AnswerLine - Families Extension Answer Line provides information and resources for Iowa consumers with home and family questions.
Professional consumer and family scientists answer questions about child development, cleaning, consumer management, food preparation, food preservation, food safety, home environment, household equipment, nutrition, textiles and laundry. Call 1-800-262-3804 (800-854-1678 in Minnesota); email questions to answer@iastate.edu; or go online to www.extension.iastate.edu/answerline. Answers to many common and not so common food preservation questions can be found at this site.
Publications can be found at the ISU Extension "Store." Go to www.extension.iastate.edu/store. Look for "food, nutrition and health." From there, look for publications under "food preservation." Many publications are available as pdf documents. Those that are not available as pdf files can be ordered online or picked up at your local County Extension Office.
National Center for Home Food Preservation - This web site was established with funding from Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture (CSRESS-USDA). You will find publications, a question and answer data base, and "Preserving Food at Home - a self-study" - a free, self-paced, online course for those wanting to learn more about home canning and preservation. Check out "multimedia" at the bottom of the page for videos, slide shows and more with how-to food preservation information.
Ball Blue Book - This site includes recipes, preserving guides, "How to Can" videos, information on high and low acid foods, problem solving information, and even crafts. You can also sign up for a free online newsletter with seasonal recipes and preserving tips.
Food for Fitness and Fun - Easy to prepare recipes, fun activities, snack ideas, and healthy tips to help you and your family stay fit. Sign up for a monthly newsletter delivered to your inbox each month.
Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Website leads to a large number of technical and consumer oriented materials.
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Consumer Advice
The topics on this page are arranged by food grouping and address food safety concerns associated with each type of food. Additional information is available about cosmetics and nutrition.
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Approximate pH of Foods and Food Products
The pH and/or acidity of a food are generally used to determine processing requirements and the applicability of GMP regulations for regulatory purposes. Methods and conditions for determining the pH and acidity of foods are also summarized in 21 CFR 114.90. Methodology for pH is generally available from pH meter and electrode manufacturers.
The Bad Bug Book
This is a listing of foodborne pathogens and toxins. It is a useful resource in determining what bacteria, parasites, viruses, molds, and toxins might be found in foods.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
One of the best sources for publications on preserving wild game and fish (written by a Meat Scientist and Extension Specialist).
Home Food Preservation Site - Pennsylvania State University
A very complete site with information about suppliers, kitchen unit converters, and includes the USDA canning guide.
Pressure Canner Gauge Testing - We now have a pressure canner testing unit and are able to test your dial type gauges. (The rocker style does not need to be tested for accuracy.) Give us a call to find out more.