Food preservation workshop set for May 8 at Lewiston library

Lewiston Public Library’s Hands-On Food Preservation Workshop is set to return this spring because of popular demand.

This time it will feature pickled spring vegetables such as asparagus.

This free event is set for 4-6:30 p.m. Monday, May 8, in Callahan Hall of the 200 Lisbon St. library.

UMaine Extension volunteers and staff will teach the basic steps for canning. Participants will receive a Preserving the Harvest food preservation packet and can learn recommended methods for preserving vegetables, the latest and safest recipes and equipment, and how to check for properly sealed jars, according to a news release from Caitlin Ramsay at the library.

Those who attend are asked to bring a potholder to the workshop. All other supplies with be provided.

Registration is required to participate in this event because of limited space. To register for this event, go to the library’s Event page and select the Preserving the Harvest Workshop at lplonline.org.

Kate McCarty has been the Food Systems Professional at UMaine Cooperative Extension since 2009, after serving in the AmeriCorps VISTA program. She has completed the Master Food Preserver program, and intensive, hands-on training in all aspects of home food preservation.

McCarty manages the volunteer efforts of the 60-plus Master Food Preserver volunteers statewide and teaches food preservation programs in six Maine counties.

For more information about the program, contact the library at 207-513-3135 or lplreference@lewistonmaine.gov. For parking information, visit the library’s parking page.