Gardeners and other lovers of fresh produce are often interested in extending the season's bounty by learning more about home-preserving fruits and vegetables. Now they can, by attending the "Food Preservation Workshops Series" presented by Melissa J. Rupp, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension in the coming month. All three workshops will be at the Robert Fulton Agricultural Center, 8770 State Route 108, Wauseon Ohio.
The first workshop on Food Preservation is from 1 to 3 pm on Thursday, July 5, This workshop will focus on the basics of home canning and preservation and is appropriate for people with all levels of experience.
Additional classes will include “Water Bath Canning” on Tuesday July 24, from 1 to 3 pm and “Pressure Canning” on Thursday, August 2, from 1 to 3 pm.
"We emphasize the science behind preservation," Rupp said. "We want everyone who cans or freezes fresh fruits and vegetables to understand why certain procedures must be followed precisely to ensure a high-quality, safe product that they and their family can enjoy."
The classes will address:
- Basic food safety principles.
- How to use a water bath canner and a pressure canner.
- Canning tomatoes, pickling, and making jams and jellies.
- Freezing fruits and vegetables.
- Accessing resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, OSU Extension, and other research-based food preservation information.
"All pressure canner gauges except weighted gauges should be tested for accuracy each year," Rupp said.
The fee for the series is $25, or $10 per class. Everyone that pre-registers will be eligible for a door prize. An optional USDA Home Canning Guide is $12, and gauge testing is available for an additional $5. Gauges can be dropped off at the Fulton County Extension office at least 2 days before the class to be picked up at the class, or dropped off at the class for pickup at a later date.
To reserve a spot in the class, contact the Fulton County office of OSU Extension at 419-337-9215 or seiler.58@osu.edu with your name, phone number and e-mail address. Click here for a flyer