University of Illinois Extension Educator Laura Barr gives weekly canning demonstrations at the Aurora Farmers Market. (Photo courtesy University of Illinois Extension)

Discover the fun – and functional – art of preserving the season’s bounty of delicious, local produce with University of Illinois Extension Educator Laura Barr this summer.

Barr will be demonstrating various food preservation techniques with fresh fruits and vegetables during a series of sessions at the Aurora Farmers Market. The monthly presentations will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays June 25, July 23, Aug. 20 and Sept. 10. Each includes a unique topic and a corresponding Q-and-A session.

“Canning is a simple, smart way to make the most of the local produce available this time of year,” Barr said. “Food preservation is on the comeback trail, with more and more people wanting to buy locally grown food and preserve their own food.”

There is a growing trend for home-grown produce as well. All of these empower the consumer to control recipes and use less salt and sugar if needed, said Barr.

“As folks engage in their gardens, it is easy to save the bountiful harvest for later in the year and to share it with loved ones. As we serve our preserved food, it is important to have the latest scientific updates on the canning process.”

The focus on evidenced-based practice and scientific principles is the mission of U of I Extension.

In the first Farmers Market session, Barr will explore the important safety and process steps for hot water bath canning, and will be demonstrating with a ginger pear preserve recipe.

Other topics will include: dilly beans on July 23, black raspberry jam on Aug. 20 and fresh salsa on Sept. 10. Look for the demonstrations next to the market information booth with the orange awning.

Barr has been providing education on food preservation for the last few years at the Aurora Farmers Market, and each year, the audience and interest grows.

“The partnership between Aurora Farmers Market and University of Illinois Extension continues to flourish,” said Barr. “Aurora Farmers Market is Illinois’ oldest market of its kind and it is focused on bringing the freshest produce to attenders.”

Barr is available for group or club demonstrations in DuPage, Kendall and Kane counties as well. For more information, contact Barr at llbarr@illinois.edu or (630) 584-6166.

For more information on University of Illinois Extension programs, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/. University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems.

— Learn easy canning tips at Aurora’s Farmers Market —