Nicolas Appert was a French chef and inventor born on November 17, 1750. He is best known for developing the method of food preservation known as canning. His innovative technique involved sealing food in glass jars and heating them to kill bacteria, which helped to extend the shelf life of various foods. Appert's work laid the foundation for modern food preservation methods and earned him the title "father of canning." In 1810, he published a book detailing his methods, which greatly influenced the food industry. His contributions are still recognized today in the field of food science and preservation.