Community members learn how to preserve garden produce safely

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach-Jefferson County hosted a Preserve the Taste of Summer 101 workshop for community members on March 31.

Participants learned the basics of canning, freezing, and dehydrating as safe food preservation methods.

Preserving your garden’s summer bounty is a great way to enjoy your home-grown produce year-round – if you don’t serve foodborne illness, like botulism, with your home-preserved foods. “Home food preservation is not difficult, but it does require following specific directions exactly,” said Sara Sprouse, human sciences specialist in food and health. “Ignoring recommended procedures can result in home-canned products that will make you, your family, and friends very ill.”

Don’t worry if you missed this event, more opportunities are available online and in-person. For reliable food preservation resources and to register for workshops delivered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/preserve-taste-summer or contact Sara Sprouse at sprouse@iastate.edu or 319-293-3039.

Iowans can also call the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach AnswerLine toll-free, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. for answers to food preservation questions.