Cooperative Extension resources help handle the catch
August 16, 2010
Debbie Carter
907-474-5406
8/16/10
When dipnetters and anglers arrive home, they can look to the Cooperative Extension Service for help preserving the catch.
Extension offers DVDs and online lessons on canning basics and canning meat and fish in jars and cans. The online lessons combine written, audio and video information and may be accessed on Extension’s website at www.uaf.edu/ces/preservingalaskasbounty. The interactive lessons require Adobe Flash Player, which may be downloaded through the site.
Using the Flash lessons, people who want to learn about using a pressure canner, for instance, will be able to read about pressure canners, watch a district agent explain the gauge and listen to what a properly operating pressure canner sounds like.
The online lessons and DVDs are part of Extension’s “Preserving Alaska’s Bounty” series, which is developed by district agents and staff. Other DVDs in the series cover collecting and using Alaska’s wild berries, pickling, drying foods, sausage and jerky, and jams and jellies. The online lessons cover many of the same topics, as well as assembling a can sealer, making sauerkraut and infusing vinegar. DVDs are available for $5. Get a copy from your local Extension office or order one by calling 1-877-520-5211.
A variety of home food preservation publications also may be downloaded from the Extension site, including “Home Freezing of Fish” and “Smoking Fish at Home.” Search Extension’s online publication catalog at www.uaf.edu/ces/pubs for more information.
Extension recommends that pressure gauges be checked annually for accuracy. Representatives at district offices in Anchorage, Kenai, Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Juneau and Palmer test gauges for free to make sure they are adjusted correctly.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Roxie Dinstel, health, home and family development agent, at 907-474-2426 or rrdinstel@alaska.edu.
ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/ces
DC/8-16-10/023-11