LANSING — As gardens are growing, thoughts turn to the ripening overflow of shiny, red tomatoes, bright green peppers and other delicious home-grown goodies along with farmers markets filled with fresh produce. Why not save some of this bounty to enjoy all through the year? Food preservation is a science, and we must properly preserve food or dangerous bacteria can cause foodborne illness.

Learn safe home preserving techniques and valuable resources online to ensure the safety of your home preserved food. Preserving your Harvest classes will be held every Thursday from Aug. 13 through Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. EDT. No matter what your home food preservation experience is whether beginner or seasoned, these free classes will allow you to learn the most current recommendations for safe home preserving and to ask any questions you may have.  Join us for all sessions or choose the topics that interest you.

Aug. 13 – Safe Home Food Preservation – Traditions and Trends

Aug. 20 – Preserving what’s left in your Garden

Aug. 27 – Peaches – Can or Freeze?

Sept. 3 – Too Many Tomatoes

Sept. 10 – Salsa 101

Sept. 17 – Know your Canners

Sept. 24 – Basics of Sauerkraut

Oct. 8 – Preparing Soups for Winter

Oct. 15 – Making Applesauce

Oct. 22 – Preserving Food for Gifts

Oct. 29 – Preserving Venison

To attend using a computer, register by visiting https://events.anr.msu.edu/PreserveHarvest/. To listen by phone, please call 877-643-9882 to register.