Whether your interest in home canning is a new kitchen adventure, a continuing hobby or a way to take advantage of seasonal fresh produce, K-State Research and Extension can help you do it safely.
Plan to join us for “Food Preservation Basics” at noon on Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Cottonwood Extension District office, 1800 12th Street in Great Bend. Cottonwood District Agent Linda Beech will review the science of preserving food at home. In this free one-hour program, you will receive the latest home canning guidelines, plus advice on canning equipment and products.
Participants will learn that just because a jar seals doesn’t mean it’s safe. It is important to use up-to-date canning recipes and equipment. Instead of untested online recipes or old-fashioned, hand-me-down procedures, home canners should rely on current USDA recommendations and reputable sources of research-based food preservation information.
Another service that will be provided at the meeting on Aug. 17 is a pressure canner check-up. If your pressure canner has a dial gauge I have an apparatus that will check the gauge for accuracy. Weighted gauges cannot be checked. They should remain accurate unless they have been dropped or chipped. It is a good idea to have your dial gauge checked every 2-3 years or more often if you have a product that spoils.
Whether you are new to home canning, or you have been canning for years, you will appreciate this review of the latest principles for preserving top quality food at home. I will also have information available on freezing produce at this program. This educational program is free and open to everyone. For more information or specific food preservation questions feel free to give me a call.

Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Barton County. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.