, step-by-step guide. Learn the benefits of this natural fermentation starter and how it enhances your homemade sodas and recipes. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts and fermenting beginners!

Bean sprouts are easy to do and add fresh greens to your diet any time of year

Learn how to make homemade garlic puree with our simple recipe. Perfect for adding bold, fresh flavour to your dishes, our guide offers easy steps for creating a smooth and versatile garlic puree. Ideal for cooks looking to enhance their culinary creations.

Learn how to make vibrant and flavourful sauerkraut with cabbage, carrots, ginger, turmeric, and beets. This easy-to-follow ferment recipe is packed with probiotics and perfect for boosting gut health. Try this colourful, immune-boosting twist on traditional sauerkraut today!

Discover how to make delicious whole wheat poolish bread with our easy-to-follow recipe. This guide covers the essentials of using poolish for a flavorful, artisan-style bread. Perfect for home bakers looking to enhance their bread-making skills with a wholesome, whole wheat twist.

Learn how to make fresh ginger puree at home with our simple recipe. Perfect for adding vibrant flavour to your dishes, this step-by-step guide helps you create a versatile ingredient that enhances both sweet and savoury recipes.