4th of July Veggie Storage

The 4th of July is already here (!) which probably also means a Baltimore getaway. Here are some quick tips for how to store the veggies while you're gone, and several recipes if you're trying to eat it before the holiday.


Chard: Best eaten ASAP but will keep 2-4 days in the refrigerator. It also freezes well - blanch first then freeze in plastic bag or container. 

Cucumbers: Refrigerate for use within 5 days. For optimal keeping, wrap cucumbers individually in paper towels, then place inside a closed plastic bag.

Turnips: Remove the greens and store them separately (you can also eat these, but they will only keep about 3 days). The root will keep for roughly a week in a plastic bag in the fridge. 

Zucchini: Best within 4-5 days in your fridge's crisper section. 
Cauliflower/Broccoli: Keep in perforated or open plastic bag to keep 5-7 days. 
Kale: Keep in sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for 5-7 day storage.
Kohlrabi: Keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge.


Eggs in Sauteed Chard: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/eggs_nested_in_sauteed_chard_and_mushrooms/
Tropical Cucumber Salad: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/tropical_cucumber_salad.html
Zucchini bread: http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/07/summer-of-the-bats/   
Simple Cauliflower: http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/simple-cauliflower-recipe.html
Broccoli, Kale, & Cauliflower Tart: http://www.cookyourdream.com/2010/05/sprouting-broccoli-kale-and-cauliflower.html 


Made a great dish for the 4th with your veggies? Post it! Happy 4th!

Pickling

Spike Gjerde (of Woodberry Kitchen) did a talk about pickling on Homewood Campus a while back. I've been using his very simple recipe to preserve some of our CSA goodies so we can enjoy them in the off months. You can use this recipe for almost anything. Spike gave us yummy samples of pickled wild ramps, and so far I've had good success with cauliflower, carrots, and radishes. I might try kohlrabi next?

Brine:
2 cups white wine vinegar (any vinegar will work)
2 cups water
3 TBLSP sugar
3 TBLSP salt
spices as desired (black peppercorn, mustard seed, bay leaf, dried chiles)

Trim off any ends, cut to desired shape and size. Wash with cold water. Drain.

In a saucepan, bring the brine to a boil.

In a separate pan, sterilize canning jar and lid in boiling water 5 minutes. Keep water on heat.

With clean hands, pack veggies into sterilized jar. Pour hot brine 3/4 way up in the jar. As the veggies soften, pack in more until full. Fill jar to fill line with brine, reserving any left over for your next pickling project - it will stay good for a long time. Using a clean spoon, jostle the contents of the jar to let any air bubbles escape.

Wipe the rim of the jar and seal it. Place jar in boiling water, fully and well submerged, for 10 minutes. Remove from hot water and let cool at room temp. Store in a cool, dark space. Can enjoy as soon as 2 weeks and for up to one year.