Get reliable answers to food preservation questions

By Carol Ann Burtness, University of Minnesota Extension

Food preservation season is here. University of Minnesota Extension food safety educators remind you that answers to questions about canning, freezing, drying, pickling or making jams and jellies is only a phone call or click away.

To preserve safe and high-quality products this summer, look for reliable information from the following resources:

• AnswerLine: Talk to food preservation experts by calling toll-free (800) 854-1678. AnswerLine is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. After hours, check the website: www.extension.iastate.edu/answerline/

• National Center for Home Food Preservation: Provides a wealth of current research-based recommendations in many areas of food preservation. Check the website: www.uga.edu/nchfp/

• University of Minnesota Extension: Provides links to current research-based publications and information. Check the food safety website: www.extension.umn.edu/foodsafety/components/foodpreservation.htm

(Carol Ann Burtness is a food science educator with the University of Minnesota Extension.)