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Food Preservation

Food Preservation

Blog Posts

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

Kimchi
Fermentation class coming to downtown Bloomington
  Fermentation class coming to downtown Bloomington   BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Have you ever heard of lacto-fermentation?  It may sound unusual, but it sure is tasty! University of Illinois Extension educators, Jenna Smith and Nick Frillman are partnering with...
U of I Extension logo
Learn how to ferment vegetables at upcoming program
FREEPORT, Ill.-Fermentation, like drying, is one of the oldest methods of preserving food for later use. It is also used in creating other foods, like cheese, yogurt, alcohol, and sourdough bread. Fermentation is a natural process in which microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast convert...
strawberry jelly
Yes! You CAN: Preserving Practice – Jams and Jellies
ELIZABETH, IL. 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...
grapes on a vine
Learn to dehydrate fruits and vegetables
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...

Videos

Food Preservation: How to Process Tomatoes

 

Do you expect an abundance of tomatoes in your garden, but you aren’t sure what to do with them? Whether canning, freezing or drying, it’s important to follow up-to-date methods. You’ll learn all about canning salsa, the variety of ways to water bath or pressure can tomatoes,...

Food Preservation: How to Preserve Apples

Apples are ripening in Illinois orchards. Learn about the varieties of apples along with preservation methods. We will discuss juicing, freezing, canning, and dehydrating apples. All this information will include the most current science-based preservation methods and highlight food safety. This...