Drying Foods
Food drying is one of the oldest methods of preserving food for later use. It can either be an alternative to canning and freezing or compliment these methods. Drying food is simple, safe and easy...
Category: Food
Preserving Tomatoes
Canning Tomatoes Quality: Select only disease-free, preferably vine-ripened, firm fruits for canning. Quantity: An average of 21 pounds of whole or halved tomatoes (22 pounds of crushed tomatoes),...
Preserving Tomato Sauces & Ketchup
Canning Tomatoes & Tomato Products Tomatoes and tomato products have traditionally been canned in a boiling water bath (212 °F). However, recent research shows that for some products, pressure...
Drying Fruits
Dried fruits are unique, tasty and nutritious. It might be argued that dried fruits are even tastier than fresh fruits. They have been called nature’s candy. Dried fruit tastes sweeter because the...
Drying Vegetables
Vegetables can be preserved by drying. The longer the drying time, the less flavorful and the less tender the product. The drying time can be hastened by drying small, uniformly cut pieces. Because...
Syrups for Preserving Fruits
Fruits may be canned or frozen in water, juice or a sweet syrup. Adding syrup to canned or frozen fruit helps to retain its flavor, color and shape. It does not prevent spoilage of these foods. The...
Pickled Peppers
Caution When working with hot peppers, wear plastic gloves while handling them, or wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face. To Peel Peppers Use one of the following...
Safe Handling of Canned Goods
This fact sheet focuses on commercially canned goods. For information on home canning, request HGIC 3040, Canning Foods At Home. Canning is an important, safe method of food preservation if...
Basics of Safe Food Handling
Bacteria that contaminate food and cause foodborne illnesses are everywhere. Follow these four basic safety tips to keep your food safe. Wash hands and surfaces often. Don’t cross-contaminate. Keep...
Pantry Pests
There are many types of insects that can infest food and other organic products stored in kitchen pantries. Infested products may include grains, dried dairy items, pet foods, bird seed, dried...