Home food preservation is on the rise as people grow, hunt and catch more of their foods to be more self sufficient and/or to control the content of their foods. Many people have special dietary restrictions or just don’t want the preservatives or other additives that can be in commercially prepared products.

Whether food preservation is a fun hobby or a way of providing food for your family, the procedures followed are extremely important in the safety of your preserved foods. Staying updated on the ever-changing research-based processes is critical if you are preserving foods at home.

Pressure Canner Gauge Testing

The dial type gauges on pressure canners need to be tested annually for their accuracy as well as new gauges that are purchased. This is done at the Extension Office free of charge and only takes a few minutes. All you need to bring is the lid to your canner with the gauge (or just the gauge if you have a new one). Call the Robertson County Extension Office at 615-384-7936 to make an appointment with Lauren Patterson, County Director, to get your gauge tested before canning for the season.

Food Preservation Resources

Food preservation workshops and programs are offered to the public seasonally. Check back to our website here for announcements or follow our Facebook page for program announcements.

If you have questions about canning, call the Extension Office for assistance 615-384-7936.