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Master Food Preservers of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties: Event

Spring is in the Air

Mar 21, 2026

Master Food Preservers will be demonstrating how to make homemade jam! This event is free but requires registration!
Master Food Preservers of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties
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Chest freezer full of frozen bagged veggies
UC Master Food Preserver: Event

Home Freezing Basics: Safe and Smart Ways to Preserve Everyday Foods (Online Delivery Program)

Mar 24, 2026

This free online class, taught by the UC Master Food Preservers Online Delivery Program, focuses on research-based freezing methods that protect food quality and safety.You’ll learn how freezing works, why it preserves food, and how to freeze and thaw foods properly to prevent foodborne illness and quality…
UC Master Food Preserver
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Sassy, our donkey is turning 25
Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center: Event

Sassy’s 25th Birthday Party

Jul 11, 2026

Come celebrate Sassy the Donkey turning 25—a quarter century of sass, brays, and barnyard charm! Join us for a fun-filled day with treats, laughs, and plenty of birthday love for everyone’s favorite long-eared guest of honor. Bring your smiles and help us make Sassy’s big day extra special! 
Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center
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UC Master Food Preserver: Article

What is Dehydrating for Food Preservation? (March 2026)

March 9, 2026
Tim Long, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program Volunteer    Dehydration preserves food by removing 80–95% of its moisture, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds that require water to grow. It is one of the oldest preservation methods, dating back to 12,000 BCE.  This…
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UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Preserved Lemons: A Powerhouse Ingredient in the Kitchen (March 2026)

March 9, 2026
Kirsten Hansen, UC Master Food Preserver Online Delivery Program Volunteer  The Master Food Preserve Online Delivery Program volunteers loved making preserved lemons this winter! Our Citrus 1: Citrus Without Canning class and Garden to Glass: Winter Mocktails classes featured two different…
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UC Master Food Preserver: Article

A Brief History of the Canning Jar (March 2026)

March 9, 2026
By Robin E Martin
Monica Gross, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program Volunteer  For most of human history, feeding a family involved navigating times when food was plentiful, such as at harvest time, and periods when it was scarce. Before methods of food preservation were developed, food insecurity was a…
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UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Spotlight: Earl Weak, Class of 2024 MFP Volunteer (March 2026)

March 9, 2026
By Robin E Martin
Earl Weak, UC Master Food Preserver Online Delivery Program VolunteerCounty of residence: Alameda Earl Weak relaxes at his home after an orange harvest (used with permission)My name is Earl Weak. I became UC Master Food Preserver (MFP) in 2024 as a member of the first class of the Online Delivery…
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hanging plant with yellowing leaves

A Lesson Learned While Repotting Indoor Plants

March 9, 2026
By Jennifer M Baumbach
Blog by Paula PashbyIt is early February, and I am delighted that the winter rain has returned. There are some plants in my garden that are budding early because of the warm days last week, but most are still nicely tucked in for the winter duration. Now that I have some downtime, I can shift my attention to…
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