This Stardew Valley guide details Preserves Jars, a valuable tool for crafting artisan goods and maximizing profits. While Kegs are popular for winemaking, Preserves Jars offer an earlier-game advantage and unique capabilities.
Obtaining Preserves Jars:
The recipe unlocks at Farming Level 4, requiring:
- 50 Wood
- 40 Stone
- 8 Coal
These materials are readily available early in the game. You also receive one for completing the Quality Crops Bundle (or Rare Crops Bundle in remixed games) and may find them in the Prize Machine.
Artisan Goods from Preserves Jars:
Preserves Jars create two types of artisan goods: Jelly and Pickles. The Artisan profession (Farming Level 10) boosts their sale price by 40%.
| Item Category | Product | Sell Price | Health/Energy | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | Jelly | 2x (base fruit value) + 50 | Edible: 2x base energy & health; Inedible: 0.5x value (health), 0.225x value (energy) | 2-3 days |
| Vegetable/Mushroom/Forage | Pickles | 2x (base item value) + 50 | Edible: 1.75x base energy & health; Inedible: 0.625x value (energy), 0.28125x value (health) | 2-3 days |
| Sturgeon Roe | Caviar | 500g | 175 Energy, 78 Health | 4 days |
| Other Fish Roe | Aged Roe | 60 + (base fish price) | 100 Energy, 45 Health | 2-3 days |
Important Considerations:
- Item Quality: Preserves Jar output value isn't affected by ingredient quality. Use your lowest-quality produce for maximum profit.
- Edible vs. Inedible: Edible items yield higher health and energy values in their processed forms.
- Profitability: Preserves Jars are most efficient for fruits under 50g and vegetables/forage under 160g base value. High-yield, low-value crops are ideal.
- Fish Roe: Preserves Jars are crucial for processing fish roe, significantly increasing Fish Pond profitability.
- Mushrooms: Only energy-positive mushrooms can be pickled.
Preserves Jars vs. Kegs:
While Kegs produce wine, Preserves Jars offer faster processing and are more profitable for lower-value produce and all fish roe. They're essential for maximizing the value of Fish Ponds and mushrooms.
This updated guide includes the 1.6 update's addition of pickling many foraged items, expanding the versatility and profitability of Preserves Jars. Remember to experiment with different ingredients to find the most profitable combinations for your farm!
