Online Class: How to Can, Freeze, Dry and Preserve Food

In this course you will learn about the tradition of canning and preserving, how to get started, deciding what to can and preserve, the various methods of canning and preserving (such as freezing, canning, drying, smoking, etc.), water bath and pressure canning, tools of the trade, as well as how to make jams and jellies, condiments, and even your own beverages.

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  • 11
    Lessons
  • 26
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 2,214
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 6
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.6
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Imagine capturing the essence of each season—locking away the sweetness of summer berries, the crisp freshness of autumn apples, and the savory delights of home-grown vegetables. Envision a pantry brimming with colorful jars of jams, pickles, and sauces, each one a testament to your skills, creativity, and care. This is the world of canning and food preservation, a practice that has stood the test of time, and one that you can now master through this transformative course.

In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience often trumps quality, there is something uniquely fulfilling about slowing down, rolling up your sleeves, and preserving your food with your own hands. This course will take you on a journey—not just through the technical steps of canning, but into a deeper appreciation of food, tradition, and sustainability. By the end, you’ll realize that canning and preserving aren’t just about saving food; they’re about savoring life.

Why This Course is Different—and Why You Need It

This isn’t just another course on food preservation. It’s a doorway to a more meaningful and empowered way of living. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced enthusiast wanting to refine your skills, this course is designed to meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.

Picture yourself mastering the ancient techniques of canning and preserving—gaining not only the skills but also the confidence to create delicious, homemade preserves from your garden or local farmers’ market. There’s something magical about knowing that you’ve captured the best of each season, stored safely in your pantry, ready to nourish you and your family all year long.

What makes this course truly unique is its holistic approach. You won’t just learn how to can a jar of tomatoes or make a batch of jam; you’ll discover the joy and satisfaction that come from knowing exactly what goes into your food—no preservatives, no hidden sugars, no artificial ingredients. You’ll feel the empowerment of taking control of your food supply, understanding the science behind food preservation, and, most importantly, the peace of mind that comes with doing it safely.

An Experience That Goes Beyond the Kitchen

This course is more than just a practical guide—it’s an experience. You’ll delve into the rich history of food preservation, learning how generations before us preserved the bounty of their harvests. You’ll understand the sustainability aspect of canning, how reducing food waste and preserving local, seasonal produce contributes to a healthier planet and a more sustainable lifestyle.

You’ll also gain insight into the economic benefits of preserving your own food. As grocery prices continue to rise, having a pantry full of preserved fruits, vegetables, sauces, and jams means you’re no longer at the mercy of off-season pricing. You can enjoy the flavors of summer in the dead of winter without paying a premium for imported goods.

But more than that, this course taps into something deeper—a connection to tradition, to the earth, and to the food that sustains us. You’ll learn that canning is not just a skill; it’s a way of life. A way of slowing down and appreciating the abundance around us, while taking proactive steps to nourish ourselves and our loved ones.

What You’ll Gain: Practical Skills and So Much More

The practical skills you’ll develop are invaluable—yes, you’ll learn how to safely can fruits, vegetables, jams, and pickles, but you’ll also learn to tailor those skills to meet your personal needs and dietary preferences. Whether you're looking to reduce sugar, cut out sodium, or create gluten-free preserves, this course empowers you to make adjustments that suit your health goals.

You’ll explore the science of freezing, drying, and fermenting, allowing you to choose the best preservation methods for your specific ingredients. You’ll also uncover the nuances of working with different fruits, vegetables, and even beverages—ensuring that every jar you seal is packed with the freshest flavors and nutrients possible.

Imagine being able to gift homemade chutneys, jams, or sauces—unique and thoughtful gifts that come straight from your kitchen. Or picture yourself hosting a dinner party where every dish contains a homemade element—whether it's a salad dressed with your own pickled beets or a dessert topped with your own fruit preserves. The possibilities are endless, and with the skills you gain here, they’ll be well within your reach.

Your Gateway to a Healthier, More Fulfilling Life

At its core, this course is about more than just food preservation. It’s about taking control of your food, your health, and your lifestyle. You’ll walk away with a new sense of confidence, knowing that you can feed yourself and your family the very best—foods that are free from additives, full of flavor, and made with love.

And this course isn’t just for the culinary-inclined. Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll find the lessons approachable and accessible, designed to guide you step by step until you’ve mastered the art of canning. By the end, you’ll realize that what you’ve learned goes far beyond recipes and techniques—you’ve gained a lifelong skill that will benefit you and your loved ones for years to come.

Take the Next Step Toward Empowerment

Preserving food is more than a culinary task—it’s a way of preserving moments, memories, and the essence of each season. With every jar you seal, you’ll capture not just flavors, but a little bit of time, a little bit of love, and a lot of care. The joy you’ll feel when you open a jar months later, tasting the freshness as though it was just picked, is truly unparalleled.

Join us in this transformative journey. Embrace the art and science of food preservation, and discover a new way to nourish your body, nurture your creativity, and sustain your world. Let’s preserve the best of life—together.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.38 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(616 votes)

Lesson 1: Introduction to Canning and Preserving

42 Points
The tradition of canning and preserving is not just about a quaint return to the past; it is a powerful step toward regaining control over your food supply, ensuring environmental sustainability, and enhancing your health and well-being. In today's fast-paced, globally interconnected food system, many of us have lost touch with where our food comes from, how it's grown, and what is added to it along the way. Additional lesson topics: Canning Benefits; Introduction
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Canning and Preserving; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: Getting Started in Canning and Preserving

37 Points
In this lesson, you will learn more about how to get started, what to can and preserve, and tools of the trade. Additional lesson topics: Acidity Levels; National Center for Home Food Preservation; Preserving foods
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Preserving Foods
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: Freezing Your Foods

37 Points
Freezing food is one of the simplest and most accessible methods of preserving food, yet it offers incredible versatility. In today's busy world, we often rely on freezing as a convenient way to extend the life of our groceries, but there is a deeper art to it that allows us to savor fresh flavors long after their season has passed. Additional lesson topics: Blanching; Freezing Foods; From Fresh to Frozen
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Canning Foods

37 Points
Canning food is an art that bridges past generations with modern living, offering an incredible way to preserve the vibrant flavors of seasonal produce while gaining control over the nutritional content and taste of what we eat. This practice allows you to enjoy garden-fresh tomatoes, crisp pickles, and homemade soups long after their season has passed, all while avoiding the added preservatives, excessive sodium, and questionable ingredients found in commercially canned goods. Additional lesson topics: Canning Dont's; Canning FAQs; Canning Basics
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Jams and Jellies

137 Points
Making your own jams and jellies can transform a simple piece of toast into a moment of joy, where every bite captures the essence of sun-ripened fruit and the care that went into preserving it. Many of us are accustomed to grabbing jars of store-bought jam off the grocery shelf without giving much thought to what goes into them. Additional lesson topics: Fabric Jar Toppers; Jams and Jellies; Canning Jam
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Making Your Own Jelly or Jam
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Pickles, Chutney, Ketchup, and Relish

37 Points
The world of canning and preserving opens the door to endless possibilities, and it goes far beyond simply storing fruits and vegetables. When you venture into the realm of pickles, chutneys, relishes, and condiments like ketchup, you discover how much fun it is to craft your own homemade versions of these kitchen staples. Each jar you create carries your personal touch, reflecting your tastes and creativity.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Fruits, Veggies and Berries

37 Points
Preserving fruits, vegetables, and berries through canning is not just about the convenience of having them available year-round. It's about embracing a slower, more mindful way of living, where we take the time to capture the peak flavors of the seasons and enjoy them long after they've passed. Additional lesson topics: Freezing Fruit; Preserving Vegtables; Preserving Fruits
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Preserving Beverages: Juice, Cider, and More

37 Points
Preserving beverages at home offers a unique and rewarding way to ensure that the drinks you consume are not only free of unnecessary additives but are also full of flavor, freshness, and nutritional value. Whether you're preserving fruit juices, making your own cider, or even experimenting with water and milk preservation, you are taking control over what you drink while keeping centuries-old traditions alive. Additional lesson topics: Canning Milk; Juices and Cider
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Canning and Preserving Other Foods

37 Points
The world of canning and preserving is vast, full of opportunity to experiment and explore flavors that go far beyond fruits and vegetables. When you begin to think about all the things you can preserve—meats, herbs, spices, and even specialty items like syrups and nut butters—you realize that the possibilities are truly endless. Additional lesson topics: Dehydrating Meat; Preserving Meat
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Canning
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Canning and Preserving for Special Diets

137 Points
When it comes to canning and preserving foods, one of the most empowering aspects is the ability to customize your efforts for specific dietary needs. Whether you're following a low-sodium plan, reducing sugar intake, avoiding allergens like gluten or dairy, or simply tailoring your food for personal preferences, the act of preserving at home grants you full control.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Botulism
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: The Secrets to Success and Getting Started

91 Points
This lesson focuses on tips that will help you be successful, and how to get started. Additional lesson topics: Canning Safety; Canning Recipes; Tipnut.com
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Let us know what you think of this course; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
666
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe what canning and preserving and why it's beneficial to do it.
  • Describe how to get started in canning and preserving.
  • Describe freezing your foods.
  • Describe canning foods.
  • Summarize preserving jams and jellies, pickles, chutney, ketchup, and relish
  • Summarize preserving fruits, veggies and berries.
  • Summarize preserving beverages.
  • Summarize canning and preserving for special diets.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: How to Can, Freeze, Dry and Preserve Food
Course Number: 8900298
Lessons Rating: 4.38 / 5 Stars (616 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is offered online and is accessible in every state across the U.S., including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Learners in English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa can also enroll.
Last Updated: February 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.6 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Nancy Fillip
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "I found it very informative. There are so many things to master that I've learned. Very glad that I found you on the web!!!" -- Leslie S.
  • "Overall the course was very informative. I have been preserving food for years but this course opened my eyes to new ways of preserving food. Foods that I had not ever thought of to can or preserve. So I am now very excited about experiencing new ways." -- Nancy G.
  • "Lovely teacher." -- Stephanie B.
  • "The entire class was helpful. Great teacher." -- Stephanie B.
  • "What was most helpful was the detailed info and pictures which were very instructive." -- Jack D.
  • "What was most helpful were the step by step instructions." -- Melody-Ann W.
  • "I found the entire course very informative. I have been freezing for years and I was able to confirm that I have been doing it properly as well as ways to freeze food I have not tried yet." -- Linda H.
  • "This class was full of valuable information--I loved it! It helped so much with what to do with the produce from my garden this year!" -- Nora B.
  • "I appreciated all the feedback the instructor gave. All the material presented in the course was well defined and explained." -- Joanne L.
  • "The instructor is fabulous!!!" -- Peggy O.