CHAMPAIGN, Ill — Local residents gathered at the Illinois Nutrition Education Program office for a hands-on canning workshop led by Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian Rachel Mannen. The class offered participants a valuable opportunity to learn the art of preserving their harvests through the time-honored tradition of canning.
"Canning is a fantastic way to preserve the flavors of the season and enjoy them all year round," said Rachel. "However, learning the proper techniques to ensure food safety is crucial. This class not only teaches the practical steps of canning but emphasizes the importance of doing it correctly to avoid any risks."
Throughout the morning, attendees were guided through the process of making apple marmalade with apples generously donated by Curtis Orchard. Each participant left with their own jar of homemade marmalade and the recipe to make more on their own.
The workshop drew a diverse group of participants, all eager to master the art of canning. For many, the class was a chance to reconnect with family traditions or learn a new skill that would allow them to enjoy their garden's bounty year-round.
"It was great to work together as a team," said participant Liz Ruggieri. "It was great to do something new and realize that you can do it." The event highlighted the growing interest in home canning as a way to preserve food, reduce waste, and enjoy seasonal produce throughout the year.
The Illinois Extension office also offers pressure canner testing year-round upon request for those already canning at home. Properly functioning equipment is essential for safe and successful canning, and the Extension office provides this vital service to ensure community members can confidently preserve their food.
For more information on upcoming classes and resources, visit the Illinois Extension website at go.illinois.edu/CFIV or contact the Champaign County office at 217-333-7672.
To learn more about Illinois Extension'sNutrition and Wellness program, please visit our website at go.illinois.edu/CFIV-Nutrition or contact Rachel Mannen at rmannen@illinois.edu or call 217-333-7672. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at go.illinois.edu/NWNewsletter.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.