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 homemade strawberry jam unless you try making apple jelly, pear preserves, or peach marmalade.

Making jelly and jam from fresh produce is an easy food preservation method requiring only fruit, sugar, pectin, and a few essential kitchen tools. However, you must also be familiar with the basic principles of making jams and jellies.

This hands-on workshop will begin in the classroom and then head to the kitchen, where participants can make their own jar of jam. During the first half of the class, we will explain the various types of sweet spreads, the importance of having the correct ratio of pectin, fruit, acid, and sugar, and the basics of jam and jelly making. The second half will be spent in the kitchen, making jam. Participants will learn a fun new skill and have a jar of jam to take home.  

Yes! You CAN: Preserving Practice – Jams and Jellies will be held twice. Choose the location nearest you. The cost to attend is $25, and the class size is limited, so register today!

• Tuesday, June 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension office, 204 N Vine St, Elizabeth, IL. Register for this workshop by calling the office at (815) 858-2273 or online. The registration deadline is Friday, June 7.

• Thursday, June 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Winnebago County Extension office, 1040 N. 2nd St, Rockford, IL. Register for this workshop by calling the office at (815) 986-4357 or online. The registration deadline is Monday, June 10.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in one of these programs, call the corresponding office listed above. 

Diane Reinhold is a University of Illinois Extension, Nutrition and Wellness Educator and registered dietitian. For more about upcoming programming on nutrition and wellness, visit go.illinios.edu/jsw or call (815) 235-4125.