Easy Ways to Preserve Summer Produce
Extend the Season: How to Preserve Summer Produce
As summer is coming to an end and Labor Day is quickly approaching, farmers market lovers are scrambling to find ways to hold onto our fruits and vegetables for as long as possible. With a little planning, time and effort, you can preserve summer produce and enjoy the flavors well into fall and winter. Fiorentino’s Farm Market has provided 8 methods of preserving so you can extend the summer season. Make sure you head down to our farmers market in Hammonton, NJ to pick up the last of our seasonal summer fruits and veggies.
8 Ways to Preserve Summer Produce
Freezing. Probably the most underutilized method to saving the flavors of summer, freezing your fruits, vegetables & herbs is a great way to store them for future use. Make sure you research the specific ways to freeze each individual produce, as it does vary and is important to ensure you maintain the flavors. Learn all about produce storage tips to maintain quality and freshness.
Herb Ice Cubes. Basil, chives, mint and cilantro are the perfect herbs to freeze and it’s so simple! Chop up the herbs, pack them into an ice cube tray and top with olive oil. They can be stored for months and add incredible, fresh flavor to all of your favor fall and winter recipes.
Pesto. Another great method to preserve summer produce and herbs, make your own pesto. Store in a freeze safe containers and use later on pasta, pizza, bread and more!
Pasta Sauce. Probably the best way to preserve your fresh farmers market tomatoes. Make a large pot using your favorite recipe and store in the freezer.
Jams & Jelly. Preserve the sweetness of your favorite summer fruits by making your own freezer jams and jelly.
Bake Fruit & Veggie Chips. While not as long lasting as some of our other ways to preserve summer produce, baking fruit and veggie chips are delicious and easy! Our favorites are apple chips, radish chips, pear chips and zucchini chips. You can also dehydrate them if you have an air fryer.
Pickling. Pickling is a lot easier than most people think. With some common kitchen pantry essentials ingredients like vinegar, sugar and salt and a little time, you can pickle cherry tomatoes, yellow squash, asparagus, red onions and more!
Canning. This may be one of the more challenging ways to preserve summer produce, but it pays off in the end. Canning fruits and vegetables allows them to stay fresh and stored on your shelves for up to a year.
Buy Seasonal Produce in Hammonton, NJ
Fiorentino’s Farm Market offers a huge selection of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. Besides our produce market, the indoor market offers a fresh bakery, snack items, dairy products and so much more. Visit us in Hammonton, NJ all year long!