UC Master Food Preserver Program of Sutter-Yuba-Colusa Counties

05/13/2024

Please reach out to our program for gauge testing.

EDC MFP can test Presto pressure gauges (only) and inspect all pressure canners.
Here is how to self-test your dial gauge:
https://ucanr.edu/sites/mfp_of_cs/files/389727.pdf

05/13/2024

Master Food Preserver Tip of the Week: Hand wash your canning lids

Simmering canning lids in hot water(180F) to soften the sealing compound is not recommended. Ball has researched this practice and found that boiling your lids can lead to reduced vacuum pressure and increased rates of buckling or lid deformation, especially when pressure canning. Lids should be hand washed only.

05/11/2024

DILL PICKLE GUACAMOLE! While a classic guacamole dip is always appreciated, sometimes it’s nice to mix things up. Adding pickles, pickle juice, dill w**d, and a few other spices to mashed avocados does just that. The result is a creamy guac with crunchy pickles — full of unexpectedly delicious flavors! Get the full recipe here. https://www.theproducemoms.com/dill-pickle-guacamole/

05/11/2024

Gardening and preserving go hand-in-hand. Our sister program, the UCCE Master Gardeners of Sacramento County, has a published planting calendar to help local growers understand when it is best to plant garden veggies from seed or from starts. It’s very helpful, whether you are a beginner gardener, or a seasoned almost-pro.

Find it athttps://sacmg.ucanr.edu/files/117117.pdf

05/11/2024

Acidifying Canned Products for Safety

When canning food, the acidity of a food product is a critical factor that determines the safety and quality of the product.

https://extension.psu.edu/acidifying-canned-products-for-safety
Photo credit - Martha Zepp, Penn State University

05/11/2024

Let's Preserve: Peppers

This in-depth fact sheet provides detailed information on types of peppers, freezing procedures, and how to properly process them in a canner.

https://extension.psu.edu/lets-preserve-peppers

05/11/2024

Red Onion Marmalade

A delicious topping for cheese and crackers, sandwiches and burgers.

https://ucanr.edu/sites/camasterfoodpreservers/files/334005.pdf

05/09/2024

Download this food safety poster here:
https://ucanr.edu/sites/mfp_of_cs/files/376146.pdf

05/08/2024

Waste not Wednesday ideas!

WASTE NOT WANT NOT WEDNESDAY
When storing fresh carrots, it’s important to remove the tops for longer storage of the roots. So what do you do with those tops? Don’t throw them away. Here are a some options to help you use the whole plant.

Carrot Top Pesto
Use fresh or freeze for long term storage
https://www.pomona.edu/farm/blog/posts/farm-friday-use-your-carrot-tops

Dehydrated Carrot Tops
Use in place of parsley or as a greens powder
https://www.thepurposefulpantry.com/dehydrate-carrot-tops/

Plant the tops to grow more greens, carrot flowers, and seeds for next year.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-extension/featured/can-i-regrow-carrots-planting-tops

05/08/2024

Cayenne Pepper Sauce
Let's start getting ready for summertime!
Memorial Day and July 4 bbq's are perfect for sharing and showcasing our preserved products.
Let's start with an easy hot sauce.
PRO TIP: Anaheim chiles are mild, but they have a chile flavor that sweet bell peppers do not have.
English
https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can/how-do-i-can-tomatoes/cayenne-pepper-sauce/ .tab=0
Spanish
https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can/how-do-i-can-tomatoes/cayenne-pepper-sauce-spanish/ .tab=0