Just in time for harvest season, the Dallas County Extension Office will host a workshop to teach safe canning and preservation habits.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System will have the workshop on June 15.

A regional extension agent will inform attendees about food safety in canning high and low- acid foods and how to properly make jams and jellies. An integral portion of the workshop will focus on food safety. County extension coordinator Callie Nelson said federal guidelines and procedures will be addressed as well.

“Someone will teach them about the equipment, how to select the best produce and guidelines for what is recommended by the USDA,” Nelson said. “Canning is something you have to do and get it right. If you don’t you can end up with a spoiled product. There are guidelines, depending upon what the food is and how you are to can it.”

The Centers for Disease Control reports home-canned vegetables are the most common cause of botulism in the United States.

Water bath and pressure canning demonstrations will also be a part of the session. As a bonus, a free food preservation cookbook will be available for attendees.

Free cookbooks and demonstrations might not be some of the only ways to draw a crowd toward the session.

Nelson said over the past five years, canning has become an increasingly popular art form for many. She expects a nice show of attendance at the workshop.

“We’re looking for an audience of about 15 to 20 people,” she said. “That actually gives us time to work with people individually to bring them up and answer their questions.”

In fact, she said individuals should attend, so they can gain insight on the importance of safe canning measures and benefits.

“You will know what kinds of products you have at home, and you’re able to control what you put in those [products],” Nelson said.

“For instance, if you’re a person with high blood pressure, then you could can all of your food in low sodium or no sodium. If you can it yourself, you’ll know what you’re getting.”

The workshop will be held at Westwood Baptist Church, located at 4085 U.S. Highway 80. It will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. There is a $5 dollar registration fee. The registration deadline is June 12. For more information, call the extension office at 875-3200.