Canning Basics: From Garden to Jar

This is the first year that my garden hasn’t produced enough for me to preserve in canning or freezing. Although, I have been blessed to get a decent supply of cucumbers to share with others and contribute Romaine lettuce from the garden with it for fresh salads, it has been slow going. I have decided to start Heirloom seed in little starter pots for transfer planting later. Hopefully, this is what I have missed, since I put the seed directly in the ground without giving them a beginning start.  Remember, we are following my journey, so let us see what this starter cup system will do. I have basically always used plants instead of seed and have been very successful with gardening in the past. This is the first year I have used Heirloom seed; enough about that!

A couple days ago, a sister in love gave me four nice and healthy size Beefsteak tomatoes, yes, they were meaty and six medium size Celebrity tomatoes also. The beefsteaks shelf life was ending soon and needed to be used immediately. I wanted to can them instead of putting them in the freezer, but what must I do? I perused a variety of recipes online for sauces, stews, soups, salsa, and juices but decided with the ingredients I already had like white onions, bell peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and salt I could easily make the Salsa. Yep, that is exactly what I would do! I made Salsa last year, but this recipe by Laura Fuentes was a little different and seemed to support my limited quantity of all types of tomatoes. Last year, I used Romas. I have been very pleased with the finished product of this Salsa and the taste testing I enforced through each process. Owner approved, DrWanda!  Are you preparing to harvest fruit or vegetables? What and how are you doing it, can or freezer?

What are you doing to make a difference in your life? Sometimes we must change things for the better good, how are you changing situations and circumstances in your life? Just as I am choosing to add another layer to my gardening technique, how can I help you maintain the freedom you need to maneuver in your life. Contact me today on my website wandaphd.com to schedule an appointment.