UCCE Master Food Preservers of San Joaquin County
"To teach research-based practices of safe home food preservation to the residents of California."
Past Preservation Notes Newsletters
Why Preserve Food?
Food spoilage refers to the deterioration of food, rendering it unsafe or unsuitable for human consumption. This degradation typically results from the proliferation of microorganisms within food items. Additionally, natural processes within fresh food tissues, such as enzymatic activity, contribute to quality losses, exemplified by excessive softening in overripe fruit.
Efficient food preservation methods play a pivotal role in mitigating spoilage and controlling quality deterioration in food. Food preservation, as a practice, involves maintaining the safety and nutritional integrity of food over an extended duration. This encompasses various techniques, including proper packaging for refrigeration, freezing, canning, and drying.
Key objectives of food preservation include:
Preventing Spoilage: The fundamental goal is to safeguard food from spoilage, especially when there is an abundance of produce that exceeds immediate consumption capabilities.
Year-Round Availability: Preservation methods enable the availability of a diverse range of foods throughout the year, breaking free from seasonal limitations and ensuring a constant and varied food supply.
Economic Considerations: Beyond the benefits of prolonged freshness, economic factors drive the practice of food preservation. Preserving fresh produce, whether from personal gardens, farms, or markets, becomes a means of saving money while aligning with individual preferences.
However, it's essential to recognize the multifaceted nature of the costs associated with home food preservation. These costs encompass not only the materials and equipment required but also factor in fresh produce, human energy, and the energy expended in processing and storing the preserved food. An understanding of these variables contributes to a comprehensive evaluation of the economic aspects of food preservation.
Preservation Notes
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Jams, Jellies and Marmalades...Oh My!
As spring breathes new life into orchards and gardens, it's the perfect time to harness the abundance of fresh fruits for homemade jams and jellies. Have you ever wondered what sets jams and jellies apart? What is a conserve? Marma-what?!? Jelly,...
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Help Desk FAQ: What is Flat Sour?
Canning is a time-honored method of preserving food, ensuring its longevity and maintaining its quality. However, like any food preservation technique, canning is not without its challenges. One common issue that can arise is "flat sour," a term used to...
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Unveiling the Power of Pectinase: A Citrus Lover's Secret for Pith and Membrane Removal
I am the proud owner of the most adorable mandarin orange tree, gracing my patio with its bounty of luscious mandarin oranges. These little gems, bursting with flavor, become my source of delight throughout the year. Among the myriad ways I enjoy these...
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Ball Recipe Honey Orange Slices
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these honey-spiced orange slices, evoking the warmth of sipping a steaming cup of spiced orange-infused tea. Elevate your culinary experience by incorporating them into your salad greens, tossed with a luscious...
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FermentFest 2024: A Culinary Journey in Preservation
Unlock the Secrets of Sauerkraut and Yogurt-Making with UCCE San Joaquin Master Food Preservers Colleen and Barbara on Saturday February 17th! Virtual Zoom Class 10am-Noon. Sign up for our Newsletter for registration link or Follow us on...
Calendar
Event Name | Date |
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Pressure Canning | 5/18/2024 |
Rise to the Occasion-A Four Part Sourdough Adventure Part 1 | 6/1/2024 |
Food Preservation Basics: Canning Pickles - online | 6/6/2024 |
UC Food Blog
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AI and sustainable farming focus of May 7 workshop with UC, partners
On May 7, scientists from University of California, Riverside, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, Colorado State University Extension, Kansas State University, University of Arizona, Central Arizona Project, and USDA-Agricultural Research Service...
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Young orchard water and nutrient management workshops offered in Modesto, Merced, Fresno, Bakersfield
Growers invited to discuss young almonds, pistachios, walnuts, olives and citrus orchards starting May 9 To help growers manage irrigation and nutrients for young and immature orchards, UC Cooperative Extension is offering workshops in Modesto,...
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New UC study estimates costs for growing strawberries on the Central Coast
A new study that can help growers and other readers estimate costs and potential returns for growing strawberries on California's Central Coast was recently released by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Cooperative Extension and the UC Davis...