Sharing the secrets of 'putting food up'

MIDDLETOWN — Cornell Cooperative Extension is hosting a three-day Master Food Preserver training next month.

"Food preservation is definitely making a comeback," said Cornell Cooperative Extension educator Stefanie Hubert. "We've been getting a lot of calls for information about canning, as well as other preservation methods."

Public concerns about food safety and the growing interest in eating locally grown food has fueled what television's Food Network refers to as "The Canning Comeback." It continues to be a top food trend.

"Whether driven by economics, food recalls or simply the desire to 'do it themselves,' people want to thoroughly understand, and be able to share safe and efficient methods of home food preservation," said Hubert.

To meet this demand, Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County is hosting the three-day Master Food Preserver training June 24, 25 and 26, 2013. During this intensive training, participants will learn about safe and efficient methods for all aspects of food preservation in the home including economic and nutritional considerations, food safety, canning, freezing, drying, pickling, and preparing jams and jellies.

"Once certified as a Master Food Preserver, you will be qualified not only to preserve food, but also to instruct others on food preservation methods in group and one-on-one settings," said Hubert. "It's a valuable asset to owners and employees of farm stands and Community Supported Agriculture as well as members of civic organizations, as you can pass your knowledge along with confidence."

Participants need no prior knowledge of food preservation to attend, be willing to share knowledge with others, and be comfortable participating in the required hands-on activities. Participants must be available to attend the entire training,

Upon completion of the three-day training, participants will be given a certificate of completion. Thereafter, they will need 40 hours of hands-on preservation experience either on their own, or volunteering for Cornell Cooperative Extension in order to receive full certification as a Master Food Preserver. The cost is $375 per person.

The training will be held on Monday, June 24, through Wednesday, June 26, in the commercial kitchen at Holy Cross/Our Lady of the Scapular, 626 County Route 22, Middletown.

The Master Food Preserver Training is limited to 21 participants and includes meals each day. Interested individuals must register with payment no later than Monday, June 10.

For more information, call 845-344-1234, email sh379@cornell.edu, or visit cce.cornell.edu/orange