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More recent food and nutrition questions and answers

Food and nutrition

Can can on flat top

Question

I want to purchase a smooth top stove, but have been told I can't can on it because of the fluctuation of burner temperature. I can a lot, can I pressure can on one?

Answer You can use a flat top stove to properly can food at home. However canners should be flat and two inches wider than the diameter of the element.

Sarah Janicek
Nutritional Sciences Extension Associate

Refrigerate barbeque sauce

Question

I bottle and sell a barbeque sauce in local grocery stores. It is hot packed, and contains ketchup, paste, water, brown sugar, and spices. It stays shelf stable after packinging. A local restaurant is using it. They put it out on their tables unrefrigerated and some has spoiled after several weeks of use. Should barbecue sauce be allowed to be left unrefrigerated? If so, for how long?

Answer After opening barbeque sauce should be refrigerated for safety and quality. It will keep for several months in the refrigerator.

Sarah Janicek
Nutritional Sciences Extension Associate

Frozen strawberries to jam

Question

Can frozen strawberries be used to make jam? I want to pick strawberries now, but don't have the time to make jam.


Answer Yes frozen berries can be used to make jams or jellies. GH1461, Quality for Keeps: Jam and Jelly Basics -- Tempt Your Tastebuds With Natural Sweets may be helpful.

Sarah Janicek
Nutritional Sciences Extension Associate

Dairy products from organic milk

Question

Can I make cheeses and yogurt at home using organic cows milk?


Answer When using organic cow's milk to make dairy products such as cheese and yogurt you must first pasteurize the milk for safety.

Sarah Janicek
Nutritional Sciences Extension Associate

Liquid on top of yogurt

Question

When I strain my homemade yogurt I am left with a clear amber liquid. What is it?


Answer The collection of liquid on top of yogurt after processing is whey. Whey has many nutritional benefits and should be stirred back into the yogurt.

Sarah Janicek
Nutritional Sciences Extension Associate

More food and nutrition questions and answers

Updated 5/19/08