This Stardew Valley guide compares Kegs and Preserves Jars, analyzing their profitability for turning crops into artisan goods. The guide is part of a larger Stardew Valley walkthrough.
Stardew Valley players can significantly increase their profits by transforming crops into artisan goods. This guide focuses on Kegs and Preserves Jars, two crucial tools for this process. Both are used to create higher-value products, especially beneficial with the Artisan profession (40% increased sell price). However, the quality of the input item doesn't affect the output's quality or selling price; use lower-quality produce for maximum efficiency.
Updated January 8, 2025: This guide reflects updates from Stardew Valley's 1.6 patch, including new craftable items for both Kegs and Preserves Jars (e.g., leeks, spring onions).
Kegs and Preserves Jars: A Comparison
Both Kegs and Preserves Jars are valuable farm assets. The choice depends on your farming strategy and stage of the game.
Preserves Jars:
Produce: Jellies, Pickles, Aged Roe, Caviar.
Acquisition: Community Center bundles, Prize Machine, Farming Level 4 recipe (50 Wood, 40 Stone, 8 Coal).
Kegs:
Produce: Wine, Beer, Pale Ale, Coffee, Juice, Green Tea, Vinegar.
Acquisition: Artisan/Brewer's Bundles, Prize Machine, Farming Level 8 recipe (30 Wood, 1 Copper Bar, 1 Iron Bar, 1 Oak Resin).
Kegs vs. Preserves Jars: Which is Better?
Kegs generally yield higher profits, particularly with aging in Casks (doubles Iridium quality sell price). However, they are more expensive and time-consuming to craft and use. Cask aging requires the farmhouse upgrade (100,000g).
Preserves Jars are cheaper and faster, making them ideal for early-game profits. They are less profitable for high-value items but excel with low-value, high-yield crops (e.g., blueberries). Their faster processing time can offset the lower base value.
Conclusion:
Both Kegs and Preserves Jars have their place. Early game, Preserves Jars are efficient. Later, Kegs offer greater long-term profit potential, especially when combined with Casks. A balanced approach, utilizing both, optimizes artisan goods production.
