Gourmet seasonings 2009

© Project SOUND

Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants Project SOUND - 2009

© Project SOUND

Gourmet Seasonings

and Condiments

C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake

CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh Preserve

April 4 & 7, 2009

© Project SOUND

Growing your own food: on the upswing?

Fun

Educational

Good exercise

Interesting looking plants

Saves money

Tasty, fresh ingredients

Chance to grow & use ‘exotic’ ingredients – including CA native plants

http://bloomtown.typepad.com/bloomtown/bloomtown_my_garden/

© Project SOUND

Not your grandmother’s vegetable garden any more!

© Project SOUND

Advantages of including native edible

plants in your garden

Often easy to grow

Attract native pollinators as well as honey bees

Attract other beneficial insects (predators)

Many are water-wise; spend you ‘water allowance’ on other vegetables

Add wonderful ‘exotic’ & healthy flavors to your diet

© Project SOUND

Sand Fringepod – Thysanocarpus curvipes

http://syrpa.lindberglce.com/flowersBig/B106.htm

© Project SOUND

Sand Fringepod – Thysanocarpus curvipes

Western N. America: Mexico to British Columbia

Most of CA, including western L.A. County

Common to an elevation of about 5000'

Slopes, washes, moist meadows

Valley grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral and foothill woodland

Thysanocarpus: from the Greek words thusanos, "fringe," and karpos, "fruit," hence "fringed fruit"

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?2240,2683,2685

© Project SOUND

In nature, Sand Fringepod is usually found

with other wildflowers, grasses

Lindley’s Silverpuffs

Goldenrods

Bicolor Lupine

CA Poppy

Creamcups

Many others…

http://edgehill.net/nature/sierra/pg1pc2 http://tchester.org/srp/plants/pix/fringe_pod.html

© Project SOUND

Sand Fringepod – a delicate spring annual

Size:

1-2 ft tall

1-2 ft wide

Growth form: Delicate and upright habit

May be a single stem or branched; more branches with more water

Generally disappears quickly with drought

Foliage: larger leaves mostly at base

© 2004, Ben Legler

© Project SOUND

Flowers are tiny

‘mustard’ flowers

Blooms: Spring; usually Mar-May in

W. L.A. Co

Depends on timing of rains

Flowers: Really tiny - < ¼ inch across

White tinged with purple

Flowers open sequentially ‘up the stalk’

Typical shape for Mustard family – parts of 4

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/fringepod.html http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Thysanocarpus_curvipes.htm

© Project SOUND

…but the real show

is in the seeds

Flat round pods; each contains a single seed

Each seed fringed with a lacey edging – hence ‘Fringepod’ or ‘Spectaclepod’

Ripe seeds are golden tan; easy to strip from the stalk into a bowl

Remember: annual wildflowers need a drought period to set & mature their seeds – the drying period is key to healthy seeds

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/fringepod.html

© Project SOUND

Cleaning seeds

Collect only fully ripe seeds; usually brown, and often easy to strip of shake from plant

Rub seeds over a rough surface (like a screen) or roll between your hands in a cloth bag

Separate seeds from chaff: heavier seeds will fall to bottom – will have to experiment

Then seeds are ready to store or prepare as a condiment!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2416699089_94dab9fd1e.jpg?v=0

© Project SOUND

Sand Fringepod: a welcome addition to

the native prairie palette

Mix with other native annuals and bunchgrasses

Great in pots & planters

Treat them like any other native annual wildflower:

Full sun to light shade Any local soil is fine Need plenty of

winter/spring water; supplement if needed

Withhold water after flowering ceases; can taper off in mid/late spring

© Project SOUND

Can I plant native

wildflowers in my regular

vegetable garden?

But of course!

In pots & planters

In out-of-the way corners

Amongst winter/spring vegetables

In their own place of honor (Zone 1 in summer)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2416699089_94dab9fd1e.jpg?v=0

© Project SOUND

* Blue Flax –Linum lewisii var. lewisii

© Project SOUND

Blue Flax –Linum lewisii var. lewisii

Found in most of CA north to OR

Grows on dry open slopes and ridges

The genus Linum contains all the flax plants (including the European one used for commercial fibers)

Species name lewisii for Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expeditions

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?4965,4980,4983,4985

© Project SOUND

Blue flax only looks delicate – it’s actually a pretty tough little perennial (but often grown as an annual)

http://sagehen.ucnrs.org/Photos/misc.%20credits/al_grigarich/blue-violet/slides/B034.1%20%20Mt.%20Lola%20%20%20Blue%20Flax%20%20Linum%20lewisii.html

© Project SOUND

Blue Flax is a nice addition to the spring-

summer garden

Size: 1½ to 2 ft tall; flowering stalks to

3 ft 1-2 ft wide

Growth form: Short-lived perennial; sometimes

more like an annual Mounded clump with upright,

arching branches

Foliage: Gray-green to blue-green Leaves are ‘feathery’, delicate

looking Looks ‘woodsy’

Roots: longish tap-root; use a taller pot

© Project SOUND

The flowers are just enchanting….

Blooms: Usually May-Sept. in S. Bay Will bloom in second year after starting

from seed Long boom period – about 6 weeks

Flowers: Electric blue – difficult to photograph Typical flax flower; parts in 5’s Dozens of blooms on drooping branches Flowers open in sunlight, close at night Pollinated by bees and flies Nice butterfly plant

Seeds: Small, in papery capsule Poisonous eaten raw; cooked seeds add a

delicious taste to baked & cooked dishes Birds eat the seeds

Vegetative reproduction:

Plant sends up more branches each year – slightly spreading

Our native flax is just as pretty as the

non-native flaxes that most gardeners

plant

© Project SOUND

Treat Blue Flax like most

of our native annuals

Soils: Texture: light, well-drained soils are best pH: any local, including alkali

Light: Usually found in full sun in nature Does fine with part-shade

Water: Winter: regular winter water Summer:

Good cold and drought tolerance Tolerates anything from no summer water to

regular water; best to withhold water in late summer for good seed-set

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: Weed control and removal of very competitive

species may improve chance of establishment To maintain tidy appearance, cut plants back

after bloom

Good self-seeder in most gardens; easy to remove unwanted plants

© Project SOUND

Every garden needs a little Blue Flax

Lovely specimen plant in a pot; will trail over edges

Massed in a mixed bed with other wildflowers & grasses

In rock gardens

For erosion control or in a greenbelt for fire suppression

In a habitat garden – for bees, butterflies & seed-eating birds

Flax provided food, medicines and fiber for native Californians

© Project SOUND

Parching seeds

Use a heavy skillet (cast iron is great)

Heat a little oil in the skillet over low heat; no oil needed for well-seasoned skillets

Wipe out all but a thin layer of the oil

Pour in a thin layer of fully dry seeds

Keep seeds moving so they don’t burn

Remove from skillet when golden brown – some may pop

You can also parch seeds in the oven

http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/granado/images/basket.html

http://www.d.umn.edu/cla/faculty/troufs/Buffalo/images/pf021841.jpg

© Project SOUND

http://deborahsmall.wordpress.com/page/3/

© Project SOUND

Using parched seeds: limited only by your

imagination

To add flavor to baked or cooked items

Topping for bread On bland cooked vegetables On casseroles As a salad topper Etc.

Ground (alone or with other

seeds/spices)

Pinole Mush Beverages Biscuits & pancakes Etc.

http://plants.usda.gov/culturalinfo.html

http://www.allgauhotel.com/wiki/wiki_turkish_cuisine.html

© Project SOUND

Clustered Tarplant – Hemizonia (Deinandra) fasciculata

Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

© Project SOUND

http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/dudleyl2.htm

CA and Baja

Dry coastal plains below 1000', coastal grasslands, vernal pools, disturbed areas, sage scrub, southern oak woodland

Often in sandy or clayey soils

Taxonomy –still evolving

Clustered Tarplant – Hemizonia (Deinandra) fasciculata

© Project SOUND

Characteristics of Clustered Tarplant

Size:

1-3 ft tall

1-3 ft wide

Growth form: Herbaceous annual

Shrubby habit; many branched

Foliage: Sparse, toothed leaves with

bristly hairs

Upper leaves narrow, in bundles

Aromatic

Produces a tarry substance

© 2006 Steven Thorsted

© Project SOUND

Flowers are a spot of gold in summer/fall

Blooms: Summer/early fall

Usually May-Sept. in local lowland areas

Flowers: Yellow sunflower heads

Few ray & disk flowers – Southern Tarplant (H. parryi ssp. australis) has more

Seem to float above the twiggy foliage

Seeds: Little ‘sunflower seeds’

Edible; parched or boiled – but very small

Re-seed nicely on bare ground

http://www.sdnhm.org/fieldguide/plants/dein-fas.html

© Project SOUND

Encouraging native wildflowers: Native

California Wisdom

Many native annuals were valued as food plants (seed; greens)

Native annuals usually require light, spring moisture – little competition

Native practices: Scattering seed during

harvest (seed-beating) Burning in fall after harvest Clearing a ‘garden spot’ near

dwellings to raise commonly eaten plants

Weeding

http://www.hazmac.biz/080109/080109DeinandraFasciculata.html

© Project SOUND

Flavored vinegars are still quite popular…

http://i.pbase.com/g6/41/768841/2/83826488.7gqVevyu.jpg

© Project SOUND

You can make your own with native CA plants

© Project SOUND

Seasoning marinades & vinegars

Artemisia californica Artemisia dracunculus Bladderpod Native onions (Allium) Peppergrasses Salvias Even some of the berries/

fruits

Experiment to find the best

combinations. In general, stronger

flavors are best with red wine or rice

vinegars

© Project SOUND

California Boxthorn – Lycium californicum

http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/plants/sdpls/plants/Lycium_californicum.html

© Project SOUND

California Boxthorn – Lycium californicum

A local endemic: S. CA coast, Channel

Islands into Baja CA

Western L.A. Co. and south

Washes and hillsides, coastal bluffs, coastal sage scrub, below 1500‘

In the nightshade family (with the Nightshades, tomatoes, etc.)

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?7625,7636,7642

© Project SOUND

Right at home on

the bluffs…

Fine with salty soils, salt-spray, high winds & blowing sand

Habitat is disappearing – on CNPS ‘rare’ watch list

© 2004 Michael Charters

© Project SOUND

CA Boxthorn:

interesting or homely?

http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/plants/sdpls/plants/Lycium_californicum.html

http://www.newportbay.org/plants/califboxthorn.html

Size: 3-6 ft tall (occasionally to

10 or 12 ft tall)

4-8 ft wide (occasionally wider)

Growth form: Dense, woody shrub

Drought-deciduous

Ends of branches have thorns (hence ‘boxthorn’)

Foliage: Small, very succulent leaves

© Project SOUND

Flowers are slightly

tomato-like

Blooms: Spring - usually Mar-June in S. Bay

Flowers: Small; < ½ inch

Green-white to somewhat purple tinged

Look like members of the nightshade family – yet unique

http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/californiaboxthorn.html

© 2004 Michael Charters

© Project SOUND

Using the fruit…think

‘tomato’

Fruits are firm and red when ripe – usually in summer

Birds will eat the fruits

Fruits are not sweet – more tart

Fruits can be dried for later use

Can be used to make a sauce that’s somewhat like a tomato sauce – see recipes

http://www.newportbay.org/plants/califboxthorn.html

Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: any well-drained,

sand to clay, rocky

pH: any local

Light: Full sun to light shade

Water: Winter: needs winter rains

Summer: Very drought tolerant –

but loses leaves

Best Water Zone 2

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

http://www.newportbay.org/plants/califboxthorn.html

CA Boxthorn thrives on seaside

conditions; excellent for sea

bluffs

© Project SOUND

CA Boxthorn has a place in some CA

gardens…..

On seaside slopes

As a barrier plant or hedge

As an unusual – and rare – specimen plant

? as an interesting pot plant? – I’ll let you know

© 2004 Michael Charters

© Project SOUND

Maybe you really wanted a sweet/tart

sauce….

© Project SOUND

Make nice, sweet/tart sauces & jellies

*Amelanchier alnifolia – Western Serviceberry

*Berberis/Mahonia species – Oregon Grapes

Opuntia littoralis – Coastal Pricklypear

Prunus ilicifolia – Catalina & Holly-leaf Cherries

*Prunus virginiana – Western Chokecherry

Rosa californica – CA Wild Rose

Sambuccus cerulea - Blue (Mexican) Elderberry

Vitis species – Native Grapes

© Project SOUND

Oregon Grape – Mahonia (Berberis) aquifolium

© 2006 Louis-M. Landry

© Project SOUND

Oregon Grape – Mahonia (Berberis) aquifolium

Much of western N. America: Mexico to British Columbia

In CA: Mostly N. CA

Also mountains & foothills throughout Ca – locally in San Gabriels

Slopes, canyons, coniferous forest, oak woodland, chaparral

In the Barberry family

State flower of OR http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Berberis+aquifolium

http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500223

© Project SOUND

Oregon Grape: sized for the garden

Size:

3-8 ft tall

3-6 ft wide

Growth form: Evergreen shrub; medium-slow

growth

Stiff, upright branches; overall irregular or mounded form

Foliage: Very attractive – leaves ‘holly-like’

Shiny dark green above; may give red color in fall/winter

Overall – coarse texture

Roots: spreads via rhizomes

© Project SOUND

Soils: Texture: pretty much any

pH: any local

Light: Best in part-shade; can

take full sun to very shady

Water: Winter: likes water; can

take some flooding

Summer: best with some supplemental water – Zone 2 to 2-3 (even 3)

Fertilizer: likes a good organic mulch; renew yearly

Oregon Grape: not

demanding at all

© Project SOUND

Flowers are a cheerful sight

during rainy season

Blooms: winter/spring Usually Feb-Apr in S. Bay

Blooms for 3-4 weeks

Flowers: Bell-shaped & buttery

yellow

In dense clusters – very showy against the darker leaves

Honey-like fragrance

Seeds: Relatively large

© Project SOUND

Berries are tart but delicious

Can be eaten directly for a tasty zing!

Can be fermented with sugar to wine

Make nice, tart jellies – good with meats

Boil berries in soup to add flavor

Use to make sauces and marinades for ham, pork, chicken

© Project SOUND

Oregon Grape is a

popular home shrub

foundation plant

mass plantings

shrub border

mixes well with other broadleaf evergreens

useful in shady spots

desirable for spring bloom, high quality summer foliage and blue fruit in fall

Yellow natural dye from roots & bark; also dye from berries

Medicinal uses: roots for various infectious conditions

© Project SOUND

Cultivar ‘Compactum’ (sometimes ‘Compacta’)

Smaller – 3’ by 3’

More mounded- bushy

http://www.intermountainnursery.com/demonstration_garden_list.htm

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/maaqc1.htm

© Project SOUND

You may know that CA Wild Rose hips make a nice jelly or syrup…

….but there are other members of the Rose family that are even better known for their tasty fruits

© Project SOUND

* Western Serviceberry – Amelanchier alnifolia

© 2007 Matt Below

© Project SOUND

* Western Serviceberry – Amelanchier alnifolia

Mainly a plant of the Pacific Northwest, the midwest and western Canada – up to AK

In CA, mainly in the northwest, but…

Also, in the western San Gabriel mountains

Found on forested slopes, open rocky woods, cliff edges, prairies, or along side streams or lakes; also bogs and wet sites.

‘Serviceberry’ and ‘Juneberry’ refer to the time of bloom

http://www.cnr.vt.edu/DENDRO/DENDROL

OGY/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=193

© Project SOUND

In the wilds, a shrub

or small tree

Size and shape very greatly depending on:

Available water

Available light

Snow pack

Growth season

http://www.malag.aes.oregonstate.edu/wildflowers/species.php/id-103

© Project SOUND

In the local mountains, Western

Serviceberry is an understory to pines

Often grows in the shade of the shade of larger trees

In Western San Gabriels

http://biology.csusb.edu/PlantGuideFolder/SanGabriels.htm

© Project SOUND

Western Serviceberry: very adaptable

Size: 6-15+ ft tall

6-10 ft wide

Growth form: Erect shrub/single or multi-

trunk small tree

Branches smooth with gray or red bark

Dense, but winter-deciduous

Medium/slow growing

Foliage: Medium to dark green

Leaves oval, toothed

Roots: spreads via rhizomes; also deep taproots

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=amal2

© Project SOUND

Serviceberry is showy in bloom

Blooms: Spring: usually Apr-May

in Western L.A. Co.

Bloom period up to 1 mo.

Flowers: White; rose-like

In dense clusters; very showy

Fragrant (sweet)

Seeds: Like rose; propagate

similar to roses

© 2004, Ben Legler

© Project SOUND

But most folks like

the berries best

Ripen in summer

Dark blue-purple when ripe with white bloom – look like blueberries

Loved by berry-eating birds – you’ll probably have to outwit them!

Use just like a blueberry:

Eat fresh or dry Used in baked goods Use for sauces, syrups,

jellies, beverages, etc.

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=amal2 http://www.malag.aes.oregonstate.edu/wildflowers/species.php/id-103

© Project SOUND

Serviceberry does well in the home garden

Soils: Texture: just about any

moderately or well-drained soil

pH: likes pH between 5.0-7.5

Light: Adaptable: part-sun best, but

can take full sun to quite shady

Water: Winter: like good soil moisture

Summer: best in Zone 2 to 2-3

Fertilizer: likes a good organic mulch like leaf litter

© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

© Project SOUND

Serviceberry: a

garden favorite

Makes a great small tree for front yard or patio

Fine as a large shrub; dormant Dec.-Feb/Mar

Good choice for hedge, hedgerow or screen

Espalier along a wall

Can even trim to a medium groundcover

http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/White%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/amelanchier.htm

http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Trees/Shrubs/junebrry.htm

http://www.denverwater.org/cons_x

eriscape/xeriscape/garden2002.htm

l Leave some of previous year’s

growth as fruiting wood

© Project SOUND

Serviceberry makes

great habitat

Cover & nesting

Nectar: Bess & other pollinators Butterflies: orange tip, CA

Hairstreak, western tiger swallowtail, spring Azure and elfin butterflies

Foliage: (note: poisonous if eaten in large quantities) Swallowtail, Elfin and other

butterfly larvae. Deer will browse

Fruit: Just about everyone loves it!

Lazuli Bunting in Serviceberry Bush

http://loriaull.wordpress.com/2008/07/12/western-serviceberry-amelanchier-alnifolia/

© Project SOUND

Uses for sweet/tart

jellies, syrups, sauces

On toast or muffins

On pancakes & waffles

On ice cream or cake

As a flavoring for hot & cold beverages

As a glaze or marinade for meats

As a condiment with ethnic dishes: Thai, Middle Eastern, Asian Indian

http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/1630485/300.jpg

© Project SOUND

* Western Chokecherry – Prunus virginiana var. demissa

http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=23962

© Project SOUND

* Western Chokecherry – Prunus virginiana var. demissa

Western N. America from Mexico & TX to British Columbia

In CA, generally a plant of higher elevation foothills & mountains

Locally: San Gabriel Mtns – generally > 5000 ft.

Rocky slopes, canyons, scrub, oak/pine woodland, coniferous forest – generally as an occasional plant on N-facing slopes

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Prunus+virginiana+var.+demissa

© Project SOUND

Chokecherry in

nature

Widely varied habitats that share:

Often soils are a little richer in terms of nutrients

A little extra moisture in winter

Some shade in summer: N-facing slopes

Under trees

© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

© 2005 Steve Matson

© Project SOUND

Size: 6-18 ft tall; variable –

depends on local conditions

15-20 ft wide; spreads via rhizomes

Growth form: Upright, multi-trunk large

shrub to small tree

Branches somewhat horizontal

Smooth red-gray bark

Often fairly open growth

Foliage: Leaves simple, medium green

Typical for Rose family; winter-deciduous

Chokecherry: another shrub in the Rose family

© Project SOUND

Flowers are fantastic!

Blooms: Spring: usually Apr-May

in S. CA

Flowers: Small, buff to white

rose-like flowers

In dense, drooping flowering stalks – very showy & distinctive

Sweet scent – reminiscent of almonds

Attract many pollinators, including butterflies

http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=23962

http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/prunus-virginiana-demissa

© Project SOUND

Fruits are prized…

Wonderful sweet-tart flavor for:

Jelly

Syrups & sauces

Fruit leather

Juice

Note: pits (seeds) are toxic if eaten raw; poison neutralized by cooking or drying

http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=23962

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: all but very heavy

clays

pH: not highly alkali (> 8.0)

Light: Full sun to fairly shady

Probably best with some shade

Water: Winter: needs good winter

rains; supplement if necessary

Summer: best with supplemental water (Zone 2 to 2-3; will sucker in Zone 3)

Fertilizer: likes an organic mulch (leaf mulch best)

Other: prune as needed; often best with little pruning

© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

© Project SOUND

Managing fruiting shrubs

in the Rose family

Pest management: Susceptible to Fire Blight & fungal

diseases

Practice good preventive measures (see last lecture handouts)

Pruning: Flowers/fruits on last year’s wood –

leave some if you want fruits

In general, best with minimum of pruning once general shape is established

Suckering: Will happen with watering

Plant accordingly; good candidates for mowed lawn area or someplace where they can just fill in

http://www.kansasforests.org/conservation/shrubs/chokecherry.shtml

http://www.stevenspoint.com/forestry/right_tree/11.html

© Project SOUND

Garden uses for

Chokecherry

Trimmed as a small tree

For hedgerows & screens

As a large accent shrub – pretty most of the year

For erosion control – good on slopes

Note: recommended only for colder gardens

http://www.landscapedia.info/images/plant_images/Prunus_virginiana_Canada_Red_.jpg

© Project SOUND

Make nice, sweet/tart sauces & jellies

*Amelanchier alnifolia – Western Serviceberry

*Berberis/Mahonia species – Oregon Grapes

Opuntia littoralis – Coastal Pricklypear

Prunus ilicifolia – Catalina & Holly-leaf Cherries

*Prunus virginiana – Western Chokecherry

Rosa californica – CA Wild Rose

Sambuccus cerulea - Blue (Mexican) Elderberry

Vitis species – Native Grapes

© Project SOUND

Picking and cleaning the fruits can be messy

Pick only ripe fruits

Either strip fruits off branches or: Cut off individual clumps

(grapes; elderberries) Use a pair of tongs

(Pricklypear cactus)

Remove stems, flowers, other ‘non-fruit’ material

Wash fruit thoroughly – several changes of water is best

Remember: many of these fruits can stain http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/2875487011_70d4797e99.jpg?v=0

© Project SOUND

Simmer the fruits on low heat until they split

Use a deep, heavy pot

Barely cover fruit with clean water

Bring fruits to boil, then turn down heat

Simmer about ½ hour (varies with type/size of fruit)

Stir occasionally; fruit will split

Be sure to enjoy the wonderful aroma!!!

© Project SOUND

Strain the juice…then use it for jelly/syrup

Strain hot juice through a jelly bag or layers of cheesecloth

Best it you don’t squeeze bag (or only do so lightly); some jellies will become cloudy it squeeze small particles through

Use juice right away, or can refrigerate for several days before making jelly/syrup

© Project SOUND

Making jellies & sauces: really very easy

Use a good basic recipe – in handout.

If you’ve never canned, be sure you have all the needed equipment – and read in general about canning

Add sugar & lemon juice (to help it jell better)

Suggest use purchased pectin – may need to experiment with amount needed

Have fun: you can mix flavors, add to conserves, etc.

Enter your creation in the County Fair or other contest – you might just have a winner!

© Project SOUND

We hope you’ll consider including some

native food plants in your yard

Blue Elderberry - Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea

© Project SOUND ‘Roger’s Red’ Grape – Vitis californica ‘Roger’s Red’

© Project SOUND

Chia Sage - Salvia columbariae

© Project SOUND

Let’s go see what’s out there