MU Extension Conducting Popular Five-Part Food Preservation Series in El Dorado Springs Starting June 3

Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health education specialist
E-mail: robertstt@missouri.edu
Tel: 660-679-4167

University of Missouri Extension kicks off a series of five popular hands-on food preservation classes in El Dorado Springs starting on June 3.

Offered in partnership with Snodgrass Greenhouse, the classes will be held at 5:30 p.m., Mondays, June 3 thru July 1 at the El Dorado Springs Community Center, 135 W. Spring, El Dorado Springs.

The entire series of food preservation classes includes sessions on low-acid pressure canning, how to pickle, jams and jellies, pickles, salsa and freezing and drying foods, all priced at $20 per person, per class.

CLASS LINE UP

June 3- Pressure Canning Low Acid Foods – Be ready to start with fresh green beans and participate in the canning process until we take the jars from the canner.

June 10- How to Pickle- We will prepare and process dilled green beans. We will also discuss how to prepare and process fermented pickles and sauerkraut.

June 17- Salsa From Your Garden- We will prepare and process both a fresh tomato and fruit salsa.

June 24- Jams and Jellies- In this class you will make blueberry spice jam as well as freezer jam. Receive lots of tips on how to make sure your jams and jellies turn out perfectly.

July 1- Freezing and Dehydrating- Learn how to get the best results when freezing produce. See what to look for when purchasing a dehydrator. Learn the process of preparing food for dehydration and how to store dehydrated foods. This class is lecture and discussion with sampling.

Cost of the classes is $20 each or $80 for all five. Pre-registration is required five days before each class. For more information or to register, call Cedar County University of Missouri Extension at (417) 276-3313.

MORE INFORMATION

In all classes, participants will receive University of Missouri Extension guide sheets and other handouts so that you will have all of the information you need to get started at home. These are hands-on classes. Come prepared to roll up your sleeves and participate in each process from fresh produce to sealed jar.

The classes will be taught by Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension. During 2010, Roberts taught over 450 people during food preservation classes in Greene County.

“If you have never canned before but want to start preserving your garden delights, these classes are for you. If it has been a long time since you have used a pressure canner or if you have recipes that were published before 1989, this class is for you too,” said Roberts.

According to Roberts, the classes will cover the basics of home food preservation and offer a hands-on portion and offer new recipes and sources of the latest research. Participants will receive MU Extension guide sheets that include basic information on the class topic.