Preserving food extends its shelf life and prevents wastage. Preserving also ensures that a greater variety of food is available throughout the year, which can help make sure that we are eating a variety of foods from all the different food groups all year long. Produce can be purchased in season and preserved, which saves money.
However, home food preservation (like canning) can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Botulism is a rare, but serious condition caused by toxins attacking the body's nervous system. You cannot see, smell or taste the toxin that causes botulism. But taking even a small bite of food that contains the toxin can be deadly.
For this reason, it is imperative that home food preservation be done correctly. Come learn all about safe canning in our 2024 Fall Food Preservation Series. The program is open to ages 14 - adult (but all youth 14-18 MUST be enrolled in 4-H online). The program will be held on Wednesdays, from 4-7 pm at the Montgomery County Food Distribution Center (located at 303 West Spring Street, Troy, NC 27371). The fee to participate is $35 per participant and covers the entires series.
October 2 - Intro to Canning - During this first session, participants will learn about canning as a home food preservaton method and will discuss best practices for safe and quality home food products. Participation in this opening session is mandatory for participation in following sessions.
October 9 - Boiling Water Bath Canning (Apple Pie Filling) - This workshop is designed to increase knowledge on how to safely can high acid and acidified foods such as fruit, jam, hellies and pickles. Participants will learn the basic process of safe boiling water canning and get hands on experience.
October 16 - Pressure Canning (Venison and Chicken) - This workshop is designed to increase knowledge about how to safely can low acid foods such as vegetables and meat in a home kitchen. Participants will elarn about processing food in a pressure canner and will gain hands-on experience.
October 23 - NO SESSION
October 30 - Pressure Caning (Savory Sauces) - During this workshop, we will hone our pressure canning skills as we preserve delicious and savory sauces.
To register for this class, please complete this REGISTRATION LINK.
