This Stardew Valley guide details Preserves Jars, a valuable tool for increasing profits from crops and other items. While Kegs are popular for artisan goods, Preserves Jars offer unique advantages, especially early in the game.
Obtaining Preserves Jars:
The Preserves Jar recipe unlocks at Farming Level 4, requiring 50 Wood, 40 Stone, and 8 Coal. These materials are readily available early on. You also receive one for completing the Quality Crops Bundle (or Rare Crops Bundle in the remixed version) in the Community Center, and they may appear in the Prize Machine.
Uses for Preserves Jars:
Preserves Jars transform various items into artisan goods:
- Fruits: Create Jelly. Edible fruits yield double the base energy and health; inedible fruits have adjusted health and energy values.
- Vegetables, Mushrooms, Forage: Produce Pickles. Similar to Jelly, edible items receive a boost to health and energy.
- Sturgeon Roe: Transforms into Caviar.
- Other Fish Roe: Creates Aged Roe.
The selling price is 2x the base item value + 50g. The Artisan profession (Farming Level 10) adds a 40% bonus. Item quality doesn't affect the final price, so use lower-quality produce for maximum profit. Only energy-positive mushrooms and foraged items can be pickled.
Preserves Jars vs. Kegs:
Preserves Jars are faster than Kegs but generally more profitable for low-value fruits (<50g) and vegetables/forage (<160g). They're essential for processing fish roe and mushrooms, which Kegs cannot handle. High-yield, low-value crops like eggplants and foraged berries are ideal for Preserves Jars.
This updated guide incorporates the 1.6 update, which significantly expands the range of foraged items usable in Preserves Jars. Maximize your farm's efficiency and profits by strategically utilizing this versatile crafting tool.
