Today we seemed to be turning over a new leaf into autumn:
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Because we were so busy over the summer we didn’t get round to sowing leeks, cabbages and cauliflowers, so we’ve bought plants and we’ll be planting them out during the next few days. Today I sowed turnips and Lo Jardinièr planted out Rougette and Oak leaf lettuces.
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We have five good pumpkins like the two above, which should keep for the winter. We’d given up hope of getting anything from the Butternut squash plants that our neighbour had given us because they seemed to be producing only male flowers. We’d even given up watering them when we noticed this surprise one growing on a plant which had climbed up the pea netting.
And some more figs….
The figs are ripening well on our friend’s trees and we picked some more this morning, but not enough to make jam yet. I baked some with butter and local garrigue honey this morning (just 20 minutes at 180 degrees C), and we’ll eat them tonight with crème fraiche.
Mediterranean diet
I was delighted at the long comments my last post attracted and it was interesting to read what others thought. I should emphasise, though, that I make no claims about health benefits of a Mediterranean diet, or any other diet, except to report that it is said that a Mediterranean diet can lead to a longer life. I know it doesn’t always, though, from early deaths in my own family. Mediterranean food is the kind of food I enjoy eating most – that’s why I eat it. And, of course, it’s available locally for me.
6 comments:
I tried growing turnips last winter but they didn't amount to more than golfball size. I'm glad you've got one butternut squash anyway, and maybe you'll get another.
Things are starting to move in here too. I planted lettuces and turnips today and I have several broccoli, Brussels sprouts and "couve galega" (walking stick kale, I think) almost ready to plant out.
Thanks for the visit. My figs are only just in the process of ripening but are much smaller this year than normal, guess the weaather has something to do with it!
I think that tiny lizard must have hatched not long before that photo was taken he was so small. We have one living in our bedroom which is huge. perhaps there are lots of things for him to eat there. So long as he keeps the mosquitoes down I am happy to have it around. Diane
It's time to start the changeover. That reminds me -- I have some figs in honey that I have to use for something -- and some fig-infused honey too. Well, Christmas is covered.
Part of the charm and health of a Mediterranean diet is the air, the sun, the joy of working outside in paradise.
Cheers,
Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green island
I could not live somewhere away from access to the foods of the Mediterranean diet. Access to me means access to the seeds and trees to grow my own olives, figs, citrus and mountains of edible leaves. But also access to fresh local seafood, such as you mention. Tasmania is on the edge for some of these things but still it is not impossible to grow a reasonably full range of the flavours and colours and tastes that fill my garden, my house and my stomach everyday!
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