Preserving Your Summer Harvest: Keeping Tomatoes, Peaches, Berries, and More All Year Long

Plus, Recipes for Peach Pie, Corn Pudding and Dill Pickles

One of my cherished childhood memories involves the tender care my mother showed me when I was unwell. She would keep me at home and spoil me with comfort food—starting with her delightful chicken soup and buttered toast, followed by preserved peaches that slipped down so easily, providing instant relief and ensuring a swift recovery.

A Preserving Primer

The art of preserving home-grown produce never wanes. Recent years have witnessed a renewed interest in preserving, especially since many individuals discovered the joys of gardening during the pandemic. Today, whether through local grocery stores, bustling farmers’ markets, or seasonal farm stands, fresh, home-grown produce is easily accessible to most. This convenience allows pickling enthusiasts to preserve without the cultivation effort. However, the most challenging decision often lies in selecting which fruits and vegetables to preserve and determining the best method that fits both time and budget.

Laura Griffin, a county extension specialist from Colorado State University in Pueblo, advises to “follow tested recipes explicitly for the highest quality and safe outcomes.” If any uncertainties arise, reaching out to your local Colorado State University Extension Office is a wise course of action to engage with food science and human nutrition specialists. Check out Preserve Smart for effective preservation methods spanning a variety of foods.

Another invaluable resource is Ball Corp. Their wealth of knowledge on food preservation is unmatched, and they recommend consulting their canning books—specifically those published from 2016 onward, which feature the latest safety practices and preservation methods.

Preservation Methods

When it comes to preserving foods, there are various techniques beyond just canning. Among these, you’ll find freezing, fermenting, drying, pickling, and making jams or jellies.

Freezing

One of the simplest methods is freezing, particularly for vegetables. The rule of thumb is to blanch them before freezing. This involves briefly immersing cleaned vegetables in boiling water to retain their color, texture, and flavor. Following this, they should be plunged into cold water to cease the cooking process, drained, and stored in labeled freezer bags. Common vegetables suitable for blanching and freezing include beans, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peas, carrots, kohlrabi, rhubarb, summer squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, and peppers. For vegetables like beets, pumpkins, winter squash, and sweet potatoes, fully cook before freezing.

Drying or Dehydrating

This technique effectively removes moisture, halting the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. Foods that can be successfully dehydrated include apples, peaches, pears, tomatoes, grapes, plums, and a plethora of herbs.

Fermentation

Another intriguing method is fermentation, where fruits or vegetables are cured in salt or brine. This process generates lactic acid that preserves the food while simultaneously yielding probiotics, creating health benefits alongside the preserved item’s longevity.

Canning

Canning is categorized into two types based on the acidity of the food; water bath canning suits high-acid foods, while low-acid foods necessitate pressure canning. Recent studies indicate that some foods may require added acidic ingredients to ensure proper preservation.

Pickling and preserving in action.

Recipes to Savor

As summer harvests provide an abundance of produce, here are some delightful recipes that not only showcase the fruits of your labor but encourage preservation habits for future enjoyment.

Savory Corn Pudding

Hays House Peach Pie

Kosher Dill Pickle Spears

These recipes underscore the delight found in preserving the richness of your summer bounty. Let the flavors of summer linger throughout the year and enjoy the process of cooking and sharing.

Whether you’re a novice or seasoned preserver, taking the plunge into food preservation can be immensely rewarding. Embrace the methods that resonate with you, gather your favorite recipes, and prepare to savor your summer harvest all year long. With the proper techniques and guidance, anyone can master the art of preserving food—so roll up your sleeves, and start on your delicious journey today!