Food preservation classes scheduled for Kodiak

University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension agent Sarah Lewis will offer in-person food preservation classes in Kodiak this February.

On Wednesday, Feb. 8, Lewis will discuss how to start a home-based cottage foods business, including Alaska regulations. She’ll also share information about food preservation methods such as drying, water-bath canning and pickling. The class will be from noon to 1 p.m. at the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, 118 Trident Way. It is free.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, Lewis will give a free demonstration of how to make lacto-fermented probiotic pickles at the Kodiak Harvest Food Co-op, 1420 Selig St., from noon to 1 p.m. From 5 to 8 p.m., she will teach participants how to make healthy, probiotic pickles from vegetables using vinegar and fermentation methods. The class will be held at the Kodiak High School Culinary Arts Kitchen. The cost is $10.

Friday, Feb. 10, Lewis will be at the Kodiak Soil and Water Conservation District Office, 301 Research Court, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to test pressure canner gauges. From noon to 1 p.m., she will offer a free demonstration of the safe use of pressure canners. She will teach a class on making and pressure canning spaghetti sauce from 5 to 9 p.m. at Kodiak High School. The cost is $20.

On Saturday, Feb. 11, Lewis will teach two sessions on how to preserve the fruits, berries, vegetables, fish and meat found in Kodiak gardens, forests and shores. Techniques will include pickling, water-bath canning, dehydrating and pressure canning. The first session, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will focus on fruits, berries and vegetables. The cost is $20. The second session, from 2 to 7 p.m., will focus on wild fish and meat, as well as vegetables that grow in the region. The cost is $25. Both sessions will be at Kodiak High School.

To sign up, visit bit.ly/Kodiak_Extension_2023. Classes are free for tribal members.

For more information, contact Lewis at sarah.lewis@alaska.edu, or Susie Wilkie at susie.wilkie@alaska.edu or 907-523-3280, ext. 0. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made to Wilkie five business days in advance of the class.

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