Learn how and what to can

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Do I can it or freeze it?
Cooperative Extension will host a food preservation workshop for anyone interested in learning more about food preservation on Monday, July 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Agriculture Center at 2727 Old Concord Road. Participants will learn the many food items that can be canned and/or frozen and those that must either be canned or frozen.
Learning what you can freeze and can’t freeze is one of the hardest lessons for the beginning freezer so if you aren’t sure which foods to can or freeze, this workshop is for you. During this workshop the list of what to can and what to freeze will be revealed along with the how and why. There is no charge but space is limited so pre-registration is required. Pre-register by 5 p.m. Thursday, July 3, by calling 704-216-8970.
Cooperative Extension will offer a series of workshops to teach the principles of canning and how to safely can in your own homes. The workshops are titled The Basics of Home Canning and I will teach each workshop. The focus of the workshops will be on canning safety, types of equipment and proper canning methods. Participants will receive hands-on experience operating both a water bath canner and a pressure canner. Designed for beginners with little or no previous canning experience, the workshops will also be beneficial to experienced canners as the session includes updates on the most recent USDA canning recommendations.
The dates for the workshops are Monday, July 21, from 6:-9:30 p.m.. for high acid; and Monday, July 28, for low acid, from 6-9:30 p.m. The deadline for signing up will be Thursday, July 17 (high acid) and Thursday, July 24 (low acid).
The workshops will be held at the Rowan County Extension office. Cost of the workshop is $20, which includes all written materials, food and class supplies. Class size is limited, so register early.
For more information, please contact Toi Degree, Family & Consumer Education Agent, at 704-216-8970.