Storing produce without electricity.

Kathy · Storing produce without electricity.

Prompted by Bovey's book purchase!

I'm woefully lacking in skills in this department so I'm going to have a closer look at brining (sp) amongst other things. Anyone got any tried and tested methods for preserving and storing garden produce (no sugar preferred). Smile

Cabbagepatch

this is a good thread Very Happy

my grandparents used to use shop size sweet jars and layer sliced runner beans with salt, then another layer of beans etc until the jars were full.

then when it came to cooking them they soaked the beans in cold water to lose the salt (can't remember how long for will have to check with uncle), then cook as normal.

Libby

Yes shall also look forward to this!

I think the only downside with 'brining' is the salt content. You can pickle most things, my neighbour pickles her excess eggs, I never seem to have any but would defo like to try this!!

Kathy

Got a tip from an old gardener the other day. For apples, carrots and potatoes, dig a trench and layer with straw, put in produce then cover with straw then cover with soil. He says they'll keep till the next season like that.

Cabbagepatch

Aha, look what I've found, I love this sort of thing Very Happy

http://www.earthlypursuits.com/AllotGuide/AllotGuide.htm

Cabbagepatch

[quote="Kathy"]Got a tip from an old gardener the other daye]

Which reminds me that I have a little book a friend gave me called Tips from The Old Gardeners.

I shall have a look through and see if there is anything interesting in there....

Kathy

Oooo, that's clever CP, the old gardeners knew best. Very Happy

Libby

I found this book when I was trolling round my library online looking for Jam and chutney books, so have ordered it to see if its any good.

Kathy

I've got that one Libby, haven't had a look through it yet though.

Libby

I've ordered it from the library so can't wait to see whats in it!
Need to have another look round the charity shops its amazing what you find!