Fresh Veggies - What to Do

[thetoolman]

So this is our second year attempting a garden and its always nice to learn the first go around. This year we started late and we are covered up with squash, zucchini, and cucumbers. Got corn, onions, carrots, and tomatoes that are starting to produce.

So the question is, what to do with all of it. I have vacuum packed and froze some squash and zucchini already, plan to do more. But what else can be done, also the cucumbers? I know pickles is the first thought, anything else?

Its nice to be overrun by fresh veggies, just don't want them going to waste.

 

[jb3]

Squash - fried or casseroles
Zucc - fried, bread/muffins
Tomaotes - anything (sandwich, sauces, can them,
Cuke - salads, pickles

I make salads with just tomato and thinly sliced zucc & squash, lite on the dressing and maybe sprinle with a finely grated cheese and breadcrumbs.

At times well roast a pan of veggies and add them to pasta, grate some parm over the top, lightly drizzle some olive oil and you've got a great meal.

 

[DaveB]

Can the tomatoes. You'll thank me next February.

I do not know how to prolong the life of zucchini.

Does vacuum packing & freezing work for veggies?

Onions need cool dark place absolutely dry and where they do not touch one another. Carrots & taters same thing I think.

Corn goes bad fast, gotta can it

 

[thetoolman]

Can the tomatoes. You'll thank me next February.

I do not know how to prolong the life of zucchini.

Does vacuum packing & freezing work for veggies?

For squash and zucchini it works fairly well, not a whole lot of moisture to contend with, I just slice them, vacuum pack and seal. Same with corn. Anything with a lot of moisture, cucumbers, tomatoes, melon's etc. I would not recommend.

We have been dicing the squash and an onion, little salt, pepper and olive oil and saut�ing it as a side, very good. Grilling the zucchini is nice.

Didn't really think about the Omelet idea, that's a good one. Also the soup and pasta is good as well. Also gonna try my hand at steaming mixed vegetables. My daughter loves cucumbers, but even she can't keep up right now. LOL

I do have to say, the produce you get in the store, doesn't even halfway compare to what comes out of your garden, not even close. Maybe that's just my opinion, but it sure is nice to have fresh veggies.

 

[BamaProud]

Salsa, Tomato Sauce, Pizza Sauce.

 

[TAFKAP]

Zucchini, okra, garlic, and fresh tomatoes tossed together in high heat with basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper

 

[Sako]

grill the squash or zucchini or saute it with olive oil and cajun seasoning....

Saute the squash and Zucchini and add to eggs for a great omelet.

Make pickles out of the Cucumbers

Salsa....

Freeze the corn

also, cut the corn off of the cobb and make creamed corn....

 

[LA man]

If u have extra corn, leave it in husk. And freeze it. It will last for several years. When u wanna cook it just put it on grill still frozen and just turn it every few minutes. As it cooks the husk will turn brown and start fallin off.

 

[eyeseeker]

Squash and zucchini we saut� a little and pack in ziplock freezer bags, label and stack in the freezer...just make sure it has all started to soften a little and it will be fine. Corn we blanch for 2 minutes and cut off the cob and freeze in bags also. We have noticed that there is not need to blanch green beans....just snap the ends off, bag and label, then freeze.