In My San Diego Garden and Kitchen
Beets are forgiving, like a good friend. When showier winter vegetables grab my attention—broccoli that will flower, the cauliflower head that will separate, the lettuce that will bolt—the beets grow without fanfare. They may pass the golf ball size by my neglect but even as large as these—about baseball size—they do not become woody or tough. ‘Sweet Merlin’ beets from Renee’s Garden are my hands down favorite.
Baked, steamed or roasted they are sweet and a perfect texture. This week’s pickled beets reminded us of a Swedish friend who shared her recipe and is far away in Massachusetts. I wish I could share my beets with her. USDA Zone 6b beets are month away.
Beets figured into another memory last week. Our daughter-in-law, Sarah displayed her culinary skill many years ago in a lovely presentation of black beans, beets and brown rice. I think of her, far off now in Seattle, whenever I use our beets for this meal, which is every year about now.
This week, the garden dill that is substantial enough for a harvest will flavor steamed beets; maybe with a wisp of orange zest. Thankfully, beets carefully stored in my refrigerator vegetable drawer last for months. Meanwhile, I’ll delay planting the corn during this May Gray period and celebrate the beets.
As I noted in my earlier post Rhythms in the Garden, as the artichokes finish, the rhubarb begins. I passed by the vigorous ‘Victoria’ plant and was taken by the sudden growth surge.
To the pedestrian rhubarb compote I usually add some of my frozen strawberry guava puree, lending a lovely rosy hue and a flavor boost.
It was a small crop of kumquats this year but it was time to remove the remaining fruit. A few of the smallest went straight to my mouth for that sweet-tart flavor burst that contorts my face. Enough remain for Snacking Chocolate with Roasted Kumquats and Pepitas which was exceptional last year.
A winter garden salad: ‘Redina’ lettuce, white and orange carrots, celery and a few kumquat slices.
Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ shows all her best characteristics in a spring flourish and became the church bouquet.
See what I planted in my summer vegetable garden this week. What I’m Planting Now. Then head over to see what other garden bloggers around the world harvested last week at Harvest Monday hosted by Dave at Happy Acres blog.
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