Deep Taproots
We got back from our vacation almost a week ago, and I'd like to say that we've been working like mad on the house, but in fact that is not true. The first order of business when we got home was a round of testing on the irrigation system, which had not run at all while we were away. A bug was found in the software, the programmer was beaten and humiliated (OK, maybe not), and the whole thing was patched. It's working again now, just in time for the weather to get cool and damp (not rainy, but foggy). We only lost a few plants, and some of those were marginal, anyway.
Despite major water deprivation, the tomatoes were going gangbusters. We've had one of each variety now, and they're all pretty good. Some are more subtle than others (Persimmon), and some are just phenomenal (Black Krim). Later this year we'll be making tomato sauce for canning, and maybe later some tomato pickles.
On vacation I did some reading and found out why and how you prune tomatoes. Apparently you prune them into a few single branches facing up, tying them to the tower as you go, and you do this so you can plant more plants in a smaller space. So the fact that I don't prune my plants seems to be Just Fine, as I doubt I will plant as many tomatoes next year. Some of the varieties were just not worth the bother.
The other thing we did almost immediately was deal with a massive early harvest of quince. Right before we left a neighbor gave us a sack of quince from their tree (not a sweet quince like ours), and while we were away our own tree shed about half its fruit, so we made marmelada, or quince paste. This is a phenomenal confection of boiled-down mushed quince with sugar, and quince has so much pectin that it gets very firm. Here's our stash of marmelada cakes (molded in cupcake tins and roasting pans) waiting for distribution to all the friends who have asked for some (and to the neighbors who donated 1/3 of the quince).
You can eat it with cheese (manchego is traditional) or alone as a confection.
Lastly, here's a reason why I'm looking forward to October, when the last of the Asian pears will come ripe. I noticed Asian pears selling for $2.30 at the store this weekend.
Now back to work on my design thesis. I have ten more weeks of school, so posting will be light this fall unless a miracle happens (unlikely).
Technorati Tags: fruit, quince, tomatoes
posted by ayse on 09/13/07