UC Master Food Preserver

UC Master Food Preserver Newsletter

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In November of 2024, the UC Master Food Preserver Program launched a monthly newsletter that delivers recipes, how-tos, and food preservation inspiration straight to a subscriber's inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter here.

Do you have a correction, suggestion, or story to share with the newsletter team? Share corrections, suggestions, or stories here.

Past Newsletter Full Emails

2026

2025

2024

Monthly Articles To-date

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Cornmeal Olive Oil Cake with Strawberry Jam Swirl (May 2025)

May 2, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Melisa Spence, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program Volunteer When I heard that we were highlighting strawberries this month, my mind immediately went to this cornmeal olive oil cake with a strawberry jam swirl from pastry chef Teresa Finney*. Finney suggests using any jam you like or have on hand,…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Spotlight: Penny Pearson, Class of 2025 MFP Trainee (May 2025)

May 2, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Penny Pearson, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program TraineeCounty of residence: Placer Image credit: Penny Pearson, 2025. Some of my earliest—and most vivid—memories are tied to jars. Not just any jars, but the gleaming, jewel-toned jars that lined the walls of my grandparents' root cellar…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Spotlight: Bobbie Green, Class of 2024 MFP Volunteer (April 2025)

April 7, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Bobbie Green, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program VolunteerCounty of residence: Stanislaus My name is Bobbie Green. I’m a fairly new Master Food Preserver, having completed the training in 2024. I'd been looking for an opportunity to get involved with the MFP program for several years, since…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

The Evolution of Home Canning: From Napoleon's Prize to Modern Innovation (April 2025)

April 7, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Paige Weisskirch, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program Volunteer Home canning has an incredible story. What started as a way to feed hungry soldiers — facing the critical challenge of preventing food spoilage during long campaigns — has evolved into a practical skill and a beloved hobby for…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Mold: Cut Off or Toss? (April 2025)

April 7, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Monica Benavides, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program Volunteer So you found mold on your preserved food. Is it safe to cut or scrape off? Should you toss the whole thing? What is a home food preserver to do?Here’s your research-based guide to help you make the safe choice. Mold is a…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Spotlight: Kirsten Hansen, Class of 2024 MFP Volunteer (March 2025)

April 7, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Kirsten Hansen, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program VolunteerCounty of residence: Out of State My name is Kirsten Hansen. I joined the inaugural class of the University of California Master Food Preserver (UC MFP) Online Delivery program in December 2023, graduated in the summer of 2024, and…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Water Activity and its Role in Food Preservation (March 2025)

April 7, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Henry Shaw, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program Volunteer “Water activity” or “the activity of water” (typically abbreviated as “aw”) is a critical parameter in food science that influences microbial growth and chemical reactions (including enzymatic processes) in food products. Unlike moisture…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Newsletter Naming Contest - We have a Winner (March 2025)

April 7, 2025

By Travis R Alexander

Travis Alexander, UC Master Food Preserver Online Program Coordinator Thank you to everyone who participated in the three-month process of finding a name for our monthly newsletter.After receiving 34 submissions for names, dwindling the list down internally to the top three, and then collecting public…

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Seven Ways to Preserve Citrus (February 2025)

February 2, 2025

Joy Agcongay, UC Master Food Preserver Volunteer Online Program Too many lemons, limes, or other citrus? California citrus season is here, and its the perfect time to explore creative ways to use every part of these versatile fruits so nothing goes to waste.

UC Master Food Preserver: Article

Spotlight: Monica Benavides, Class of 2024 MFP Volunteer (February 2025)

February 2, 2025

Monica Benavides, UC Master Food Preserver Volunteer Online Program My name is Monica Benavides. I am a University of California Master Food Preserver, specifically affiliated with the Online Program. To give you an idea of why I became a MFP, I would like to share a bit about my life.