September is the best time to hit the farmers’ markets or visit your local farmer to take advantage of the best of the bounty. Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and more grace the stands at your local markets. Late summer fruits and veggies are plentiful and root vegetables are soon to arrive. What better way to feed the senses than to take a stroll down to your local farmers’ market, talk with the farmer, taste the fresh foods, and buy some! Make these wonderful fruits and vegetables last throughout the winter by following some really easy tips.
• Make the freshest meals of the year by using these wonderful fruits and vegetables. I often think that September should be the month of Thanksgiving. Think of having a potluck with friends by only serving local fresh food finds. Think of the glorious salads and wonderful pies you could concoct.
• With those veggies you can’t eat, freeze them. Freezing them saves most of the nutritional value. Broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, carrots, carrots, beans, and peas can all be easily frozen. I like to freeze them in small freezer bags. This allows them to be easily used for one meal and I don’t have to worry about wasting any.
• Set up a small place in your cool dry cellar to save root vegetables such as onions, garlic, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Also, apples are best kept in such conditions.
• Do you have apples that are less than attractive? Make them into applesauce or pies. For applesauce, simply peel the apple, cook down with some water, flavor with cinnamon or your favorite seasoning and enjoy. Use immediately or freeze in containers.
• Also, consider making apple cider. If you have a cider press, then you are all set to go. Fresh apple cider is one of those things that welcomes the fall season.
• Have you tried dehydrating any vegetables or fruits? It is a wonderfully different way to experience foods. What is great about dehydrated foods is that they maintain enzymes and are considered a raw food. They are great to take along in containers to enjoy on the go. Also, with their water content removed they are virtually mess-free. If you want to reconstitute the dehydrated food, simply add water to it and gently warm.
• Are you interested in canning? Many people can fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, peaches, pickles etc. What a gift to yourself to fill your pantry with locally preserved food finds!

Fall is just a marvelous time to get the culinary side of you interested in thinking about how to preserve and save the bounty of the season. Invite a friend to spend the day with you, hit the markets, and then hop into the kitchen to keep your food alive throughout the winter. Enjoy and Happy Harvesting!