Preserving MI Harvest 2025

Online via Zoom
Thursdays, July 10-Nov. 13, 2025

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:

• July 10 - Preserving Summer Fruits           

• • Discover how to can, freeze and dehydrate sweet berries and summer fruits and create delicious, preserved foods to enjoy the taste of summer all year long.

• July 17 - Green Beans and Pressure Canning      

• • Green beans are one of the first vegetable crops that are ready to preserve in the summer. Let's look at a safe way to preserve them using a pressure canner.

• July 24 - Picked a Peck of Peppers             

• • Peppers can add a lot of flavor to almost any dish. They are great to use fresh but what can we do to preserve them? Let's explore the many different ways to use and preserve all those peppers.

• July 31 - Brrrr Blanching and Freezing Produce 

• • Learn how to freeze your garden fresh produce by blanching and freezing. We’ll discuss what is blanching, what to blanch and freezing tips for the best quality.

• August 7 - Seal it Safe: Water Bath Canning       

• • Learn everything you need to know to water bath can produce safely at home. We will cover supplies, equipment, processing, how to find safe recipes, and more.

• August 14 - CAN You Tomato?        

• • What to do with your bounty of tomatoes? We'll share a variety of ways to preserve them to enjoy year round.

• August 21 - Sweet and Savory Salsas       

• • Salsa is a great way to preserve your tomatoes and peppers. Join us to learn the science of preserving sweet and savory salsas!

• September 11 - Three Sisters-Preserving Corn, Squash and Beans

• • The three sisters include corn, beans and squash. These three crops complement each other when growing in the garden. How do they compare when preserving them? Together we will learn the different methods of safe ways to preserve them.

• September 18 - It's Sauerkraut Season! Let's Ferment!            

• • Making batches of Sauerkraut is a tradition for many families. Join us to learn proper techniques to prepare cabbage, ferment and process this delicious product.

• September 25 - Pickling and Preserving What's Left in the Garden               

• • As gardens wind down, learn how to maximize what's left in the garden by pickling, canning and freezing fall produce.

• October 2 - Oh Deer, Preserving Venison

• • Preserving venison must be done using a pressure canner. Learn how to safely can, freeze and dehydrate venison and where to find research-based recipes.

• October 9 - Preserve it Dry: Guide to Dehydrating     

• • Learn how to use a variety of food dehydrators to safely dry produce and fruit leathers.

• October 16 - Preserving Apples    

• • It's apple season in Michigan, what can you do with an abundance of apples?  Let's explore ways to freeze, can, and dry those apples.

• October 30 - Preserving with Pumpkins  

• • Pumpkins are more than just decorations. Join us to explore the many ways to preserve pumpkin.

• November 6 - Holiday Baking         

• • Take time to bake ahead and relax when it's time to celebrate. Tips and tricks for baking ahead and storing for best quality.

• November 13 - Gift of Preservation           

• • The season of giving is right around the corner! We will share our favorite goods to make and gift!