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Food Preservation

Food Preservation

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Pour jam into jar
Read article: Why is open kettle canning unsafe?
Why is open kettle canning unsafe?
Canning food at home has been around since the early 1800s, with the first mason jar designed for canning distributed in 1884. Canning, freezing, and...
Fresh produce in an bowl and on a tabletop
Read article: Learn how to preserve your produce like a pro
Learn how to preserve your produce like a pro
No one like’s having to throw out food because it’s gone bad; that’s hard-earned money down the drain. Fruits and vegetables are some of the most...
jar of sauerkraut on wooden surface
Read article: What do you know about Fermentation?
What do you know about Fermentation?
Fermentation has been around since ancient times, but with the surge of people wanting to preserve their own food, it’s been enjoying a revival....
Five diverse youth eating large pieces of watermelon. Illinois Extension wordmark and block I on lower part of image
Read article: I can bake with cantaloupe?
I can bake with cantaloupe?
Summer means lot of choices for fresh fruits and vegetables, including melons. Today I want to share some recipes with melon I developed for a...

News Releases

three jars of a variety of jams
Yes! You Can: Preserving Practice—Jams and Jellies
Strawberry season is upon us, and fresh-picked strawberries are great! These sweet berries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. If you have a bumper crop and want to enjoy the delectable tastes of these summer berries year-round, try preserving them. Nothing tastes better than...
dehydrated peaches on a dehydrator tray
How to dehydrate fruits and vegetables for maximum flavor
Dehydrating food is one of the oldest food preservation methods around. However, safely dehydrating is critical to enjoying dried goods months after harvesting. Whether you want to lighten the weight of your favorite foods for camping and backpacking or preserve fruits and vegetables for later...
canning items on stove including jars filled with food and a large metal canner
Master the art of water bath and pressure canning
Home food preservation continues to be extremely popular, whether due to increased food costs, the desire to know what is going into your food, or because it benefits the environment by reducing one’s carbon footprint. There are many ways to preserve food at home, including freezing, drying,...
pressure canner tested
Get your pressure canner tested for free by Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is a great time to take inventory of your canning equipment to prepare for the summer canning season. If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, make it a habit to get it tested by Illinois Extension every year. Various...

Videos

How to Use Pressure Canners: Canning with Confidence

Take the pressure out of pressure canning.

Pressure canners provide the only safe method for preserving low-acid foods, such as green beans, meats, squash and pumpkin, and stews, soups, and broths. Only pressure canners can reach the required temperature of 240 °F to kill the deadly...

How to Use Steam Canners: Canning with Confidence

Steam canning is a safe alternative to boiling water bath canning for preserving many high-acid foods, including most fruits, preserves, and pickled vegetables.

In this webinar you will learn how to use a steam canner, become familiar with recommended food processing times, and watch a...