— By Kate McCarty, Food Systems Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Home canners will be interested to learn that there’s another type of canner recommended for preserving high-acid foods at home. An atmospheric steam canner, an appliance designed to preserve foods using steam, has been sufficiently tested by the University of Wisconsin, National Center […]
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— By Kathy Savoie, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension As we prepare for the summer preserving season by gathering ingredients, please remember the importance of always checking that the acidity level of vinegar is 5%. The acid from vinegar helps to ensure the safety of your home canned products. The National Center for Home […]
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— By Danielle Breunig, University of Maine Dietetic Intern Cutting Boards and Food Safety As fall rolls around that means the holidays are just around the corner, and there may be plenty of food to start thinking about prepping. Holiday cooking can get chaotic and messy. In my house, there are a bunch of different foods […]
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— By Danielle Breunig, University of Maine Dietetic Intern Apple picking is now in season. Everyone that goes apple picking eats the apples they pick. Have you ever wondered what type of apple you’re eating or what apple is best for baking a pie? If so, this post will cover everything about apples, from apple varieties […]
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— By Danielle Breunig, University of Maine Dietetic Intern Make Safe Cider at Home Fresh unpasteurized cider can cause foodborne illness outbreaks due to contamination of foodborne pathogens. Certain age groups such as children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Precautions can be taken to prevent the risk […]
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— By Kate McCarty, Food Systems Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Freezing is the unsung workhorse of summertime preserving. Freezing fruits and vegetables can take less time than canning and results in a product that is closer to fresh than a canned product. A few tips will help make sure your frozen foods are top-quality […]
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— By Kate McCarty, Food Systems Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Green beans and cucumbers are starting to appear in Maine gardens and at farmers markets, which means it’s time to kick off pickling season. Our tips will help you create high-quality and delicious pickled vegetables of all kinds, from classics like dill pickles and […]
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By Kathy Savoie, Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension To say that I am excited for strawberry picking season is an understatement. I’ve missed out on Maine’s pick-your-own (PYO) strawberry season for the past two years and I can’t wait to get to the fields! If you’re wondering where to find local pick-your-own berries, […]
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The propane tank is full and it seems like the weather is cooperating for the return to grilling season at my house. Many of us enjoy cookouts and backyard barbecues during the spring and summer months. Unfortunately, barbeque season brings an increase in foodborne illness. Follow these guidelines to avoid foodborne illness when grilling: Whether […]
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By Kate McCarty, Food Systems Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Pressure canning is the only way to achieve home canned jars of our favorite Maine vegetables like corn, peas, potatoes, and carrots. Due to vegetables’ low acidity, improperly home canned jars of these foods can create the conditions for the hazardous botulinum toxin to […]
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