What are you canning now?

[Happy Chooks]

Question for those of you that make seedless blackberry jam, how do you get the seeds out?

My DH's grandma taught me to run them through a mesh sieve, but it's really labor intensive. It got me thinking there HAS to be a better way!

 

[Lesa]

I use a tomato food mill. It does take awhile- but it works great. Also, when you are looking at all those seeds, remember your chickens. They love them!

 

[Happy Chooks]

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Thanks! I would have totally forgotten to give the seeds to the chickens!

 

[vfem]

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Thanks! I would have totally forgotten to give the seeds to the chickens!

I send our through a colander using a spatula to mash it in. It doesn't take out all the seeds, but cuts them back by 1/2 to 2/3 for a less seedy jam. I then give the left overs to the chickens.... and honestly, I have white silkies, so after last year's mess, I'm rethinking that idea! LOL

Yesterday I picked dandalions and made a tea out of the flowers. Then I'm making it into jelly this weekend. The daughter is so excited!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Well, I got all the pulp prepared. Smashed 16 cups of pulp, and my fingers hurt. It was easier when I cooked them some first - I forgot that part from DH's grandma.

I got 1 batch of the jam made last night, and I'm so happy to see that it is set perfectly this morning!

I'll finish the other 3 batches today.

 

[math ace]

You ladies are making me want to go out and check my blackberry patch and see how they are coming along. I know they haven't bloomed yet. .. . But it shouldn't be much longer!

 

[HenThymes]

My asparagus is coming up, does that mean Spring is here!?!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Math Ace.......I washed, dried and froze the blackberries last year. Now I had to get them out of my freezer!

HenThymes......I'm jealous, I want asparagus in my garden. We're extending our garden this year, so maybe next year I'll get some planted!


I just finished up the blackberry jam. I ended up with 18 pints.

 

[Scoop]

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Yes! That's what it means! And guess what!? I saw my first robin on the 17th so it's official! I'm amazed how plump they can be after a long flight!

 

[HenThymes]

I will have to try and take a picture of that gorgeous asparagus tomorrow, beautiful color!

Sad part is I haven't even gotten around to fertilizing yet, they snuck up on me.

We already have our garden going, cabbage is in, sugar snaps are coming up, lettuce and garlic are planted and onions are growing strong from winter. I should be back in the kitchen canning in no time!

Ohhh Shannon, I saw my first clover patches today....