Table Talk: August 5

Fruit forward

By Kim O'Donnel

August 3, 2010

(Editor’s note: This chat is over, but the transcript is available to read here. And join Kim for another Table Talk chat, most Thursdays.)

Midsummer is the season of fresh fruit — all kinds of berries and many of the stone fruits (think apricots, plums, peaches, cherries). Figs are coming on, and grapes and melons are ripening. Before long, apples and pears will be ready.

And yes, tomatoes!

What fruit are you enjoying most now — and how are you serving it?

This week on Table Talk, Kim O’Donnel will lead a discussion about fruit: How best to enjoy it at the height of ripeness, or preserve it for later.

Join Kim, right here, on Thursday, August 5, at 1 p.m. ET, 10 a.m. PT. Sign up below to receive an email reminder of the chat.

Kim, a trained chef and longtime food journalist, will soon publish a cookbook for people trying to eat less meat. Every week, she brings ideas, tips, and recipes to her live chats — right here at Table Talk, most Thursdays.

Table Talk with Kim O'Donnel -Aug. 5, 2010

(08/05/2010)

  

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9:56	Kim ODonnel:  FRUIT! It's on the menu today, coming up at the top of the hour. Thursday August 5, 2010 9:56 Kim ODonnel

9:59	[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  What did you call me?? LOL Thursday August 5, 2010 9:59 Shibaguyz

9:59	Kim ODonnel:  Now, now, Shibaguyz! Tell us how your tomato jungle is doing, s'il vous plait. Thursday August 5, 2010 9:59 Kim ODonnel

10:00

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  As always tomatoes, but this year really enjoying the nectarines and peaches from the farmers market. I'm just eating them - not a big baker. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:00 Lizka

10:01

Kim ODonnel:  Hey Lizka, I know what you mean about tomatoes. I eat'em morning, noon & night at this time of year. And I'm super psyched about my paste tomato plant -- lotsa green fruit, waiting patiently for them to turn red! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:01 Kim ODonnel

10:02

[Comment From Guest Guest : ]  Holy flying monkeys! We are gonna have a crap-ton of tomatoes this year. They are loving this weather. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:02 Guest

10:02

Kim ODonnel:  Where are you, my dear Guest, or is that you Shibaguzy? Tell us about dem 'maters. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:02 Kim ODonnel

10:03

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  opps… "Guest" was me… nothing ripe yet though… getting ready to harvest golden and Italian plums from a friend's trees. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:03 Shibaguyz

10:04

Kim ODonnel:  Ah, so you're a gleaner, too! Love it. There's a lively underground fruit movement in Seattle, no? Anyone else climb trees and glean fruit? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:04 Kim ODonnel

10:04

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Re tomatoes - really!; I skip one day and I feel like I'm falling behind :S I try not to complain though, cause I know I'll miss them when the season is over. And yes, this season is much better than last year - getting much more out of my cherry tomato plant. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:04 Lizka

10:05

Kim ODonnel:  Just had my first two sungolds from my plant -- yay! The other thing I must have almost daily right now are cucumbers and blueberries. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:05 Kim ODonnel

10:05

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  where are you located, Lizka? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:05 Shibaguyz

10:05

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  the tomatoes are about a month behind this year. still looks like it will be a great harvest though! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:05 Shibaguyz

10:06

Kim ODonnel:  Everything in Seattle seems to be a month behind, Shibaguyz, wouldn't you say? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:06 Kim ODonnel

10:06

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Here in Northern California we are having one of the coldest summers in 40 years. I'll be lucky to have ripe tomatoes in September. It's 10 am and still no sun. Maybe by noon, if we're lucky. So, I am eating local plums - satsumas, nectarines and peaches to soothe myself. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:06 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:07

Kim ODonnel:  Hey Jill! Here in Seattle, we didn't warm up til July 5. We've had pretty mild weather since, but heard that this weekend, it will dip back into 60s. So strange for early August. I bet your herbs are doing really well in this weather, tho. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:07 Kim ODonnel

10:07

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I've been grilling peaches over the last of the coals after BBQ and then eating them on ice cream! so good. Real tomatos will be a while but I have many little sweet pea currant tonmatos that are starting to ripen! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:07 Ruth

10:08

Kim ODonnel:  Hi Ruth! Where are you writing from? Oh I love those currant tomatoes! Like candy. And you just won my heart -- grilled peaches are the bomb diggety. Finish off with some torn basil. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:08 Kim ODonnel

10:08

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I've always been too shy to ask although if I walk past that loaded cherry tree one more time I might get over the shyness!!! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:08 Ruth

10:09

Kim ODonnel:  Isn't there a website for fruit gleaners? And I think much of it gets donated to food banks. Am I dreaming this or does anyone know of what I speak? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:09 Kim ODonnel

10:09

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  we are totally gleaners! apples, pears, plums, blackberries (not the phones) Thursday August 5, 2010 10:09 Shibaguyz

10:09

Kim ODonnel:  Blackberries the fruit are so much tastier than the phones. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:09 Kim ODonnel

10:09

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Shibaguyz - I'm in Alexandria, VA Thursday August 5, 2010 10:09 Lizka

10:09

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  My summer savory didn't make it. I planted when it was warm (all 3 days that we've had) and it either got too much, or not enough, water. But others and my cukes doing just fine. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:09 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:10

Kim ODonnel:  I bet cilantro loves your weather right now. And kale of all kinds. But I feel your pain, Jill -- I need my sun in the summer. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:10 Kim ODonnel

10:10

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  yes, Kim, according to our harvesting records from last year, we are almost exactly a month behind Thursday August 5, 2010 10:10 Shibaguyz

10:10

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  local satsumas… that would be awesome! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:10 Shibaguyz

10:10

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  And of course, we have Santa Rosa plums and the Gravenstein apples are just coming in. I am not usually ready for apples in stone fruit season. Too confusing. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:10 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:11

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  grilled peaches with blackberries are sooooo yummy! is it lunch time yet??? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:11 Shibaguyz

10:11

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Always ask about fruit. You'd be surprised at how many people don't harvest their fruit. I have access to 2 fig trees and pineapple guavas just because i asked. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:11 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:12

Kim ODonnel:  I agree, Jill. Never hurts to ask about low-hanging fruit... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:12 Kim ODonnel

10:12

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  Ohh basil sounds like a good addition and I have some just ready to be picked! I'm from Manitoba, Canada so the season is shorter but sweet and peaches come from BC! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:12 Ruth

10:13

Kim ODonnel:  Welcome Ruth! Manitoba, wow. I bet summer is like a blink of an eye there. One thing I'm waiting patiently for: huckleberries! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:13 Kim ODonnel

10:13

[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ]  That cool weather sounds great! We've been broiling here in the D.C. area. Blackberries and peaches at the Farmer's Markets. Have already made one peach cobbler and will make another for a wedding on Saturday. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:13 Jennifer

10:14

Kim ODonnel:  One person's chilly morn is another's idea of a good time... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:14 Kim ODonnel

10:14

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  pineapple sage on grilled fruit is yummy too Thursday August 5, 2010 10:14 Shibaguyz

10:14

Kim ODonnel:  Love the idea of pineapple sage on grilled fruit! Nice one. I'm also a big fan of mixing thyme with fruit. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:14 Kim ODonnel

10:14

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  I am talking satsuma plums not the tangerines. They are also called elephant heart and are deep red inside. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:14 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:15

Kim ODonnel:  Oh, I love satsuma plums, Jill. Ooh, yes. Hand to mouth. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:15 Kim ODonnel

10:15

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Lizka - like Kim said, our Seattle summer has been way cool so you are far ahead of us in the tomato ripening department Thursday August 5, 2010 10:15 Shibaguyz

10:15

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  I think that there is a fruit website. We have gleaners now who donate to food banks. Some are out harvesting kale right now and likely fruit some other time. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:15 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:15

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  there are a couple of gleaning networks throughout the country and I THINK there is a website set up for those networks Thursday August 5, 2010 10:15 Shibaguyz

10:15

[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ]  Also picked about 10 pounds of blackberries and made jelly. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:15 Jennifer

10:16

Kim ODonnel:  Ooh, Jennifer -- did you go to a u-pick for the berries? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:16 Kim ODonnel

10:16

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  You know that if the fruit goes over to the sidewalk, that you can legally pick it. At least that's what I've been told. But few fruit trees miss my gaze. And I ask when I can. If I can't ask, I use discretion when I can. Fruit calls to me, what can I say? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:16 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:16

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Jennifer, cool weather sounds great until you've had months of it. Then you hope that you'll have a bit of heat. At least my plants would like it. I can just put on more clothes. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:16 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:16

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Oh, I have lime thyme which I bet would be great with grilled fruit. Maybe I ought to turn on the grill to warm up here. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:16 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:17

Kim ODonnel:  Lime thyme? Wow. Never had the pleasure. Yes, you must top grilled fruit with it & report back! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:17 Kim ODonnel

10:17

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Jennifer - I was just back there in NH this July and it was HAWT!! I'll take my 53º mornings ;) Thursday August 5, 2010 10:17 Shibaguyz

10:17

[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ]  Yes, Homestead Farms in Poolesville, MD. Hope to get to Butler's Orchard in Gaithersburg for raspberries later this month. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:17 Jennifer

10:18

Kim ODonnel:  Nice. I'm hoping to get to a U-pick outside of Seattle for some blueberries, which have been late this year as well. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:18 Kim ODonnel

10:18

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  I don't want to sound negative, I did harvest 1 green zebra tomato last week. Took a photo next to a quarter and they were about the same size. I keep saying that this might be the year to do many pickled green tomatoes. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:18 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:18

[Comment From Chef Debbi Chef Debbi : ]  My neighbor had a fig tree that was loaded and before I got a chance to ask if I could pick some, they went and chopped down the tree because it made such a mess. Ya snooze ya lose! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:18 Chef Debbi

10:19

Kim ODonnel:  Hey Chef Debbi, where are you typing from? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:19 Kim ODonnel

10:19

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Chef Debbi - NO!! *gasp* *faint* Thursday August 5, 2010 10:19 Shibaguyz

10:19

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  U pick raspberries would be too much fun and too tasty. How many don't make it to the basket? In my case, it would be too many. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:19 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:19

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  our wild blackberries are just about ready to start picking here in Seattle… I'm betting we'll pick a batch of them this weekend. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:19 Shibaguyz

10:20

Kim ODonnel:  Now that's an idea, Shibaguyz. Urban blackberry picking. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:20 Kim ODonnel

10:20

[Comment From Chef Debbi Chef Debbi : ]  So. California where it's overcast and utterly cool. I can actually bake today! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:20 Chef Debbi

10:20

Kim ODonnel:  You guys have had an extraordinarily cool summer, too, no? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:20 Kim ODonnel

10:21

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I made cherry pie filling earlier from the fresh sour cherries and I have some frozen ones ready to make jam. I would like to make it with natural pectin from apples or lemon seeds, anyone know some good recipies? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:21 Ruth

10:21

Kim ODonnel:  Ruth, there's a blogger in the DC area who goes by the name Mrs. Wheel Barrow. Google that name. She makes her own pectin. I will also inquire for you. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:21 Kim ODonnel

10:22

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Lime Thyme sounds A-MAZING! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:22 Lizka

10:23

Kim ODonnel:  Yeah, we want some of that lime thyme.... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:23 Kim ODonnel

10:23

[Comment From Chef Debbi Chef Debbi : ]  Yes, it's nice tho. Sunny in the afternoon, hoping it doesn't get too hot in Sept/Oct as usual. Tomatoes are way late this year but I've been picking them for a few weeks now Thursday August 5, 2010 10:23 Chef Debbi

10:24

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  U-picks always seem to be fine with a little "taste-testing" along the way! How else do you know its good? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:24 Ruth

10:24

[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ]  I figure I eat about a pound in the field for every 10 pounds I pick! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:24 Jennifer

10:24

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Ruth - we used the peels from green apples (varieties not unripe) to make our pectin when we can Thursday August 5, 2010 10:24 Shibaguyz

10:24

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Our wild blackberries are at their peak now. You see so many people stopping by the side of road, it's amazing. About the fig tree -- I have a neighbor who also cut his fig tree way back and it was so sad because there were figs on it that I was coveting. Now the tree hardly hangs over his fence and the figs are small -- green ones which I like more than the missions. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:24 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:24

[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ]  The tomatoes love the heat and so do most of my herbs but my cilantro wilted and I've moved my dill inside. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:24 Jennifer

10:25

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I also made strawberry vanilla freezer jam which is soooo good. The vanilla just rounds out the flavor at the end and makes it taste smoother! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:25 Ruth

10:25

Kim ODonnel:  I love vanilla in strawberry jam. Put up a flat of strawberries last month for jam -- possibly the best jam ever. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:25 Kim ODonnel

10:25

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Kim - we are wanting to get over to Bill Pace's u-pick for blueberries this weekend WOOHOO!! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:25 Shibaguyz

10:26

Kim ODonnel:  OOh. Please report back, Shibaguyz. I bet blueberry jam is in your future... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:26 Kim ODonnel

10:26

Kim ODonnel:  Speaking of blueberries, if you've never tried this combo, try mixing them with a earful of corn kernels, blanched, and your favorite herbs, a little red onion. Lovely. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:26 Kim ODonnel

10:26

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Chef Debbi, I feel better about my tomatoes if you've only been picking them in S. Cal for a few weeks. Agreed about the weather in Sept/Oct but maybe by then we'll be happy to be warm. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:26 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:27

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  How do you make pectin from green apple peels? I love the idea of it. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:27 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:27

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  we usually end up eating all the blueberries before they make it to the jam… hehehe… Thursday August 5, 2010 10:27 Shibaguyz

10:27

Kim ODonnel:  I think blueberries are my favorite berry. I too can eat them all day long... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:27 Kim ODonnel

10:27

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  this year, though, we are planning on canning some of them as jam, yes… maybe… hopefully… Thursday August 5, 2010 10:27 Shibaguyz

10:28

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I've seen some recipies where they add apple pieces or lemon seeds in a cloth bag to the cooking fruit. David Lebovitz uses lemon seeds I think. Just wondering if anyone had acutally tried it! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:28 Ruth

10:29

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Jill - we just put the peels in with the cooking fruit… can't remember the ratio we used for which fruits. Depends on how much natural pectin is in the base fruit Thursday August 5, 2010 10:29 Shibaguyz

10:29

Kim ODonnel:  Brilliant idea for the natural pectin. Yes indeed. Doing that next time. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:29 Kim ODonnel

10:29

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Jennifer - does your dill grow well inside? I'd consider that, but not sure how an ac environment works for it. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:29 Lizka

10:29

[Comment From Chef Debbi Chef Debbi : ]  I usually have them by the fourth of July but about 4 weeks late this year, it's been real cool down here. However, there have been less fig beetles this year to fight, they love the tomatoes. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:29 Chef Debbi

10:29

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Only once when I was in Maine did I have "too many" berries. Stopped at a sign by the side of the road and bought a soda box flat filled with them for $2. Ate them all but it took more than few days. Yum. I'd love them here, though, cuz I'd freeze them. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:29 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:30

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  the rest of the apple peels are made into apple butter Thursday August 5, 2010 10:30 Shibaguyz

10:30

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Ruth - we can't get local lemons or we'd try it but we do use the apple peels more often than the store-bought pectins. Great little flavor kick too. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:30 Shibaguyz

10:30

[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ]  I just moved it so we'll see. I have it on a window sill. I spoke with an herb farmer at my local market and he said the summers here are too hot to keep dill outside. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:30 Jennifer

10:32

Kim ODonnel:  I always had the fantasy to grow basil year round -- bring it inside when it gets cool, but I don't think I have enough sun. Speaking of basil -- try pairing it with strawberries, blueberries, water melon, cantaloupe, nectarines... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:32 Kim ODonnel

10:32

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  Shibaguyz - what are you doing with all the peeled apples?!?! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:32 Ruth

10:32

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  we have three indoor tomato plants this year… the great tomato experiment! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:32 Shibaguyz

10:32

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Ruth - applesauce… I LOVE applesauce for breakfast and use it in cooking all winter long Thursday August 5, 2010 10:32 Shibaguyz

10:33

Kim ODonnel:  Fyi, the Shibaguyz put up several hundred pounds of food a year. They are preserving machines... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:33 Kim ODonnel

10:33

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Sorry for the broken posts again; don't know why it happens :S Thursday August 5, 2010 10:33 Lizka

10:33

Kim ODonnel:  That's ok, Lizka. I'll translate: Lizka uses basil in everything at this time of year! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:33 Kim ODonnel

10:34

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Kim - basil on melons is brilliant… try Thai Basil indoors. We kept one alive all winter then forgot to water it this spring… oops… Thursday August 5, 2010 10:34 Shibaguyz

10:34

Kim ODonnel:  We have a Thai basil plant this summer -- my husband took some leftover basil from take out container, rooted in water, & voila! we have take-out basil growing in a pot, doing very well, thank you very much. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:34 Kim ODonnel

10:35

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I bring my thyme and rosemary in over winter but they always do poorly. This year I may try putting my grow light on them to help them through. I also kept two hot pepper plants inside over winter and theya re doing great now with many many peppers! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:35 Ruth

10:35

Kim ODonnel:  Speaking of growing food, urban gardener Amy Pennington will be back next week, Thurs Aug 12, to find out how your gardens are doing & what you can do to prepare for the fall. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:35 Kim ODonnel

10:36

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  wow… I have to try that with our takeout basil… and the pepper plants. we actually have a producing jalapeno plant this year! first time ever Thursday August 5, 2010 10:36 Shibaguyz

10:37

Kim ODonnel:  One of my favorite summer salads -- watermelon, red onion, basil, cucumbers, lime, soy sauce for salt. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:37 Kim ODonnel

10:37

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Husband have a green thumb? Mine does when he pays attention. I love that with the basil. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:37 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:38

Kim ODonnel:  I know -- it's so sweet! My husband has been working on the east coast for the past month-plus and will be thrilled when he comes home later this month to see how his take-out basil is doing. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:38 Kim ODonnel

10:38

[Comment From Fran Fran : ]  Yesterday we harvested 7 cherry tomatoes! We also happened upon another farm run by elderly farmers. This time they were two retired doctors, a couple who met in 1948. Anyway, we bought a delicious orange-fleshed melon. Oh so good. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:38 Fran

10:38

Kim ODonnel:  Hey Fran! I'm craving orange-fleshed melon. Bring on, my dear. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:38 Kim ODonnel

10:39

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  I can't believe it's time to plan for fall already… we have our seeds ready to go but very little bedding space because everything is so late. Gotta start everything in flats then transfer later. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:39 Shibaguyz

10:40

Kim ODonnel:  My garden is exclusively in containers --- just planted lacinato kale seeds, feeling hopeful. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:40 Kim ODonnel

10:40

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  Apparently the hot pepper plants will often do better in their second year! I'm thinking I may have to start making hot sauce soon! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:40 Ruth

10:40

Kim ODonnel:  Yay for homemade hot sauce! by the way, we'll have another canning chat this month, this time w/ Food In Jars blogger Marisa McClellan. Details to come. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:40 Kim ODonnel

10:40

[Comment From Fran Fran : ]  BTW, we tried one of those aerogarden things, but the herbs we grew, parsley and basil, had no flavor. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:40 Fran

10:41

Kim ODonnel:  Ah interesting. I was gifted one of those things a few years back, gave it a try, but didn't have much success myself. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:41 Kim ODonnel

10:41

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  African blue basil! dang… couldn't remember the name of it. It grows into a big ol' bush outdoors but you can keep it trimmed and smaller indoors. VERY strong flavor. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:41 Shibaguyz

10:41

[Comment From Fran Fran : ]  Has anyone had success freezing corn? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:41 Fran

10:42

Kim ODonnel:  Cut off cob, blanch for a minute, drain, dry on tray, then freeze. And use those cobs to make stock! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:42 Kim ODonnel

10:42

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I love all the different melons you can et right now at the farmers market. Last year I got a yellow fleshed watermelon that was very very good and we have been trying to find it again this year! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:42 Ruth

10:42

[Comment From Jennifer Jennifer : ]  I love Marisa - Food in Jars is a great website and an excellent resource. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:42 Jennifer

10:42

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  We have local melons here in Sonoma County, CA and they are good. Not sure how or why but Charentais (French cantaloupe), regular musk, Arava, San Juan, and even watermelon which I haven't tried because I am not warm enough. Love local melon. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:42 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:43

Kim ODonnel:  And I love melon, when it's still warm from the sun. Oh yes! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:43 Kim ODonnel

10:43

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  I make hot sauce every year. This year I've been contracted to make a gallon of Cherry Bomb hot sauce. It was killer (not literally) last year. Love making the stuff and it's better when aged. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:43 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:43

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Ruth - good to know about pepper plants… definitely going to try that now. I guess they do turn into somewhat of a woody perennial when you let them go… hhmmm… Thursday August 5, 2010 10:43 Shibaguyz

10:43

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  corn stock would make a great corn chowder I bet! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:43 Ruth

10:44

Kim ODonnel:  Oh yes, Ruth, and corn stock is great in summer veg stews. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:44 Kim ODonnel

10:44

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  cats and dogs like to chew on corn cobs too… just fyi Thursday August 5, 2010 10:44 Shibaguyz

10:44

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  You can blanch corn and then freeze it whole or take the kernels off cobs and freeze on cookie sheets so that they stay separate. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:44 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:44

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  Mostly I just eat corn straight from the cob! I finally got some local corn last weekend and we had a feast. I should freeze some becasue my hubby is a corn fiend! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:44 Ruth

10:44

Kim ODonnel:  Yes, freeze that moment! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:44 Kim ODonnel

10:44

[Comment From Fran Fran : ]  The sad thing is, the local melon season here (northeast) lasts about a moment. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:44 Fran

10:45

Kim ODonnel:  melon popsicles! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:45 Kim ODonnel

10:45

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Jill - that cookie sheet trick is brilliant! we do it with tree fruit and our tomatoes too. absolutely eliminates the clump o' food in the freezer! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:45 Shibaguyz

10:45

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  You must have corn stock to have great corn chowder. It changes everything. I love to make stock of any kind. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:45 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:47

Kim ODonnel:  Curious: is there a fruit you just can't eat? I have a friend, for example, who cannot bear to even smell a banana. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:47 Kim ODonnel

10:47

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I suppose you could also use the leftover water from boiling the cobs in the first place too? I've never thought to save that! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:47 Ruth

10:48

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  okay… y'all are making me want to cook and I don't have time to get out of my studio today! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:48 Shibaguyz

10:48

Kim ODonnel:  Shibaguyz, that's the point!! What's for dinner, everyone?? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:48 Kim ODonnel

10:48

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I ususally grill my corn in the husks though, but I bet those cobs would make great stock! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:48 Ruth

10:49

Kim ODonnel:  Grilled stock. Worth a try, but beware, those cobs will likely not be sweet after grilling... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:49 Kim ODonnel

10:49

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  there is no fruit that I cannot eat!!! Even chokechrries are good to get a pucker going! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:49 Ruth

10:49

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  I can't think of any fruits that I absolutely can't stand... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:49 Lizka

10:49

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Durian fruit… not gonna eat that… urp… Thursday August 5, 2010 10:49 Shibaguyz

10:49

Kim ODonnel:  It's the smell of durian that I can't do... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:49 Kim ODonnel

10:50

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  I got gifted a flat of cling peaches. They were pretty inedible but were great once frozen on the cookie sheets for my husband's smoothies. Just bought more cling peaches for $1 and they are still great for smoothies. Any fruit for $1 a pound of less will work for me. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:50 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:50

Kim ODonnel:  Brilliant, Jill. You've got your thinking cap on. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:50 Kim ODonnel

10:50

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Never smelled a durian or eaten one. Not sure if I would or wouldn't. Like most every other fruit. We all have a natural affinity for sweetness. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:50 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:50

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Salads tonight for dinner… lots of little squash and some red butter lettuce… Thursday August 5, 2010 10:50 Shibaguyz

10:50

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I tried the durian and thought it was good sort of like custard but it was just a taste in my economic plants class, I haven't been brave enough to bring one home! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:50 Ruth

10:51

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  In my book, i have a story about how i love to roast peppers. But the first year i did it, I didn't understand that if I put them all in a quart zip bag that i wouldn't be able to use them. Learned my lesson with big blocks of food. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:51 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:51

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  the Asian markets in Seattle have Durian… Thursday August 5, 2010 10:51 Shibaguyz

10:51

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Durian - never met it. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:51 Lizka

10:51

Kim ODonnel:  Its odor is unmistakable -- kinda like a dirty diaper... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:51 Kim ODonnel

10:52

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  what kind of fruit would have that custard-like texture without that smell? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:52 Shibaguyz

10:53

Kim ODonnel:  I spent a bunch of time in Barbados in the late 90s, and tried things like custard apple (cherimoya) and had my first-ever passion fruit. One of the best things about travel. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:53 Kim ODonnel

10:53

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Cherimoya. Love it but it's so tropical. Have had it from Hawaii and in Mexico. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:53 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:53

[Comment From Chef Debbi Chef Debbi : ]  maybe breadfruit? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:53 Chef Debbi

10:53

Kim ODonnel:  Breadfruit. Another throwback from my Barbados days! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:53 Kim ODonnel

10:54

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  frozen fruit smoothies in the middle of winter are heaven Thursday August 5, 2010 10:54 Shibaguyz

10:55

Kim ODonnel:  My kid brother lives in Key West and he grows pineapples, mangos, bananas, guavas. I live vicariously through his photos. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:55 Kim ODonnel

10:56

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I froze 4 L of strawberries which are waiting for winter smoothies! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:56 Ruth

10:56

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  on the apples topic: we get our apples from a local cider maker. they put the same mix of apples in our box that they use for their cider. our applesauce is incredible! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:56 Shibaguyz

10:56

[Comment From Chef Debbi Chef Debbi : ]  I don't think it can be imported though and I doubt it can be grown here but.... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:56 Chef Debbi

10:56

[Comment From Fran Fran : ]  In three minutes, I'm making a peach smoothie! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:56 Fran

10:57

Kim ODonnel:  Woo hoo! A little fresh ginger in there, too? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:57 Kim ODonnel

10:57

[Comment From Chef Debbi Chef Debbi : ]  Funny, not too many tomatoes this summer,, yet anyway, but my peach tree went crazy! I have frozen peaches, canned peaches, peach jam, peach sauce, yea! I can have peaches all winter now. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:57 Chef Debbi

10:57

Kim ODonnel:  Chef Debbi, you should talk to Shibaguyz -- he's got a great recipe for peach salsa. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:57 Kim ODonnel

10:57

[Comment From Fran Fran : ]  Ginger? Sounds good! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:57 Fran

10:57

Kim ODonnel:  Oh yes, just a smidge. And basil, too, if you've got it... Thursday August 5, 2010 10:57 Kim ODonnel

10:58

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  I'm with ya Fran… there are some peaches and blueberries downstairs in the kitchen… totally making a smoothie for lunch! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:58 Shibaguyz

10:58

[Comment From Chef Debbi Chef Debbi : ]  oooh, that sounds yummy, how bout sharing shibaguyz? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:58 Chef Debbi

10:58

[Comment From Fran Fran : ]  Chef Debbie - Do you use a pressure canner? Thursday August 5, 2010 10:58 Fran

10:58

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I'm growing bananas and figs here on the canadian prairies! Inside during the winter and outside in summer. Dwarf plants of course. No fruit yet but the greenhouse says they have got them. I am hopeful for figs this fall! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:58 Ruth

10:58

Kim ODonnel:  Wow, you go, Ruth! I want to hear about those figs when they're ripe. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:58 Kim ODonnel

10:58

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Wow, Ruth, love your tenacity. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:58 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:59

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  the peach salsa is on our blog: shibaguyz.com search for "OMG Peach Salsa" Thursday August 5, 2010 10:59 Shibaguyz

10:59

[Comment From Chef Debbi Chef Debbi : ]  No on the pressure canner, never used one but a friend is going to teach me in a couple of weeks. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:59 Chef Debbi

10:59

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  I'd love to have a crazy peach tree. Peach and ginger is wonderful. I made some peach butter last year. Thursday August 5, 2010 10:59 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:59

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Peach butter? Wow! Thursday August 5, 2010 10:59 Lizka

11:00

Kim ODonnel:  Jill, sounds like you'll need to share those details when you have a chance... Thursday August 5, 2010 11:00 Kim ODonnel

11:00

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  ooooo… peach/ginger sauce for cooking… hhmmmm… Thursday August 5, 2010 11:00 Shibaguyz

11:00

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  peach, ginger, little garlic… hhmmm… Thursday August 5, 2010 11:00 Shibaguyz

11:00

[Comment From Chef Debbi Chef Debbi : ]  Thanks Shibaguyz, I'll look for it! Thursday August 5, 2010 11:00 Chef Debbi

11:00

Mark Douglas:  Here is the direct link to the Peach Salsa http://shibaguyz.com/2009/03/14/come-get-it-salsa-recipe-redux/ Thursday August 5, 2010 11:00 Mark Douglas

11:00

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Only need pressure canner for non-acid foods. I use my pressure cooker when necessary. Don't want a giant pot. Thursday August 5, 2010 11:00 Jill, The Veggie Queen

11:00

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  You keep cooking down the fruit to make fruit butters. They are super concentrated and delicious. I add them to stir-fry dishes. Thursday August 5, 2010 11:00 Jill, The Veggie Queen

11:01

Kim ODonnel:  Love the idea of peach butter in stir fries! Thursday August 5, 2010 11:01 Kim ODonnel

11:01

[Comment From Ruth Ruth : ]  I have a great organic greenhouse that loves trying out all the exotics. Strawberry guava is next on my list but they also have limes, lemons, etc. Sage Garden Herbs is the name! Thursday August 5, 2010 11:01 Ruth

11:01

[Comment From Chef Debbi Chef Debbi : ]  I know, Jill, I hate dragging out that big ol pot if I only have a small batch to make. Thursday August 5, 2010 11:01 Chef Debbi

11:01

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  thanks Mark! Thursday August 5, 2010 11:01 Shibaguyz

11:01

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  we cook our fruit butters down in our crock pots Thursday August 5, 2010 11:01 Shibaguyz

11:02

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Don't own a crock pot but if I did, I'd use it for fruit butter. Great idea. Thursday August 5, 2010 11:02 Jill, The Veggie Queen

11:03

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  Jill - love using them… we have two now and have them going constantly during canning season to cook down fruits and tomato sauces overnight and during the work day Thursday August 5, 2010 11:03 Shibaguyz

11:03

Kim ODonnel:  Folks, it's time to sign off. Thanks so much for stopping by. Such a juicy hour! Love all the ideas -- hope you're feeling inspired. Next week: Urban gardener Amy Pennington returns for an edible gardening chat. Til then, eat well! Thursday August 5, 2010 11:03 Kim ODonnel

11:03

[Comment From Shibaguyz Shibaguyz : ]  y'all are inspiring me to cook!! Thursday August 5, 2010 11:03 Shibaguyz

11:03

Kim ODonnel:  Bye! Thursday August 5, 2010 11:03 Kim ODonnel