Food Preservation Reaches Max. Capacity

Issue 63

S. Kramer

Schollsdale- It is a standing and long-lasting tradition in the Kramer household to preserve the harvest. This applies to both the harvest from our own garden, and harvests we acquire from other sources, such as berry farms and orchards. For the second time since moving into our current household, the Kramer Family has needed to reconsider our current stock of preserved foods.

This year the harvest from our front cherry trees, provided several pails full of both Bing (black) sweet cherries and the red and yellow overpriced supermarket specialty, the Rainier cherry. In addition, sweet peas are finished, and corn, beans, blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes and potatoes are coming ready. At the same time, we already have a back stock of preserves and dried fruits in both freezer ad pantry that date back to 2008. Rumors have it that jars in the dustier parts of the pantry may be even older. For this reason, our family has been forced to reconsider our supply. Tuesday morning, four bags of frozen zucchini and squash were discarded to make room for new inventory, and garden produce is being exported to family friends almost as quickly as it can be picked.

Such a move of reducing capacity of preserved food is unprecedented. The last major overhaul occurred during a freezer failure in the middle of summer. All produce in the freezer that was thawed were converted into Jam, or dried now marked with a frown face on the lid. As of yet, frozen goods remain in the freezer where they belong.

"I think it's sad to see them go," said Steven Kramer, home for the summer months, "It's a shame they weren't more popular."

"We didn't eat [the frozen zucchini], even while camping" Said Mom, director of food preservation, "[but] I saved the bags of shredded zucchini."

Freezer and pantry capacity are expected to reach or exceed maximum capacity by autumn. Current consumption should keep the supply in check, leaving just enough room for new items as they are added.

"It's nice to have the homegrown foods," Steven said, "How many families can eat homegrown green beans in December?"