UMaine Extension offers tips to preserve blueberries, tomatoes, corn

Fruits and vegetables are ripe for the picking in August and University of Maine Cooperative Extension educator Kathy Savoie wants Mainers to have up-to-date information on the best methods, canners, jars and seals to safely preserve food.

UMaine Extension publishes information to help people find, grow, use, preserve and store in-season fruits and vegetables. A tip is to add one tablespoon of bottled lemon juice per pint of tomatoes when preserving whole, crushed or juiced tomatoes. More recommendations are available from county UMaine Extension offices and online at extension.umaine.edu/food-health, including upcoming food preservation workshops and how-to videos.

Topical bulletins also may be ordered or downloaded at extension.umaine.edu, including August favorites “Let’s Preserve: Sweet Corn,” “Let’s Preserve: Tomatoes,” “Let’s Preserve: Berries” and “Vegetables and Fruits for Health: Wild Blueberries, Tomatoes, and Sweet Corn.”

For more information, call 581-3188 or 800-287-0274 (in Maine).