Everyone knows homegrown vegetables taste the best, and Bridgette Brannon, regional extension agent for the Covington County Auburn Cooperative Extension Office, will teach residents Thursday how to enjoy the garden’s delight all year long.

“The great thing about fresh vegetables is the taste,” Brannon said. “Not only that, but you know where it comes from, especially if you grew them in a home garden or purchased them at a farmer’s market.

“They taste better. The color is better and they’ve just got that homegrown taste that we all love,” she said. “When you can them, they are so much better than store-bought vegetables.

“On Thursday, I can show you how to do your own canning operation,” she said.

The demonstration will be held on Thursday at in the USDA office from 10 a.m. until noon. Lunch will be served. The cost for the class is $5.

Brannon said she plans to demonstrate the proper techniques used to ensure a good product and a safe one, during the canning expo.

“One thing you have to worry about when canning is making sure it’s done properly,” she said. “Botulism is a problem when canning is done incorrectly. If there is no oxygen inside the jar when it is sealed, botulism can grow very quickly, and we don’t want that.”

Brannon said while the start-up costs for canning can be expensive — a pressure canner generally runs between $65-$100 —the operation can often pay for itself.

“Really, it’s not only healthier, but it’s a lot of fun too,” she said.

For more information or to reserve a seat, call 222-1125.