Online Food Preserving Class at UH Maui College

The Maui Food Innovation Center at UH Maui College. File photo: Courtesy

For the first time, the Maui Food Innovation Center at the University of Hawai’i Maui College is offering an online-integrated distance learning class for food preservation enthusiasts from July 2 to 28, 2018.

MFIC has modified its most popular course “Master Food Preservers” and developed an online version, which has shorter class hours with course material accessible after the program. This course will have traditional live instruction and independent self-guided modules to connect participants to the University of Hawai’i Maui College Edventure program. Certificates will be awarded to students who successfully complete the course.

“Interested participants will learn how to store and preserve food safely as well as discover the various food preserving methods and skills, such as drying foods using a dehydrator, blanching and advanced pressure canning,” said instructor Luisa F. Castro.

Castro said benefits of taking this course online were “convenience of course, but most importantly home food preservers are able to access this training from anywhere in the County of Maui, gain confidence in processing local produce to feed their families safe, healthy foods. Home food preservation promotes use of locally grown and purchased foods, encourages families to grow their own gardens and the knowledge attained helps students determine what equipment best meets their needs and budget.”

This program was made possible through funding from the US Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant program, and partnership with University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Distance Course Design and Consulting.

For intermediate cooks who have a preserving foundation and want to advance or hone their skills, the MFIC will offer two hands-on classes in August led by Maui Preserved owner Anthony LaBua-Keiser.

To register or learn more about these classes please visit Maui Food Innovation Center’s website.