Safe Preserving Resources There are many books and websites covering food preserving, but unfortunately not all of them provide good advice. Some sources provide processes or recipes that are downright dangerous. So where do you turn for research-based, reliable information? Or to find safe information…
Safe ingredient swaps for home-canned salsa Salsa contains a combination of high- or borderline high-acid ingredients (such as tomatoes or fruit) and low-acid ingredients (such as peppers, onions, or other vegetables). Acid in the form of vinegar or bottled lemon juice is added to ensure the appropriate…
Salt is salt is salt - except when it's more than salt Salt is an essential mineral for health and one of the five basic human tastes. It’s indispensible in the kitchen for many reasons beyond taste. Whether gathered from coastal or inland salt pans, evaporated from sea water, or mined from salt…
Slow cookers are safe devices when used correctly Slow cookers (aka “crock pots”) work by cooking food at a low temperature (generally between 170-280°F) for several hours. Direct heat from the pot, steam, and long cooking times combine to destroy bacteria, making foods safe to consume.Some specific…
From a food safety perspective, the answer is out The USDA recommends against cooking stuffing inside the cavity of whole turkeys, for one main reason: bacteria. Warm, moist stuffing is an ideal environment in which bacteria can proliferate, potentially causing foodborne illness. Stuffing that’s cooked…
Photo credit Pixabay Winter Vegetable Gardening Certified Master Gardener Terry Garman will speak about how to prepare for your winter vegetable garden. You will learn what to plant, when to plant, how to prepare your soil, fertilizing and irrigating, as well as vegetable garden pests. This class…
Sure, you can, but they may not be the best pick Supersweet varieties of corn are popular because – well – super sweet! They are wonderful for fresh eating, but supersweet and white varies of corn are not necessarily the best choices for canning. Canning supersweet and white varieties of corn do not…
Photo credit Pixabay Healthy Soil Healthy soil is the foundation of every thriving garden — and understanding it changes everything. Join Ventura County Master Gardeners for an informative class exploring soil biology, composting, and vegetable selection tailored to our coastal climate. Whether…
Tartrate crystals are a common occurrence in grape products Hard, crystalline shards or granules are often found in home canned grape juice, syrups and jellies. These formations are the result of tartaric acid, a naturally occurring compound in grapes, reacting with potassium. The reaction forms…
Environmental Water Quality: Understanding Pollutants, Processes, and Watershed Connections Water Quality Beyond the TapWater quality is often something we think about only when there is a problem.In Southern California, however, water quality is shaped every day by how water moves through our…
