Got a bunch of food you don’t want to toss? Or maybe you’re trying to savor the last of summer’s fresh produce well into the fall? Preserving food is a great way to extend the life of your fruits, veggies, and herbs, making sure nothing goes to waste. Whether you’re freezing, pickling, or canning, these tips and recipes will help you make the most of your seasonal bounty.
Freezing
Freezing is one of the easiest ways to preserve food, locking in flavor and nutrients for months. From fruits and vegetables to herbs and even sauces, freezing is a go-to method for quick preservation. Just make sure to blanch veggies before freezing to maintain their texture and color. For fruits, lay them out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually before transferring them to bags.
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Pickling
Pickling is a tangy, flavorful way to extend the life of your produce. Vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and beets are perfect for pickling, but don’t stop there—fruits like peaches and cherries can also be pickled for a unique twist. The combination of vinegar, salt, and spices not only preserves the produce but also adds a zesty punch to your meals.
How to Quick Pickle Vegetables
Watermelon Ginger Fizz with Pickled Watermelon Rind
Spicy Pickled Tomatoes and Garlic
Sauces and Pestos
Turning your fresh herbs and veggies into sauces and pestos is a delicious way to prevent waste. Basil, spinach, and even carrot tops can be blended into a vibrant pesto that freezes beautifully. Tomatoes can be simmered into a rich sauce, perfect for freezing or canning to use in pastas, soups, and stews throughout the colder months.
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Broths and Stocks
Don’t toss those veggie scraps! Use them to make a nutrient-rich broth or stock. Simply simmer your leftover onion skins, carrot tops, celery ends, and herbs in water, then strain and freeze. Homemade broth is a flavorful base for soups and stews and a great way to reduce waste.
Make a Shrub
A shrub, or drinking vinegar, is a tangy, refreshing way to preserve fruit. Combine fresh fruit with sugar and vinegar, then let it sit for a few days to develop its flavor. The result is a versatile syrup that can be used in cocktails, mocktails, or drizzled over desserts. It’s a unique way to use up fruit before it spoils.
Candied Fruit
Candied fruit is a sweet, indulgent way to preserve fruits like citrus peels, cherries, and ginger. Simmer fruit in a simple syrup until it becomes translucent, then dry and store. Candied fruit makes a delicious snack, garnish, or addition to baked goods, allowing you to enjoy summer’s sweetness all year long.
Jellies, Jams, and Compotes
Jams, jellies, and compotes are classic methods of preserving fruits, transforming them into spreadable, spoonable treats. Whether you’re using berries, stone fruits, or even tomatoes, cooking them down with sugar and pectin creates a delicious preserve that can be canned or refrigerated. These are perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts.
Sweet and Tart Mandarinquat Marmalade
Oven-Roasted Seasonal Fruits Over Ricotta
Caramelized Onion and Tomato Jam
Homemade Butters
Don’t let those extra herbs, fruits, or other foods in your fridge go to waste—turn them into flavorful homemade butters! Whether it’s fresh herbs, leftover fruit, or even roasted garlic, you can mix these ingredients into softened butter for a delicious spread. Perfect for adding a gourmet touch to toast, roasted veggies, or meats, these compound butters are an easy way to preserve your leftovers and enhance your meals. Plus, they freeze beautifully for future use!
Whipped Strawberry Honey Butter
Griddled Toast with Radish Butter
Dehydrating
Dehydrating is a fantastic way to preserve the flavor and nutrients of fruits and vegetables. Whether you’re drying apple slices, tomatoes, or herbs, dehydrating concentrates the flavors and makes for a portable, shelf-stable snack. A dehydrator makes the process easy, but you can also use your oven on a low setting.
Canning
Canning is a time-honored method of food preservation that can keep your produce fresh for up to a year. From fruits and vegetables to sauces and jams, canning allows you to store food at room temperature. Just be sure to follow proper canning techniques to ensure safety and longevity. Whether you’re using a water bath or pressure canner, this method locks in the peak flavors of your produce.
With these preservation methods, you can enjoy the flavors of summer all year round. Not only will you reduce food waste, but you’ll also have a pantry full of delicious, homemade goodies to enjoy when fresh produce is out of season. So, before you toss those extra tomatoes or herbs, give one of these methods a try!