SENECA CO., N.Y. — In September, Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension will be hosting the three day Master Food Preserver’s Certification Program. The goal of the Master Food Preserver workshop is to train individuals so they have the knowledge and confidence to do home preservation and if desired to teach others this Do-It-Yourself skill. The focus is on the science behind safe preservation through multiple canning techniques, fermentation, freezing, and dehydrating foods. Other methods which will be discussed include oil preservation, vinegar, root cellaring, smoking and curing. The program was developed and will be taught by Judy Price, retired from CCE Monroe County and Diane Whitten, CCE Saratoga County. It will be held September 11th through the 13th from 8:30 to 4:30 pm at the Fayette Fire Department Hall, 4200 Rt. 414, Seneca Falls, NY 13148. The Early Bird special rate is $250 per person by July 1st; after that date it will be $275. Register online: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/masterfood_245. Registration includes a comprehensive Master Food Preserver binder, instruction from expert CCE MFP educators brought in from across the state, all of the food and supplies for demonstrations, morning refreshments, lunch, and taste samples.
The trend toward farm to table eating and concern over where our food comes from has led to a resurgence of interest in home food preservation. CCE has a long history of being a trusted and reliable source of information and education on this topic and is excited to bring this expertise to our county. CCE Seneca is working on developing a solid foundation of skilled Master Food Preservers to enhance our rich resources of local sustainable food.
“If you have an interest in home preservation this is the program you should start with”, says CCE Nutrition Educator, Sue Petersen. “I wish I had this program years ago when I first started home canning. It would have saved me a tremendous amount of money and time.” says Sue.
There is a science behind preserving food and safety has always held people back from the do-it-yourself mentality. This program will take those fears away and you can take yourself from novice to master with trusted, trained professionals.
Join the CCE’s Master Food Preserver’s Certification Program and become an expert on how to preserve food. Space is limited and pre-registration is required to attend. To register please call Seneca CCE at 315-539-9251 or email seneca@cornell.edu. You can also register online by visiting www.senecacountycce.org.
Seneca Cornell Cooperative Extension is a helpful resource for food safety information. Check out online resources for pressure canner maintenance and food preservation safety at http://senecacountycce.org/food-family/food-preservation or at http://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/publications_usda.html.
—Cornell Cooperative Extension Seneca County
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