AMES, Iowa – Preserve the Taste of Summer (PTTS) was launched last July as a pilot program to help adults learn how to safely preserve foods. This year, the basic structure of the program will remain the same, but some new elements are being added as a result of public demand.
“Preserve the Taste of Summer was originally created as a compilation of online and hands-on workshops for adults only,” said Sarah Francis, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach nutrition specialist and Iowa State University assistant professor. “We knew the first year would meet with challenges, so we spent the year addressing them and creating a better program.”
The original PTTS included eight online lessons that provided background information on safe food preservation for adults. In order to participate in the hands-on workshops, participants first completed two online lessons on general food safety practices and canning basics along with one or two subject matter lessons.
According to Francis, several new elements are being added to the program:
“These additions to the program are based on public need and response,” Francis said. “We let the public take the program in the direction they wanted it to go.”
Currently, 29 people are registered for the program. For information on lessons, workshops and preservation methods, visit .