To honor autumn's abundance and the hard work of local growers, we’re focusing on preservation recipes that will carry the flavors of summer well into the colder months.
As summer fades into fall, gardeners across the Triboro Ecodistrict are reaping the rewards of the growing season with plots overflowing with vibrant fruits, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs — each ripe for picking and preserving.
To honor autumn's abundance and the hard work of local growers, we’re focusing on preservation recipes that will carry the flavors of summer well into the colder months.
Would you rather share your harvest with the community? The Millvale Free Fridge and Pantry and Sharpsburg’s Community Free Fridge are always accepting donations of fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you find yourself heavily outnumbered by hot peppers, it’s time to get spicy. Homemade hot sauces are simple, flavorful, and perfect for preserving that fiery freshness.
For a milder option, try this jalapeño mild hot sauce, which brings zesty flavor without overwhelming heat.
Craving something hotter? Try this habanero hot sauce.
Sweet peppers also shine in the fall. Roast them and freeze for soups, sandwiches, and pasta. Here's a great guide on how to roast and freeze red peppers.
Not all tomatoes ripen in time, but that doesn’t mean they should go to waste. Green tomatoes make wonderful tangy chutneys and sauces, adding flavor to meals throughout the winter.
As for herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley — freeze them now to enjoy garden-fresh flavor later. For basil lovers, nothing beats homemade pesto. Try this classic Genovese pesto or explore alternative pesto recipes. Freeze pesto in ice cube trays (without cheese) for easy portioning.
Fall fruits like apples and pumpkins offer sweet and savory possibilities. From apple sauces and chutneys to 10-minute apple sauce, apples are as versatile as they are abundant.
Pumpkins and squash make great decorations as well as tasty snacks. Roast the seeds with spiced seasoning or turn them into pumpkin seed brittle. Looking for dinner ideas? Try one of these 9 savory squash recipes. For a fun seasonal activity, check out creative pumpkin carving ideas.
As the temperatures drop, make a batch of homemade fire cider. This traditional herbal tonic is packed with warming ingredients like garlic, onion, horseradish, and hot peppers. It can be drunk on its own or used as a marinade.