In regions with a short growing season, the desire to savor the summer's produce into the winter is obvious. Given that frost graces our lands for nearly half the year, freezing as a preservation method seems a fitting choice. Freezing vegetables is perhaps the simplest method to extend their shelf ...
12 Creative Ways to Preserve Zucchini for Winter Enjoyment
Zucchini is such a versatile vegetable, and there is always an abundance available, more than we can use fresh. Here are over a dozen ways to preserve zucchini for winter. We have used all of them at one time or another. Pick one or two, or use them all. 12 Creative Ways to Preserve Zucchini for ...
A Guide to Canning Fruit with the Dry Sugar Method
Canning fruit in a sweet syrup for winter is a great way to preserve it. The syrup keeps the fruit from losing its sweetness, and the sealed jar prevents spoilage. This way, the fruit is ready to use for a long time. Making syrup to can fruit isn't difficult; however, leftover syrup can be ...
Mastering the Art of Dehydrating Fruit
Dehydrating fruit was one of my first experiences with preserving food. The reason was simple: I was the youngest in my family, and I was tasked with laying out the fruit to dry on the roof in the hot summer sun. There was no electricity or special tools involved—just freshly cut fruit and a girl on ...
Canning Cherries in Syrup
In our cold climate, we grow sour cherries, and we love them. The variety we cultivate is called Carmine Jewel. The bushes are very productive, so I had to find a way to preserve the cherries. Canning them in syrup is a great way to keep them on hand for a variety of uses. Prepare the cherries for ...
Using Grass Clippings for Garden Mulch
We first came across the idea of using grass clippings for garden mulch a couple of years ago while visiting a local market garden. The garden looked incredibly healthy. The spinach looked and tasted out of this world. Those leaves were almost as big as my hand, yummy! Since we have no grass on ...
Deliciously Simple Mixed Berry Jam: No Pectin Needed!
Mixed berry jam seems to be quite popular this summer, and for good reasons. Firstly, it is delicious, and secondly, by mixing different berries, you can make it without pectin. If you have been following my blog, you might know that I particularly enjoy making no-pectin jam. What berries to ...
Deliciously Unique: Pickled Garlic Scapes
Pickling vegetables in a water-vinegar brine is an easy way to preserve them. Many vegetables can be preserved this way, and you can mix and match different types. One lesser-known option is pickled garlic scapes. If you love pickles and garlic, this recipe is for you! What Are Garlic ...
Deliciously Crunchy Kale Chips: Transforming Surplus into a Snack!
What should we do with all the kale? This is a common question, especially since kale grows abundantly during our cool summer months. Often, we end up with a surplus of it. One of my favorite ways to enjoy kale is by making delicious, crunchy kale chips. Here’s how to prepare this simple ...
Hoeing vs. Mulching: A Permaculture Approach to Soil Health
There is an old German gardening rule that says, "Hoeing once is worth two waterings". It is based on the principle of breaking soil capillarity. When soil dries out, microscopic channels called capillaries form. Underground water rises through these tubes and evaporates from the surface. To avoid ...
