Our Food Glut’s On The March
[Updated 1 March 2023]I’ve mentioned in a couple of posts that before the preserving season really gets going and swamps me with zucchini, some preparation, planning, and strategies have to be put into action or things never go smoothly.
Having mentioned it, quite rightly you’ve asked how and what can be done in advance to help in getting ready for the glut on the way.
There are four main ways of preserving fruit and vegetables that I use and they all need thinking about and re-stocking for.
Firstly the freezer needs to be looked at and anything left from last years tossed out. It used to be an awful job because no one had any idea what was in there, but since getting a memo board which we do actually keep updated, not so much goes to the bottom never to be seen again until it goes in the trash.
I do the same to keep the fridge organized, though we’re all a bit less reliable updating it. It still stops most things from getting lost like they used to, until they rotted and you had to go looking.
Because very little goes into the freezer unless it’s been vacuum sealed, the supply of special bags for the sealer machine needs to be replenished. It’s much better to buy outside the preserving season if you can, I swear the price goes up and I know stock sells out, better to get in there first.
The food dehydrator comes into its own right now (and then some) so trays need washing and any broken ones should be replaced. Mostly I use zip bags to store the dehydrated produce in again. Though they are washable and reusable, another batch is never wasted. Want to know more about food dehydrators? Check out my essential food dehydrator buying guide for more info.
Absolutely pivotal to the entire operation are the peelers, slicers, choppers and spiral veggie contraption – seriously couldn’t cope with zucchini without spirals! For a big preserving session, I use the Paderno, because using the smaller handheld vegetable spiralizer is tiring for a lot of carrots. Actually, the last post is on the best spiral slicer. It took a while for me to feel safe using one – pinkies a bit near the blades. But for quick spirals of veg in a salad, unbeatable.
It used to be that every two or three years I’d have to replace the smooth blade on my meat slicer, but not anymore. I didn’t know you could get purpose made sharpeners for the blades and so inexpensive compared to the blades. It has so far extended the one I’ve got by last year. Now this, so in total, this blade has lasted four years which is a record.
The mandolin blades do get chipped and can get bent. It is best to replace the blades or replace the mandoline at that point. An expensive Bron Mandolin slicer you can buy spare blades for, not cheap at about $45. They still work out a lot cheaper than replacing the whole slicer. Click here to find out more.
Cheaper kitchen mandolins don’t always offer replacement blade, but if anywhere stocks them, Amazon does. So just key in the manufactures name and ‘blades’.
If like a lot of people you are really worried about using a mandoline slicer – and they are wickedly sharp – then go have a read of my Using Kitchen Mandoline’s Safely post. I was really doubtful at first but if you take care and wear a safety glove, you’ll be safer than when using a knife.
I absolutely know there’s going to be a bumper harvest of apples and pears this year. The trees were drenched in blossom and now on the tress is the evidence, the pears are beginning to pull the branches down to the point we’ll be tying and propping shortly. We had quite a lot of the little fruits drop as is normal every year. The dog had to abandon lying in the shade in the end. Every time the wind blew she was getting pelted.
A biggish percent of the cooking apples get peeled and cooked into a rough puree which is then vacuum packed into portion sized packets, and frozen down. Most of the rest either get sliced then dehydrated for use in cooking or are simply stored in the shed – the mice love them! Peeling used to be a hassle until I got this Starfrit apple peeler, one in truth I didn’t think would work because it looks like a child’s toy and feels like one too.
I was wrong it peels like gangbusters and is sensible child-friendly. Yes, I appreciate slave labor of your kids is frowned on, but you just try stopping them.
Preserves
Jam jars and jam jar lids need a bit of thought, as do glass bottles for flavored oils and cordials. I’m a sucker for small elegant bottles that hold a limited amount of herb-infused oil. It is nicer to make up a fresh batch every month than use old oil. It deteriorates in the light and heat of a kitchen anyway. Once herb infused oils are made I decant some into my Misto Oil Spritzer for when I want a lighter touch in cooking.
As far as it goes for jam jars, while a lot do get washed, sterilized and used again, inevitable after a few years of use they lose their shine or crack when you heat them, a box of twelve jam jars with lids is only a few dollars. So I’d rather replace and have preserves which will keep for a year or more.
Jam is most easily made in a Maslin pan where a rolling boil without sticking or burning is far easier. Even with a Maslin pan I use a cooktop diffuser to evenly spread the heat. They also protect ceramic hobs and for the low cost are a good investment. Pots and pans for jam just need a good wash.
Fruit jelly’s and bottled fruit juices are easy with a fruit steamer, and again it just needs washing, the hoses and seals checking, and then when needed a drop of baby bottle sterilizer rinsed around and rinsed out, it’s good to go!
For all the above don’t forget labels if you buy rather than print your own. Any pectin supplies etc, depending on your preserving plans.
Finally, minor though it may seem. get out and rinse colanders and anything else you’re likely to use during a hot steamy session in the kitchen! Though I’m a great fan of the flat folding colanders for everyday use, for large amounts of fruit or veg you really need something which won’t collapse when you least want it to, so mine has to come out of garage storage and go through the dishwasher.
Because bacteria is the biggest enemy of preserves, it’s a good idea to use baby bottle sterilizer on anything you’ll use. Then put them away until needed at which point follow your usual sterilization routine when making the preserves.
Finally, making fruit or vegetable ‘leather’ shouldn’t be a messy business because of the low oven heat. However, I’d strongly advise giving the oven quick steam clean and then making sure you use an oven liner below any fruit in the oven at any time! I use a silicone oven liner simply because I hate cleaning, and since getting one, I haven’t had to get down and scrub. Actually, it’s probably one of my best time-saving effort saving buys ever.
The old saying holds good, failing to plan is planning to fail. So make sure you have everything ready and your winter bounty will dry, canned, frozen and in jars before you know it.
Top 10 Ways To Use Up A Glut
When you have a glut of produce, it may be overwhelming trying to figure out what to do with it all. Here are ten ways to use up a glut:
- Preserve it: One of the best ways to use up a glut is to preserve your produce for later. Canning, freezing, and drying are all great ways to do this. Canning involves boiling jars of produce in water to create a vacuum seal, which keeps them fresh for months. Freezing is as simple as chopping your produce and placing it in the freezer. Drying can be done in the sun, in the oven, or with a dehydrator.
- Share it: If you have more produce than you can handle, consider sharing it with friends, family, or neighbors. This is a great way to build community and reduce food waste.
- Cook it: One of the most obvious ways to use up a glut is to cook it. You can make all sorts of dishes with your excess produce, from stir-fries to stews to salads. You can also experiment with new recipes and try out different flavor combinations.
- Juice it: If you have a lot of fruits and vegetables that are about to go bad, consider juicing them. This is a great way to use up a lot of produce at once and get all the nutrients from it. You can also add several ingredients, like mint, ginger, or lemon, to make it more interesting.
- Make jams and jellies: If you have a lot of berries or fruits that are too ripe to eat, consider making jams and jellies. This is a perfect way to preserve your produce and enjoy it later. You can also experiment with different flavors and combinations.
- Ferment it: Fermenting is another great way to use up a glut of produce. You can make sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, or other fermented foods. Fermenting not only preserves your produce, but it also adds beneficial bacteria to your gut.
- Make the salsa: If you have a lot of tomatoes, peppers, and onions, consider making salsa. Salsa is a perfect way to use up a lot of produce at once. It can be used as a topping for many different dishes.
- Bake it: If you have a lot of fruit, consider baking it into pies, crisps, or crumbles. This is a great way to use up excess produce and enjoy it in a delicious dessert.
- Make the soup: If you have a lot of vegetables, consider making soup. Soup is an excellent way to use up a lot of produce at once. It can be frozen for later. You can also experiment with different flavors and spices.
- Compost it: If you have tried all of the above and still have excess produce, consider composting it. Composting turns your food waste into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow more produce in the future. This is a great way to reduce food waste and help the environment.
FAQs
Q1. What is a glut?
Glut is a term that refers to an oversupply or excess of something, often used in economic or business contexts.
Q2. What are the causes of a glut?
Various factors, such as overproduction, decreased demand, or a surplus of inventory, can cause a glut.
Q3. What are the effects of a glut?
A glut can lead to lower prices, decreased profitability, and market saturation. It can also result in reduced innovation and investment in the affected industry.
Q4. Can a glut occur in any industry?
Yes, a glut can occur in any industry, such as agriculture, technology, manufacturing, or retail.
Q5. How can businesses avoid a glut?
Businesses can avoid a glut by carefully monitoring their production levels, forecasting demand, and adjusting their strategies accordingly. They can also diversify their offerings or enter new markets to spread their risks.
Q6. Is a glut always bad?
Not necessarily. A glut can be beneficial for consumers, as it can lead to lower prices and increased competition. However, it can be detrimental to businesses and industries, especially if it persists for a long time.
Q7. Can a glut lead to a recession?
Yes, a glut can contribute to a recession if it affects a significant portion of the economy and results in widespread job losses, reduced investment, and lower consumer confidence.
Q8. What is the difference between a glut and a shortage?
A glut refers to an oversupply or excess of something, while a shortage refers to a lack or scarcity of something. Both can have significant effects on prices, profitability, and consumer behavior.
Q9. How long does a glut typically last?
The duration of a glut can vary depending on the industry, the severity of the oversupply, and other factors. Some gluts may resolve quickly, while others can persist for years.
Q10. What is the role of government in addressing a glut?
The government can play a role in addressing a glut by implementing policies to stimulate demand, support affected businesses and workers, or regulate production levels. However, the effectiveness of these measures can vary and may have unintended consequences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the term “glut” refers to a situation where there is an oversupply of a particular commodity or service, resulting in a decrease in its value or price. Gluts can occur in various markets, including agriculture, real estate, and technology. While they can be beneficial for consumers who enjoy lower prices, they can have negative effects on producers who may face financial losses. Therefore, it is important for market players, including governments and businesses, to monitor market conditions and adjust their strategies accordingly to avoid or mitigate the negative impacts of gluts. Additionally, finding ways to repurpose excess supply or create new demand can help alleviate the effects of a glut and benefit both consumers and producers.