Kumquats persist on the patio tree, awaiting the first batch of kumquat marmalade. It’s a laborious process but for those of us who relish the sweet-tart flavor it’s worth the effort.

There are several hundred Nagami kumquats still on the tree. Plans include kumquat syrup and Snacking Chocolate with Roasted Kumquats and Pepitas. Thankfully, they also store well in the fridge and become quick, punchy salad additions.

Little Gem lettuce is a favorite and I recently planted more for a spring crop. The baby lettuce is an heirloom romaine of French origin with butter and Romaine characteristics. Here’s a description from Speciality Produce touting the stellar qualities:

Although it is full grown, this specialty romaine variety is about half the size of regular romaine boasting succulent, vibrant green leaves that measure about five inches in length and about three inches in width. Little Gem has a pale, green heart and a crisp center and sweeter taste than common lettuce, Little Gem lettuce never develops a bitter flavor.

This is the start for a winter Chicken Caesar Salad using what’s at hand.

The navel oranges head into their final month of production. I’ll stash a couple dozen in the produce drawer and have them for a month beyond harvest. The orange marmalade count is at 35 jars which should be adequate for gifting until next winter. I also made some orange syrup which was quite good on waffles yesterday.

Grevillea, an Australian native thrives in my coastal garden. Generous rains, 9.47 inches since October 1 is 137% of normal. Trees and shrubs benefit from the deep penetration of rainwater and flushing of salts from the soil. Compare to a few years ago when the seasonal total was about three inches. Yesterday alone, we received 1.25 inches in my neighborhood.

Check the What I’m Planting Now page to see what’s been planted in the space opened by the cauliflower harvest. Harvest Monday, hosted by Dave at Happy Acres Blog has returned. Join in and see what garden bloggers around the world harvested last week.

To leave a comment, click on “Leave a comment/Show comments,” enter the comment, then insert your name. Finally, click on “Comment as Guest” to post comment.