Why preserve? Fundamentally, it’s about finding ways to extend the “shelf life” of edibles: fermenting, drying, pickling, canning, freezing, and curing are some of the common ways of preserving food. In this case, I made jelly because it’s an economical way to have this delightful treat available even when fresh leaves may not be…like in the dead of winter. Continue reading “Preserve This: Lovely Lemon Balm Jelly”
Tag: Foraged
Climate Confusion: Summer Still Lingers
Once again, we are now in October and still it’s in the high 80’s here, reaching well into the 90’s with the humidity; while some leaves have fallen, it just doesn’t feel like fall at all. The leaves’ colors don’t look right and the pesky summer bugs are still hanging around. Is this the new “normal”?
Farm Ferments: Dazzling Dandelion Beer
If there’s one plant that we have no shortage of here, it’s lovely dandelion. I unabashedly sing its praises: it’s nutritious, prolific, hardy, and delicious. It also makes a soothingly delicious wildcrafted beer.
Winecraft: Glorious Goldenrod-Ginger
The goldenrod is blooming! Pollinators are busily working the plentiful blooms, a favorite of the Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetles (also known as Goldenrod Soldier Beetles). With Autumn now upon us, it felt like it was time to start another batch of this special wine.
Natural Care: Honeysuckle Infused Facial Oil
What’s that divine perfume wafting through the humid summer air? It’s honeysuckle, a wild-growing vine here that’s climbed enthusiastically all over the field fencing. Unpopular with some gardeners because it’s highly invasive, it’s a wildcrafter’s delight: the blooms make a heady wine, an aromatic syrup, and fantastic facial oil!
Continue reading “Natural Care: Honeysuckle Infused Facial Oil”
Farm Ferments: Pine-Lime-Ginger Wild-Fermented Soda
We’re fortunate to have several mature pine trees providing summer shade, and right now, the pine cones are green. I love the smell of pine needles, and especially enjoy that fragrance (and flavor) in wild-fermented Pine-Lime-Ginger soda.
Continue reading “Farm Ferments: Pine-Lime-Ginger Wild-Fermented Soda”