Canning and PreservingPreserving the harvest and making delicious food products from fresh, farm-grown produce is a frequent activity at Soule Solstice Farm, especially in August and September, when the tomato crop overflows with its bounty in shades of red, pink, purple, orange and green. Earlier in the season, the cucumber crop can be transformed into various types of pickles. My mom, Dolores, is pictured here helping me with one of the farm's tomato canning days. Staples of tomato canning products are quartered tomatoes, Solstice Rustic Heirloom sauces and lime-based Salsa, featuring varieties of tomatoes and other vegetables, or focusing on a particular variety per jar. We grown our own ingredients for the sauces, including organic onions. We continue to learn and experiment with new recipes, but always have our mainstays to enjoy as the seasons turn cooler. Click on "Tutorials" under "Jennifer's Kitchen" to watch videos of canning and cooking. Check for new videos down the line.
|
Tomatoes! |
Soule Solstice Farm grows hand selected heirloom tomatoes each year, as well as one or two proven varieties of flavorful reds. The time-tested tradition of canning tomatoes and tomato-based recipes, like sauces and salsas, is being revisited and enjoyed by home cooks and Homesteaders. The deep hues of the heirlooms resonate in flavor, heightened by the savory and sweet flavors of fresh farm onions. Our jars are intentionally organic, rustic and versatile, for entertaining friends year round, and easy family dinners during the busy work week. Grow your own tomatoes, buy some at your farmer's market, or from a farmer, and see what you can make. Some day, you may see some Solstice tomato products for sale.
|
Be Creative (and follow a tested canning recipe) |
There are so many good recipes available to cook, can and otherwise preserve your favorite harvest vegetables and fruits. One year, I had so many peaches on the trees that I made batches of Peach Bellini Jam, using Prosecco. It was delicious. I found a great tested recipe on the Internet. My mom is getting me interested in chutneys of all kinds. People frequently ask me to make Bread and Butter pickles. Friends exchange jars of jams and Dilly Beans. Creativity abounds, and always remember to follow a tested recipe when canning, to make sure your preserved delights are properly prepared and safe to eat.
|