Food Preservation Workshop, Blacksburg

Canning season is upon us, and I’m pleased to announce that Master Food Volunteer Diane Blust and I are officially trained to lead canning classes!

Diane and I left for Blacksburg at the crack of dawn and spent the afternoon training on safe canning methods. Fellow Master Food Volunteers, Master Gardeners, and Extension staff attended the training, which was part of the 2012 Master Garden College. Extension Specialists Renee Boyer, PhD, and Melissa Chase, PhD, demonstrated boiling water and pressure canning methods for preserving fresh tomatoes.

I’m really excited for our canning classes this summer and fall! So far, we have classes scheduled in two community centers in Reston, Whole Foods Market in Vienna, and at the Fairlington Center in Arlington. Please check the schedule and let me know if you’re interested.

We are looking for help from novices and experts alike! Stay tuned for opportunities to teach and learn about fermenting and other food preservation methods, too. 

VCE has wonderful food preservation resources available! Check them out if you haven't seen them.