This year, Joseph was determined we would get to enjoy some of our Concord grapes. So far, at the point just before we're ready to pick them, when they begin emitting a grapey fragrance, the critters come far and wide, and pick them clean. He picked half of them yesterday, about 50 lbs. worth. I took them off the stem and washed them, and he juiced them. As we did add the softest of the green ones into the mix, and the rest are not fully ripe, the juice is quite tart. It was simmered a bit, to concentrate the flavors. Many things have less flavor this year, from all the rain we've gotten, I'm sure. We were low on sugar, so the juice is in glass gallon jugs, in the fridge. We picked up sugar today, while we were out to attend a panel discussion based around this book, and will be canning grape jam and juice soon.
I did manage to can some blueberry jam yesterday. Mark and Meredith allowed me to pick from their blueberry patch last week, and I brought home 4 lbs of blueberries. I have been freezing some of our blueberries for winter use, but most of our fruits are still so young that we don't get very much of anything at a time. I generally make a batch or two of mixed berry jams, which is nice, but I really wanted some pure blueberry for a change. There may be a cobbler in our near future too. And a new recipe or two. I hope you're enjoying the fruits of summer.
7 comments:
I'll bet that discussion was interesting. I love going over to Fearrington. We sometimes have brunch at the Granary.
Blueberry jam sounds good! I froze 8 pints to use this winter. And glad you bet the critters to the grapes, I can imagine that that aroma might draw them in.
Yes, Fearrington is such a nice spot to visit. I used to love going by there for plants, and was so sorry when they closed that.
I plan on some blueberry bushes in the landscape soon. I have a bit more work to do clearing a spot or two, and then it's 'here come the fresh blueberry harvests'. I think Mark/Meredith must have a really nice location for them at their place.
We also plan to hit the stained glass place in the very near future. Thanks for the info.
Fresh blueberries are the best! If I remember, M & M's bueberries are some her grandparents planted. I hope you find some treasures at Payne's!
Yes! You got some of your grapes!
There are still blueberries out there...
Hi Laurie! We planted concord grapes a few years ago. We planted blueberry bushes, but the deer kept getting to them. Enjoy your jammin' and cannin'. We have been enjoying peaches from the Asheboro Farmers' Market and I am making jam today! All the rain and cool weather has been interesting, very different! Peace, Stephanie
Stephanie, I'm glad you're enjoying summer fruits and canning them as well. It can be challenge to beat the critters to the fruit!
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