Calling all home cooks and harvest enthusiasts! The Grow Appalachia meeting on August 1st offered a wealth of knowledge on food preservation, led by Kathy Sparks, the Family and Consumer Science, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent for Magoffin County.

Preserving Your Bounty:

This session focused on Canning 101, a practical guide for attendees to extend the life of their favorite fruits and vegetables. Sparks expertly demonstrated two popular methods: pressure canning green beans and dehydrating apples.

Safety First:

Safe food preservation is paramount. Sparks emphasized the importance of following University of Kentucky’s established guidelines for canning techniques. These guidelines cover crucial do’s and don’ts to prevent foodborne illnesses, ensuring your canned goods are safe for your family.

Grow with Us!

Grow Appalachia is committed to supporting its participants. Each family attending the meeting received a fantastic resource package to kickstart their food preservation journey. This included a comprehensive guide to food preservation, a case of quart-sized canning jars for storing their canned goods, and – to address potential garden pests that might threaten their harvest – an outdoor sprayer.

Join the Canning Craze!

Interested in learning more about canning and other food preservation methods? Don’t miss the next Grow Appalachia meeting set for September 12.  Stay tuned for details about upcoming sessions and workshops.

In the meantime, explore the resources offered by the Magoffin County Extension Office:

  • Visit them: Stop by their office at 15 Rockhouse Fork Road in Salyersville and chat with their knowledgeable staff.
  • Call them: Reach out at (606)-349-3216 for personalized food preservation advice.
  • Explore online: Visit their website at Magoffin County Extension Office (uky.edu) to access publications, articles, and upcoming Grow Appalachia events.

Grow a Bountiful Harvest!

Embrace the power of food preservation and savor your harvest year-round with the support of Grow Appalachia! Let’s cultivate a community that thrives on fresh, local produce and sustainable practices.