1. Topics
  2. Food

Home food preservation

Photo Credit: Amanda Loman (Cropped from original)

Browse resources

Displaying 1 - 10 of 167 resources

OSU Extension food safety and preservation helpline opens for the season

Starting July 7, the toll-free helpline, 800-354-7319, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Grace Xue | Jul 3, 2025 | News story

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

Q: 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?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Preserving peppers

With so many varieties of peppers grown in Oregon, it is fortunate that they can be preserved to enjoy all year long by canning, freezing, drying or pickling. Here's a how-to guide for all four preservation methods.

Nellie Oehler | Jun 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Preserving summer squash

Any home gardener who has planted summer squash such as zucchini knows that harvests can be prodigious. Although not suitable for canning by themselves, there are several ways to preserve summer squash for later use.

Nellie Oehler | Jun 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Canning soup

Homemade soups containing vegetables, beans, meat or seafood can be canned for future use if a few guidelines are followed. Learn how to prepare soups for canning and what can and can't be included.

Nellie Oehler | Jun 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Are retort pouches safe for pressure canning?

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

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Preserving foods: Fruit juice and apple cider

Making and preserving fruit juice at home can be easy and economical. Use the juices as breakfast beverages, soft drink substitutes, bases for punch and for making jelly. Here's a guide to making fruit juice at home.

Nellie Oehler | Jul 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

‘Library of Things’ food preservation collections benefit Oregonians

Library of Things collections provide free equipment rentals to library patrons for limited time periods, allowing bulky or expensive pieces of equipment to circulate through the community to be shared and enjoyed by many residents.

Jared Hibbard-Swanson | Jan 2025 | Impact story

Home pasteurization of raw milk

Raw milk can be a source of dangerous microorganisms that pose serious health risks. Home pasteurization kills harmful bacteria and is a good safeguard against the risk of illness. Here's how to do it.

Nellie Oehler | Jan 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Preserving mushrooms

The savory goodness of mushrooms isn't confined to those fresh from the saute pan — they can be preserved by canning, freezing, drying and pickling. Here's a guide to expanding your mushroom repertoire.

Nellie Oehler | Jan 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)