Food Preservation

Food preservation is the process of treating and handling food to stop or greatly slow down spoilage (loss of quality, edibility or nutritive value) caused or accelerated by micro-organisms. Maintaining or creating nutritional value, texture and flavor is important in preserving its value as food.

Canning and Freezing Classes offered:

Learn safe, reliable food preservation methods. Great for beginners or as a refresher course. Take home research-based resources, a jar of homemade goodness and try tasty samples!

Canning jars with various fruits/vegetables.

Home Canning

Learn equipment needed, where to find reliable recipes, when and how to use water bath and pressure canners, latest tested technology, time saving techniques, etc.

Frozen strawberries

Freezing Foods

Learn to freeze foods for best quality and to save money, how to select a freezer and equipment, recommended storage methods, how to prevent freezer burn, etc.

NOTE: There are no additional Food Preservation Classes scheduled for 2024. To be added to the interest list for future classes, please provide your contact information below.


Food Preservation classes are generally offered during the Spring and Summer months. To add your name to the interest list for future Food Preservation Classes, please provide your contact information or call the Extension Office at (423) 209-8560.


Additional Resources:

  • Basic how-to videos (3-8 minutes each) from University of Minnesota
  • Canning Timer & Checklist App  from Oregon Extension Service – Generate a checklist and timer for processing over 50 popular foods. Set jar size, pack type, canning method, and elevation. Designed for people with previous canning experience.
  • Information on commercial food safety, equipment, processing, nutritional labeling and regulatory requirements associated with food manufacturing.