The Autumn Harvest: Turning Your Garden’s Bounty into Seasonal Delights

As autumn paints the landscape in vibrant hues of orange and gold, it’s that time of year for gardeners to collect the fruits of their labor. For many, this season is about the exhilaration of harvesting kale, picking apples, and gathering a varied bounty from the garden. If you find yourself overwhelmed with produce, especially items that didn’t quite meet your expectations, fear not. There are plenty of ways to ensure that your garden goodies don’t go to waste.

Volunteers gathering fresh produce to share with the community.

An Overabundance of Produce

According to regional data, the abundance of fruit and vegetables often leads to food waste, with households generating a staggering amount of it. Alberta residents, in particular, contribute to approximately $31 billion in food waste annually, with nearly half stemming from home kitchens. This autumn, let’s make a pact to do better with our surplus.

Did you know that there are over 52,000 edible fruit trees in Edmonton alone? If your own backyard is yielding more apples than you can handle, consider sharing the love with those in need. The Edmonton Food Bank, for example, welcomes donations of fresh, unblemished fruits and vegetables, including hearty root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and those colorful squashes that have taken over your garden.

“Garden-fresh produce simply tastes better, and we appreciate every single garden around the city that shares any of its bounty with us,” highlights Doug Thompson at the Edmonton Food Bank.

Options for Donation

If you have excess edible bounty, donating it is a fantastic option. Edmonton’s Food Bank has made it easy to drop off your excess goods, encouraging all gardeners to share their harvest. While donating is great, do keep in mind the quality and types of produce they accept. For example, crabapples—of which there are thousands in the area—are not ideal for donation due to their small size and sour taste.

For those who are a bit too busy to deliver their gathered fruits and veggies, organizations like the Leftovers Foundation are stepping up. They focus on collecting donations from gardens across Edmonton to support local food banks and social agencies. But be aware that, like all food donation efforts, their capacity can fill up quickly, so acting fast is key.

Even imperfect produce can find a good home.

Helping Those in Need

If you find yourself with wormy apples or cabbages with a few caterpillar bites, don’t despair. The Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement (FARMM) would be delighted to take in produce that might otherwise go to waste. They provide a valuable resource for communities and animals alike, turning would-be waste into nourishment for their furry friends. As owner Melissa Marttell states, “We can utilize it, so we love that.” It’s a mutually beneficial solution that not only feeds animals but also keeps waste out of landfills.

Storing the Harvest

If your garden yield is more manageable, you might want to consider preserving some of that harvest for winter. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions can last for months in a root cellar, but what if you don’t have one? No problem at all! Your freezer is a fabulous tool for preservation.

Blanching vegetables before freezing them is a simple way to maintain their goodness, and for goodies like kale and spinach, you can chop and freeze them flat in bags for easy winter access. This method parcels out portions that can be easily tossed into soups and stews. And let’s not forget about the entertaining concept of herb bombs! Using an ice cube tray to create fresh herb blends will spice up your winter meals with flavors harvested straight from your very own garden.

Preserved goodies are an excellent way to enjoy your harvest throughout the year.

Canning and Fermenting

For those ready to take on the world of canning, be aware that it requires some careful preparations given the risks associated with botulism. High-acid foods, including pickles and sauces, are best preserved in a boiling water canner. For low-acid foods, a pressure canner is required. Newcomers to canning can learn invaluable skills through local workshops offered by Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton and the Edmonton Public Library.

Fermentation is another exciting preservation method that brings life to your harvest. It allows you to create delicious homemade pickles and tangy sauerkraut—perfect companions to any meal. Many local libraries and community centers host workshops on fermentation techniques that are both fun and essential to mastering food preservation.

Your Action Plan

So, this fall, as the leaves crunch beneath your feet, take a moment to think about your garden’s bounty. Whether you choose to share your fruits and vegetables with others, take steps to preserve them, or donate to local organizations—there are countless opportunities. Let’s ensure that the beauty of this season not only fills our plates but also supports our community.

So, grab your basket and make the most of your harvest. There’s an entire community out there waiting for what you have to offer!