Jared Hibbard-Swanson

Tenga en cuenta que es posible que esta persona no hable español.

he/him/his

Food Security and Safety Manager

Tenga en cuenta que es posible que esta persona no hable español.

503-373-3763
[email protected]

Expertise: Local, regional and community food systems , Food security , Home food preservation , Home food safety and storage

Programs: Home Food Safety and Preservation Program

Locations: Marion County

Department/Unit: Family and Community Health Extension

Content by Jared Hibbard-Swanson

OSU Extension grows library partnerships for access to food preservation

Borrowable equipment helps households save money and reduce waste.

Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Apr 2026 | Impact story

OSU Extension meets growing demand for safe home food preservation

Safety-first canning guidance reached 206,574 Oregonians in 2025.

Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Mar 2026 | Impact story

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9192  |  March 2022
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9192

Oregon’s Cottage Food Exemption

Lauren Gwin and Joy Waite-Cusic
Loaves of bread
EM 9192
What's a "cottage food" and what do I need to know to sell food products to the public? We've got answers.
Local food producers can learn how to safely produce, label and market food products under Oregon's Cottage Food Exemption.
Get answers to answers frequently asked questions about Oregon's Cottage Food Exemption for home bakers, chefs and local food producers.
View now

© 2022 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Himalayan pink salt: Safe for canning?

P: Do you recommend using the Himalayan pink salt in canning? Or should I stay with the pickling and canning salt?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Steam Canners: Using to process high-acid or acidified foods

Foods naturally high in acid — most fruits, pickles and salsas — can be processed in a steam canner. Steam canners require less water but processing time is limited. Here's how to use steam canners for high-acid foods.

Caryn Wheeler, Jared Hibbard-Swanson, Nellie Oehler | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Preserving for special diets

Sugar and salt often play a vital role in canning fruits and vegetables at home. But sugar and salt can often be eliminated or reduced if special care is taken to account for their absence. Here's a how-to guide.

Nellie Oehler, Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Uncooked freezer jam

Freezer jams are easy to make because they don't require high-temperature processing and have few ingredients — usually just fruit, sugar, pectin and water. Recipes are simple but require strict adherence.

Nellie Oehler, Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Preserving Asian pears

Asian pears are usually picked ripe and ready to eat. They'll last about a week at room temperature and up to three months in the refrigerator. They can also be preserved by either canning or drying. Here's how.

Nellie Oehler, Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Tribal partnerships inform OSU Extension’s food preservation initiative

Culturally responsive program blends traditional practices with food safety.

Grace Xue | Sep 18, 2025 | News story

Making cured bacon at home

Follow this guide to cure delicious bacon safely at home. Get step-by-step instructions, brine recipes and health and safety tips.

Joy Waite-Cusic, Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Aug 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

OSU Extension food safety and preservation helpline opens for the season

After Oct. 10, the helpline will remain open and will be checked weekly for voice messages.

Grace Xue | Jul 3, 2025 | News story

Is jelly made from dandelion or grape hyacinth tea considered safe?

P: I made dandelion tea and grape hyacinth tea by soaking the petals in boiled water before eventually straining. Are they safe to process as a shelf stable product using a basic fruit jelly recipe? Or should they only be used for freezer jellies?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Are retort pouches safe for pressure canning?

P: I’ve seen several items online recommending the use of retort pouches for pressure canning. Is it safe?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Can eggs from backyard chickens be donated to a food pantry?

P: With egg prices being so expensive at the grocery store, I wonder if the excess eggs from our backyard chickens can be donated to our local food pantry?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Preserving vegetables: Tomatoes

Tomato season is short in Oregon but tomatoes can be made to last year-round by preserving them. There are many options — canning, freezing, drying or making sauce, paste, salsa or catsup. Here's a guide with recipes.

Nellie Oehler, Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Jan 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Does tofu expire?

P: My daughter has recently decided not to eat meat. I have started purchasing tofu, but we don't always use it by the expiration date on the package. The tofu is sealed in liquid. Is it safe for a little while after the date stamped on the package?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Are BPA-lined cans safe?

P: About the canned food we buy in stores, especially tomatoes: does the lining of the can impart some toxic or otherwise dangerous substance to the food?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Preserving fruits: Wild berries and fruits

Blackberries aren't the only wild berries in Oregon that produce delicious jams, jellies and pies. Salal and Oregon grape berries, huckleberries and gooseberries also can be used for tasty preserves and pies.

Nellie Oehler, Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Dec 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Oregon State University Extension Service

EM 9446  |  November 2024
View online: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em9446

Play it safe when preserving elderberries

Nellie Oehler, Joy Waite-Cusic and Jared Hibbard-Swanson
Branch with green leaves and long cluster of many light blue berries
EM 9446
Elderberries are toxic when consumed raw. But you can cook them into jams and other treats. Learn how to process elderberries.
Elderberries are popular shrubs that bear clusters of berries. Several varieties of elderberry are edible if cooked. But because all varieties of raw elderberries are toxic, you must cook them before consuming the berries. Here’s what to know about elderberries and how to safely process and preserve them. There are four major types of elderberries. Preservation instructions vary by type of elderberry, depending on the acid content of the fruit.
Many people enjoy the taste of elderberries, but beware — all varieties of elderberries are toxic. You need to cook them before you eat them. Learn how to safely process elderberries into delicious, nutritious treats.
View now

© 2024 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Preserving pumpkins and winter squash

Fall and winter squash and pumpkin can be preserved by canning, freezing and drying, and their seeds can be roasted. Squash and pumpkin also can be stored for several months under the right conditions.

Nellie Oehler, Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Nov 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Preserving cranberries

Cranberries have long been a part of the Thanksgiving table. But cranberries aren't just for sauce and juices — they also make nutritious fruit spreads, chutneys, relishes and even ketchup.

Nellie Oehler, Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

What is the shelf life of tuna preserved at home?

P: I canned tuna in 2021 and placed it in a in a cool, dark basement. What is the shelf life?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Preserving peaches

The sweet flavor of summer peaches can be captured for year-round enjoyment through canning, freezing, drying, pickling, and by making them into jams and preserves. Starting with firm, ripe fruit helps to ensure success.

Nellie Oehler, Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Jul 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Revitalized Master Food Preserver training expands access

Training a more diverse group of volunteers extends Extension’s reach into underserved communities — supporting food security, local economies and public health across the state.

Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Mar 2024 | Impact story

Report ID:
Report ID:

Email Jared Hibbard-Swanson

CAPTCHA
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.
Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.