Frances Tophill on maximising your harvests
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BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast
This episode is titled:
Frances Tophill on maximising your harvests
Notable Quotes
"There's nothing quite like going out into the garden and say picking peas straight from the plant and eating them from the pod."
"The best time to preserve something is when it's at its peak. That's the whole point of it, isn't it?"
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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
In this episode, Claire Venis and Frances Tophill explore the topic of harvesting and preserving homegrown produce. They discuss the joy of enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables while also tackling the issue of gluts in harvest seasons. Frances shares her personal experiences with growing vegetables and foraging, emphasizing her enjoyment in using harvested produce in various ways, from cooking to skincare products.
Frances elaborates on the importance of selecting plant varieties that serve dual purposes, such as calendula for skincare. The discussion shifts to fruit trees, particularly cherries, where Frances reveals her careful planning around their cultivation to ensure they fit her gardening space and future use.
The conversation further delves into different preservation methods, including pickling, fermenting, and freezing, with Frances sharing her penchant for pickling gherkins and making sauerkraut. They also touch on how to preserve seasonal fruits like blackberries and apples, advocating for freezing them after stewing to enjoy summer flavors in winter. Frances emphasizes the role of preserving in connecting with nature and seasonal awareness, highlighting the memories and community activities tied to these processes.
Lastly, they explore DIY skincare using homegrown herbs and flowers, with Frances detailing how she creates natural oils and acknowledges the importance of being cautious and informed when foraging and preserving plants.
Frances elaborates on the importance of selecting plant varieties that serve dual purposes, such as calendula for skincare. The discussion shifts to fruit trees, particularly cherries, where Frances reveals her careful planning around their cultivation to ensure they fit her gardening space and future use.
The conversation further delves into different preservation methods, including pickling, fermenting, and freezing, with Frances sharing her penchant for pickling gherkins and making sauerkraut. They also touch on how to preserve seasonal fruits like blackberries and apples, advocating for freezing them after stewing to enjoy summer flavors in winter. Frances emphasizes the role of preserving in connecting with nature and seasonal awareness, highlighting the memories and community activities tied to these processes.
Lastly, they explore DIY skincare using homegrown herbs and flowers, with Frances detailing how she creates natural oils and acknowledges the importance of being cautious and informed when foraging and preserving plants.
Key Takeaways
- Preserving fruit and vegetables helps maximize the joy of harvesting by preventing waste.
- Creative preservation techniques, such as pickling and fermenting, offer delicious options for excess produce.
- Engaging with seasonal cycles and community activities around harvesting can enhance our appreciation for nature.
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