Getting back to basics – food preservation classes offered

Many people are getting back to basics these days – to make ends meet financially or to have the satisfaction of knowing where their food is coming from. Food preservation is a growing interest, so University of Missouri Extension has updated its guide sheet series and will be hosting hands on workshops around the region on canning, freezing and drying basics.

Those who are used to canning know that this is the time to be getting ready for another season of putting up their produce. Low acid foods like vegetables or meat need to be pressure canned so now is a good time to bring in the canner or just the lid to a MU Extension office for the gauge’s annual test for accuracy.

Rubber parts especially need to be checked that they are still soft and pliable. If the rubber gasket around the rim of the canner lid does not fit snugly, it may need to be "plumped." Pull the rubber ring out of the canner lid and boil it for 10 minutes in a quart of water and ½ cup of vinegar. Take the ring out of the boiling mixture and, while it is still hot, fit it back into the lid. If the ring is cracked or brittle, replace it with a new one. For best results, manufacturers recommend replacing a pressure canner’s rubber ring, and all rubber parts, every two to three years.

For those who have never canned or who haven’t canned for a while, a series of three two-hour workshops will be offered in Savannah, Hamilton and Bethany. In each of these locations, participants will learn by doing: pressure canning on June 24, water bath canning on July 8, and freezing on July 22. Participants will receive hands on experience as well as the most current step by step recommendations for food preservation procedures. There will also be information on dehydrating foods at the July 22 session.

Preregistration is required for these classes. Please contact me, Janet Hackert, at (660)425-6434 for more information or to register. The fee for each class is $15 per person per class. Class size is limited so register early to avoid missing out on this opportunity to get back to basics!

University of Missouri Extension is the local link between the resources of the four University of Missouri campuses in Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla and St. Louis; Lincoln University in Jefferson City; and people throughout the state.