Lessons in preserving

Prior to today, the only way I knew how to safely preserve garden produce was to freeze it. I knew other methods existed, but I didn't know enough to be sure that I wouldn't poison myself.

This morning, I attended the 'Mouth-watering sweet and savoury preserves' workshop at Bulleen Art and Garden, taught by Maria Ciavarella from My Green Garden. I can highly recommend it to anyone who is hesitant about preserving.

I learnt so much about safe preserving: freezing, drying, bottling, hot water bath method, pickling, the different methods for sterilising jars/bottles and lids, and heaps more.

We also put three preserving methods into practice within the class. We made bottled pears, mixed berry jam, and a Middle Eastern inspired pickled vegetables. I was thrilled to come away with a small bottle of each, and to have tasted some of Maria's other preserves (the pear and vanilla jam in particular was to die for!).

I got a lot of value out of just that three hour class. I feel a lot more confident about safe preserving now. I can't wait to have enough garden produce to start preserving my own homegrown fruit and vegetables!