Embracing the Harvest: Transforming Fall’s Bounty into Goodness

As the fall season approaches its zenith, gardens overflow with the bounty of our labor. Edmontonians find themselves amidst a mélange of kale, apples, and other harvests that we often struggle to consume. My own garden, a patch of vibrant greens and exuberant fruits, has delivered more than I could have anticipated this year, reminding me of my commitment to reduce food waste and to give back to my community.

Community Harvest Volunteers hard at work harvesting produce for those in need.

The Impact of Food Waste

It’s staggering to think that Alberta is responsible for approximately $31 billion in food waste every year, with households contributing nearly half of that total. This statistic weighs heavily on my conscience as I look at the stunning bounty from my garden, much of which sits neglected. The reality is that many of us have more produce than we can handle, and the time to act is now before the frost takes hold.

As I peruse local orchards and markets, I’m reminded how some urban centers, like Edmonton, boast 52,734 edible fruit trees—many of which yield over 150 pounds of fruit annually. It becomes a personal challenge to figure out how to responsibly utilize this excess.

If you’ve found yourself filled to the brim with apples and tomatoes, you’re not alone. Fruits and vegetables can thrive even in urban scenarios, often producing more than we, as individuals, can consume. When the fruits of your labor become too plentiful, consider donating to the Edmonton Food Bank, which eagerly accepts fresh produce, particularly easy-to-store items like potatoes, carrots, and squash.

“This time of year, we get a lot of potatoes,” Doug Thompson from the Edmonton Food Bank explains. “Tomatoes are always a hit, as are peas and lettuce and corn on the cob.”

With an abundance of potatoes typically yielding up to five pounds per plant, it’s clear that these donations can make a significant difference. However, it’s important to note that not all fruit is suitable for donation; for example, many crabapples simply don’t have the mass or sweetness to be considered viable food bank contributions.

If you are ready to drop off produce, the food bank is located at 11508 120 St, making it easy to share your harvest.

Potatoes are a staple crop that can easily be shared with those in need.

Creative Solutions for Edible Surplus

The Leftovers Foundation is another fantastic avenue for those with surplus produce. As someone who has participated in their Home Harvest program, I can tell you it’s a fantastic way to give back. Not only do they accept harvested produce, but they also facilitate the collection of home-grown fruits and vegetables to support social agencies and food banks, ensuring that access to nutritious food remains within everyone’s reach.

Mary Gholami, outreach coordinator at The Leftovers Foundation, mentioned that while volunteer help is always welcome, this year demand has significantly exceeded capacity. As our environment and economic landscape shift, it’s clear that community support is paramount for maintaining good nutrition.

For those pest-ridden apples or worm-infested greens, there’s still hope. The Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement (FARMM) accepts such produce, turning what many might consider waste into nourishment for their 150 animals. As owner Melissa Marttell succinctly puts it:

“We like to have a place for people to bring their things so they’re not wasting and it’s not going into landfills.”

Produce with pest damage Even damaged produce can find purpose.

Preserving the Harvest

For those fortunate enough to have a more manageable harvest, consider preservation methods to enjoy your fresh produce year-round. Utilizing root cellars can keep hardy vegetables like potatoes and carrots fresh for months. If you’re short on space, your freezer can be a great alternative. Just remember to blanch vegetables first to kill surface bacteria and preserve flavor and nutrients.

I often use ice cube trays to preserve herbs, creating what I fondly call “herb bombs,” which can enhance soups and stews during the winter months. It’s this kind of creativity that keeps me inspired and joyful about the seasons.

Homemade preserves bring the essence of summer into winter.

Canning is another delightful way to stock up for the colder months, but it requires proper techniques due to safety concerns, including ensuring that you avoid the risk of botulism. For beginners, learning the basics through local classes or resources like the Edmonton Public Library can set you on the path to safe and delicious preservation. Additionally, Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton provides workshops on all aspects of preservation, including the art of canning and cider pressing, allowing for community engagement.

Conclusion

As we embrace the fall and all its splendor, it’s our responsibility to not only enjoy the fruits of our labor but to share them with community members in need. From donating surplus produce, creatively utilizing every bit of our harvest, or learning new preservation techniques, each action helps to foster a healthier, more sustainable community. Let’s make the most of our gardens this fall!

Sip your warm apple cider, savor those preserved pickles, and remember the important connection between our gardens and the wider world.