It seems as though home food preservation continues to be a growing trend. Whether it is due to the increase in food costs, the desire to know what is going into your food, or because it benefits the environment by reducing one’s carbon footprint, home food preservation continues to be extremely popular.

Canning is a great way to use the foods you have grown in your garden or have purchased from your local Farmer’s Market. Moreover, it allows you to enjoy the incredible tastes of summer all year long while keeping food safe. However, a lot of science goes into safely preserving food.

When it comes to canning, there are two canning methods: boiling-water bath canning and pressure canning. The acidity of the food will determine which processing or canning method is used. The boiling-water bath canning method is used for acidic foods, meaning foods with a pH of 4.6 or less. Most fruits are naturally high in acid and thus are safe to process this way. However, some foods must have additional acid added, such as pickled foods, tomatoes, and figs, before they can be safely processed. 

Low-acid foods such as carrots, corn, green beans, potatoes, peas, and meat will not be acidic enough to prevent the growth of a dangerous bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Therefore, these foods must be processed using a pressure canner. A pressure canner is the only safe method for processing low acid foods because it can reach a temperature of 240 degrees under pressure.

If you are interested in learning what it takes to preserve food safely, or perhaps you simply need a refresher, this class is for you. Yes! You Can: Preserve It Safely – Water Bath and Pressure Canning Basics will be held both in-person and virtually. Pick the time and date that works best for you.

• Tuesday, May 23, from 6 to 9 PM at the Jo Daviess County University of Illinois Extension office. The office is located at 204 Vine Street in Elizabeth.
• Tuesday, June 6, from 6 to 9 PM, virtually via Zoom. 

Participants will learn the basics of home food preservation, food safety guidelines, and the most recent methods used to preserve food safely. Additionally, participants can have the dial gauge on their pressure canners tested; just bring your lid with the gauge attached.

Register for this popular program by calling the Extension office at (815)858-2273 or visit us online at go.illinois.edu/jsw. There is a $5.00 fee, which will cover the educational session and a pressure canner gauge testing. Space is limited so register today!