Getting the Most Out of the Harvest: Produce Sale Tips with Mike Darcy

Mark your calendar, September 8, 9, & 10, is the Annual Wilco Produce Sale. This once a year sale happens when the largest selection of produce is available. Wilco stores have fresh produce delivered from local farms and offer this to the public, often in case lots, or bulk quantities. Most of us are familiar with farmers markets and this event is rather like a large farmers market all under one roof. While the exact selection and quantity can vary from store to store, the following is a listing of the produce that will hopefully be available at each store. Weather plays a major role in a farmers’ crop and that is something we have no control over. However, the following is a goal of what we will be ordering. Some items sell out quickly, so don’t delay in getting your ‘must have’ produce.

1. • Jalapeno Peppers
   • Anaheim Peppers
   • Yellow Onions
   • Carrots
   • Roma Tomatoes
   • Bulk Garlic
   • Green Peppers
   • Dill Bunch
   • Canning Tomatoes
   • Green Beans
   • Pickling Cucumbers
   • Corn
   • Red & Yellow Bell Peppers
   • Canning Peaches
   • Bartlett Pears
   • Gala Apples
   • Watermelon
   • Beets
   Many people probably have their own favorite and special recipes for canning and preserving. Here are four from our house that have been favorites for many years.

   At the time this article was published, it was reviewed by canners and against Extension Services' guidance, always suggest reviewing multiple vetted sources with regard to canning and food preservation to assure food safety.

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   Dill Pickles

   
   1. Wash and scrub pickling cucumbers.
   2. Pack washed and scrubbed dill pickles in hot quart jars.
   3. Mix together and boil, one quart of cider vinegar, three quarts of water and one cup of pickling salt.
   4. Pour this mixture over tightly packed cucumbers in hot jars.
   5. Add one bay leaf, one spray of dill and one clove of garlic.
   6. Seal with hot seal and lid, process for 10 minutes.

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   Salsa

   
   • 1 lb. onions
   • 8-10 ounces of peppers
   • 5 lb. tomatoes
   • 2 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
   • 1/3 cup lemon juice
   1. Chop onions and peppers into small pieces.
   2. Peel and chop tomatoes also into small pieces
   3. Add onions, peppers, and other ingredients into chopped tomatoes, and warm this mixture. Pack in hot jars, seal and process in boiling water bath for 5 minutes.

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   Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Relish

   
   • 2 tomatoes, sliced in thin wedges
   • 2 chopped onions
   • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced
   • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
   • One half cup Italian salad dressing
   • Salt & pepper to taste
   1. Place vegetables and parsley in a shallow bowl and pour dressing over the top and mix lightly
   2. Allow to soak and chill thoroughly
   3. Drain, add salt and pepper to taste

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   Pickled String Beans

   
   • 6 lbs. string beans
   • 4 cups water
   • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
   • 2 teaspoons whole cloves
   • 2 teaspoons whole allspice
   • 4 cups distilled white vinegar
   • 4 cups sugar
   • 2 lemons, sliced thin
   1. Snip ends off beans and parboil in small amounts of boiling salted water for 6 minutes.
   2. Drain beans and combine with all other ingredients: simmer for 15 minutes.
   3. Pack beans in hot, sterilized jars. Fill with liquid and seal. Process 5 minutes

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   If it is canning supplies that you need, check out the selection at Wilco. Whether it’s canning lids and rings, canning jar labels, a canning utensil set, pickling and canning salt, etc. Whatever canning supply you need, Wilco probably has it. This Annual Wilco Produce Sale is only for three days and on the first day, the selection will be the best. If the case quantity is too much, check with a neighbor and split a case. This is a great opportunity to actually preserve some of your own food and to support local farmers. Of course, there is nothing wrong with eating a fresh Gala Apple directly from the box!

We would love to see your Produce Projects, use #mywilcolife on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and tag Wilco Stores.

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MIKE’S GARDEN IS LOCATED IN OREGON’S WILLAMETTE VALLEY AND HIS ADVICE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE MILD CLIMATE THERE.