Ep 221. 5 Things I’m Still Preserving in October

Preservation season isn't over just because the tomatoes and cucumbers are finally slowing down! Honestly, I’m a little burnt out on preserving at this point in the year, too. But there are still plenty of things growing in the garden and available locally that are worth putting up for winter—and some of them can double as inexpensive homemade gifts for the holidays. In this episode, I’m sharing five things I’m still preserving in October: Apples: I’m using local seconds to make applesauce and apple butter, then turning many of the leftover scraps into apple scrap vinegar. Herbs: Before frost takes them, I’m drying more rosemary and other herbs to use in winter simmer pots and homemade gifts. Winter squash: Some will be cured and stored whole, while the rest will be cubed and frozen so it’s ready to toss into soups and other winter meals. Cabbage: Homemade sauerkraut is a fall and winter staple in our house, and it’s one of my favorite beginner-friendly fermentation projects. Herb salts: My chives are still going strong, so I’m making more chive salt along with other herb salts to use at home and give as gifts. If you’re completely over preservation season, you do not have to fill another pantry shelf. Instead, take a quick look around your garden, visit one of the last farmers markets of the season, or see what your local orchard has available. Choose one thing you can preserve now that will make winter a little easier—or give you one less gift to worry about when the holidays arrive. And speaking of the holidays... are we ready to talk about Christmas yet? Because I’m already trying to get ahead so I can actually enjoy the magic of the season instead of spending December stressed out!https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/chive-salt/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/fall-simmer-pot-recipe/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/homemade-sauerkraut-learn-to-ferment-from-a-total-newbie-i-promise-its-not-that-scary/