Maine food for July: Snap beans and cucumbers
University of Maine Cooperative Extension publishes information to help find, grow, use and store in-season fruits and vegetables in Maine.
A variety of bulletins can be ordered or downloaded at extension.umaine.edu.
July favorites include “Let’s Preserve: Snap Beans,” “Let’s Preserve: Pickles,” “Vegetables and Fruits for Health: Cucumbers” and “Vegetables and Fruits for Health: Green Beans and Wax Beans.”
Freezing green beans and making homemade pickles are simple and easy ways to increase access to a year-round supply of local foods and reduce food expenses.
UMaine Extension educator Kathy Savoie recommends getting up-to-date information on the best methods, canners, jars and seals to ensure a safe result before preserving food.
Recommendations are available through local UMaine Extension offices or by calling 207-581-3188; 800-287-0274 (in Maine). More information, including upcoming food preservation workshops and how-to videos, is online at extension.umaine.edu/food-health.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Auburn United Methodist Church is looking for volunteers to make blankets to be given to patients in the hospital, who are spending time away from loved ones. Blankets may be dropped off at the information desk at CMCC’ s main entrance at 60 High St., or at the Auburn United Methodist Church, 439 Park Ave. For additional information contact the church office at (207) 782-3972. — George, No Town.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I made rosehip jelly in the 1970s while living in Alaska. The hips need to be ripe, very orange-red, and I always waited until after a frost to harvest. I enjoy your column every morning. Thank you. — Edie, No Town.
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