Preserving MI Harvest 2026

Online via Zoom
Thursdays, Feb. 5-June 11, 2026

Join the MSU Extension Food Safety Team to learn how to preserve food safely at home using current preservation methods and research-based resources. Let us help you fill your pantry and freezer by preserving food at home. Join online via Zoom using your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or any device with internet access. Classes are free and we invite you to register for any sessions you are interested in.

Classes are offered on Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. ET. Sessions include: 

February 5-Planning for Preservation      

Plan for food preservation with us. Topics will include garden planning tips and seed selection as well as timing and management of your seedlings and an overview to prepare for preservation.

February 12-Beyond the Bean: Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Recipes             

Love beans? Learn how to safely home-can dry beans from start to finish using a pressure canner! Plus, get tips on preparing your canned beans for delicious meals.

February 19-Warm up with Frozen Food 

Planning to use the food you spent time freezing prevents freezer burn and can help keep your food budget in check. Join to get some inspiration to utilize the food in your freezer.

February 26-Making Sweet Maple Syrup

Join us as we go through the steps of making Maple Surup. We will talk about the process including filtering and preserving this sweet treat in a jar.

March 5-Back to Basics: Canning with Confidence       

We will cover the basics of water bath and pressure canning, share tips for our favorite pieces of equipment, and walk through tested recipes so you can safely preserve fruits, vegetables, and meat with confidence!

March 12-Back to Basics: Fresh to Frozen           

Freezing is one of the easiest ways to keep foods fresh, but doing right makes all the difference! We will talk about packaging, storage times, and other tricks. Learn how to freeze fruit, veggies, meat, and even prepared meals so they taste great even months later!

March 26-Back to Basics: Drying Made Simple 

Dehydrating can be a fun way to make snacks or store food but are you confused about how to get started? Join us for this introduction to drying herbs, fruit, and jerky! Equipment, storage, and recipes are all covered.

April 9-I Saw it on Social Media     

You found a preservation recipe on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram... but is it safe? Join us to learn research-tested recipes that are delicious and safe!

April 16-Modifying Recipes for Preservation      

Join us to learn how to modify research-based preserving recipes and have a safe product that fits the needs of you and your family.

April 23-Fresh Flavors All Year: Preserving Spring Produce & Herbs

Fresh produce like rhubarb and asparagus will be here soon! Join us to learn easy and effective ways to preserve your spring harvest, including herbs, so you can enjoy those fresh flavors all year long.

April 30-Preserving the Sale           

Freezing is a smart way to stretch your budget and reduce waste. Discover best practices for buying foods on sale and freezing them for future meals.

May 7-Preserving Toppings: Jam, Jelly, Syrup, Sauces 

Learn preservation tips and recipes to use your frozen berries for tasty syrups, sauces, jams, and jellies in the winter.

May 14-Preserving for Outdoor Adventures        

Whether you are traveling, camping, or hiking, we've got great tips to keep your food safe. Discover how to dehydrate snacks and meals and explore delicious recipe ideas!

May 28-Strawberries- More Than Just Jam           

It's strawberry season. Explore how to can, freeze, and make jam with this popular fruit. Preserve your strawberries now to enjoy all year long.

June 4-Preserving Meat      

Discover the many ways to enjoy meat- grilling, smoking, curing, and dehydrating. Join us for expert tips and practical tricks to boost your knowledge and keep your family safe from foodborne illness.

June 11-Top It Off with Preserved Condiments and Dressings             

There's nothing better than homemade condiments to top off your favorite burger or sandwich. Discover some tasty preservation recipes for relishes, mustard, ketchup and more. Also, learn to make flavorful homemade dressings to spice up your salad.