This post is brief but may be one of the most useful ones we’ve shared in some time – we’ve spent some time compiling the expected harvesting seasons of fruit and veg that are commonly pickled and preserved in Ontario. This chart is based on estimates for Ontario and can vary from year-to-year and your location within the province.
We should be canning again within the next 6 weeks and are looking up recipes, sharing ideas and taking stock of what we have and what we need. Brandied strawberries and cherries will be tried for the first time ever this year (for us), perhaps a liqueur or two and more jelly, pickles and jams than ever. I’m told that I haven’t lived without pickled carrots and asparagus doesn’t even appear in our chart!
There’s plans to try to make our own pectin for the first time and we’ve been swapping ideas on what to do differently (if anything) compared to what we did with our 9 bushels of tomatoes this year.
Our garlic shoots are starting to show and the herbs have been planted…
Friends have asked to come over to learn a bit from each other and there have been some discussions around a few food events that could see others here with an invite.
In short, it’s getting exciting! Share your plans in the comments – we can start to celebrate the very early beginnings of Spring!
Hi! I’ve been searching for a canning class in Toronto and wondered if you had any ideas where to look (or if you’d be interested in teaching me). Thanks!! Mitzi
Hi there Mitzi!
There is a course that we’re attending at Everdale Farms – details are here. It’s not until August which may be a little late (and will be if you are making things like jams).
We have a very detailed step-by-step section that has a series of 5 or 6 articles (about 30 minutes of reading) that takes you through a sample and everything you need to know, buy and do to preserve.
We’ve been kicking around the idea of doing a preserving clinic – one of the fears is insurance as we’re not a business and it’s simply a passion for us. There’s been too much travel lately but now that I’m home for a few months we may post something public as well. Will keep you informed
Thanks for reading!
Joel
I was looking at Everdale as well! Maybe I’ll see you there. M