MSU Extension to Offer Master Food Preserver Class

BESSEMER, MI - Thursday, July 09, 2009 - Area residents will have a unique opportunity for learning this summer. A three-day training designed to introduce and update residents to the basics of home food preservation will be offered by Gogebic County MSU-Extension. Lucia Patritto of MSU Extension will be joined by several local Master Food Preservers in presenting the class.

Over the course of the three-day workshop participants will have the opportunity to learn about the following topics: microorganisms and home food processing, using both hot water bath canners and pressure canners, freezing food safely and cost-efficiently, making jams, jellies and related products, food dehydration, and making pickles, relishes and fermented products.

The training will be held on July 21, 22 and 23 at the new Community Action Agency Building on Mill Street in Bessemer. “We are so pleased that CAA will host this workshop”, said Patritto. “It is a perfect place to hold our training.”

The class will meet from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM each day. The total cost is $55, which includes all supplies used in the training, as well as a comprehensive folder containing many food preservation bulletins and handouts. Two people from the same household may attend for one fee. The minimum age to attend is sixteen.

“About seventy-five percent of our time will be spent in hands-on food preservation activities, with some time for classroom learning and group discussion. It's an excellent opportunity for those new to food preservation who are concerned about safety, as well as for experienced canners who want to brush up on their skills”, said Patritto.

She went on to say that all preserved products made in the class are taken home by participants at the end of the training.

MSU Extension staff have Upper Peninsula-wide responsibilities, and Patritto has presented two and three day workshops in Chippewa, Schoolcraft, and Ontonagon counties this spring and summer. “There seems to be a new trend toward home food preservation in the past year. It will be great doing this in my own county. It’s a fun and educational experience for the instructors as well as the participants!”

Unlike some of the other Extension “Master” classes, there is no requirement for volunteer service, though trained Master Food Preservers are sometimes called upon to help answer food preservation questions and serve as a community resource at places like Farmer’s Markets and County Fairs.

Pre-registration is necessary and payment must be made in advance. “Enrollment is limited to 15 people, on a first come, first-served basis”, said Patritto. “This class typically fills up quickly, so please register early to avoid being disappointed.”

Residents may contact MSU Extension at (906) 663-4045 or toll-free at 1-888-MSUE-4-MI (Gogebic). The registration deadline is July 17th.