Preserving Your Harvest

By: Nan Jensen, Family and Consumer Science Agent

Whether you have a green thumb and raise your own fruits and vegetables or want to take advantage of the great buys in the grocery store or farmer’s markets, freezing is a great way to preserve your seasonal picks so you can enjoy the delicious flavor and good nutrition year-round. The extreme cold stops growth of microorganisms and slows down changes that cause spoilage and affect quality and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.

Here are some general tips for freezing fruits and vegetables.

1. Select the right kind of container
   a.plastic freezer bags and containers
   b.freezer foil
   c.glass canning/freezing jars
   d.never use containers that you buy yogurt, sour cream or margarine in


2. Blanch (boiling water for several minutes) vegetables first.


3. Vegetables should be packed tightly to cut down on the amount of air in the
   container. If the vegetables are packed in freezer bags, press air out of the
   unfilled part of the bag.


4. Wash and sort fruit according to size. Work with a small amount at a time.
   Pare and remove pits, seeds, and blemishes. Leave whole, slice, or puree.


5. Anti-darkening agents such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can prevent fruits from turning brown.


6. Fruit can be frozen without sugar, but the color and texture of most fruits is retained best when some sweetening is used. You can use ½ cup of sugar per quart of fruit or make a syrup with 2 to 3 cups of sugar for every 4 cups of water.


7. Most frozen fruits and vegetables maintain high quality for 8 to 12 months. Vegetables can be frozen up to 18 months at 0° F or lower. Longer storage of fruits and vegetables than those recommended above will not make the food unfit for use, but will decrease its quality.

For specific vegetable blanching times, tray pack freezing instructions, or questions about a particular vegetable or fruit visit: http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/

Seminole Residents Come Together for Sustainability

A group of citizens in the City of Seminole have formed a DISCUSSION GROUP ON RECYCLING AND SUSTAINABILITY. Meetings are held once a month at the Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole, Florida 33772.

FEBRUARY 1, from 10:00 am to noon, Program Room A, the DISCUSSION GROUP will welcome Barbara Arthur, volunteer of Morningstar Fishermen, who will show the video, "Aquaponics". The topic will educate citizens on the breeding and growing of tilapia and culture of plants and vegetables, using the fascinating method of aquaponics. Following the presentation, there will be open discussions.

MARCH 1, from 10:00 am to noon, Program Room A, the DISCUSSION GROUP will share research and experiences related to recycling, composting, rain barrels, and other local sustainable practices. The DISCUSSION GROUP is developing its mission statement and future project ideas.

APRIL 17, from 10:00 am to noon, Program Room C, the DISCUSSION GROUP will feature one of its members, Cristy Abbott, who will show the video, "Fresh". This video is a documentary that celebrates farmers, thinkers, and business people across the U.S. who are re-inventing our food system. Following the presentation, there will be open discussions.

For more information, contact group organizer, Mary DeGeorge-Hampton, (631) 838-2272.

The Green Holiday Table

James Stevenson, Pinellas County Extension Specialist, Urban Sustainability

Fresh, Local Produce

As we’ve stated before, patronizing local markets is great for the local economy, ensures freshness, and is often more affordable than big supermarket chains.

Why not have a ‘Fresh From Florida’ feast this year? Visit Florida-Agriculture.com and learn about seasonal availability of Florida crops and other agricultural products. From seafood to sprouts to wine, you can support Florida agriculture, our local economy, and enjoy doing it!

Check the newspapers for a listing of local farmers’ markets. There are now markets in north, central and south Pinellas County—look for one near you! There are a myriad of small produce stands dotted throughout the county as well. Check the phone book under Produce-Retail for a list of green grocers near you.