With summer time just around the corner, the visions of fresh produce is enough to get anyone's appetite in fine tune.
Berries in every beautiful color, such as ruby rich strawberries, deep blue ripe blueberries, as well as melons from water- melons to musk are just a sampling of the delights to come.
In today's world, there is not only a problem with food shortages in poor countries, but the economy here is taking its toll on super market prices.
Menu changes are now a necessity, no longer a choice.
If you have a large family, you count coupons and rebates as gold and reading the food ads on Friday is just as important as the front page of any newspaper.
There is a solution to giving yourself a bit of both worlds - the freshest abundance of the season and the ability to have the jewels of the garden all year long.
While freezing is a way to go for many, you have to consider the cost of electricity to keep your produce in top notch condition.
However, if you venture into the world of canning, now you are privvy to a vision of jars of gold, purple, red, and orange that would take your breath away, as well as serving season fresh produce all year long.
Besides that, your menu plans do not necessarily have to hedge with each economic misery that comes along.
The initial purchase of the jars and canning equipment is it.
You do have to purchase the food, but that is the fun part.
It takes a bit of work but in some communities families are getting together to work on a week-end, share the labor and share the goodies.
There is chopping, dicing, and slicing.
However, once the product is in the glass jars, sealed, and ready to be put away for later, the feeling of accomplishment is one to be savored.
It is economical but also environmentally sound - you know what is in your food and you control unwanted chemicals and additives.
It is a win-win proposal if you so choose.
Every county has an extension association where you can get the latest and safest methods to can your own food.
Safety is priority number one as is cleanliness, but using your favorite spices and enjoying the harvest of fall are perks that come with the job.
Fruit and veggies that are at peak are "put up" so that their color, flavor, and essence is a part of a meal when cold winds blow and the dollar just doesn't buy as much in the market.
So, going to tag or garage sales and checking out those dusty boxes of jars is a venture that those who care about food and its quality will take into account.
If you are not too sure you want to get into canning food, then be friends with someone who does.
Also, it is great to get to know your local farmers, as herbs, flowers, and ideas abound at markets and you have the knowledge of knowing where your food comes from.
Its Spring and planning now is just the beginning.
Think of the possibilities and you will be part and parcel of the in-group that enjoys fresh salsa, gold coin carrots, and yellow gold peaches all year round.
Its fun, its good for the environment, and it is a penny-pinching delightful way to buy the food your family prefers and enjoys.
You can win during a downward economy and whatever new problems in foodshould arise - prices will increase but you can nowstart being ready to buy that farm fresh produce so that this winter, let the snow come and the cold.
It is warm, and it tastes just like summer.
Something to think about ©Arleen M.
Kaptur April, 2008
Berries in every beautiful color, such as ruby rich strawberries, deep blue ripe blueberries, as well as melons from water- melons to musk are just a sampling of the delights to come.
In today's world, there is not only a problem with food shortages in poor countries, but the economy here is taking its toll on super market prices.
Menu changes are now a necessity, no longer a choice.
If you have a large family, you count coupons and rebates as gold and reading the food ads on Friday is just as important as the front page of any newspaper.
There is a solution to giving yourself a bit of both worlds - the freshest abundance of the season and the ability to have the jewels of the garden all year long.
While freezing is a way to go for many, you have to consider the cost of electricity to keep your produce in top notch condition.
However, if you venture into the world of canning, now you are privvy to a vision of jars of gold, purple, red, and orange that would take your breath away, as well as serving season fresh produce all year long.
Besides that, your menu plans do not necessarily have to hedge with each economic misery that comes along.
The initial purchase of the jars and canning equipment is it.
You do have to purchase the food, but that is the fun part.
It takes a bit of work but in some communities families are getting together to work on a week-end, share the labor and share the goodies.
There is chopping, dicing, and slicing.
However, once the product is in the glass jars, sealed, and ready to be put away for later, the feeling of accomplishment is one to be savored.
It is economical but also environmentally sound - you know what is in your food and you control unwanted chemicals and additives.
It is a win-win proposal if you so choose.
Every county has an extension association where you can get the latest and safest methods to can your own food.
Safety is priority number one as is cleanliness, but using your favorite spices and enjoying the harvest of fall are perks that come with the job.
Fruit and veggies that are at peak are "put up" so that their color, flavor, and essence is a part of a meal when cold winds blow and the dollar just doesn't buy as much in the market.
So, going to tag or garage sales and checking out those dusty boxes of jars is a venture that those who care about food and its quality will take into account.
If you are not too sure you want to get into canning food, then be friends with someone who does.
Also, it is great to get to know your local farmers, as herbs, flowers, and ideas abound at markets and you have the knowledge of knowing where your food comes from.
Its Spring and planning now is just the beginning.
Think of the possibilities and you will be part and parcel of the in-group that enjoys fresh salsa, gold coin carrots, and yellow gold peaches all year round.
Its fun, its good for the environment, and it is a penny-pinching delightful way to buy the food your family prefers and enjoys.
You can win during a downward economy and whatever new problems in foodshould arise - prices will increase but you can nowstart being ready to buy that farm fresh produce so that this winter, let the snow come and the cold.
It is warm, and it tastes just like summer.
Something to think about ©Arleen M.
Kaptur April, 2008
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