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UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra

Preserve It! Series!

Formerly the UC Master Food Preserver of El Dorado County's Preserve It Poster series, this is a collection of answers to frequently asked canning, preservation, and food safety questions. 

If you don't find your answer here, reach out to your local Cooperative Extension Master Food Preservers. 

In El Dorado County, California, the best way to do that is with the Ask a Master Food Preserver link. 

Ask a Master Food Preserver

 

UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Article

Preserve it! Series: Who to Call on Thanksgiving for those Big Bird Questions

April 30, 2026
Pressing T-Day turkey questions need fast answers! It’s the big day, you’re wrangling the big bird (and many other things), and YIKES, you have a question about how to defrost it or cook it or stuff it or whatever. If you don’t have a knowledgeable friend or family member around, who do you turn to?…
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UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Article

Preserve it! Series: Yuck! My Canned Food Has an Off Flavor

May 12, 2026
Flat sour is a result of improper cooling procedures. Flat sour is a type of food spoilage that results in food having an unappealing tasteless or off-flavor and a sour-like vinegar aroma.  It is caused by thermophilic bacteria surviving the canning process because the jars of food were kept hot…
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UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Article

Presreve it! Series: Quick Tips for Maintaining and Storing Your Canner

May 6, 2026
Canning Basics: Pressure Canner Maintenance A properly maintained and stored pressure canner will help ensure safe processing and years of use. Here are some brief tips on what to do before and after each use.Before each use inspect the vent, safety valve and gaskets and clean/replace as…
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