Country Amateur Extend Summer Harvests

By Annette Thurmon

Amid the vibrant hues of ripe tomatoes, green leaves and the earthy aroma of freshly harvested vegetables, numerous simple, yet effective techniques exist to keep your bounty fresh. These methods ensure that your harvest is enjoyable long after the summer sun sets.

Timing and Storage

At the heart of preserving your summer harvest lies the art of timing. Harvesting at the peak of ripeness is essential, but it is equally crucial to strike a balance between waiting for perfection and preventing overripeness.

Whether plucking plump tomatoes from the vine, gently placing tender lettuce leaves into your basket or carefully snipping aromatic herbs from their stems, handling your harvest carefully is essential. Avoid bruising your produce by employing sharp scissors or pruning shears, ensuring a clean and precise cut that minimizes stress on the plant.

Once harvested, good storage is critical. Different types of produce require specific conditions to maintain their freshness. Tomatoes do best on the counter for the first few days, while cucumbers and squash do best in the refrigerator. Root veggies, like onions, prefer cool, dark storage, while leafy greens and herbs benefit from being wrapped in damp paper towels before being tucked away in the refrigerator. This will ensure they remain crisp until ready for use.

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Kristin Faye Photography

Preserve Your Harvest

While proper storage can prolong the life of your harvest, preservation techniques offer a wide range of options for extending its shelf life even further. Freezing, canning and dehydrating are popular methods that allow you to savor the flavors of summer. By washing, chopping and blanching fruits and vegetables before freezing, you can lock in their flavor and nutrients, ensuring they retain their freshness for months.

Kristin Faye Photography July 2024 AcreageLife 23