Cottonwood Connections May 2024 | Page 9

If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, the answer is YES! If you have a metal weighted gauge pressure canner that does not require testing. However, a dial gauge must be tested for accuracy before each canning season. Contact your local Extension office to get your gauge tested: in Kansas go to, https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/ to find your local office.

Most Extension offices can test the following brands of pressure canners: Presto, National, Magic Seal, Maid of Honor. When canning low-acid vegetables, meats, fish and poultry, it is essential to use a pressure canner to get the product to high enough temperature to kill any Clostridium botulism spores that may be present. If your pressure gauge is registering one pound high, that will result in a 10% reduction in heating and if the gauge is two pounds high, you will have a 30% reduction in heating. This could be the difference between safe food and potentially deadly food. If your gauge is reading too low, you could be over processing your food, resulting in a lower quality product. For the safety of everyone consuming your pressure-canned foods, please check your dial gauge every year!

Do I need to test my pressure gauge?

Spring has sprung and many people have migrated outdoors to enjoy the weather. Researchers say that a little sun is good for the body and mind: 20 minutes of sunshine helps produce vitamin D, supports bone health, relieves blood pressure, and promotes good mental health. However, too much sun can lead to long-term effects such as melanoma. Remembering sun protection is key. Here are a few tips:

•             Choose SPF 30 or above to ensure adequate protection. Sunscreen is broken down by direct UV exposure, so if you are in the sun at all, be sure to reapply every two hours. This is especially necessary if you have been sweating or swimming.

•             Wear sun protection year-round. Sun damage isn’t seasonal, so it is important to wear sunscreen on exposed areas such as the face and neck no matter the time of year.

•             Follow the two-finger rule. Dermatologists recommend applying a thin line of sunscreen to the index and middle finger to measure the amount of sunscreen that should be worn on the face and neck. This adds up to ¼ teaspoon, and it is a lot more than most people apply.

Getting outside can promote physical activity, help you get Vitamin D, and provide opportunities to socialize. Spend time outdoors this spring, but remember to protect yourself as you soak up the sunshine!

 

Soak Up the Sunshine