Here in August, our vegetable garden becomes a veritable cornucopia: tomatoes, courgettes, beans, to name but a few, are harvested in such quantities you do not know what to do with them. And that is precisely the problem. So, if you too are buried under surplus produce, here are a few ideas to avoid wasting your vegetables.
Idea No. 1: Give away or swap surplus vegetables
Sharing harvests is a pleasure… provided it is done with restraint. Bringing your neighbours a full crate of courgettes is a kind gesture, certainly. But unless you live next door to an XXL family, it simply shifts the problem, because they too may not know what to do with them! Next time, they may well pretend to be out when they see you approaching with a basket, even when empty. So give, but first make sure your friends will have time to use the vegetables, and bear in mind that a small mixed basket (especially if it contains strawberries) is more popular.
Also consider contacting local charities and other community food shops; they will be able to tell you what they need.
Idea No. 2: Sell your produce, at home or online
Selling your produce is also an option. It may seem mean, but the vegetables you grow have value; they did not grow by themselves. I have not found specific legislation on the subject; however, it appears tax authorities have no objection provided your vegetable garden is under 500 m² and is attached to your home. Out of fairness to professional market gardeners, do not set up on markets. Putting up a sign outside your house, advertising on Le Bon Coin or a local Facebook group is often enough to attract interested people. Another option is to register on a dedicated site, such as Le potiron.fr or cavientdujardin.fr
I have heard that in some English villages, surplus vegetables are sometimes left outside the house, accompanied by an honesty box where anyone can drop a coin. Clever, isn't it? Have you ever heard of this practice?
Idea No. 3: Transform them… but be inventive!
Let's think: what is the real problem with surplus harvests? Often, truth be told, it is the boredom ("More beans?") caused by the cook's lack of imagination, isn't it? Talent helps too, and time above all… Nonetheless, facing a glut of courgettes can lead to new taste experiences: ratatouille is not the only option! Why not try apple-and-courgette salad, courgette fritters or courgette cake? Perhaps a homemade gazpacho? 100% vegetable lasagne? Remember how lovely it is, in the depths of February, to rediscover the flavour of summer vegetables. That should give you a bit of courage to tackle the next point:
Idea No. 4: Preserve, yes, but with discernment
Ah, the memory of my grandmother's "Le Parfait" jars, meticulously lined up in the larder! Who has not wanted to take up the tradition of home preserves again? It is easy and economical.
On preserving fruits and vegetables, we have prepared two guides you can consult:
But it requires time, suitable equipment and, above all, enough space to store everything.
So take stock before you start:
- how much space you have, including freezer space?
- what are your eating habits? Do you regularly eat preserves or frozen meals, or are you a fan of 100% fresh, seasonal produce?
- are you more into jam, fruit in syrup or do you prefer chilled smoothies?
- do you have several weekends to dedicate to preparing preserves?
If the answers are: I have no space / I only eat fresh produce / I don't like jam / I'd rather read on the terrace or go to the beach... go back to ideas No. 1 and 2 🙂
And you? What are your tips for dealing with an overly generous harvest? Any recipes?
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