7 Ways to Use Excess Produce

 

Do you grow an abundance of produce in your garden? If so, you might find yourself with more than you can use. Don’t let that extra produce go to waste, as there are many practical uses for it. The next time you find yourself with more produce than you can possibly eat, consider these 7 ways to use excess produce and make it go the extra mile. Here is how you can get started!

7 Ways to Use Excess Produce

1. Try canning it.
You don’t need a great deal of experience in order to can your leftover produce. If you have some mason jars and some simple recipes, you will be able to can your leftovers in no time. Try dill green beans, pickles, preserves, and other simple recipes. You can find thousands of canning recipes online, and mason jars at your nearest retail store. Once canned, your produce can last for months.

2. Dry or dehydrate it.
Invest in a simple food dehydrator and dry your leftover produce. You can dry vegetables and then use them in soups, stews, and dips. We love to keep dehydrated Jalapeno Peppers on hand for cooking! Or, dry fruits to use in snack mixes, baked goods, or even to eat as is for a healthy snack.

3. Donate to a local soup kitchen.
Fresh food items are often hard to come by at soup kitchens. After all, they are typically on a budget and stick to non-perishables. Give them a hand and donate your extra fruits and vegetables so they can add them to their nightly menu.

4. Sell them on social media.
Many folks would love fresh produce they just don’t have access to it. Sell your extra produce on social media sites such as Facebook or Craigslist. You might even be able to find a local garden club or swap group that you can unload the produce on.

5. Set up a small produce stand.
Depending on what the regulations are in your city, you may be able to set up a small produce stand. Put a small table out in the front of your home along with signage for what you have for sale. You will be surprised at how many people stop and shop.

6. Trade!
Do you know another gardener who grew a produce item that you didn’t? Perhaps you can trade with them! This is a great way to get rid of excess produce that you have and get some produce items that you need.

7. Freeze it.
Chop and freeze your vegetables to use in soups and stews later. Corn and tomatoes are my favorite for freezing! You can do the same with fruit, which makes the frozen chunks perfect for smoothies and desserts.

Don’t let that excess produce go to waste. Instead, give these tips a try for putting excess produce to good use!