Here is some of the fruit that I have frozen so far over the last few days.
Each bag is weighed so that I have the right amount of fruit to make jams, chutneys, marmalades, etc. Or else I can use it in pies, crumbles, sponges, sauces, jellies - the list is endless.
If you use frozen fruit to make preserves you have to add on 10% therefore each bag has at least 1lb 2oz in it - more in some cases.
It doesn't look much for hours of work does it?
Anyone who tells you that it is a piece of cake to be self sufficient in fruit and vegetables are not telling the truth. It is hard work no matter how many time saving tricks you know.
But when I am feeling worn out, my fingers stinging from being pricked from gooseberry bush thorns, my finger and thumb sore from 'topping and tailing', my back and legs aching from standing and bending. I remind myself how wonderful it is in the midst of a long cold miserable winter - to open the freezer and have a wealth of summer foods - or to open the cupboard and see a 'treasure' of brightly jewel coloured jams and preserves, which remind me of long hot summer days - and for some reason I forget the sore hands and back and bones!
Looks wonderful! I can imagine all the work this takes, but you'll be so lucky in the winter. My grandmother used to grow red currants in her garden, but I hardly see anyone growing them here anymore.
ReplyDeleteHi Al,
ReplyDeleteCan you give me the make/model of your shrink wrapping aparatus...or a website even.
It looks great, and I know things last a lot longer this way. I might invest in one if it's not vastly expensive.
your gooseberrys look like you pick them green and i thought you let them rippen before you picked them. have a goose berry pie and pass the cream.
ReplyDeleteyour gooseberrys look like you pick them green and i thought you let them rippen before you picked them. have a goose berry pie and pass the cream.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely hoard Lottie - clever girl. I only have one little redcurrant bush - just grows enough to enjoy in miniscule amounts, but my gooseberries this year have gone mad. The branches have fallen all to the front with the weight of fruit on them. I have been busy picking and frozen about 6 lbs and turned 4 lbs into jam, some with elderflowers in it. I scattered a few loose flowers into the mix just before potting it (having removed the flowers cooked with the jam in a muslin bag). Looks so pretty. I have to confess, I cheated with this jam as I made it in the Microwave and have been very impressed by how well it sets. I can get it up to temperature easier in there than I can on my stove (which has halogen rings - don't know if these run cooler). My strawberry jam was really impressive - fab. colour - and I can really recommend making that in the microwave. Shout out and when I'm awake I'll send you the recipe.
ReplyDelete