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Washington State University Extension announces a series of food preservation classes starting in August. The classes are for people just learning how to preserve food and for veteran food preservers who need a refresher course to be sure the foods they are preserving are done safely, according to Margaret A. Viebrock, WSU Extension Educator and class instructor.

Classes to be offered are:

• Tuesday, August 23 – “No Fear When Using a Pressure Canner.” This class will help eliminate the fear of using a dial or weighted gauge pressure canner. Learn how to use a pressure canner and methods for canning vegetables.

• Thursday, September 1 – “Making Salsa and Canning Tomatoes.” After this class, people will want your salsa recipes! Find out what kind of tomatoes to use in salsa and how to select and prepare peppers. Techniques for making salsa, canning tomatoes, and preparing juice blends and spaghetti sauce will be explained.

• Thursday, September 22 – “Successful Pickle Making.” This class will teach the secrets for successful quick-pack and fermented pickles, pickling without salt and how to prepare sauerkraut.

• Wednesday, September 28 – “Jams, Jellies and Pie Fillings.” Tired of using all that sugar in your favorite jams and jellies? There are other options for low- sugar spreads with just a few easy alterations and using some sweetening alternatives. This session will also include information on making syrups and pie fillings.

• Tuesday, October 6 – “Canning Meat, Fish, Wild Game and Soups.” Learn the methods to successfully can meat, fish and wild game. Information on preparing and canning chili, soups and mincemeat pie filling is included.

All of the classes will be held at the Okanogan County PUD Auditorium, 1331 N 2nd Avenue in Okanogan from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Preregistration is requested by calling 509-422-7245 or 509-745-8531. There is a $5.00 fee per class to cover the cost of publications and handouts. For more information, contact Margaret A. Viebrock at 509.745.8531 or viebrock@wsu.edu.

WSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.