Collecting wild edibles
So it seems that tapping two maple trees gives us just enough syrup to get through until the next maple tap.
But I knew as soon as my family got a taste of this, I’d have to be making more. So, along with their annual garlic allotment, I’ve had to add two more trees into maple production.
Though, at the moment, with some daytime temps still in the minus digits, it’s looking like we’re still a week or two away. … Read more
And I like to think that I’m an observant person because I usually am.
But this totally slipped by me for who knows how long. Until a few days ago.
(Actually, it was Cait who noticed it while home because her two roommates contracted covid. But that’s another story.)
A MULBERRY TREE!! Bearing mulberries. Lots of them!
So, of … Read more
I see a lot of jam in my future…
If you have any jewelweed plants in your vicinity, this is the perfect time of year to harvest their seeds. If you’ve never tried these treats before (they taste very similar to sunflower or pumpkin seeds), you’re in for a surprise. In more ways than one. : )
… Read more5 gallons of sap collected in 3 days
Strained out bits, bugs, and particles through cheesecloth
Boiled 85% down on our outdoor grill (Maybe next year, I’ll build a fire box…)
Finished the last on my stove so I could watch to make sure it didn’t burn or turn to candy.
This is what I’m left with.
Unbelievably yummy!
Pure joy.
I’ve always wanted to try making my own maple syrup. From past reading, I knew it was easy to do, didn’t require a lot of paraphernalia, and was relatively idiot proof.
So I decided this was the year. I took a 1-hour class, bought my equipment and picked out two beautiful old Maple trees right off my deck. I’m not looking to go into business–I just want to make enough for my family, so two trees ought to be plenty.… Read more
This is a Black Locust tree. Our property is full of them. And at this time of year, the most glorious scent wafts through the air. I do believe it may be my all-time most favorite smell. If only the web had a scratch-n-sniff feature… But come to find out, perfumeries have also discovered this heavenly scent and its used in many perfumes.
It’s also one of my all-time favorite wild edibles The flower clusters taste like the sweetest of … Read more
My cherry and plum trees are exploding with fruit! I can’t even begin to describe the joy this gives me.
Seriously, if you haven’t yet planted a couple of fruit trees, what are you waiting for?! It couldn’t be simpler. And then you, too, will find yourself grinning from ear to ear over the never-ending wonders of nature.… Read more
