Food Preservation Workshops and Webinars

3 jars of home canned tomato salsa with peppers and a dishtowel

Ever wonder how to preserve and use all of that great locally-grown produce? University of Maine Cooperative Extension food preservation workshops will teach you the basics of canning and freezing, including how to use pressure canners and water bath canners to preserve pickles, jam, and vegetables. Workshops are taught by UMaine Extension staff and Master Food Preserver Volunteers.

Financial assistance is available; please email the UMaine Extension staff at extension.foodnutritioncumberland@maine.edu for more information.

Upcoming Preserving Workshops

Boiling Water Bath Canning in Waldoboro

  • Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
  • Location: UMaine Extension Knox/Lincoln, 377 Manktown Rd., Waldoboro, ME
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Cost: $25

To register, use Boiling Water Bath Canning Waldoboro registration form.

Pickling Basics in South Portland

  • Date: Monday, July 27, 2026
  • Location: Fork Food Lab, 97 Darling Ave., South Portland, ME
  • Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $30

To register, use Pickling Basics at Fork Food Lab registration form. 

Boiling Water Bath Canning in Belfast

  • Date: Monday, August 3, 2026
  • Location: United Farmers Market, 18 Spring St., Belfast, ME
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Cost: $25

To register, use Boiling Water Bath Canning Belfast registration form.

Preserving Elderberries in Falmouth

  • Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
  • Location: UMaine Extension Cumberland, 75 Clearwater Dr., Falmouth, ME
  • Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $20

To register, use Preserving Elderberries registration form.

Boiling Water Bath Canning in Bangor

  • Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
  • Location: UMaine Extension Penobscot, 307 Maine Ave., Bangor, ME
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Cost: $25

To register, use Boiling Water Bath Canning Bangor registration form.

Upcoming Preserving Webinars

We are excited to announce the return of our popular food preservation webinars this summer! The 2026 webinar series will cover preserving different seasonal foods in a live format with the ability to ask the experts all your questions.

Fermenting Pickles Webinar

  • Date: Tuesday, July 28
  • Location: Online, the Zoom link will be sent with completed registration.
  • Time: 2:00-2:45 p.m.
  • Cost: Free, $5 donation per session is optional

To register for any or all webinars, use Preserving Webinar registration form.

Freeze Drying at Home Webinar

  • Date: Tuesday, August 25
  • Location: Online, the Zoom link will be sent with completed registration.
  • Time: 2:00-2:45 p.m.
  • Cost: Free, $5 donation per session is optional

To register for any or all webinars, use Preserving Webinar registration form.

Quick and Easy Preserving Webinar

  • Date: Tuesday, September 8
  • Location: Online, the Zoom link will be sent with completed registration.
  • Time: 2:00-2:45 p.m.
  • Cost: Free, $5 donation per session is optional

To register for any or all webinars, use Preserving Webinar registration form.

Stay Connected with Food Preservation Learning Opportunities

Be the first to hear about upcoming UMaine Extension food preservation workshops, webinars, and hands-on learning opportunities. Sign up to receive occasional notifications about new classes, seasonal topics, and registration openings.

Sign Up to Receive Workshop Notifications

Interested in hosting a workshop or want to see one offered near you? Request a food preservation workshop by completing the Request a Food Preservation Workshop form.

Looking for food preservation webinars recordings and resources? View our Food Preservation and Nutrition Webinar Resources!