Good carbs, bad carbs, low carbs, protected carbs, net carbs – there is a lot of attention around eating carbohydrates these days!  For dieters, people with diabetes and those addressing the cause of our obesity crisis, carbohydrates seem to be the nutrient of the hour.  To learn more about carbs and how they work in the body, join me on Tuesday, June 27, for “Cut the Carbs.”

During this lunch and learn, you will learn what a carbohydrate is, the various classes of carbohydrates, if in fact carbs are good or bad, how they work in the body, why or why aren’t they needed, how much you need in your diet, and where it’s best to get them, since all carbs are not created equal.

If you are interested in attending this session, you may sign up through today. Space is limited, and registration is required.  The cost of this session is $10, and you will need to come by the office to sign-up and pay.

Participants will receive a sampling of food at each session, recipes, and other educational materials.  The classes will be held at Rowan County Agriculture Center, located at 2727 Old Concord Road.  There is a limit of 20 people per session and once that limit has been reached, all others will be placed on a waiting list for future sessions.

Pressure canning

With canning season upon us, it’s time to begin getting our pressure canners canning ready.  So, join me for free canner testing — just bring your pressure canner lid with gauge for testing while you wait. There is no need to bring the entire canner; the lid with gauge is all that’s needed. Also, bring your rubber gaskets and safety valves so that they, too, can be inspected to make sure they are in good operating condition.

I will begin testing dial gauge pressure canner lids on the following Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and noon:  June 21 and 28, and July 5, 19 and 26.  We are located at the Rowan Agriculture Center on Old Concord Road; you may reach our office at 704-216-8970. Just stop by during the hours mentioned above.

If you are unable to make it during the times outlined, give me a call and we can set up an appointment for a more convenient time.  If you have any questions about canning or pressure canner testing, please feel free to give me a call.

Canning workshop

Calling all those who want to learn to can. The Rowan County Center will be offering a series of workshops to teach the principles of canning and how to safely can at your own homes.  The workshops are titled, “The Basics of Home Canning.”

The focus of the workshops will be on canning safety, types of equipment and proper canning methods.  Participants will receive hands-on experience with operating 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 Saturday, July 1, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for low acid and Monday, Aug. 8, for high acid from 2-5 p.m.  The deadline for signing up will be Friday, July 23 (low acid) and Friday, July 28 (high acid).  The workshops will be held at the Rowan County Extension office at 2727 Old Concord Road.  The cost of the workshop is $25, which includes all written materials, food and class supplies. Class size is limited, so register early.

If you have any questions, give us a call at 704-216-8970 or toi_degree@ncsu.edu Sessions will be taught by me, Toi Degree, Family & Consumer Education Agent.