Sustainable Home Food Production
Food Preservation and Safety
With an increase in the number of people interested in growing their own produce comes the question: what to do with all that produce?
Whether you are home canning as a hobby or preserving food for your family, safety is essential. We suggest using only tested recipes from reliable sources including the USDA, the National Center for Home Food Preservation and other university extension resources. While you may find many canning tips and recipes online, many have been inaccurate. Using untested or unsafe methods can increase the risk of foodborne illness. By following tested recipes, you ensure safe preservation techniques that protect your health and prevent contamination by dangerous microorganisms.
The National Center for Home Food Preservation is an excellent source for current research-based recommendations for most methods of home food preservation. Led by the University of Georgia, the center’s mission is to address food safety concerns for those who practice and teach home food preservation and processing methods.
Experts with UF/IFAS have produced series of publications called “Food Entrepreneurship in Florida” designed to assist in starting and running a home food business. While not everything is relevant to gardeners interested in food preservation, there is information on safety and processing.
And for direct and in-person information, the family and consumer sciences agent at your county Extension office will have answers to your food preservation questions; your county office might even hold workshops on canning, pickling and other preservation methods.