Canning and food preservation help now available online

Submitted by Debbie Carter
Phone: 907-474-5406
08/14/08

Alaskans interested in learning how to can and preserve foods have new online help from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service.

Seven interactive food preservation modules combine written, audio and video instructions on canning basics, including fish and game preservation. The series aims to present food preservation information in different formats to make the information available to communities without agents -- and to accommodate various learning styles, said Roxie Dinstel, Tanana district agent. "Some people learn better if they see it," she said. "Others want to read and study the information."

The online tools allow people who want to learn about using a pressure canner, for instance, to read about canners, watch a district agent explain the gauge and listen to what a properly operating pressure canner sounds like.

"That’s important," said Dinstel. "Half of the people who come to my classes are afraid of the canner."

The modules may be viewed at www.uaf.edu/ces/preservingalaskasbounty/. Users will need Adobe Flash Player, which may be downloaded from the site.

The series, developed by district agents and staff members, was designed by the UAF Center for Distance Education and complements the Preserving Alaska’s Bounty DVD series.

Additional instructional modules are planned and three DVDs on canning meat and fish have been developed. The newest DVD, "Pickling," includes instructions for making sauerkraut, pickling vegetables and infusing vinegars. "Pickling" and other DVDs may be ordered at www.uaf.edu/ces/publications/ or through Extension offices. The Preserving Alaska’s Bounty project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information please contact your local Extension office.

Contact: Roxie Dinstel at 907-474-2426 or via e-mail at fnrrd@uaf.edu, or Debbie Carter at 907-474-5406 or via e-mail at debbie.carter@uaf.edu .