WSU Extension Q&A: Thinking about making bread in a canning jar? Don’t!

Q. I saw a recipe for making quick breads in a canning jar. I was thinking of doing these for holiday gifts. Do you have any suggestions?

A. Yes: don’t do it! Breads canning in jars have the potential to cause botulism poisoning, which can kill or seriously impair the person eating the bread. The problem is created by the sealed jar. The vacuum seal creates an anaerobic (no oxygen) state that favors the production of the potent botulism toxin. In addition, there is a significant risk for injury from broken glass when baking cakes and breads in glass canning jars. Canning jars are intended for use with moist heat, in boiling water baths or pressure canners. They are not designed to withstand the thermal stresses that occur with dry oven heat. Give breads that are either fresh or frozen, not canned.

Q. Will the Saudi Arabian alfalfa hay market grow?

A. According to a report by the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service in February 2017, Saudi Aribia has decided to phase out forage production to reduce water consumption. Saudi Arabia began a three-year phase out in 2016 that will result in the need of 1.2 million metric tons (MMT) of green forage of high protein for dairies and livestock. Import subsides from the Saudi Arabian government have started for 31 grain and feed ingredients and is $59 per metric ton for alfalfa. The United States dominates global alfalfa hay and exported 2.5 MMT in 2016. Competitors for alfalfa hay exports to Saudi Arabia include Argentina, Sudan, Spain, Romania and Australia.

Q. Are Syrah and Shiraz different types of wine?

A. Both names indicate the same variety of grape. New World grape growing countries, such as South Africa, Australia and Canada, typically use Shiraz, while most of the United States and Old World countries, such as France, use Syrah. There are other names for Syrah/Shiraz, but don’t confuse it with Petit Syrah, which is a different grape!

Q. How can I get my teenager to eat more fruits and vegetables?

A. You can sign them up for the Choose Health: Food, Fun, and Fitness Program! Youth who participate in CHFFF learn to color their plates with vegetables and fruits by visualizing amounts and types of vegetables and fruits to eat daily, and practice creating healthy plates for a day. For more information about where and when CHFFF programming is being offered, call your local WSU extension office.

This story was originally published December 2, 2017 at 1:08 PM with the headline "WSU Extension Q&A: Thinking about making bread in a canning jar? Don’t!."