Harvest continues slowly

Shredded

3 lb cabbage

This weekend was pickle-making time. Made three kinds of pickles.

This is our first year growing cabbage. Much to Nelson's dismay, since not much of a cabbage lover, we were given a number of cabbage plants that got put in his part of the garden. The plants got big and then suddenly there were heads of cabbage. Harry Joe, our local go-to gardener, told us we could harvest in August when the heads became firm. I tested out a few this morning and decided to harvest two of them.  It's an art, I guess but hope to get better at it.  The first one I cut open probably was a little early to pick; it could have been denser, but was usable never-the-less. The other one was definitely ready.

So it was Sauerkraut Day. First, I made brine with salt, water and vinegar. Then I removed the outer leaves - they are quite tough. Then you shred the cabbage and pack in jars. You then pour the brine over the cabbage, put the tops on loosely and store them someplace where if they overflow, there is no problem. They are out in my fruit cellar. Made 5 quarts from the two cabbage heads.  Will check them periodically to see how they are doing and in 2-3 weeks they should be ready. Then they get processed to seal the jars.   Hope it comes out. HJ says it's delicious when done this way - his family recipe.



could have been denser


Also picked green beans and some peppers today, but not enough to bother canning yet.  We had some for dinner. Lots of little green beans forming, so will check again Wednesday for more.  Gave Luci a couple zucchinis, even those are growing slowly.

Brine added; now fermenting

Tomatoes are really not doing well. Get little tastes but won't be canning from my garden this year, until the romas get ripe, if ever. Lots of little romas out there, but green as can be. The early girls are not doing well - think they have blight.

I'm not sure we ever got into the 70's today. It's seemed chilly to me all day.  Yes I am a wimp.