Embrace Autumn with Eco-Friendly Eating

Ferments, Preserves, and Sustainable Choices

As the crisp air rolls in and the leaves start to turn, autumn is the perfect season to reconnect with nature and enjoy the bounty of the harvest. One way to make the most of this abundant time is through eco-friendly eating, especially by preserving seasonal produce with ferments and preserves. Not only do these methods help reduce food waste, but they also add a delicious, nutritious twist to your meals, all while staying true to sustainable living.

At Wild & Stone, we believe that sustainability extends beyond just the products you buy. It’s about how you live day-to-day. And what better way to live sustainably than by making the most of the fruits and vegetables that autumn has to offer? Let’s explore how you can create your own ferments and preserves at home, while incorporating eco-friendly products from Wild & Stone to make the process even greener.

Why Fermenting and Preserving Are Eco-Friendly

Incorporating fermented and preserved foods into your autumnal kitchen routine is a great way to embrace sustainability. Here’s why:

• Reduces Food Waste: By preserving seasonal produce, you’re preventing food from going to waste. Fermenting and preserving are perfect for using up excess vegetables and fruits that may otherwise spoil.
• Minimises Packaging Waste: Making your own ferments and preserves at home cuts down on the need for store-bought, pre-packaged goods, which often come in single-use plastic containers.
• Promotes Health and Nutrition: Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles are packed with beneficial probiotics that support gut health, while preserves like jams and chutneys add a burst of flavour to your meals, made from ingredients you might already have on hand.

Easy Autumn Ferment and Preserve Ideas

1. Fermented Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, and beets are all in season during autumn and make great candidates for fermentation. Simply chop them up, submerge them in a saltwater brine, and let them sit at room temperature for a few days to develop that tangy, probiotic-rich flavour.
2. Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar: With apples in abundance, why not make your own apple cider vinegar? It’s easy to do and perfect for salad dressings, marinades, or even as a health tonic. Simply save your apple cores and peels, add water, and let the natural fermentation process work its magic.
3. Preserving Fruits: Autumn fruits like apples, pears, and figs can be turned into delicious preserves. Make a simple jam or chutney by cooking them down with sugar and spices. These can be stored in glass jars and enjoyed throughout the winter months.

Sustainable Kitchen Tools for Fermenting and Preserving

Now that you're inspired to try your hand at fermenting and preserving, let’s talk about how to make your kitchen eco-friendly while doing it.

• Glass Jars for Preserving: Whether you’re making jams, chutneys, or pickles, Glass Jars are a must-have. They’re reusable, endlessly recyclable, and a much more eco-friendly alternative to plastic containers. Plus, they’re great for storing everything from your preserves to dried goods.
• Organic Cotton Produce Bags: While gathering your autumn produce, skip the plastic bags and opt for Wild & Stone’s Organic Cotton Produce Bags. These reusable bags are perfect for shopping at the farmer’s market and storing your fresh fruits and veggies at home.
• Wooden Utensils: When preparing your ferments, use Wild & Stone’s Wooden brushes. These are durable, lightweight, and free from plastic—an easy swap that’s kind to the planet.
• Beeswax Wraps: Once your ferments or preserves are jarred up, cover them with Beeswax Wraps instead of cling film. These wraps are a natural, reusable alternative that keeps your food fresh without contributing to plastic waste.

Make the Most of the Autumn Harvest

This autumn, celebrate the season by embracing eco-friendly eating and sustainable kitchen habits. Not only will you enjoy delicious, homemade ferments and preserves, but you’ll also be doing your part to reduce waste and live more sustainably.

By using Wild & Stone’s eco-friendly products throughout the process, you can ensure that every step of your culinary adventure is kind to the planet. From reducing plastic waste with reusable cotton bags to storing your creations in recyclable glass jars, you’ll feel good knowing that your autumn kitchen is as green as the season’s changing leaves.

Looking to stock up on sustainable kitchen essentials? Explore Wild & Stone’s eco-friendly range here and start your journey toward a greener, more delicious autumn today. 🍂🌿