Have you ever wanted to can tomatoes, dry apple chips or freeze green beans?

For some, food preservation is a family tradition where recipes and tips have been passed down from generation to generation.

I grew up watching my parents and other family members canning and freezing goodies from their garden.

I loved sitting down to a yummy meal, knowing from where those veggies came.

But I never thought I’d be able to do it.

It sure was a lot of work, and I didn’t know the specifics on what they were doing.

I would watch my mom and dad pulling jars of tomatoes from a big boiling pot and listening for the satisfying ‘pop’ as each jar sealed.

It was all good to watch — and eat later — but thinking about doing it myself was overwhelming.

Add that big, scary pressure canner shooting out steam, and I was overwhelmed and scared.

If you have ever thought those things or if you have no idea where to start, I’ve got the answer for you.

Join us for a three-day food preservation workshop at the Clark County Extension Office, and you will learn all the basic techniques used for canning, freezing and drying foods.

During this hands-on program, you will learn how to safely preserve homemade jam, salsa and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

The extension office will provide all necessary materials for participants, and the best part of all: it’s free.

But you will have to register soon as space is limited.

Food preservation can help save money, reduce food waste and put nutritious foods on the table for you and your family.

Bring your questions, and leave with answers, preserving skills, recipes and more.

I think you will leave feeling more confident and comfortable preserving foods at home.

Preserving food to last throughout the year also means less money spent at the grocery store, and it saves time on meal planning and prep.

Imagine having pasta sauce, vegetables and fruits all ready to go each week.

There is something so exciting about seeing those jars on the counter and thinking, “I made that.”

Shonda Johnston is the Clark County Extension agent for family and consumer sciences. Reach her at 859-744-4682 or by email at shonda.johnston@uky.edu.