As summer comes to an end, gardeners don’t have to stop enjoying hard-earned fruits and vegetables right away. Canning resources available on West Virginia University Extension Service’s website as part of the “We Can” Food Preservation series can help West Virginia residents safely preserve the tastes of summer for winter months ahead.

While canning is a cost-efficient way to preserve produce from the garden, it’s essential for gardeners to learn how to do so safely to avoid potential harm to friends and family who will be enjoying summer preserves, according to Litha Sivanandan, Ph.D., WVU Extension Service food safety and preservation specialist.

“Canning is such a simple, economical way to extend the life of your summer’s harvest, but there are steps gardeners must take to keep the experience safe for those who will be consuming preserved foods,” said Sivanandan. “We offer plenty of resources including printable fact sheets, educational videos and hands-on workshops to those who want to learn the ins and outs of canning.”

Gardeners can find links to Extension videos on frequently asked canning questions at bit.ly/WVUExtCanning. The video series offers visual information on everything from how to correctly store canned foods and recognize spoilage to proper canning equipment and canning high versus low-acid foods.

The website also offers printable resources on canning specific food items such as fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry and pickled products. Related information on the step-by-step canning process and how to avoid botulism, an illness caused by contamination in cases of improper canning, is also available.

“We have information helpful for canners of all experience levels,” said Sivanandan. “Whether you’re just starting out and need some basic guidelines or if you’re an experienced gardener looking to expand your canning horizons, our agents offer resources on a variety of topics in many different platforms.”

Those who would like a more hands-on approach can attend one of the many food preservation workshops hosted by Extension agents around the state. To find classes in your area, contact your local Extension office by visiting ext.wvu.edu/county_offices.

The WVU Extension Service serves as an outreach division of West Virginia University. Extension has offices in all 55 counties, which provide citizens with knowledge in areas such as 4-H and youth development, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, health, leadership development and community and economic development.

-WVU-

bd/09/14/16

CONTACT: Brittany Dick, WVU Extension Service, Writer/Editor
304.293.8701, Brittany.Dick@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.