Understanding how to preserve harvests is important with any soilless system when you consider the abundance of fresh produce that they turn out all year round. In this post we will give you some top tips on how to save and make the most of your produce, avoiding any possible waste.
1: Drying Herbs and Other Produce: Drying is an easy & effective way to preserve herbs, fruits & vegetables. Simply tie herbs together in bunches, hang them upside down in a dry, airy place and enjoy the heady aroma. With fruits & vegetables, slice them thinly and dry them in a dehydrator or in the oven on a low temperature. Dried herbs & fruits can be used to season sweet & savoury dishes, infuse cheese, sprinkle over dips, create tea blends etc., while dried vegetables can be used to create a healthy snack, add bulk to soups, stews and more.
2: Freezing Herbs, Veg & Fruit: Freezing is a great way to preserve the freshness of your produce for months. Herbs can be frozen whole or chopped, either in ice cube trays or plastic bags. Fruits and vegetables can be frozen whole, sliced, or puréed. To prevent freezer burn, make sure to remove as much air as possible from the packaging and don’t forget to label and date your frozen produce!
3: Preserving, Poaching & Pickling Fruits & Veg: Pickling & poaching is another great way to preserve your aeroponic & hydroponic harvests. It not only extends the shelf life of your fruits & vegetables but also packs a flavour punch. Some of the best produce to pickle include cucumbers, peppers & onions. Use vinegar or brine to pickle your vegetables and sugar, honey or other natural sweetners as a base for poaching. How about adding your favourite herbs & spices for even more flavour?