Late Summer and Autumn harvests are among the most rewarding moments in the gardening season.
With winter in full swing and fewer fruits being produced, you want to find the best ways to preserve your harvest. Knowing how to store and preserve your harvest properly lets you enjoy a delicious, organic treat during the coldest days of winter.
With these simple fruit harvesting hacks, you can still enjoy your fresh fruit harvests.
Freeze your fruits (the right way)
If you are short on time with more fruits than you can eat, freezing is the quickest and easiest option for long-term storage. Depending on the type of fruit, your garden harvest will last in the freezer the entirety of winter. Not all fruits freeze well; others will benefit from different preserving methods.
Canning the fruits
This method is the most time-consuming preservation method, but has excellent preserving returns. You can keep it simple and use whole or diced fruits. You can also get creative and make homemade jam to put your fruits to use.
Drying
Drying out food prevents bacteria from multiplying and intensifies flavour. If you can, you can buy a dehydrator, or simply use an oven on a low heat, or even hang some fruits to dry. Use this technique for fruits that will react well to drying, like apples or even chillies. Drying times for different fruits will vary.
Storing in a cool place
Certain fruits can be kept in a cool, well-ventilated area, such as a garden shed or garage. Humidity and temperature are crucial for proper preservation. While some fruits can last for months when stored this way, others may only remain fresh for a few days. Avoid storing them in extremely dry conditions, as this can cause the fruits to shrivel.
If handled carefully and preserved the right way, the fruits from your garden may survive for several weeks or months. With a little planning and the right preserving method, you could enjoy your fruits throughout winter.
Written by CHUMASANDE MATIWANE
First published by Garden & Home
Also see:Hooked on seafood? Try these Camps Bay favourites
