As the weather begins to shift and seasonal flavors reach their peak, fall is the perfect time to prep for the colder months ahead. Fresh fruits and vegetables won’t stay fresh forever, and without a plan, all that beautiful late-summer produce can quickly become waste.

With just a few simple techniques, you can stretch your grocery budget, keep food out of the trash and enjoy the taste of summer long after the leaves fall. Whether you’re trying pickling for the first time or looking for ways to use up what’s in the fridge, you can save your farmers’ market favorites with delicious, waste-fighting habits that carry you through the season.

 

GETTING STARTED WITH FOOD PRESERVATION

Preserving produce doesn’t require fancy tools or a lot of time. It can be quick, easy and can even pack more flavor into all your seasonal favorites.

Here are a few beginner-friendly ways to get started:

  • Pickling: Quick pickling works with almost any vegetable. Use your favorite herbs and spices with our Pickled Vegetables recipe, perfect for carrots, onions, radishes and more. For a sweet and tangy twist, try Grandpa Norm’s Pickles, a SWACO favorite made with cucumbers and a spiced brine.
  • Freezing: Freeze sliced peppers, berries or greens for soups, smoothies and sauces. You can also freeze full meals in portions for quick reheating later.
    Pro tip: Label the reusable container you store them in so that nothing gets lost or wasted.
  • Fermenting: Ferment veggies like cabbage or carrots in a simple saltwater brine. This easy method preserves food, adds probiotics and creates tangy flavors that last for months.
  • Dehydrating: Dry fruits and veggies to extend shelf life and make tasty snacks like dried apples or kale chips. Use a dehydrator or a low oven setting, just watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Canning: Seal produce in jars with heat to prevent spoilage. While it needs some equipment and care, canning is ideal for storing large batches that keep for a year or more.

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PUT YOUR PRESERVED PRODUCE TO WORK

Preserving your harvest is just the beginning — now it’s time to use it.

Our Hungarian Goulash is a hearty, flexible recipe that’s perfect for adding frozen or leftover peppers, jarred marinara and pasta you’ve got on hand. It’s a great way to turn preserved ingredients and odds and ends into a flavorful meal. Check out the video below and cook along with us!

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AND FOR WHAT’S LEFT: COMPOST SMARTER

Busy families have enough on their plates but composting doesn’t have to add to the load. It’s a simple, low-effort way to turn food scraps you already have into nutrient-rich soil that can help your garden grow or support your local community gardens.

With just a few minutes a week and a small space in your kitchen or backyard, you can reduce waste, save money and teach kids about caring for the environment — all without disrupting your busy routine.

Ready to get started or need some tips? Download our Compost Troubleshooting Guide for easy advice to keep your compost healthy and hassle-free. If you’re not able to compost at home, visit SaveMoreThanFood.org to find a compost drop-off site near you.

With these easy techniques and smart solutions, you can enjoy fresh flavors longer, waste less food and make every meal count. Find more recipes, techniques to savor more flavors of the season and waste-reducing hacks at SaveMoreThanFood.org/FreshTakes.