UCCE Master Food Preservers of San Diego County

Too many tomatoes? Make tomato sauce.

Today at 12:30 pm on the Food 2 U stage in the O'Brien Building, join UC Master Food Preservers of San Diego County to learn the safe, step-by-step process of creating an all-purpose tomato sauce from garden-fresh tomatoes using tested recipes. This presentation covers proper preparation, acidity control, and boiling water canning techniques to preserve your garden harvest with confidence.

A demonstration of how to make and boiling water can tomato sauce will be held in the adjacent UC Master Food Preserver exhibit.

Photo credit: Jodi Bay
Photo 1 Description: An UC MFP is using a mill to separate seed and peel from tomatoes, a step in making tomato sauce.
Photo 2: A metal bowl of roma tomatoes.

Save money and create healthy snacks by making your own. North Dakota State University provides easy to make and healthy recipes for making your own snacks. Something fun to do with the kids too!

https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/sites/default/files/2024-08/fn1753.pdf

Photo credit: Maksim Shutov via unsplash.com

Do you ever have small amounts of vegetables and don't know how to use them?

In today's presentation at the San Diego County Fair at 12:30 on the Food 2 U stage in the O'Brien Building, the UC Master Food Preservers of San Diego County will discuss a preservation method called a 'Quick Pickle'. You will learn how to turn everyday cucumbers and onions into crisp, tangy quick pickles in no time flat. We’ll show you simple, foolproof techniques, flavor-packed variations, and food-safe tips you can use right at home—no canner required. It’s fast, fun, and full of big flavor, with plenty of “aha!” moments for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Come for the pickles, stay for the crunch!

Afterwards, stop by the exhibit for a demonstration of how to make Quick Pickles.

Photo credit: Jodi Bay
Photo description: Four jars of quick pickles, left to right radishes, carrots, onions and cucumbers. In front of the jars is a sign stating "University of California Cooperative Extension Master Food Preserver".

It's Opening Day at the San Diego County Fair! Come by and see us.

Today at 12:30 pm on the Food 2 U stage in the O'Brien Building, the UC Master Food Preservers of San Diego County will be presenting "Getting Started With Boiling Water Canning". Boiling water canning is a simple and safe method for preserving high-acid foods by processing sealed jars using a boiling water or steam canner. This presentation is ideal for beginners and will cover boiling water canning basics so you can walk away feeling confident in getting started with high acid canning techniques and understand the equipment needed.

Afterwards, come by the exhibit and watch a demonstration of boiling water canning the 'Mixed Berry Jam' recipe.

Photo credit: Jodi Bay
Photo description: Jars of corn relish in a steam canner.

The opens tomorrow. The UC Master Food Preservers of San Diego County are ready to answer your food safety and preservation questions on the topics of canning, dehydration, cold storage, pickling and fermentation. We are in the O'Brien Building, under the blue and white canopy.

Come see one of the UC Master Food Preserver presentations on the Food 2U Stage. The schedule can be found at this link
https://ucanr.edu/site/master-food-preserver-program-san-diego-county/san-diego-county-fair

We look forward to seeing you between June 10th and July 5th. Closed Monday's and Tuesdays.

Happy Canning!

Here is an interesting post from the Iowa State University Answer Line.

"Not all fruits store the same way. Fruits fall into two categories: climacteric and non-climacteric. Climacteric fruits keep ripening after harvest, while non-climacteric fruits reach full sweetness and flavor while still on the plant and don’t continue to ripen once picked. Understanding how to handle and store each type can improve taste, boost nutrition, and reduce food waste. Learn which fruits should ripen on the counter and which belong in the fridge at the link below."

https://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/answerline/2026/04/28/which-fruit-will-ripen-after-picking/

Thank you from Iowa State University for this helpful information.

Photo credit: Iowa State University.
Photo Description: A rectangle where the top half, divided by an uneven horizontal line and with a red background, states "Some keep ripening after picking, while others don't change once harvested. Lean how to store fruits properly to boost flavor, nutrition, and reduce waste." The bottom half is of a counter top with several citrus fruits in the background, a wooden cutting board in the front with an assortment of berries on top. The bottom of the image has a red banner across horizontally with the words "Iowa State University" on the top left and below "Extension and Outreach".

Have you heard?! The San Diego County Fair starts 1 week from today!

The UC Master Food Preservers of San Diego County will be demoing, presenting and answering questions on various methods of safe food preservation. Look for us in the O'Brien building, under the blue and white canopy.

Here we are returning this year with 10 informative talks on various preservation topics. Take a look at the provided schedule and plan on joining us! All presentations start at 12:30 pm and are on the Food 2 U stage in the O'Brien Building.

June 10 Boiling Water Canning
June 12 Quick Pickles
June 17 Making Tomato Sauce
June 19 Preserved Lemons
June 20 Preserving Herbs
June 24 Waste Not; Want Not
June 26 Cheese Making
June 27 Pressure Canning Chicken
July 1 Sourdough Starter
July 3 Preserving Watermelon

Photo credit: Jodi Bay
Photo 1 description: Two people wearing gold t-shirts and black aprons on a stage. One is to the side of a table and the other is behind the table preparing food. The one on the side is wearing a microphone, talking to the audience.
Photo 2 description: On person on stage, wearing a floral shirt and a black apron, behind a table. She is holding an apple and wearing a microphone. Behind her is a large sign that states "Food 2 U Stage"

Our partner program, Master Gardener Association of San Diego County, will be recruiting for the Class of 2027 this fall. If interested, read the details below.