Preserving Summer's Produce {Extending Summer's Bounty}

Now that we are heading into fall, Farmers' Markets are in full swing and gardeners are busy picking the fruit of their labor. Right now is the time to enjoy all of those wonderful fruits and vegetables at their peak! Taking advantage of local produce is the perfect way to support our very own economies while boosting our health!

There are different ways that you can enjoy summer's bounty well into the winter months. Buying fruits and vegetables now while many are experiencing their peak seasons and preserving them for later is a good way to save money during months when produce is more expensive. Look at all of the ways that you can preserve summer produce so that you can enjoy tastes of summer throughout the year:

• Dehydration: The Washington Post has a nice article about dehydrating produce along with a few recipes.
• Freezing: Eating Well explains how to freeze fruits and vegetables step by step. You can also freeze your herbs in olive oil. TheKitchn shows how to do this easily.
• Canning: From preserves to pickles, canning is a good option for keeping your summer goodies for use the rest of the year. RealSimple has a nice section specifically on canning with directions and ideas.
• Fermenting: Both cucumbers and cabbage can be fermented. The National Center for Home Food Preservation provides some recipes and pointers.
• Saving Green Tomatoes: At the end of the season, you can save green tomatoes by wrapping them in newspaper and storing them in a cool place! Read TLC for instructions on how to save your green tomatoes and ripen them after the harvest.
• Fruit Ice Pops: Martha Stewart has a simple recipe for Fruit Salad Ice Pops that will help you keep your fruit a couple of weeks longer. What a sweet way to celebrate the harvest!

When you are shopping at the Farmers' Markets this week or harvesting from your own garden, keep these ideas in mind for preserving your summer fruits and vegetables! Wouldn't be wonderful to open a jar of homemade jam in the middle of January?

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