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Food Preservation

Canning green beans

Preserve it safely

Always use a recipe tested for safety of the final product. Not all recipes found on the web or passed down by family are scientifically tested. Unsafe recipes and procedures may result in severe illness.

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Learn with an expert

MU Extension offers both information and hands-on, small group training on a variety of home food preservation topics.

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Frozen peaches

Rely on research-tested guidelines

To ensure that the products you serve are safe, it is important to follow tested guidelines.

Research-based Publications
E-coli in petrie dish

Food Safety

Learn safe food handling practices while preparing and preserving foods, and learn regulatory compliance for produce growers and food vendors.

Dehydrated tomato slices, used with permission from Colorado State UniversityYour source for research-based, safety-tested guidelines

Interested in preserving garden produce? Want to know how to can fish or venison? Find a great deal on ripe fruit and want to dehydrate it for a healthy snack?

University of Missouri Extension is committed to using the latest research-based guidelines to give consumers the tools they need to safely succeed when preserving food at home. We provide hands-on workshops, fact sheets and answers to questions on canning, freezing, dehydrating and storing food products for long term storage.

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    Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe is a bimonthly newsletter for those who preserve food at home. Sign up to receive tips, recipes and the latest information on food preservation.

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Publications

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Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2023, No. 1 (January/February)

Publication date: Jan. 1, 2023

Burning Issue: Canning Homemade SoupsThe winter season means soup season! Enjoying a warm bowl of homemade canned soup is a great way to stay warm and cozy in these cold months. The key to canning a safe, high-quality soup is to follow directions ...

Quality for Keeps: Freezer Problem Solver

Publication date: Jan. 25, 2023

When you know or suspect that power will be off in your house, set the freezer control to between -10 degrees Fahrenheit and -20 degrees Fahrenheit immediately. The colder the freezer and foods, the longer foods stay frozen.Do not open the freezer if ...

Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2022, No. 6 (November/December)

Publication date: Nov. 1, 2022

Holiday Food Preserved GiftsThe holidays are a common time for food items to be used for gift exchanges. However, is this really a good idea for a gift? What should you do if you receive a home-processed food item?It is always best to err on the side ...

Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2022, No. 5 (September/October)

Publication date: Aug. 31, 2022

Best Practices for Storing Canned GoodsResearch-tested recipes are available from Extension programs nationwide. After the effort of growing and/or preserving food, handle the jars of food according to these recommendations. These best practices can ...

Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2022, No. 4 (July/August)

Publication date: July 1, 2022

Test your Dial Gauge Canners Each YearSummer is here, which means canning season is right around the corner. It is time to take inventory of your canning equipment.Ensuring your pressure canner is in good condition and working properly is critical to ...

Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2022, No. 3 (May/June)

Publication date: May 1, 2022

Making Sweet Spreads and Canning FruitFruits contain natural sugar known as fructose. When we make canned jellies or sauces, we may add more sugar to help preserve, sweeten and maintain the quality of the fruit. Many people are paying more attention ...

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