March is the month I find myself getting ready for the summer harvest. This means looking in the freezer to see what fish and meat I need to can. Also, what berries, rhubarb and vegetables need to be used before their quality deteriorates.

If you find you are in the mood for this freezer spring cleaning we have free publications that will help you preserve your harvest. For fish we have “Canning the Catch,” “Smoking Fish,” and “Smoking Fish for Home Canning.” For meat the publications available include “Making Jerky,” “Canning Moose and Caribou,” and “Making Sausage at Home.”

On our Cooperative Extension Service website we have numerous publications on uses for Alaska wild berries including making juice, drying, and making jams and jellies. Find us at www.ces.edu/ces.

Before you pressure can fish or meat be sure to check your canner to see that it is operating properly. We test pressure canner dial gauges in our office every weekday at no charge.

If you haven’t been in our office before, stop by and see what other food preservation resources you might need. We are located at 43961 Kalifornsky Beach Road, Soldotna in the same building as the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. You can also reach us at 262-5824.

Submitted by Linda Tannehill, UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Health, Home and Family Development, Kenai Peninsula District.