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Fresh fruit is soon to be in abundance, but it’s impossible to enjoy it indefinitely. Fortunately, there is an easy–and delicious–way to preserve some of summer’s bounty, even when it isn’t in season anymore. Turning that fresh fruit into jams and jellies is one of the most popular home-canning exercises in the United States. That’s because the process can be successfully completed with only a small amount of know-how about canning.

One of the best ways to learn canning basics is to practice in the presence of an experienced home preserver. That’s why the NC Cooperative Extension’s Family and Consumer Science Agent, Jimmi Buell, will be leading two different hands-on workshops to introduce local residents to the science and procedure of canning jams and jellies.

Both workshops will be held at the NC Cooperative Extension Center in Polk County. The sessions at 2:00 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. will each cover the same material and will last approximately two hours. Safety protocols will be followed at each workshop, such as limiting participants to six students per session, keeping at least six feet of distance between participants throughout the workshop, and use of personal protective equipment by instructors and participants.

A small materials fee is required for registration. Please call the Cooperative Extension of Polk County at 828-894-8218 or email kjones24@ncsu.edu to reserve your space at your chosen session.

Submitted by Kerry Jones