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

Discover the transformative practice of food preservation as this course guides you through mastering the techniques of canning to savor life's best flavors year-round. Embrace a sustainable lifestyle by understanding the historical and ecological significance of preserving local produce, all while contributing to a healthier planet.

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  • 11
    Lessons
  • 36
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 2,271
    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"
(622 votes)

Lesson 1. Sustainable Food Practices: Empowering Your Pantry through Canning and Preserving

The act of canning revitalizes cultural heritage while enhancing environmental consciousness by reducing carbon footprints and food miles. This practice fosters mindfulness and appreciation for food, bridging past traditions with modern ecological needs. 62 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Preserve Summer: Techniques to Enjoy Year-Round

Choosing the right preservation method—be it canning, freezing, or drying—depends on your lifestyle, produce types, and personal preferences. From ensuring space efficiency to guarding against power outages, each method offers unique benefits catered to different needs. 55 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Smart Freezing Practices

Food freezing is a versatile preservation method that requires proper preparation and packaging to ensure quality and safety through controlled temperature reduction. Understanding the limitations of certain foods in the freezer is crucial for maintaining desirable textures and flavors. 57 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. The Essentials of Safe Canning Practices

Pressure canning raises temperatures to safely preserve low-acid foods like meats and vegetables, offering an extra layer of safety against harmful bacteria. This method lets you store meals such as stews and broths for long periods, ready to enjoy whenever needed. 57 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Preserving the Season's Best: The Joy of Jam-Making

Homemade jams offer the freedom to choose natural ingredients, steering clear of artificial additives found in store-bought versions, while exploring delightful, unexpected flavor combinations. This creative process enriches gift-giving and adds a touch of personal care and sophistication to everyday meals. 157 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Making Your Own Jelly or Jam
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Pickling Perfection

Exploring the art of canning introduces you to a world of vibrant flavors, allowing you to transform everyday ingredients into extraordinary condiments tailored to your taste. From tangy pickles to sweet chutneys, crafting your own preserves offers a personal touch and makes thoughtful gifts. 48 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. From Orchard to Jar: Treasuring Seasonal Flavors

Berries like strawberries and blueberries boast unique flavors ripe for preservation, allowing enjoyment of their freshness anytime. The process elevates a simple act into a rewarding experience, ensuring that these fleeting flavors endure long past berry season. 37 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. Mastering the Art of Beverage Preservation: Juice, Cider, and Water Explained

Mastering fruit juice preservation gives you access to vibrant, homemade beverages free from artificial ingredients. Through careful extraction and canning techniques, you capture the peak flavor and nutrition of ripe fruits, ensuring a ready supply for any occasion. 54 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. Exploring the Infinite World of Canning and Preserving

Canning and preserving break the limits of traditional food by unlocking the potential for meats, herbs, and more, allowing you to craft a pantry filled with tailored and timeless flavors. By mastering these techniques, you gain not only quality control but also a deep connection to age-old culinary traditions. 54 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Preserve & Empower: The Art of Canning for Unique Dietary Needs

Canning and preserving provide a safe way to eliminate unwanted ingredients like gluten or dairy, catering to people with specific dietary restrictions or allergies. This practice empowers individuals to take control of their diet by crafting homemade alternatives free from preservatives and excessive sugars or salts. 155 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Botulism
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. Tradition Meets Modernity: Exploring the Art of Canning and Preserving

To embrace sustainable living, stock your pantry through canning, which reduces reliance on processed foods and supports seasonal, local produce. Begin with easy projects like freezer jam before exploring advanced techniques like fermentation for health-boosting, home-made delights. 107 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam
843
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 (622 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: December 2024
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.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
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.