Tomato Diaries: Final Entry for 2021 (With More Seeds)

Two months ago, I thought it would be a week and I would be harvesting the fennel seeds I see their tall umbrella heads each morning as I draw the bedroom curtains.

For the last week, they have looked ready. Yesterday, it happened. It's about the only constructive thing I achieved yesterday after a long Saturday celebration and ahead of another. We have had three milestone birthday celebrations in two weeks: a 70th, a 30th and a 50th. What a privilege to be able to do that when a year ago, it was illegal to even share raise a toast.

I digress.

After working through that bucket, I was left with a heep of seeds which will probably last me a good while.

Fennel seeds are essential to my pickle brine.

This is complete contrast with last Monday when I finally finished processing the last of the 21kgs of tomatoes.

Last Monday's productivity: chopped, peeled tomatoes. The last of the 21kgs of tomatoes processed.

It's a long one: score, blanch, plunge into iced water.

Skin and roughly chop.

Cook for about half an hour and then bottle the hot tomatoes in hot, sterilized jars and seal.

Now they're stashed for use on top of the kitchen dresser.

Until next time, be well
Fiona
The Sandbag House
McGregor, South Africa

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