Smallholding Tips with Vegetables

Here are a few tips on some general aspects of vegetables.

Storing Grains & Beans
To kill any insects or eggs that might be present in stored dried grains or beans, spread the grains or beans in a thin layer on a baking sheet and heat them for 60 mins in a 140-160 degF oven. Or freeze at O degF for for days.

Natural Sweetning for Tomato Sauce
If the tomato Sauce you are making isnt sweet enogh, dont add sugar. Instead, grate in some carrots, they work wonders.

Keeping Lettuce Longer
Moisten a clean kitchen towel, then wrap it round the head of the lettuce. Then place the wrapped lettuce in an open plastic bag and store in the fridge. The lettuce should keep well for up to ten days. (dont seal the bag, allow air to circulate). OR

Remove any bad outer leaves and close the lettuce in a clean plastic bag with a wire twist. The natural moisture in the lettuce will keep it fresh, as long as there are no holes in the bag.

Storing Half an Onion
If you only need half an onion, slice the top or sprout end, and store the root end. The root end will keep much longer in the fridge.