Garden Tips Fall 2006
		Preserving Produce
		This time of year gives us all a chance to reap the benefits of living in an agricultural area; whether we are harvesting our own homegrown produce or enjoying that which is available to us at our local farmer's market. Either way, it is a wonderful time of year to walk the aisles of a market and take in the sights and smells of that bountiful produce. For many people, this provides a great opportunity to stock the pantry shelves with local food for the winter months. Through canning, freezing, drying and other methods of preserving, the fresh food available to us now will continue to be available as winter sets in. If you've never preserved fruits or vegetables before, the best way to learn the ropes is to join forces with an accomplished "preserver", friend or family member. I'm not sure anyone would refuse help in the kitchen during this time of the year, especially if it means passing on knowledge and a tradition. I must acknowledge however, that I have had second thoughts about how feasible this venture is. One thought that kept occurring while I was freezing corn a few weeks ago was "All this time and work and I can buy it frozen for only a couple of dollars. Is it really worth it?" Well I kept convincing myself that it was. I know where the farm field is that the corn was grown, I know the corn was picked that morning, or at the very latest, the night before I purchased it, and I know the person that sold it to me at the market is the one that tilled the soil, planted the seeds, and kept watch over it until it was just right to pick. Chances are I'm probably helping his kids earn a little money in the process. If you have the urge to try preserving some fresh produce, the one piece of advice I can offer is to start small. Pick one or two items you know you will use throughout the winter and give it a try. Following are some websites to help you learn a little more about preserving. Please remember, if you have any questions, consult an "expert".
		Canning Peppers Michigan State University Extension, Preserving Food Safely
		Storing Root Crops Michigan State University Extension, Preserving Food Safely
		Herb gardening - Preservation Tips University of Illinois Extension
		Freezing Vegetables Ohio State University
		Drying Foods Ohio State University
		Food Preservation Resources for 2006 (pdf file) University of Illinois Extension