I Second That!

Do you know the untapped potential of seconds?

I realized in talking with someone recently that maybe farm seconds aren’t a well known fact, so let’s talk about it!

First what are farm seconds? “Seconds” are fruit or vegetables that are sold at a deep discount for a variety of reasons. Such as misshapen, blemished, or overripe. I sometimes find seconds that have no outward appearance differences, it just seemed like the farm had an overabundance of one produce.

Where can you find seconds? Well it really depends on the farm. If you are in a city, I am sorry but this may not apply to you. But if you are in an area with local farms it’s worth checking out to see what they offer for seconds! I have one farm in my town I go to weekly for peaches when in season. And another farm has a mixed box of produce for 5 dollars!

What can you do with seconds? The thing about seconds is you have to be prepared to use them or process them right away, since they are often more ripe. Depending on what you buy here are a few easy ideas:

FRUIT

• Jams/jellies
• Freeze in slices to use later in smoothies/baked goods/defrost and eat
• Crisps/cobblers
• chia jam- a low sugar healthier option to classic jams
• Smoothie starters- pre blend and freeze into cubes
• Dehydrated or fruit leathers

VEGETABLE:

• Salsa
• Pasta sauce
• Pickles
• Relish
• Jam
• Prep & freeze for later
• Peppers specifically- red pepper flakes
• Soup (that can also freeze for later)

HERBS:

• Parsley- chimichurri
• Basil- Pesto
• Scallions- Asian pesto
• Dehydrate
• Blend with oil and a little salt and freeze for use later
• Freeze whole

These are just some examples of what you can create! One of my favorite things is you get to enjoy the peak of the season produce all year long if you prep well! Buy now and enjoy all year!