Download this updated nine-page preserving record notebook to plan your seasonal freezing, drying, fermenting and canning goals, record what you made, and keep track of your favorites. You are going to love this!
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One of the things that has helped me SO much through my years of preserving produce from our garden is a small preserving notebook/journal.
It's where I write down the name, date, and amounts of what I canned, dried, froze, and fermented for each year as well as a place to keep recipes.
It's a simple small 3-ring binder with notebook paper and dividers. The sections are separated into vegetables, fruits, pickling, and 'other' for recipes like ice cream toppings and syrups.
At first I simply wrote things down to try and keep track of what I had made that year.
But the beauty of this notebook really started to make itself known at about year three into my preserving journey.
That's when I could look back and see how many jars I made of certain recipes and when we ran out the next year. Then I knew how many jars we'd need to see us through an entire year and could prioritize my preserving
When I forgot if I made a recipe, I could look back and see what I made - plus if we liked it or not. I'd also start making notes for things like increasing the red pepper flakes or leaving out the cilantro.
This simple three-ring binder became indispensable, sort of a preserving Bible for our family. And why I knew I needed a version to share with you!
Updated Preserving Record Notebook
We've had that 7-page version available for a number of years in the subscriber library and it's been very popular so I know others are feeling like me about this little organizing tool!
Which is why I'm excited to let you know that there's a new version of the preserving notebook that includes all the great pages of the former version, plus adds a section where you can include recipes and a blank page you can print to write or tape other recipes and notes.
Once the file is downloaded to your computer, it’s simply a matter of printing the pages you’ll need.
To grab your own preserving record notebook, simply click the image below and fill out the form (note: if you're already a subscriber, you can find the link and password in every email):
Here's what's included in the full 9-page PDF:
- Cover page. Place this in the front of a clear-view binder or as the first page in a decorative binder. Grab some basic dividers with labels for organizing the remaining pages. You can decide the order of the pages you like best (they aren't numbered).
- A seasonal preserving plan. Use this at the beginning of the season to make your preserving goals - what are your must-have preserves and what do you hope to get to? How much of each do you need? Take stock of your canning, freezing, and drying supplies and make a note of what you have and what you need to buy.
- A second planning page.
- Preserving record for vegetables page. This is where you list what you actually made on the day you made it for all the vegetable products like green beans, salsa and pickles. Count the jars/packages and list any notes at the time - or even later on. If you find you don't eat a lot of one thing during the winter, go back to your binder and make a note so you don't make too much the next year - and visa versa.
- Preserving record for fruits page. Same as for vegetables, but for fruits like jams, juices, frozen berries, and the like.
- Other preserves record page. This is for any preserve that doesn't fit into veggie or fruit. Examples include freezer pesto, fermenting and non-fruit syrups I may have canned. You could also make this a specific page - I have a page just for pickled products, for example. Use this however works for you.
- Favorite preserves list. This is for your all-time favorites and so may be the page you want at the beginning of your notebook! There is a spot to list the name of your favorite preserve, and a notes section for writing where to find the recipe/tutorial, why you like it, or how many you want to have put up each year.
- Preserving Recipes divider page. Newly added as a way to organize your preserving recipes behind this decorative page.
- Blank page. This can hold written or smaller recipes taped on. Or it can be a page for notes or any other way you'd like to use it. Print as many as you need!
TIP: If you'd like to have a smaller notebook (the pages in the file you'll download are sized to be 8.5x11), you can choose on your printer to print at 66% which I've found is a good size for A5 binders like this or 3-ring 5.5x8.5 binders like this.
AOC's Weekly Newsletter
Like the previous notebook, this printable file is free with a subscription to the weekly AOC newsletter and access to a growing library of printables, eBooks, and checklists.
The newsletter you'll receive weekly is full of useful information, keeping you up-to-date with behind-the-scenes info, the blog, and useful links. (Oh, and I hate spam as much as you do and will never give out your personal information.)
This email is actually pretty popular - I get comments like this all the time:
"Thank you for emailing good stuff to read, you are so inspirational!!"
-Debbie
"Saturdays aren’t Saturdays without AOC!"
-Katie
"Thank you for all your hard work on this newsletter, your photos, stories and bits of loveliness. You have been a bit of light in the darkness and I appreciate each bit."
-Milli
I hope you'll join our community!
(Remember, if you’re already an AOC subscriber, you can download this printable by using your exclusive subscriber password located at the bottom of every email you receive from An Oregon Cottage.)
Let me know what you think and how you use this resource - I'd love your feedback!
Disclosure: affiliate links in this post will earn commission based on sales, but it doesn't change your price. Click here to read my full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.
candace says
I have tried other printables and now it will not check that I am not a robot. what am I doing wrong?
Jami says
Can you give me more information, Candace? At what point do you get that robot check? After the confirmation email?
Jami says
I just checked and you're confirmed as a subscriber, so go to the Subscriber Library to download any printable you want - use the link and password you got in the email I sent you (and it will be at the bottom of regular emails you get).
Hope that helps!
Linda says
I'm so sorry to have to ask. I'm sure there is something very plain and simple I am missing. I would love to use your Canning journal to have a better method of organizing my notes but for the life of my computer-challenged mind I cant find what I have to do to download the pages. I have subscribed. I expected to see something that says click here to download. Or click here to print. but I'm not seeing anything like that. I'm sorry to be so out of date but I am what I am. Can you email me the files or tell me where to find them on your blog?
Linda says
Well after further study I saw your instructs of how to access the printables. Sorry to have bothered you.
Jami says
No worries, Linda - glad you found them and hope the notebook helps you keep organized!
Jen says
I just came across your website and am so excited about the wealth of info you have here! Thank you for sharing!!
Jami says
I'm so glad you found me, Jen and like what you see!