14 November 2011 Environmental Benefits of Food Preservation By:
Laura Trotta There is no doubt that we're heading into the
busiest period of the year. Christmas preparations aside, I'm
referring to the drive of the home cook and gardener to preserve
the delicious summer fruits and vegetables to enjoy year round.
Before the days of refrigeration, preserving food was a common
occurrence throughout the world to ensure adequate food supplies
year round. Preserving food is still a fantastic way to stretch
your budget, help the environment and live a healthier life all
at the same time. Some of the many benefits include: - eating
'in season' all year round and enjoying summer produce in winter
without resorting to buying fruit and vegetables that may have
travelled half the globe. - minimising waste from your homegrown
harvest - even a large family would struggle to eat a tree full
of fruit when it ripens at the same time! - giving old jars and
bottles a new lease of life rather than disposing or recycling
them (r