Now that Wanita told us when produce is in season, I thought that I would share with you a very simple way to preserve produce.
Have you ever considered freezing produce? It is really quite simple.
Most fruits can be frozen without much prep. I frequently freeze berries, peaches grapes, cherries, melon, citrus, and bananas. What I like to do is line a baking sheet with waxed paper and put the fruit in a single layer across the pan. Stick the pan in the freezer for a couple of hours and then transfer the fruit to ordinary freezer bags. For cherries I remove the pits prior to freezing and then with melon, kiwi or bananas I remove the skin or rind.
Frozen fruit can be eaten plain as a snack, my daughter says it is just like candy, or you can use it in smoothies or cobbler.
Freezer jams are simple to make. Just follow the directions on a box of freezer pectin. Low sugar varieties are available.
Have a bag of apples or pears getting past their crisp state? Cut them up, remove the seeds and cook them in your crock pot with a little cinnamon. When they are soft run them through your food processor and put them in small freezable containers (icing and yogurt tubs work great) and freeze your own applesauce/pear sauce. I frequently use applesauce or pear sauce in place of oil in brownies, cakes, and quick breads.
So stock up when the price is right and don’t be afraid to put your freezer to work for you!
Stay tuned for information on freezing vegetables! Even potatoes!
Stephanie
When freezing berries it's best not to wash it before you freeze it. Especially things like blackberries and raspberries break up too much when you rinse them. It's better to freeze them and then wash them when you're ready to use them.
Julie
I get super serious sugar cravings after I eat a meal. I just pulled out some frozen blueberries they taste just like candy. This may be a cure for my sugar craving.
Stace
How long do you cook the apples/pears in the slow cooker?? That sounds like such a great and easy way to make homemade applesauce. Any types of apples work best?
Sherri
Stace. I cook my apples and pears for about 4 hours on low.
Sherri
I also just use whatever apples I have on hand. They all seem to taste good. You don't even need to peel them!
Stace
Thanks Sherri! I will be trying it this year when apples are in season. I am excited!!