How do you can tomatoes? I want to freeze corn. Give me the recipe for fig preserves. Tell me how to put up chow-chow. All these requests and far more have come across my desk on a regular basis.

Canning done right provides very low cost, delicious, safe food for families. Canning done wrong wastes money and time and can very possibly make you sick.

Clemson Extension secured a grant this past year that made it possible for Food Safety Agents to travel and teach canning skills to the public. Over 30 hands-on canning classes were conducted by agents this growing season. There is no indication next year will slow down.

In 2012, Food Safety agents will work from more grant dollars to identify and train local canning coaches. That means lessons will be developed and volunteers will be trained to teach canning classes in their community. These coaches will be well trained by the Clemson Extension Agents and will be canning mentors in the areas where they live. This will double or triple the ability of agents to get reliable, science-based canning information into communities across South Carolina.

Currently, the search is underway for canning coaches. If you would like more information on being trained as a canning coach, contact me for details at 864-446-2276 x 112 or email Rhonda@clemson.edu. We’d love to have you join our team!