As part of our journey to creating the homestead {farmstead?} of our dreams, we try to eat as seasonally as we can. In part because we try to grow a lot of what we eat, especially in the summer; and in part because it helps build that connection to the earth, to live by the seasons. Yes, we do buy things “out of season” during the winter months, because we are somewhat addicted to salads and fresh fruit, ha. But even then, we have boundaries of a sort. For instance, watermelons and peaches are for summer months only. As much as I miss some flavors during the off-times, that absence makes the flavors so much better when it is time to indulge once more.

These summer months are a time of abundance: the green beans and squash are working overtime, maybe even faster than we can eat them. We’ve been digging potatoes and cutting cabbages from Mr.’s parents’ garden, to add to our garden feasts. Cucumbers are finally starting to come in, and I am delighted. I’ve bought many cucumbers out of season, and they just aren’t the same – nor do they keep very well. I’ve been gobbling them up as fast as they ripen. Hopefully I’ll be able to harvest in greater numbers soon, and can cajole a dear friend into making her magic pickles.

When the strawberries came in, they were the forerunner of more delicious things to come. The farm I buy our strawberries from is actually still picking! It’s a strawberry miracle! And yes, I did take advantage of the surprise late berries to make another batch of jam. {More on preserving seasonal flavors in a future post}. Peaches are for savoring fresh and juicy, and they’re just beginning, so there will be sweet goodness for a while to come. {Mr. is especially looking forward to the white peaches}.

We are also taking full advantage of the abundant berries at Mr.’s parents. Between the blackberries and blueberries, it’s berry eater’s heaven. In short order one night we picked a gallon and a half of blackberries and a gallon of blueberries – some to devour now, and some to freeze for later. {I like frozen blueberries for smoothies, which are perfect for the hot-hot-hot days we’ve got currently}. As loaded with berries as the plants are, as well as the absolutely slammed pear trees, we’re wondering if the addition of our bees helped set more fruit this year. Regardless of the reason, we’ve got berries upon berries, and it’s a delicious time to be alive.

I’m still waiting for that first tomato … I check the plants daily {sometimes multiple times a day}, looking for signs of color on the green babies. And the peppers are slowly coming into their own as well – I noticed the first early buds, so it won’t be long now before we spy baby peppers!

Do you eat seasonally? What’s the summer flavor you miss the most during the rest of the year?