MANAGER’S MESSAGE:
PRESERVE THE SUMMER!

School is officially back in session, which means that we don’t have too many markets left! It’s about this time of year that I get a bit panicked at the thought of no farmers markets and fresh local produce, and I start freezing and canning everything in sight so that I can still get that taste of summer when it’s freezing outside.

Canning may sound hard, but it’s honestly one of the easiest things to do to preserve your produce! I just use a large pot (no pressure canner needed), and have found the Ball Book of Home Preserving to be invaluable when it comes to thinking of ways to preserve what you find at the market. Jars are inexpensive, and can be found at most local hardware stores.

Some of my personal favorite preserves are apple butter, apple sauce, and different kinds of salsa. Tomatoes and apples are perfect right now, and I know that some of our farmers have plenty of hot peppers to spice up your salsa!

Have you tried canning? If not, give it a shot and let me know what you think!

• Medford residents ages 60+ are eligible
• Advance registration is required; 40 shares available each week
• To register, call Syrah at the Board of Health: 781-393-2560
• Pickup is 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays thru 10/18 at 121 Riverside Ave.
• $5/week for low-income Medford seniors; $15/week all others

And don’t forget: The market matches up to $20 for all EBT/SNAP shoppers! The Medford Farmers Market runs 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays through October 13, 2016, at One City Hall Mall, behind City Hall, in Medford, Mass.