UC Master Food Preserver Mission Statement
"To teach research-based practices of safe home food preservation to the residents of California."
Our website is changing. We are reorganizing the content in anticipation of a change to all UCANR public-accessible websites. If you've bookmarked pages on our MFPOC site, please use the top navigation bar to locate pages during this time. The Foods page has been moved under Food Preservation, and you must open the Foods page to reach the food-specific pages that are not displayed on our home page. Sorry for the inconvenience. Please be patient as UCANR works towards migrating to new web tools. New target is early 2025.
Keep up with all the recent food recalls. This is from our FoodSafety page: Don't eat food if you question its safety.
See FDA.gov Safety Recalls, Market Withdrawls and Safety Alerts.
The time to read about Emergencies and Food Safety is before an emergency: know what to do to keep food safe during a power outage; keep enough food and water for each person and each pet during an emergency; have an escape plan in case of fire; know which foods are safe and which should be thrown out after a power outage or flood.
Calendar of Events
| Event Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Preserving Citrus I: Dehydrating- Freezing- and Salting | 1/25/2025 |
| Public Class: Lemons and Limes - Oh My! | 2/4/2025 |
| Preserving Citrus II: Canning Curd- Jelly- and Marmalade | 2/9/2025 |
Preserve What's in Season
Be Food Safe
Follow safe food practices to avoid foodborne illnesses. Be mindful of ways you can incorporate the 4 easy steps to Everyday Food Safety: Clean, Separate, Cook, Cool. When preserving food, follow USDA guidelines and where applicable, scientifically tested recipes.
Prepare in advance for emergencies. Save this Poison Control Center information some place you can find quickly, if needed.
1-800-222-1222 //www.aapcc.org/
Knowledge is power. Learn in advance about Emergencies and Food Safety, like how to reduce your risk of food poisoning or what to do before, during and after a power outage (whether caused by an accident or disaster, or scheduled by your utility company) to keep your food safe.
- The UCCE Master Food Preserver Program is part of a countrywide effort by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) to raise public awareness and promote safe food practices at home.
- The University of California (UC) administers California's participation through its Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) division. Counties active in this statewide program do so with funding and support from their county's local UC Cooperative Extension (CE) office.
- Orange County volunteers are trained at the South Coast Research and Extension Center (South Coast REC). We, UCCE Master Food Preservers of Orange County (MFPOC) are certified by the University of California to extend research-based knowledge about food safety and safe ways to preserve food at home. We volunteer our time to teach hands-on classes and reach out to the greater community with demonstrations and information booths at various location through Orange County. Read more about us...
Contact the Master Food Preservers of Orange County for our online services:
* Got a Question? (Helpline)
* Request a Speaker
* Sign up for Email
MFP Helpline
Ever wonder what questions other Food Preservers ask?
Click for answers to some commonly asked questions.... including 
Have another question? Ask here.
Master Food Preservers of Orange County Present:
Lemons and Limes - Oh My!
Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025 1:00-3:30 pm Sold out
Location:
South Coast Research & Extension Center
7601 Irvine Blvd, Irvine CA 92618
Website: https://screc.ucanr.edu/
Cost: $35
Winter in California means citrus, and we're bringing it to you with our February workshop - we'll be canning a delicious Margarita Mix and Lemon Cucumber Pickles! Our Margarita Mix is made with a combination of lime and lemon juice, and the Lemon Cucumber Pickles are bright and lemony with a less astringent flavor profile. Come join us for a fun and educational event!
Class is limited to the first 24 registrants.
Register and pay online by February 1, 2025 and bring a printed or digital copy of your confirmation proof-of-payment email to class
Closed-toe shoes are required. If you have long hair, please tie it back for this class. Please bring an apron from home. If you cannot bring an apron, please select the $5 cleaning fee for a loaner apron. All ingredients and kitchen tools will be provided at the class.
Cancellation Policy: No refunds two weeks prior to workshop, as materials will have been purchased.
Questions? Email us at: uccemfp@ucdavis.edu
Directions to the location are shown on the home page of this website: https://ucanr.edu/sites/MFPOC/ and below.
The city of Irvine removed a left turn pocket in front of the property, so if you are coming from the west you must drive to the signal at Modjeska and make a U-turn. On your right, you will see fencing, chain link followed by a block wall. The entrance is just at the end of the block wall.
Please note that older maps may not show these changes.
UC ANR South Coast Research & Extension Center
7601 Irvine Boulevard
Irvine, CA 92618