Mid Summer Garden Abundance-Drying

Our summer gardens in this area are reaching their end, and we have a wonderful glut of veggies from the garden. There are so many choices for preservation. You may can, freeze or dry your harvest.
With hurricane season here, I shy away from freezing. In the past I have lost a large harvest of pecans, blackberries and blue berries after the electricity has taken it's time in returning after large storms.

So I have been trying my hand at drying some things. This little plastic tub of dried tomatoes was once a large bowl of Marzano paste tomatoes. A great benefit of drying is how little space produce takes up once it is dried, and these tangy tomatoes taste delicious as well.

Seasonings are easily dried and used. I dried all of the last glut of bell peppers. This large pile of peppers filled up a quart jar. Some things I have dried that dry well are peppers, celery, parsley, onions, pears, mushrooms, chives, and other various herbs. I simply thread and hang cheyenne peppers to dry in my kitchen. They look pretty and I just pull a few off when I need them. All the dried items are stored in glass jars with lids. Because of it's ease in preparation and storage, I believe I will dry as many things as possible in the future.

Here is a great site if you want to learn more, National Center For Home Food Preservation.