Food Saving

Updated 8/2025

This class provides information about the many ways to save, store, and preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables to enjoy the best flavors and highest nutrition for as long as possible. This class introduces participants to the many different methods of food storage and preservation. This class topic is part of the Local Foods priority of the Master Gardener program. 

If you enjoyed this class, please join us for another. Current and upcoming classes are posted on our website. 

Class Handouts

• Slide Presentation (Slide print-out)

• Participant Class Handout

Related Handouts

• Food Safety Considerations (U of MN Extension)

• Harvest & Store Produce from the Garden (U of MN Extension)

• Blanching Vegetables (U of MN Extension)

• Food Preservation Resources (U of MN Extension)

• Storing Fruits & Vegetables from the Home Garden (University of WI Extension)

• Storing Vegetables at Home (University of WI Extension)

• Storing Fresh Fruits & Vegetables for Best Flavor (UC Davis)

• Proper Care & Handling of Fruits & Vegetables from Purchase to Preparation (Penn State Extension)

• Safe Handling of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables (Texas Cooperative Extension)

Online Resources

​PRO-TIP: Google “site:edu Compost” (or site:gov) for research-based advice

• University of Minnesota Extension: Food, Health & Nutrition

• University of Minnesota Extension: Food Preservation Methods 

  • Visit here for video tutorials & step-by-step instructions for Canning, Freezing, Drying, Pickling, and Jam & Jellies

• University of Minnesota Extension: ​Home Food Preservation Webinars 

  • ​Watch one of the recent webinars taught by Extension food safety educator Suzanne Driessen

• National Center for Home Food Preservation

  • Great resource for research-based recipes

• Extension Answer Line

• Ball/Kerr Guide to Preserving

• Testing dial pressure canner gauges

Apps

• Canning Timer & Checklist (Oregon State University Extension)

  • iOS app

  • Android App is no longer available

Videos

• Blanching demo (Mississippi State University Extension)

• Canning Equipment (University of Illinois Extension)

• Waterbath vs Pressure Canning (Whitley County Kentucky Extension)