Canning season is underway which means the food safety and preservation helpline from Oregon State University Extension Service has started taking calls.
The toll-free helpline, 800-354-7319, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The helpline will be staffed by certified Master Food Preserver volunteers until Oct. 10. In 2024, the volunteers fielded 723 calls.
โPreserving the summer harvest is a cherished tradition for Oregonians, but safely preserving and storing foods can be challenging to do well, and potentially dangerous if not done properly,โ said Jared Hibbard-Swanson, food security and safety program manager at OSU Extension.
Most commonly, helpline callers ask about recipes for canned salsa and fruits, refrigerator usage and where to get a pressure canner gauge checked.
OSU Extension also offers these publications: Salsa Recipes for Canning, Canning Seafood, Canning tomatoes and tomato products and Use, Care and Operation of Your Pressure Canner. Additional publications and fact sheets are available on the OSU Extension website.