- The Steady Home-stead 🏡
- Posts
- Food Drying for Winter + Techniques for Stress-less Homesteading
Food Drying for Winter + Techniques for Stress-less Homesteading
Btw, should homesteaders experiment with growing exotic crops for new opportunities, or stick with reliable local crops that are known to thrive?
Cedie Omaña
November 10, 2024
In partnership with
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Homesteading is not just living off the land; it’s living with the land."
— Anonymous
HOMESTEAD TIP OF THE DAY
Fall is the perfect time to test your soil’s pH and add amendments if needed. Lime can be added to raise soil pH, and sulfur can lower it, preparing the ground for spring planting.
Should homesteaders experiment with growing exotic crops for new opportunities, or stick with reliable local crops that are known to thrive? |
IN TODAY'S EDITION
Homestead Tip 🌱
Poll Results From Last Thursday 📊
All Things Homestead: Essential Foods to Dry for Winter Storage 💭
Personal Development: Managing Stress - Homesteading Without Overwhelm 😉
Today's Top Picks 🛍️
Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
5 Reasons We Love Wayfair
Undoubtedly Wayfair is one of the most fun sites to shop. But in a world where every penny matters, we’re looking for more than just fun. We want to save big and purchase quality home goods from a trusted source. You may be wondering, “Is Wayfair legit?” and “Is Wayfair furniture good quality?” We can confidently answer yes to those questions, and when you read Wayfair reviews, you’ll find that thousands of customers agree with us.
POLL RESULTS FROM LAST THURSDAY
What would you be most excited to try if you could easily make cheese at home?
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Creating unique flavors and types of cheese
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Using organic or raw milk from my own livestock
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Customizing ingredients to suit my dietary needs
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Simply having fresher, healthier cheese without preservatives
via @beehiiv polls
Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉
ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD
Essential Foods to Dry for Winter Storage 💭
In the last issue, we talked about Essential Foods to Can for Winter Storage, but today, let’s look at another fantastic preservation method—drying.
Drying food is a simple and age-old way to keep your pantry stocked all winter. It’s easy, doesn’t take up much space, and is perfect for both beginners and long-time homesteaders.
So, How Does Drying Works?
Drying removes moisture from food, which helps prevent bacteria and mold from growing. It’s an excellent way to make your food last longer without taking up too much room. Whether you have an electric dehydrator, an oven, or you want to try air-drying (for the super frugal), you can make it work.
Storage Tips: Once your food is dry, keep it fresh by storing it in airtight containers, jars, or vacuum-sealed bags. Don’t forget to label everything with the date, so you use the older items first.
Best Foods to Dehydrate
There are plenty of foods you can dry, but here are some essentials to consider:
Fruits: Apples, pears, peaches, and berries. These are great for snacking or adding to oatmeal and baked goods.
Vegetables: Peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions are perfect for soups, stews, or casseroles during the winter.
Herbs: Basil, oregano, thyme, parsley. Dried herbs are so handy for cooking when your fresh herb garden isn’t around.
Meats: Jerky is a great way to preserve protein and makes for a tasty snack.
Easy Tips for Part-Time Homesteaders
Even if you’re juggling work and homesteading, you can still dehydrate your food without feeling overwhelmed. Here are some tips:
Dehydrate Overnight: Set up your dehydrator before bed or while you're at work. That way, it’s working while you’re busy with other things.
Slice Evenly: Make sure your fruits and veggies are sliced evenly. This helps them dry at the same rate, so you don’t end up with some pieces over-dried and others too moist.
Dry Herbs Simply: No fancy equipment needed! Just hang your herbs in bunches in a dry, warm place until they’re crisp.
Quick How-To: Drying Apples
Here’s a quick guide to drying apple slices, so you can see just how easy it is.
Slice the Apples: Wash, core, and slice your apples evenly, about 1/4-inch thick.
Dehydrate: Lay the slices on the dehydrator trays, making sure they’re not touching. Set the temperature to about 135°F (57°C) and let them dry for 6-8 hours until they’re slightly crispy.
Store: Once dried, store the apples in an airtight container or vacuum-seal them to keep them fresh.
Dried apples make for a delicious snack or a great addition to your winter oatmeal.
In our next issue, we’ll talk about Essential Foods to Freeze for Winter Storage, but for now, grab some apples, herbs, or veggies and start dehydrating! You’ll be glad to have them on hand when winter hits.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Managing Stress: Homesteading Without Overwhelm 😉
Homesteading is a rewarding lifestyle, but it can definitely be stressful at times. From daily chores to unexpected problems, it’s easy to feel like there’s too much on your plate. But with some simple strategies, you can manage that stress and keep things in balance.
Spotting Stress Early
The first step in handling stress is knowing when it's creeping up on you. You might feel more irritable, tired, or anxious. Tasks that usually feel easy could start to feel overwhelming. If you’re noticing this, it’s a sign that stress is taking hold.
Take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you feeling tense or rushed? Having trouble focusing or sleeping? These are all signs that it’s time to pause and recharge.
Quick Ways to Reduce Stress
When stress starts building, it helps to have a few tricks to calm down. Here are some simple ways to find relief:
Grounding in Nature: Stand barefoot on the grass or sit quietly in your garden for a few minutes. Being in nature can help clear your mind and remind you why you love homesteading.
Yoga or Stretching: A quick yoga session or some light stretching can loosen up tension and help you relax. Even 10 minutes can make a difference.
Short Meditation Breaks: Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and focus on your breathing for a few minutes. It’s a simple way to reset your mind and regain focus.
Turn Homesteading into a Stress Reliever
Believe it or not, homesteading itself can be a way to relax if you approach it with the right mindset.
Gardening as Meditation: When gardening, try to be fully present. Focus on the feel of the soil, the sounds around you, and the rhythm of your movements. This can turn your tasks into a calming practice instead of a chore.
Animal Care as Therapy: Spending time with your animals can also help you unwind. Whether it’s gathering eggs or brushing your goats, these simple tasks can be soothing when you take your time and enjoy them.
Make Your Own Stress Management Plan
Everyone deals with stress differently, so having a plan that works for you is key. A stress management plan gives you a go-to guide for when things start to feel overwhelming.
How to Create Your Plan:
Know Your Triggers: What stresses you out the most? Is it the feeling of falling behind, or trying to do too much at once?
List Your Stress-Busters: Write down activities that calm you, like taking a walk, listening to music, or sitting with your animals.
Set Boundaries: Don’t be afraid to take breaks when you need them. Know your limits and give yourself permission to rest.
Schedule Downtime: Make time for regular breaks, even if they’re short. Whether it’s a 5-minute meditation or a day off, downtime is important.
Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or fellow homesteaders for support. You don’t have to do everything alone.
THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER
What do you call a corny love story?
A-maize-ing romance.
TODAY'S TOP PICKS
LET’S KEEP IT REEL!
I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!
When you totally forgot to budget for plants, but honestly, our little plant babies are worth every penny:
Just a little pony trying to take a bite of water:
@littledevil1223 Since everyone loved the last video of Alvin, I wanted to share an up close version of this goof ball biting the water 😂 #horses #horsesof... See more
When the lambs totally get who’s in charge:
@ladbible They know who's boss 🤣 (🎥: @shyrish1994) #ladbible #farmlife #farmdog #lambs #animals #funnyvideos
ENGAGE WITH US
How'd you like today's newsletter? |