Palouse Garden and Preservation Notes-Part 2, Aug. 5, 2010

The hot, sunny weather has finally arrived in the Palouse, rewarding us with lush full gardens, thick bushes loaded with berries and trees laden with ripening fruit. Now what? You have several options to use in preserving your bounty for the upcoming winter months, depending on how much space you have at home.

You can dry or dehydrate your produce, then bag it for wonderful soups and stews on cold winter days. Freezing is a second option if you have plenty of freezer space. This requires blanching for most vegetables prior to putting into the freezer to prevent the food from going bad even after freezing. A third option is to can your produce by a water bath or pressure canning method. Be sure when canning to follow safe canning guidelines from reputable sources such as the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning, Extension Publications and So Easy to Preserve from University of Georgia Extension and increase processing time to account for altitude adjustment.

Right now we have access to many types of berries in our area. If you are new to canning, why not try making raspberry or strawberry jam as a simple way of getting started into the world of canning. You will need the following: a box of pectin(with recipe), lemon juice, sugar, margarine, raspberries, canning lids, jars, and rings, a water bath canner, and various kitchen pans and utensils. After less than an hour of working in the kitchen, you will have up to 10 cups of beautiful red raspberry jam to give as gifts or to eat yourself this coming winter. On toast, in a PB&J or with a fresh, piping hot biscuit. Why not try it?

For more information about the latest food preservation guides, an elevation chart or to have your pressure canner lid tested, contact the WSU Whitman County Extension Office, 397-6290 and ask for a Master Food Preserver.

Extension programs and opportunities are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.