Preserving the summer haul

Jill Weber grew up on a farm and learned how to can and preserve foods from family.

'We had a sweet corn stand, and we sold tomatoes, and my mom has always canned,” Weber said. 'It's just something I've always done.”

With new gardens popping up as quarantine hobbies, more people may be wondering how to enjoy the product year-round.

Weber is one of the nutrition and wellness specialists leading a new virtual food preservation course to help Iowans learn to preserve food at home and avoid food-borne illnesses.

The ISU Extension and Outreach started the classes in response to COVID-19.

'We are aware that many people are doing gardens for the first time and may be interested in how to can or freeze and dehydrate,” Weber said.

Nutrition and wellness specialists will discusses different ways to preserve foods, such as canning, freezing and dehydrating, while providing resources and answer any general questions.

Weber said it is a good refresher for those who can and a great starting place for those interested in starting.

There seems to be a renewed interest in canning, Weber said.

The course and recommended publications give guidance on factors such as altitude and blanching.

'All of our publications give directions on where you live in Iowa and what you need to do for altitude adjustments,” Weber said.

Even though there may be those who have recipes passed down from their family, Weber said they need to get updated recipes.

There is a team of people who work on the course some to teach the course and others to answer questions. So far in the course, people have been giving positive feedback and enjoying the class and content.

This course is free to Iowans. Those interested can visit Extension.IAState.edu/humansciences/preservation-101. The course dates left are Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. and Sept. 10 at 7 p.m., The sessions will not be recorded making this a unique opportunity.