Canning workshops to be presented in Austin

Two Basics of Canning workshops — one on water bath and one on pressure canning — will be presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in collaboration with Callahan’s General Store in Austin.

“With consumers more concerned about where their food comes from and how to store the fruits and vegetables they grow at home, canning has had a resurgence,” said Sonia Coyle, AgriLife Extension family and community health agent, Travis County. “These two workshops will be conducted by Elsie Lacy, our family and community health agent in Caldwell County, who has had more than 30 years of experience with at-home canning and canning instruction.”

Workshop information

Both workshops will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Callahan’s General Store, 501 U.S. Highway 183 N. The water bath workshop will be Sept. 9, and the workshop on pressure canning will be Nov. 9. The cost is $60 for each workshop.

Refreshments and giveaways will be provided, including educational material and a jar of recipes for attendees to take home. Those interested are encouraged to register early as classes are limited to 10 participants. To register, call 512-385-3452 or email housewares@callahansgs.com.

“Water bath canning is an easy way to preserve high-acid foods such as fruit preserves, including jams and jellies,” Lacy said. “Other low-acid foods like nonacidic vegetables and some sauces are best processed in a pressure canner and not a water bath. It’s important to know what method to use to properly and safely can specific foods.”  

For more information, email Coyle at sonia.coyle@ag.tamu.edu.