Spring is in full bloom, and gardens are beginning to grow. To kick off the spring season, The Alabama Cooperative Extension System in Pike County is offering a canning workshop that’s “All About Salsa.”

“If you have a garden and are able to can it properly, you don’t have to refrigerate it,” said Bridgette Brannon, regional extension agent in food safety preservation and preparation. “It tastes just as fresh as when you pick it when you open it six months later.”

The workshop is for those who already love to can or for those who want to begin. Participants will learn how to make salsa straight from the garden, and they will also learn how to plant a salsa garden.

“It will cover how to can, the basics, and it will be hands-on,” Brannon said. “It won’t be just me showing them how to do it.”

The workshop will also cover more than just salsa. Participants will learn what should be canned in a pressure canner, along with many other things that are related to the canning process.

Pressure canner testing will be available at the workshop. If attending the class, all that needs to be brought in is the lid from the canner, and Brannon will be able to test it.

In addition to learning how to grow a salsa garden and can homemade salsa, each person that attends the workshop will receive a free “Home Food Preservation” book from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 7 at the Pike County Extension office, located at 306 South Three Notch St. from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $5. To register for the workshop, each person must call the Pike County Extension office prior to April 7 at 334-566-0985.