Preservation

I've learned to can all sorts of things this year! The run down of what I have tucked away (so far!):

FRUIT

Kiwi Jam, in the making.

Strawberry Jam
Raspberry Jam
Blueberry Lime Jam
Wild Blueberry Jam
Blackberry-Raspberry Jam
Wild Blackberry Jam
Apple-Maple Jam
Kiwi Jam 
Apple-Maple Butter

TOMATOES
Canned Diced Tomatoes
Spaghetti Sauce (Frozen)
Sweet Tomato Relish

OTHER
Pickles
Dried Fruits & Vegis

Sweet Tomato Relish... great on hamburgers!

I'll be set for winter, that's for sure! Otherwise, on the docket, I may put away some more diced tomatoes (since I make so much stew and pizza and pasta-type dishes in winter), another batch of pickles or pickle chips (using my dehydrator) and maybe some applesauce.

I've really got into the idea of trying to eat more local, in the spirit of both supporting local economies (and farmers!) as well as supporting sustainable models of agriculture. Is it harder? Perhaps. But it's worth it not only for the big-picture ideals, but I find the food tastes immensely better, and it's much better for you.

However, with snow the primary crop in the winter months, "eating local" is going to get a whole lot more difficult. Winter greens may be available from local farms with row covers or greenhouses for quite a long while, and then will reappear very early in the spring, but I need more than that to survive! I see preserving a lot of the abundance of summer and fall a way I can continue to eat local when the ground freezes over. I won't be able to eat ALL local, mind you. I don't think I could do that even now---sources of flour, sugar, salt, olive oil, and other staples of the kitchen, I very much doubt I could find locally. I mean, flour mills? Do they even exist anymore?

I'm going to be making pickles again soon...

I suppose I'll shoot for as much local food as I can! It'll take discipline not to go for the shiny tomatoes and peppers in winter, sitting in neat little rows at the grocery... but onions and garlic I can stock up on now, and same with potatoes.

One thing I am certain on... I'll never have to buy pickles or jam ever again!