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UC Master Food Preserver

UC Master Food Preserver Newsletter

In November of 2024, the UC Master Food Preserver Program launched a monthly newsletter that delivers recipes, how-tos, and food preservation inspiration straight to a subscriber's inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter here.

Do you have a correction, suggestion, or story to share with the newsletter team? Share corrections, suggestions, or stories here.

Past Newsletter Full Emails

2026

2025

2024

Monthly Articles To-date

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Spotlight: Cole Imperi, Class of 2025 MFP Volunteer (February 2026)

February 15, 2026

By Travis R Alexander

Cole Imperi, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program VolunteerCounty of residence: Los Angeles Cole Imperi and fellow trainees (Used with permission). The first time I canned anything was the second summer after I bought my first house a few blocks from the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky. I…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Does Your Food Preservation Recipe Need an Altitude Adjustment? (January 2026)

January 14, 2026

By Travis R Alexander

Maria Giovanni, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program Volunteer California has a diverse landscape, with altitudes ranging from 280 feet below sea level (Death Valley) to 14,500 feet (Mt. Whitney). The location of your kitchen is an important consideration in home food preservation. The first step is…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Spotlight: Robin Martin, Class of 2025 MFP Volunteer (January 2026)

January 14, 2026

By Travis R Alexander

Robin Martin, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program VolunteerCounty of residence: Sacramento Robin Martin (Used with permission). I grew up 10 miles west of the Twin Towers in a third-floor apartment. My mom (a transplant from LA) was (and still is!) an excellent cook; she prepared fresh…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

We Want to Hear from You! - Deadline Extended (January 2026)

January 14, 2026

By Travis R Alexander

Travis Alexander, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program CoordinatorHave you been enjoying Save the Season newsletter? Do you have ideas on how we can make it even better? Let us know by filling out this survey by February 12, 2026 January 10, 2025. We will select three respondents at random to receive…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

We Want to Hear from You! (December 2025)

December 13, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Travis Alexander, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program CoordinatorHave you been enjoying Save the Season newsletter? Do you have ideas on how we can make it even better?Let us know by filling out this survey by January 10, 2025. We will select one respondent at random to receive a prize.This data is…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

The Joy of Grape Jelly (December 2025)

December 10, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Ariel Patton, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program Volunteer Hand picked cluster of grapes (Ariel Patton, used with permission). The thousandth grape drops into the bowl. As the wilting days of summer soften into crisp fall mornings, I pick bunches and bunches of grapes from my garden. I…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Spotlight: Monica Gross, Class of 2025 MFP Volunteer (December 2025)

December 9, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Monica Gross, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program VolunteerCounty of residence: Los Angeles Monica Gross (Used with permission). Hi! My name is Monica Gross and I am a 2025 graduate of the UC Master Food Preserver (MFP) Online Delivery Program. I heard about the MFP Program when I first…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Pumpkin is more than home décor! (December 2025)

December 9, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Robin Martin, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program Volunteer Although the best pumpkins for cooking are the smaller, sweeter varieties of pumpkin, pretty much any pumpkin can have its life extended after its role as an autumnal decoration is concluded. Prepare and freeze* pumpkin purée for soups,…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

The Genius of Fruitcake: A 2,000-Year-Old Food Preservation Hack (December 2025)

December 9, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Paige Weisskirch, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program Volunteer Dried fruit bread (Photo caption: Paige Weisskirch, used with permission). Every November, I open my pantry and face the same situation: half-empty bags of dried apricots from the previous year’s baking; figs I…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Understanding pH and Why it's Important in Food Preservation (November 2025)

October 31, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Earl Weak, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program Volunteer In simple terms, pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a solution is. A pH below 7 indicates an acid solution A pH above 7 indicates an alkaline (basic) solution pH 7 is considered neutral In the context of food…