Here in the northern part of Great Britain, where the growing season is short and crops mature to give periods of feast and famine, food preservation is a vital part of the growing cycle.
Preserving food in time of plenty prevents food going to waste when it cannot all be eaten and ensures that the abundance produced at peak crop lasts through the times when crops can’t grow.
The Garden Cottage Food Preservation Course looks at the need for and value of food preservation and also looks into the practical aspects;
Health and Hygiene
- General Safety
- Hand Washing
- Food Separation
- Safe Use of Heat
- Safe use of Sharp Objects
- Tools and Equipment
Methodologies
- Drying Herbs
- Drying Fruit
- Drying Vegetables
- Freezing
- Jellies, Jams and Curds
- Cordials
- Pickling
- Fermentation
- Chutney
- Pressing
- Bottling
- Storage
We run courses throughout the year.
In summer we focus on preservation of soft fruits, making delicious ice-cream in the process.
At other times of the year we spend more time on top fruit and veggies.
This course is run from Garden Cottage and, since the garden is just 1/5 acre and our home, there is no accommodation on site. However Coldstream is a beautiful town set in the wonderful Scottish Borders and, as such, boasts a fine array of hotels, guest houses and campsites.
Here are some useful links to places to stay;
http://bordergaitherin.tumblr.com/stay
https://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/scottish-borders/
Directions for travelling to Garden Cottage are here