High Elevation Food Preparation & Preservation

The majority of recipes for home preserved food products are developed at sea level and can present not only food quality challenges, but also food safety challenges for Colorado cooks living above 3,000 feet. The following food preservation resources have been developed for cooks living at higher altitudes.

Assortment of canned fruits, vegetables and jams on a counter.

2020 Home Canning Challenges and Risks

Man and woman in kitchen cooking with pasta, zucchini, carrots, onion, red pepper, garlic and onions.

High Elevation Food Preparation Guide
(Preparación de comida en altitud alta)

‘Cooking Under Pressure’ Series

Sliced hard-boiled egg with seasoning on top.

High Elevation Hard Cooked Eggs

Child's hand decorating gingerbread cookie dough with red and green sprinkles.

High Elevation Holiday Baking Tips

Sourdough starter in jar on countertop.

Sourdough Starter Best Practices

Nut brittle stacked on top of each other. Brittle uses peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts.

Candy Making at High Elevation



Preserve Smart

Preserve Smart logo-- the words 'preserve smart' above a cut tomato and a whole tomato.

Preserve Smart

Developed by Colorado State University Extension in order to provide a trusted way to find and use tested food preservation recipes and instructions for any elevation–from sea level to high in the Rocky Mountains!