It’s time once again for Harvest Monday, where we celebrate all things harvest related. The harvests are starting to pick up here, and a typical one is usually a mix of squash and berries. Eggplant joined the party last week, and the first ones are always a welcome sight since we love our eggplant here!
morning harvest
I’ve got Fairy Tale, Gretel and Icicle (all the AAS Winners) growing in containers, and Fairy Tale was the first to give us fruits this year. I roasted these first ones for a side dish along with some other veggies we had on hand.
Fairy Tale eggplant
The smallest harvest last week was broccoli, the main shoot of Artwork. This variety usually makes numerous side shoots, and this one joined the eggplant on the toasting pan.
Artwork broccoli
Raspberries and blackberries are still ripening, though the raspberries are about done for. They are all everbearing varieties that will make a small crop in fall, though in my experience we get more in spring from these types. The blackberries are probably nearly done fruiting too, and I have been freezing some for cobblers and such. Those bear only in spring, and usually heavily.
red and yellow raspberries
thornless blackberries
The spring planted lettuce is holding up decently despite the heat. I’m cutting the last of the heads from the greenhouse, and they are keeping us supplied until the latest planting I made outside is ready.
Grazion lettuce
And in another first – the giant Kossak kohlrabi is ready to harvest. These first three weighed a bit more than five pounds total after trimming up. I plan to turn them into kraut and fermented kohlrabi sticks. I’ll likely freeze a bit of later harvests too, since that makes a great addition to soups.
Kossak kohlrabi
And finally, the summer squashes are still coming on strong. I’m freezing the extras of it now for later use, since we use a lot in the winter months for soups and stews. To freeze it I slice into pieces then blanch for three minutes before draining and spreading out on a cookie sheet or baking pan to freeze.
summer squashes
frozen zucchini
Harvest Monday is a day to show off your harvests, how you are saving your harvest, or how you are using your harvest. If you have a harvest you want to share, add your name and blog link to Mr Linky below. And please check out what everyone is harvesting!
Wow, eggplant already! That’s nice. Do you find noticeable flavor differences in the summer squash you grow?
I can tell a difference in the yellow squashes, but I think with the zucchini the difference is more subtle.
The only thing we can match you on is broccoli.
I should freeze some zucchini too. I have a few favorite winter soups that they would be nice additions too. As always, I envy your raspberries and blackberries. Our marionberries seem to be free of botrytis so far with the recent warm days. I’m hopeful.
Your weekly produce pictures are inspiring! I don’t have anything you have posted here, but here on the West Coast, in CA, we have been enjoying some very pretty & delicious tomatoes! (My zucchini & cucumbers got planted late because I had so many leftover tomatoes & peppers sitting on top of my beds & I had to get rid of them 1st).
I appreciate all of the help and information that you gave me with the tomatoes & peppers that you are growing! It is because of your post that I am trying quite a few of the ones you are growing. I have enjoyed new to me & grown by you, Benevento, (Benevento Marmo, brand new from Bene seeds & worth growing), Purple zebra, & Raspberry drop. Wildcat is still green but it is a fun one to look at. Looks like a Jimmy Nardello on steroids, but with heat. Mad hatter is still green, but a fun looking plant. I don’t remember all of the veges I was able to glean info from you, but on the ones we are both trying new, Harvest Moon, Strawberry fields & Marmalade skies, I can give you a preview that they have a great flavor too. My Garden Treasure that I bought because of you is almost ready to pick. Anyway, thanks for your weekly blog! This is proving to be a very productive and fun year with all of the new colors and stripes!
The Wildcat does indeed look like it is on steroids, though mine have little heat. Our tomatoes are just beginning to bloom so it will be next month before we have any ripe ones. I’m happy I have been of some help!