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Food Preservation & Safety

Colorado State University Extension's strong food preservation & safety knowledge base can help you safely make your food last longer. 

We offer canning, freezing, dehydrating, fermenting and cheese-making classes among other food workshops. 

Learn the art and science of food preservation and preparation using current research-based techniques. Our classes for the 2023 season have wrapped up, but you can find recorded webinars and other resources below.  

A group of canned goods with a pressure cooker in the background

Basics of Preserving Food Safely:

An overview of the basic methods of food preservation: canning, freezing and dehydration. Learn about equipment needed and best methods for particular foods.

 

Water Bath Canning

Learn how easy it is to safely can high-acid foods in this recorded webinar. The boiling water canning method can be used to preserve a large variety of foods including fruit, salsa, pickles, tomatoes, jams, jellies and more. This class is great for beginners or those wanting to refresh their skills and get the latest information on water bath canning. 

 

 

Jams and Jellies

Fall is a great time to make jams and jellies. This class covers the basics of how to make jam/ jellies from flavorful summer fruits, including:

  • The importance of using a trusted recipe
  • Different methods of making jam and jellies
  • Resources and tips for success
  • Water bath canning basics to ensure safe preservation

 

 

 

Dehydrating Foods, Leathers, and Jerkys

Interested in dehydrating foods but not sure where to start? Join this class to learn the basic methods for drying fruits, vegetables, leathers and jerkies. Come away knowing what equipment you’ll need and how to prepare. You’ll also come away with creative ideas for using dehydrated foods!

This is a recorded webinar originally held on September 14th, 2022

 

 

Pickling Vegetables

If you love pickles, learn how to make your own! This recorded webinar covers a variety of refrigerator pickles in addition to water bath canning pickles, relishes, salsa and chutney.

This webinar was originally recorded on September 29th, 2022

 

 

Pressure Canning

Are you curious about pressure canning but nervous about trying it? Pressure canning is an excellent way to preserve low acid foods like vegetables, meat, stocks, and soups. Take this opportunity to calm your fears! Learn the steps to safely and confidently pressure can.

 

This webinar was originally held on Oct. 4th, 2022

 

 

Sauerkraut and Fermented Vegetables

Natural fermentation is one of the oldest means of food preservation. Learn the science of preparing and storing sauerkraut and fermented vegetables safely.

Master Food Safety Advisors are Dedicated Volunteers

Master Food Safety Advisors assist Extension food safety educators. 

Colorado State University Extension Offices receive numerous calls concerning food preservation and home food safety: How long can I keep leftovers?  How should I safely thaw a turkey?  How do I preserve tomatoes?  How do I adjust my canning for altitude?  

Master Food Safety Advisors (MFSA) receive 30 hours of hands-on, research-tested food safety and preservation instruction.  After completing the training and passing a written exam, MFSA volunteers give back 30 hours of service helping others practice safe food handling and preserve food successfully at home.  

MFSA Volunteers:

  • Conduct demonstrations and assist with workshops
  • Test pressure canner gauges
  • Staff exhibits at county fairs and farmers markets
  • Answer phone calls and emails. 

Have a food safety or food preservation question?  

Send us an email or give us at call at 970-498-6000 

Colorado State University Extension Fact Sheets on Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health

People young and old are more concerned about current nutrition and health information. Extension resources aimed at helping you become better informed about healthy food, food safety and health are just a click away. Topics include: Foodborne Illness, Food Preparation, Food Preservation, Food Safety & Local Foods, Food Storage, High Risk & Special Audiences, High Altitude Preparation and Nutrition & Health.

Pecans, a healthy salad, and grilled chicken in a meal prep container.

Cheesemaking Demonstration Recipes

Attended a cheesemaking demonstration, but didn't grab a recipe packet? Find the recipes you're looking for here.

Rachel Wildman pulls some Oaxaca cheese while preparing it.

Food Safety for Consumers

Offered in Partnership with Vindeket Foods. This guide shows consumers how they can make their food last longer. 

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Food Safety Trainings

We offer Food Safety Works and Certified Food Safety Protection Manager courses & tests.

Two employees prepare food in a restaurant.

Food Smart Colorado - Nutrition Information and Recipes

Nutrition, food safety, and health resources from CSU Extension. 

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Food Safety Information from the Partnership for Food Safety Education

The Partnership for Food Safety Education develops and promotes effective education programs to reduce foodborne illness risk for consumers.

Our food safety messages for consumers are rooted in science. We convene scientific and communications experts to develop concise, actionable food safety educational materials.

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Live Smart Colorado

Blog by the Family & Consumer Science Agents and Specialists that encourages lifelong physical, financial and emotional health and well-being to Coloradans.

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Preserving Foods for County Fair

Safe food preservation methods & tips for successful open class entries.

Documents

National Center for Home Food Preservation

The National Center for Home Food Preservation is your source for current research-based recommendations for most methods of home food preservation. The Center was established with funding from the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (CSREES-USDA) to address food safety concerns for those who practice and teach home food preservation and processing methods.

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Non-Discrimination Statement

Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English. Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés.

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Larimer County Colorado State University Extension

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ADDRESS
1525 Blue Spruce Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2004

Phone: (970) 498-6000 

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday 

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Our office follows the Larimer County Holiday Calendar for office closures.