Preserve the Taste of Summer

Preserve the Taste of Summer is a food preservation program that includes both online lessons and hands-on workshops providing the most current USDA-approved food preservation recommendations. It is a great opportunity for anyone age 18 years or older interested in learning safe food preservation techniques.

Volunteer Food Preservation Assistant Program (optional)

• Those who complete all eight lessons and participate in at least one hands-on workshop are eligible
• Assist ISU Human Sciences Extension and Outreach Nutrition and Wellness Specialists in conducting Preserve the Taste of Summer workshops and group sessions.

Online Lessons

All participants complete eight online lessons:

• Lesson 1 - Food safety
• Lesson 2 - Canning basics
• Lesson 3 - Canning acid foods
• Lesson 4 - Pressure canning low-acid foods
• Lesson 5 - Preparation and canning of pickled and fermented foods
• Lesson 6 - Making and preserving fruit spreads
• Lesson 7 - Freezing food, storage of frozen and refrigerated foods
• Lesson 8 - Drying foods

Hands-on Workshops

Participation in a hands-on workshop requires the completion of the eight online lessons. Hands-on workshops are:

• hot water bath canning (salsa making)/freezing
• jams and dehydrating
• pickle making
• pressure canning

Upcoming Workshops

Workshops are offered periodically throughout the state of Iowa. Contact the Nutrition & Wellness Specialist that serves your county for additional information.

Jam Making - Neola
August 8  |  9am - 1pm
TriCenter High School FCS classroom, 33980 310th St
Instructor: Barb Fuller, 712-789-2449

Salsa Making and Freezing - Cherokee
August 11
Cherokee Middle School FCS Room, 206 E Indian Street
Instructors: Ann Heuer and Holly Van Heel
Register online

Salsa Making and Freezing - West Branch
August 18  |  9am - 1pm
West Branch Town Hall, 2015 East Main St
Instructor: Vera Stokes
Register online

Salsa and Freezing - Sac City
August 23  |  5:30-9:30pm
East Sac Middle School FCS Room, 300 S 11th St
Questions - contact Ann Heuer, 515-204-3397
Register online

Salsa and Jam Making Workshops - Winterset
August 25  |  9am - 1pm
Winterset Public Library, 123 N. 2^nd St
To register, contact Mary Krisco, 515-957-5787 by August 20

Salsa Making - Badger
August 25  |  9 am - 1 pm
Badger Lutheran Church, 127 2^nd Avenue, SE
Instructor: Holly VanHeel
Register online

Pickle Making - West Branch
September 15 |  9am - 1pm
West Branch Town Hall, 2015 East Main St
Instructor: Vera Stokes
Register online

Pressure Canning - Harlan
September 22  |  9am - 1pm
Harlan Community High School FCS room (east entrance), 2102 Durant St
Register online

Jams and Dehydrating - West Branch
October 27  |  9am - 1pm
West Branch Town Hall, 2015 East Main St
Instructor: Vera Stokes
Register online

Additional Information

• Download the program brochure
• View a program introduction and register for Preserve the Taste of Summer lessons and workshops