Canning is a method of preserving food by first heating it to a temperature that destroys contaminating microorganisms, and then sealing it in air-tight jars, cans or pouches.

Food storage is both a traditional domestic skill and is important industrially. Food is stored by almost every human society and by many animals. Storing of food has several main purposes:

• Preparation for periods of scarcity or famine.
• Planning for catastrophe or emergency.
• Taking advantage of short term surplus of food as at harvest time.
• Enabling a better balanced diet throughout the year.
• Preparing for special events and celebrations.
• Protection against predators or others.