Category Archives: preserving

The Science, Art and Lore of Pickling

Posted on April 26, 2013 by diary of a tomato

“On a hot day in Virginia, I know of nothing more comforting than a fine spiced pickle, brought up trout-like from the sparkling depths of the aromatic jar below the steps in Aunt Sally’s cellar.” — Thomas Jefferson Early one … Continue reading →

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How to Preserve a Husband + 5 links

Posted on April 3, 2013 by diary of a tomato

We came across instructions for “How to Preserve a Husband” tucked in the back of a “Ball Blue Book” from 1966. For more on the topic of preserving… ~ Watch: Cassie Parker, the Canning Queen of New York — “I teach … Continue reading →

Posted in interlude, preserving | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Mastering Food Preservation: Hands-On Workshops

Posted on February 20, 2013 by diary of a tomato

A series of hands-on food preservation workshops are being offered through the UMaine Cooperative Extension, with several of them hosted by the Kittery and Marshwood (South Berwick) Adult Education programs. The upcoming 3-class series on Preserving Homemade Condiments begins on Monday, February 25th. We’ll be … Continue reading →

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12.17.12 Snow, dried beans, and chicory

Posted on December 17, 2012 by diary of a tomato

“It was evening all afternoon. It was snowing 
And it was going to snow.” — Wallace Stevens, “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” The garden snug under its covers and an extra blanket of newly fallen snow. Indoors, we … Continue reading →

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Mastering Food Preservation: Blue Ribbon Winners

Posted on October 19, 2012 by diary of a tomato

The last section of  the Master Food Preserver Program was on judging canned goods at fairs, a fitting end to our training as one of the opportunities available to volunteer Master Food Preservers is fulfilling requests at different fairs. Each jar … Continue reading →

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Mastering Food Preservation: Winter Storage Techniques

Posted on October 12, 2012 by diary of a tomato

An important part of eating locally year-round in Maine is learning to store food for the winter. To further knowledge about this, the Master Food Preserver Program includes a section on Winter Storage Techniques. Kathy Hopkins, the Somerset County Extension … Continue reading →

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Mastering Food Preservation: Canning Acid Foods

Posted on September 28, 2012 by diary of a tomato

The eighth class in the Master Food Preserver Program built on knowledge gained in previous sessions, and introduced us to additional techniques for canning and preserving high acid foods, particularly fruit. Shown above: The new stainless steel boiling water canner … Continue reading →

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