CULLMAN, Ala. – The Alabama Cooperative Extension System will host its upcoming Garden 2 Pantry workshop, titled “Salsa Soiree,” on Tuesday, June 16, from 2-5 p.m. at the North Alabama Agriplex. The registration fee for the workshop is $15.
“In the Garden 2 Pantry workshop, we will show participants that exact concept,” said Cullman County Extension Office Director Dr. Kira Sims. “We’ll cover growing tomatoes and peppers in the home garden, then how to use those vegetables to make homemade salsa. We’ll also show participants how to preserve the salsa using a water bath canner through a demonstration, and we’ll briefly cover other ways the water bath canner can be used.”
In addition to gardening and food preservation, the workshop will highlight the nutritional benefits of fresh salsa and healthy eating habits. Participants will have the opportunity to sample salsa during the event and take a jar home for later.
The workshop will feature presentations from three Alabama Extension professionals, each focusing on a different aspect of the process.
“I will cover the vegetable production; Christy Mendoza, the food safety Extension agent, will cover the salsa preservation; and Meaghanne Thompson, the health and wellness Extension agent, will cover the health benefits,” Sims said. “It’s a great opportunity to hear from several different Extension agents.”
According to Sims, the workshop is designed for both experienced gardeners and those just getting started.
“Many people are interested in preserving food, and this is a great introduction,” she said. “It’s also a good combination of learning the basics of vegetable gardening, food preservation and healthy eating.”
“For $15, participants will go home with a salsa recipe, information on how to grow and use tomatoes and peppers, a healthy snack option and a jar of salsa,” she added. “Even for those who are not growing a garden this year, we’ll encourage purchasing local tomatoes and peppers to make fresh salsa.”
Registration is available online at www.aces.edu/go/6396. For more information or accessibility needs, contact Dr. Kira Sims at 256-737-9386 or kira.sims@auburn.edu.
The North Alabama Agriplex is located at 1714 Tally Ho St. SW in Cullman.
