EVERETT – Learn how to preserve fresh foods safely in a series of four evening workshops at WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Evergreen Room in McCollum Park, 600 128th St SE, Everett. The series is offered on your choice of Wednesday or Thursday evenings. The schedule is as follows.

• Basics of Safe Canning: Wednesday, May 15 or Thursday, May 30, 6:30 p.m. Learn the basics of food safety and canning skills, including bacteria and food spoilage, canning equipment, and canning high/low acid foods. Includes demonstration of the process only.

• Jams, Jellies, and Spreads: Wednesday, June 12 or Thursday, June 27, 6:30 p.m. Learn how to create that perfect balance of fruit, sweetener, and other ingredients to enhance flavor and shelf life with research-based recipes. Low and no sugar recipes covered. Come prepared to cook during the hands-on session and take home a jar of fresh-made jam

• Tomatoes, Salsa, & Relish: Wednesday, July 10 or Thursday, July 25, 6:30 p.m. Learn how to jar tomatoes and fresh vegetables. Come prepared to cook during the hands-on session and take home a jar of fresh-made salsa.

• Pickling and Fermenting: Wednesday, July 31 or Thursday, Aug 8, 6:30 p.m. Learn how to make a great pickle product every time. In addition, look at the traditional art of fermentation with a hands-on sauerkraut-making session. Come prepared to cook during the hands-on session and take home a jar of fresh-made sauerkraut and pickles. 

Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Cost is $20 per workshop or take all four for $60 and get one class free! Register online at Preserve-The-Harvest.eventbrite.com.

Instructor Kate Ryan has been canning ever since she learned from her grandmother as a child. Throughout the years, her occasional failures prompted a quest to learn the best and safest methods for home food preservation. When WSU revived their home food preservation training program several years ago it was the perfect opportunity for Kate to brush off her skills and learn the most up-to-date science and protocols for safe food preservation.

For more information, contact Kate Ryan, WSU Snohomish County Extension Food Safety Program, kate.ryan@wsu.edu, (425) 357-6024.

Want to learn more about food preservation classes in your area? Stay tuned to the calendar at www.grownorthwest.com.