Gardening season is in full swing across the Mountain State. And, as gardens begin to ripen, some home gardeners might look to food preservation to extend the life of their harvest. Our team of food preservation experts will provide you with food preservation knowledge you need, right to your home.
Beginning on Monday, June 22, food preservationists of all experience levels can participate in a seven-part webinar series that will cover everything from the equipment needed to safely preserve to the various methods that can be used to preserve your garden’s bounty and more.
Below is an overview of each course. Registration must be completed ahead of time by completing the online registration form.
Register for the Food Preservation Webinar SeriesWhat You Need to Know About Food Preservation 101*
Food preservation methods have been updated numerous times since “grandma’s day.” Novice and experienced food preservationists, alike, will learn the science behind food preservation as well as equipment needed to safely preserve. This session will set the stage for all subsequent sessions in the food preservation series and give the learner a good foundation for safely preserving the garden’s bounty. Join Hannah Fincham, WVU Extension Service Families and Health agent in Randolph County, for this intro series to food preservation.
*Please note: This course is required before taking any of the other food preservation courses. The session will be recorded and available for viewing for those who cannot attend the live session.
Hot Water Baths and Canning Peaches
June 29, 2020 – 11 a.m. to Noon
We can peaches in a boiling-water bath canner. Join Hannah Fincham, WVU Extension Service Families and Health agent in Randolph County, again this week to learn the canning process for acid foods such as fruits, jams, jellies, pickled and fermented products.
Pressure Canning and Hot Water Baths to Preserve Tomatoes and More
July 6, 2020 – 11 a.m. to Noon
Join Cheryl Kaczor, WVU Extension Service Families and Health agent in Marshall County,
to learn everything you need to know about acidifying and canning tomatoes.
Pressure Canning Green Beans
July 13, 2020 – 11 a.m. to Noon
The time is approaching when green beans will be in abundance in the garden. Pressure
canning is the only approved food preservation method for these vegetables. Join
Don Dransfield, WVU Extension Service 4-H and Families and Health agent in Monroe
County, to learn the process of pressure canning your green beans to keep them
through the winter safely. A quick review of pressure canning fundamentals
will also be presented. Get ready, the beans are coming!
The Art of Canning Meats
July 20, 2020 – 11 a.m. to Noon
Canning is a great way to preserve meats without taking up precious room in your
freezer. Pressure canning is the only approved method for canning meats. Before
you know it, deer season will be upon us. Why not can your venison this
year? Join Gina Taylor, WVU Extension Service agent in Jackson County, to
learn the process of pressure canning meat. A quick review of pressure canning
fundamentals will also be presented.
Beyond Canning: Freezing and Drying Fruits and Vegetables
July 27, 2020 – 11 a.m. to Noon
Canning is not the only way to extend the life of your homegrown fruits and vegetables. Join
Dave Roberts, WVU Extension Service Families and Health agent in Boone and
Lincoln counties, to learn more about freezing and drying fruits and vegetables.
Beyond Canning: Freezing and Drying Meats
August 3, 2020 – 11 a.m. to Noon
To understand meat, it’s important to understand the muscle’s function to select cuts that match their end use. Join Josh Peplowski, WVU Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in Greenbrier County, to learn how to properly cut meat for the type of jerky desired, as well as cuts of meat best for freezing and drying. This session will cover the proper methods for safely freezing and drying meat.