Answers to Some Questions
Some people wondered where we live, and how we have access to all of these fruits and vegetables.
We live in Alabama, on about 2 and a half acres of land. We were very fortunate- we had pear, apples, and plums already here when we got married and moved in the house. The blueberry bushes were already here as well.
I also have family living nearby with gardens, and they generously give us tomatoes, zucchini, squash, eggplant, swiss chard, turnips, carrots, corn, etc every year!
Here are pictures of the blueberry bushes (there are about 7 of them, and there are lots of offshoots which we will be transplanting in the fall):
And here is a closer view of one of the bushes:
Here is one of our apple trees...we have 5, but not all of them are as overloaded as this one! (we'll be cutting them back this fall!)
Our pears are not quite ripe, but they're getting close.
Katie commented yesterday that I should get an apple corer/peeler. Well, I asked my father in law, and it just so happened that he had one that I can borrow. It makes the job SO much easier!! And I love the spirals it cuts the apples into- Look in the stock pot below, and you'll notice on the left side, there are the peels, and the right side are the apple spirals. I'm planning to make "apple peel jelly" with the peels!
I wonder if you can do anything with the cores?
We live in Alabama, on about 2 and a half acres of land. We were very fortunate- we had pear, apples, and plums already here when we got married and moved in the house. The blueberry bushes were already here as well.
I also have family living nearby with gardens, and they generously give us tomatoes, zucchini, squash, eggplant, swiss chard, turnips, carrots, corn, etc every year!
Here are pictures of the blueberry bushes (there are about 7 of them, and there are lots of offshoots which we will be transplanting in the fall):
And here is a closer view of one of the bushes:
Here is one of our apple trees...we have 5, but not all of them are as overloaded as this one! (we'll be cutting them back this fall!)
Our pears are not quite ripe, but they're getting close.
Katie commented yesterday that I should get an apple corer/peeler. Well, I asked my father in law, and it just so happened that he had one that I can borrow. It makes the job SO much easier!! And I love the spirals it cuts the apples into- Look in the stock pot below, and you'll notice on the left side, there are the peels, and the right side are the apple spirals. I'm planning to make "apple peel jelly" with the peels!
I wonder if you can do anything with the cores?
I was born in Alabama, in the northern part of the state~~I knew I liked you ;O)
Love the summer harvest pictures! How great to be experiencing that with your kiddos!
Reply to this
Oh cool, we live north too...where did you used to live? What county? You're more than welcome to visit one day if you ever come by to visit relatives or anything like that.
Reply to this
Hi Bethany! I've been lurking around for a long time, but figured I'd comment on this one.
You can use the cores for the Apple Peel Jelly, as well. I can give yo my grandma's recipe, if you like. It's delicious!
Reply to this
Megan, I emailed you! Thank you!
Reply to this
Those apple cores are like candy to cows or deer if you have those living close by. Although, Megan's apple Peel Jelly sounds better!
Reply to this
Those blueberries look amazing!
We, too, live on 2.5 acres (in KY
What a blessing to have access to all of that!
Reply to this
Chickens would make quick work of the cores, too.
Bethany, I've said it before, but it bears saying again. You are blessed. I expect people get great pleasure sharing their extra produce with you, because they know you will work hard to preserve it.
How wonderful the fruit trees and bushes were already on the property you and DH bought!
Reply to this
Isn't that tool the BEST? I'm so glad your F.I.L. had one for you to borrow.
I'm still severely coveting your access to home grown fruits and veggies...and your property looks so green and beautiful!
Reply to this
Glad to know there's a fellow Alabamian here! We're working on getting Blueberries and Peach trees, and Apple trees going soon - I'm glad to know they will do well here!
Reply to this
Some of you ladies may want to check out www.isons.com. You will have to order a catalogue to get prices, but I've been online while I friend gave me prices out of hers and they are very good!! There are some great possibilities for people in more southern areas - there are blueberries that will grow in the Kansas areas when most companies cater to the cooler climates - Ison's is in Georgia!
Anyway, wanted to pass that along.
Reply to this
I didn't realize you lived on such a big place. How awesome!!! i bet the kiddos just love all that open space. neato!!!
Sorry i haven't posted in awhile Bethany. I am reading your site almost everyday, i've just been busy myself.
Reply to this
Do you have a nearby cow or horse? They would love the apple cores.
:o)
Reply to this
Bethany,
I'm loving your site! I linked over from Tammy's.
I used to throw all my cores and any scraps into a pot and cover with water and make a cider-like juice by brewing for a couple of hours, very low temp. Just strain it when you are done and sweeten and maybe even add a dash of cinnamon
Reply to this