Page 15 - ALG Issue 3 2021

best way to store these is in almost dry horticultural grade sharp sand. This can either be done in strong wooden boxes, or my favourite method is a root bench. This is a strong wooden bench builtagainstthreewallsofashed,with the front open. A layer of sand is put down, then a layer of the roots, none of which are allowed to touch one another. Then another layer of sand
to cover, another layer of roots and so on. Other root crops such as scorzonera, salsify, chicory can
be stored in the same way, as can parsnips, though not before they have been allowed to be frosted several times to sweeten them up.
BRASSICAS:
Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale,
and some cauliflowers and sprouting broccoli can be grown throughout winter; however, if there is a particular glut during the summer months of any of the brassica family, these can be blanched and frozen for later use.
FRUITS:
All soft fruits can be frozen for later use; however, these will never have the
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OTHER CROPS:
Below is a brief list of other crops and the best method of storing:
• Asparagus–bestblanchedandfrozen.
• Sweetcorn – best blanched and frozen, either
on the cob or removed.
• Pumpkins and autumn/winter squashes –
these should be harvested when fully ripe, the skins allowed to dry and cure for a week or so in a greenhouse, polytunnel or frame before storing in a dry, frost and rodent free shed.
Lettuce, chard, spinach, radish and other such quick maturing crops don’t generally tend to store very well, so if these are required the year-round, provision should be made to grow suitable varieties throughout the winter in greenhouses, polytunnels, frames or similar.
same consistency once they have been defrosted but will still be perfectly useable for cooking purposes. Apples and pears are best stored in slatted trays with plenty of air circulation in a dry, frost and rodent free shed, cellar or similar. As a general rule, the earlier maturing apple or pear, the shorter length of time it will store for, with the latest maturing varieties storing well into early the following year if required.
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