Harvest to Table: Methods for Making the Most of Summer's Bounty

Written By: Kenlee Dropping, MS
Dietetic Intern with Department of State Hospitals – Napa

As summer fades and fall begins to settle in, many people are left with excess harvest of fresh produce. Whether you’ve been growing your own garden or shopping at local farmers' markets, the abundance of summer fruits and vegetables presents a unique (and lucky) opportunity! This transition from summer to fall is the perfect time to explore creative ways to manage and make the most of your harvest. We’ll dive into practical strategies for preserving, utilizing, and organizing your summer abundance, plus provide two yummy recipes for you and your family to enjoy!

Understanding the Harvest Season & Planning Your Harvest:
Understanding the harvest season is key for effectively managing your produce. As summer crops reach their peak, it’s important to recognize which fruits and vegetables are at their freshest and most flavorful. This knowledge allows you to plan your preservation and utilization efforts accordingly. Here is a resource for you to figure out which fruits and vegetables should be harvested when (USDA Seasonal Produce Guide).

Getting organized is also equally important; setting up your own personalized system for tracking your produce ensures that you can make the most of your bounty. By creating a detailed inventory and understanding the optimal storage conditions for different types of produce, you can streamline your efforts and reduce waste, making the transition from summer to fall both efficient and rewarding.
Here are some helpful storage tips for common produce items:

Preservation techniques and creative uses for excess produce:
Preserving excess produce not only extends its shelf life but also allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the year (pun intended!). Common techniques such as pickling, freezing, canning, and drying enable you to store everything from juicy tomatoes to fragrant herbs.
- Canning can be a lengthy process and involves sealing produce in jars to create long-lasting preserves.
- Freezing and pickling can be easier and help retain the freshness of fruits and vegetables for months.
- Drying removes moisture to prevent spoilage and is perfect for making homemade snacks like dried fruits or herb seasoning blends.
Beyond preservation, creatively using your produce can turn your harvest into a variety of delicious dishes.

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