Can foods safely with free dial-gauge test from
Illinois Extension
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[May 25, 2023]
Home gardeners can enjoy fresh food throughout
the year by canning their produce; but over time, the needle on a
dial-gauge pressure canner can become inaccurate. If the dial-gauge
is not measuring the correct pressure, foods inside the pressure
canner may be under-processed, which increases the risk of serious
illness from botulism. |
Illinois
Extension is offering free dial-gauge testing on Tuesday, June 20, 9
AM-3:30 PM, at the Sangamon Extension Office (700 S Airport Drive,
Springfield). Reserve your 15-mintue time slot by calling
217-782-4617. Free testing can be arranged on other dates year-round
by calling 217-782-4617.
“We recommend home canners have their dial-gauge pressure canners
tested at least once each year to see if the needle is accurate.
Testing often takes no more than 15 minutes per canner and it is
well worth the visit to know what the gauge reads,” says Caitlin
Mellendorf, nutrition and wellness educator with University of
Illinois Extension.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/May/22/images/ads/current/comfortinn_PROMGRAD_2023.png)
A variety of foods can be canned at home through
boiling water bath canning and pressure canning. Pressure canning is
important when canning low-acid foods, particularly meats and
vegetables. [to top of second
column]
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/May/22/images/ads/current/humanesociety_sda022411.png) |
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/May/22/images/ads/current/longview_lda_SFARM_2023.png)
For more information about
preserving at home, visit the Illinois Extension Food
Preservation webpage or the National Center for Home Food
Preservation.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities
for programs and employment. If you need a reasonable
accommodation to participate in this program, please contact
217-782-4617. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow
sufficient time for meeting your access need.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/May/22/images/ads/current/werth_sda_PROMGRAD_2023.png)
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public
outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into
action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community
leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to
changes and opportunities.
[SOURCE: Caitlin Mellendorn, Nutrition
and Wellness Educator, University of Illinois Extension
WRITER: Amy Zepp, 4-H Program Coordinator, Sangamon County] |