Learn how to preserve fruits and vegetables in South Lake Tahoe classes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The UC Master Food Preservers are presenting two classes at the local library this June in food preservation. Teachers will be explaining each step of canning, dehydrating and freezing as methods of preserving fruit and vegetables to use throughout the year in your family’s meals.

The first of the fruit and vegetable preservation classes will be Fruit: Preserve It; Serve It class on Monday, June 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the second will be their Vegetables: Preserve & Serve class on Tuesday, June 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Both will be at the South Lake Tahoe Library on Rufus Allen Boulevard.

In the fruit preservation class, learn how you can make pickles from fruit. (Yes, fruit pickles!) Learn how to can your own pie fillings, chutneys, and syrups. They’ll show you the basics of making jams and jellies to use for more than toast and BBJ sandwiches. If you’re not excited yet, they’ll also share ideas for holiday gifts such as spiced apple rings, flavored vinegars, and fruit sauces.

In the vegetable preservation class, learn how and why you need to pressure can vegetables and soups, how to make versatile vegetable powders, and how to create your own gourmet pickles.

There will be a lot of topics presented; get comfortable! They’ll incorporate a few simple hands-on activities to keep you focused and provide a light meal mid-way through the class. You’ll leave with lots of recipes and ideas to try on your own at home.

The classes are $15 each; a light lunch is included. Pre-registration is required at http://ucanr.edu/fruit-june3 or http://ucanr.edu/vegetable-june18. Contact Robin Cleveland at rkcleveland@ucanr.edu or 530-621-5528 for more information.

The UCCE Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra (serving El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties) are able to hold the classes due to being awarded a Specialty Crop Block Grant to bring local crop awareness to communities without a Master Food Preserver program. They can do this through preservation classes and information booths. Not only are they teaching the most current and safest preservation techniques but part of the grant is also to bring awareness of meal ideas using the products people make in their own homes creating healthier communities.