Since fruits and vegetables will soon be ripe, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is offering a Food Preservation and Canning Workshop on Wednesday May 4, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Chilton County Extension Office.

In the last several years, there has been research and changes in canning procedures and what food can and are not supposed to be canned, said Christiana Mendoza, Administrator I, Outreach Programs for the Chilton County Extension Office.

Those who attend the workshop will learn about the newest methods of canning.

To preserve fruits and vegetables, careful planning, preparation and knowledge of food safety must be used.  Foodborne illness can occur when foods are improperly canned, cooked, stored and reheated.

Attendees of the workshop will also learn about food safety in canning high-acid foods (water-bath canning), canning low-acid foods (pressure canning), jam and jelly making.

Food safety will be an important part of the workshop, so canning equipment will be demonstrated. Information will be available on pickling, freezing, and drying foods. There will also be a live demonstration on water bath and canning methods.  Samples will be given.

The registration fee is $15, which will include a Food Preservation Cookbook and a jar of homemade jam.

If you are interested in attending this workshop or learning more about food preservation, call the Chilton County Extension Office at 205-280-6268 to register.