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Conventional wisdom would tell us that the time for putting up produce has come and gone with summer's long, warm days. But, that just isn't so! There are many ways to keep preserving the harvest even as we head into late fall and early winter. Here are a few ideas:
Cranberries - Take advantage of the low prices and abundance of this versatile autumn fruit. I like to stock up on the 3 lb. bags available at Costco and other discount stores. Just throw the bags into your freezer for future batches of homemade cranberry jelly, breads, muffins and even for juicing. Canning cranberry jelly is super easy. Because of it's high acidity and natural pectin content, you only need to put your jars in a boiling water bath for about 5 minutes. Little half-pint jars of cranberry jelly are a great addition to a Christmas gift basket. Write to me if you would like my recipe for Honeyed Cranberry Jelly.
Yams & Sweet Potatoes - Again, another veggie that is in season right now. You must have a pressure canner to can these gems, but they are great for the freezer too! Simply boil them whole till tender, remove skins and chunk up or mash. Then, freeze in quart bags. Now you have them ready-cooked for those last minute meals.
Nuts - Plentiful and nutritious late season crop. Buy them in bulk in their shells for the best prices. Once shelled, most nuts freeze very well.
Pumpkin - Now that Halloween has passed, your local pumpkin patch, farmer's market or grocery store may be eager to sell their leftover pumpkins. Buy small to medium sized pumpkins and keep them in a cool (not cold), dry, dark place. They will keep for several months if they are not cut open. When you are ready to use them, you can bake them like squash, scoop out the flesh and freeze for pies, breads and soups.
Apples - Still delicious and fresh in the markets. Prices are low, so stock up! There is no end to what you can do with apples - applesauce, apple butter, pies, juice - can them, freeze them and/or dry them. You can be enjoying delicious, freshly made apple treats through the months ahead by putting in a little time and effort now.
I have learned that no matter what the date says on my calendar, I can always find something to "put by" to keep my pantry filled with fresh, home-preserved foods.
Lisa Vitello
Lisa publishes the New Harvest Homestead newsletter for women who want to live a simpler, more home-centered lifestyle. Back issues are packed with recipes and information for canning and preserving all of the foods above and lots more!
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