Posted June 15, 2010
It’s summer, and everything is growing like crazy, from your lawn to those fruit and vegetable seedlings you planted earlier this year to help minimize your family’s grocery expenses.
Much to your delight, your garden has runneth over with a plethora of nutrient- and vitamin-packed fruits and veggies. There are cukes, beans, tomatoes, radishes, peppers, squash, figs and berries, just to mention a few.
“There’s nothing like enjoying the results of your gardening,” said Ruth O’Leary, a master food and nutrition educator and master gardener with Duval County Cooperative Extension Services. “To start from seeds and watch them grow is very gratifying.”
O’Leary has been a master gardener with the County Extension office for four years. She said growing your own fruits and vegetables not only gives you a feeling of satisfaction, but it can also be beneficial to your pocketbook.
According to Burpee Seed Co., whose website claims to be the largest seed and garden company in North America, for every $50 spent on seeds and fertilizer, a gardener can yield $1,250 worth of produce.
Jodi Brindisi, a registered dietitian with Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s Hospital, agreed.
“Gardening is a green and cost-effective means of consuming your daily nutrients and vitamins,” Brindisi said, “Most are natural and organic and because of that, you know exactly what’s growing in your own garden. Plus, because of the variety of summer fruits and veggies available, there’s bound to be something for everyone’s taste buds.”
There are many ways to enjoy the fruits and the veggies of your labor. Of course, there’s the tried- and-true steaming, roasting, baking and grilling, but Brindisi said there are several other options to help you enjoy your garden delectables now and for many months to come.
“There are plenty of ways to utilize and enjoy the veggies and fruits from your garden,” Brindisi said. “You can make your own salsas, sauces, bruschetta, pizza, smoothies/juices, casseroles and more.
“Also, you can create an edible centerpiece for summer gatherings, make a fruit/vegetable basket for Father’s Day or even donate some to food banks, police or fire departments or to needy people at your church.”
If you’re looking for a more traditional way to make your homegrown seasonal fruits and vegetables last, then canning may be for you.
“Canning or freezing vegetables and fruits helps to preserve them for use throughout the year,” O’Leary explained. “It’s a great way to seal in the freshness and flavor from your garden, and it’s an easy process.”
While there are several books and websites that provide easy step-by-step directions to canning, the Jacksonville Canning Center, in cooperation with the Extension Service, offers hands-on classes as well.
“There’s nothing more satisfying than cooking and eating from your own garden,” said O’Leary. “It’s handy, tasty and economical.”
joy.battehfreiha@jacksonville.com,
(904) 359-4058.
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