It’s that time of year again, when all your favorite fruits and vegetables are coming into season. Whether you grow your own or purchase them from the market, there are a few different ways you can preserve fresh produce to enjoy all year round.
Freezing is one of the easiest ways to preserve food. Most produce will freeze well, with the exception of produce with a high-water content.
Another option for preserving produce would be canning. There are two different types of canners a boiling water canner and pressure canner.
The acidity of food determines whether it should be processed in a boiling water bath canner or pressure canner. Acidic foods include pickles, most fruits, jams, and jellies made from fruit. Acidic foods can be safely canned in a boiling water canner. Low-acid foods include vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish must be canned in a pressure canner.
Freezing, boiling water bath canning, and pressure canning are all ways to preserve fresh produce. It’s important that you know what method is safest to use, depending on what you plan to preserve.
The National Center for Home Food Preservation website is a great resource that provides research-based recommendations for most methods of home food preservation. Information can be found at nchfp.ugs.edu
Before beginning any kind of food preservation, it’s important to check that you have the right equipment and that it is accurate. If you are using a pressure canner, it’s recommended that you get the gauge checked every year.
Canner testing events are held at various locations across Wayne and Holmes Counties. You only need to bring your canner lid to be tested, testing is free.
The schedule for 2026 is as follows.
Canner testing is also available in the Wayne County office by appointment. Tests are $5 a unit. Call 330-264-8722 to schedule an appointment.
Kaitlynn Tonn is an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or tonn.13@osu.edu
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This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Canning season is on the horizon
Reporting by Kaitlynn Tonn/ Wayne County Extension, Wooster Daily Record / The Daily Record
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