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Relish summer foods all winter long

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Freezing and canning are great tools to preserve the summer's bounty throughout the year, but it's hard to know where to get started and how to do it well.

Canning preoccupied George Ellerbach's time during the COVID-19 lockdown. Three years and tons of blue ribbons later, he is an avid participant in the Iowa State Fair canning competitions. His wife, Ariel Glasman, shows her support by being a devoted taste tester and live streaming his competitions — gaining loyal viewers for her witty commentary.

The couple joins host Charity Nebbe on this Talk of Iowa, which focuses on all kinds of food preservation methods with Iowa State Extension food specialist Jill Weber answering listener questions. Later, horticulturist Ajay Nair joins the program to talk about another produce preservation process called curing.

Guests:

  • George Ellerbach, amateur canner
  • Ariel Glasman, special education teacher, Iowa City Community School District
  • Jill Weber, human sciences specialist, food and health, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
  • Ajay Nair, professor of horticulture, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.