Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, refer to a dense growth of algae with the potential for creating toxins or other nuisance compounds. In freshwater, most HABs are composed of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. Although blue-green algae are a natural part of water-based ecosystems, they become a problem when nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) are present in concentrations above what would naturally occur. Certain cyanobacteria can produce harmful toxins, such as microcystins, nodularin, or anatoxin.

“It is a truth universally accepted that a farmer in want of good conversation must remark on the weather.” For anyone who is not a fan of Jane Austen, I should explain that the previous statement is a bit of a play on the opening of her famous novel “Pride & Prejudice.”

You picked the green beans, snapped, washed and blanched them. Now for processing them for winter. You get the pressure canner out, check the jars, wash and sterilize them. The flats and rings have been washed and readied for putting on the jar. You’ve read the pressure canner instructions and the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning recipe for green beans. You know Phillips County altitude is 2000 feet and so you need to process the pint jar of green beans at 11 lbs for 20 minutes.