The canning/freezing season is now upon us. Every summer is my busy season when it comes to fresh produce. I do a lot of freezing to be able to make healthy smoothies for S all year long. In each smoothie he gets 8 servings of his fruits/vegetables and 1 dairy serving. There are always 4 veggies, 4 fruit, and 1 yogurt.

When S was a baby I started by making all of his baby food from produce we grew in our garden or what I was able to get at our local farmer’s market. As a baby he ate all kinds of fruits and veggies you can’t find in stores. For example fruits and veggies not normally found in stores he ate would be: cauliflower, red beets, zucchini, summer squash, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, and watermelon. Of course, I made the regular fruits and veggies: broccoli, peas, green beans, carrots, plums, bananas, peaches, pears, applesauce, and I am sure there is more I forgot.

Done on July 7, 2013

B harvested four head of broccoli from our garden. While he took one to work, three were left for me to make into smoothie ice cubes. I have not done broccoli since S was a baby because the one time I did it I found broccoli worms. I did not even know these things existed and was totally grossed out that I wouldn’t touch it for another three years. This year I sucked it up and said I would do the broccoli as long as B cleaned it and cut it up so I did not have to see any worms. He did find some but luckily I did not see any of them.

I steamed the three heads of broccoli and they cooked down to almost nothing. I cooked them until they were soft mush, not something that would be enjoyed to be eaten.

Steamed Broccoli

I put the broccoli in the blender and used some of the water that I steamed the broccoli in to help liquefy it and make a smooth creamy texture.

Blended Broccoli

I then sieved the broccoli to get out any chunks that may still be there. It was very easy and there was little left in the screen mesh.

Sieving the broccoli

Broccoli going through the screen.

With cooking a full three heads I was only able to get 2 and 1/3 trays of broccoli. I was able to get 2 bags of broccoli which I am sure S will not like but will drink when it is mixed with tasty fruits.