Course Description and Rationale
Preserving foods allows professional chefs to capture the quality of the season, support the local farming community and minimize the harmful environmental effects of transporting foods long distances. Experienced chefs know that by applying selected preservation methods to perishable food products they safeguard quality, minimize waste and maximize utilization. Cooking year round with locally produced foods can be a challenge, particularly in the harsh, temperate climate of northern New England. In this production based course, students will “capture the season” by applying a variety of preservation methods and techniques to “put food by” in ways that control food costs, maintain food safety, flavor and nutrition. Students will develop recipes using these foods and explore how to cost effectively incorporate them into contemporary menus year round.
