Safe summer food preservation resources

Laurie Messing<lmessing@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Check out the resources available for home preservers to use to create a safe product when preserving Michigan Fresh produce.

Various produce in a wooden basket.
Photo: iStock.com.

In Michigan, we enjoy watching our gardens grow all around the state to reap the summer and fall harvest. Farm markets fill with summer squash, blueberries, zucchini, beans, peas, and onions, to name just some of the local Michigan grown produce now available.

As we harvest shiny, red tomatoes, bright green peppers as well as purchase fresh fruits and vegetables available at the farmers markets, remember that it is easy to preserve. Why not save some of this fresh, local produce to enjoy all throughout the year?

Canning, freezing and drying are three approved methods for preserving food. The method you choose will depend on what your preferences are as well as whether safe guidelines are available for the produce and equipment you have. Food preservation is a science and home food preservers must be sure to properly preserve food or dangerous bacteria can present in the food and could cause foodborne illness when jars are opened, and food is consumed. Michigan State University Extension recommends the following resources for safe, research-based recipes and resources for preserving food at home:

It’s a great time to start planning for food preservation now so that you are equipped with safe, research-based recipes and the proper equipment you will need when the produce is ready to harvest. Following the guidelines in the resources above will allow you to preserve a safe product to enjoy all through the year.

For more information on home food preservation, enroll in MSU Extension’s online Home Food Preservation course or join a free, online Preserving MI Harvest class. You can also follow us on Think Food Safety for food preservation tips and information and easy access to our online classes, and watch our library of new food preservation videos.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • food budgeting,
  • food & health,
  • food preservation,
  • michigan fresh,
  • msu extension,
  • nutrition,
  • safe food & water
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).