Locally grown, peak-ripe produce is about to appear at farmers markets, roadside stands and backyards all over the county. This is the window of opportunity to preserve all of nature’s bounty.

Preserve summer flavors all year long with strawberries, blueberries, and peaches, which are abundant in our area. With the many local varieties of fruits, splendid jams and jellies can be made to use later or given as gifts.

You can learn step-by-step tips on preparing and canning jams and jellies at the Polk Extension Office. Canning Jams and Jellies classes will be on Tuesday, May 17. We are offering two classes, one at 2 p.m. and one at 6 p.m. Both classes cover the same material. The workshop will be two hours. This is a hands on class and participants will leave with a finished product.

Both classes will be held at the Polk County Extension Center. To sign up, call the Extension Office at 828-894-8218.

-Submitted by Jimmi Buell