. . . and I picked and picked and picked.
Then inside I came to shell them which is a task I don't mind at all. For me, picking is the hard part. Once again, out in the garden, particular muscles of mine were used (and abused) that haven't been exercised since . . . well, maybe since last pea picking time.
How much did these three huge bowls full yield when all was said and done? When the little peas had been liberated from their pods and been blanched and packaged for the freezer? Seven meals worth. Yeah, I totally understand why some gardeners chose not to fool with shell peas. Seems like a bit much work for such little yield. Yet we love fresh frozen garden peas to eat all through the winter months, and it's not like I'm trying to preserve enough for a family of six. (Arrgh, now that would be a job!) It's just the two of us, and for us it's worth it.
This was just the first picking of the first ones I planted. (Can you believe it's mighty close to the middle of August and the peas are just now coming in? Such a strange gardening year.) There are plenty more on the vines that haven't plumped up yet. (I got a little carried away this year and did two successive plantings after the first one of shell peas. I'm starting to think I may actually succeed in having enough to put up this year!)
I went out to check on the raspberries after dinner tonight. I found I certainly could have picked more of them today, but by then was out of time. I'll get them tomorrow.
On my way to the raspberry patch, I walked through the blueberries and was very surprised to see there are quite a few of them that are ripe. Wow, that seemed to happen overnight. Looks like blueberry picking will be on the list tomorrow, too.
All of a sudden, it seems like harvest time in the garden has really truly actually begun!
See what ya get when ya wish hard. I guess if we don't see you for days at a time you will be out there shelling peas, and picking berries and be busy, busy, busy, squirreling it all away for winter. Hurray you won't have to rely on me for beans and rice alone. And how is the corn? tried any baby corn yet?
ReplyDeleteTombstone Livestock - The (first planted) corn is tasseled out now but, so far, nary a glimpse of anything that looks like an actual ear of corn. There's still hope though!
DeleteDon't forget to save to pods to make pea pod soup!
ReplyDeleteChristina H. - Seriously? I've never heard of pea pod soup. But why not? Our wise ancestors used "everything but the squeal of a pig!"
DeleteI have very fond memories of eating shell peas in my aunt's garden as a child. Here we are growing sugar snap peas and snow peas. I need to do a fall sowing in a hoop bed. Even with rabbit fencing, one sneaky bunny ate whatever poked through the fence - I planted along the fence to provide support - not good!
ReplyDelete2 Tramps - Edible podded peas are WONDERFUL but we eat all of ours fresh . . . I don't like the way they come out limp from the freezer.
DeleteThat widdle wabbit of yours knows what's good!
I love fresh peas, but choose not to grow them because of the work involved. I've just grown sugar snaps the past 4 years and munch them like candy in the garden. Don was really surprised to see some in the fridge one day--a rarity here.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the berries. It's been a very good year for them here. I hit bag number SIXTY yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!
At least SOMETHING is producing out there.....
Sue - Wow! What a blueberry crop you're getting! Can (wo)man live on blueberries alone? ;o}
DeleteI adore peas! I even eat them raw in my salads :) Hope I get that many from mine :) Don't overdo it in the harvest.
ReplyDeleteStephanie - Oh, yes, raw in a salad . . . mmmm, good! I threw some in scrambled eggs I was making yesterday . . . right at the end of cooking.
DeleteI have never had any luck growing shell peas - sob. I love them and none would probably make the trip from garden to house. I am so glad your harvest has begun!
ReplyDeleteSusan - Hunh. Wonder why you can't grow them? If you had eaten all I picked, you would have one big, bad bellyache!
DeleteFresh pods... Looks so delicious and yummy... how lucky you are...
ReplyDeleteEndah - The shell peas ARE a lot of work, but I think they are worth it. So fresh tasting!
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