72. Harvesting Figs on our Off Grid Property & Dumpster Dive Find | Cabin in the Woods Upgrades

[@artycles]

Oh yum. Another nice combination to consider is fig and ginger(using grated root ginger not the dry spice). I've also used orange peel with the lemon peel. There something very special about looking upon a shelf loaded with home grown/made preserves. ❤

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Absolutely, my shelves are 'loaded' but what I've got so far is making me happy! And the season is not over yet 🤗

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Absolutely, my shelves are 'loaded' but what I've got so far is making me happy! And the season is not over yet 🤗

[@notyouraveragegringos]

Always exciting getting free furniture! It looks comfy with the throw over it. Your figs look fantastic! You guys have been busy in your garden and it’s paying off. 🤩

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thanks so much! 2 large jars of jam and second harvest to come. Take care Guys, hope your week went well 🤗

[@notyouraveragegringos]

@@PensionersinPortugal We had an interesting week thanks. 😄 Looking forward to more preserving videos. We let most of our garden fend for itself the past month so it's pretty much done. I have to live out my gardening dreams through you guys this year. 😍

[@lindanz7578]

Ola Elaine and Darren - a very timely vlog and enjoyed watching while my Seville Orange Marmalade was bubbling away on the stove. I have now bottled it and it's such a gorgeous rich colour. I now have to find some fig jam to try - yours looks amazing. I am so impressed with how the chair came up and sure it will be a favorite chair for one of you (money on Elaine 😉). Max is such a good dog 🐶🥝🤗❤

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thank you, we've only just the fig jam this morning, on toast, it's thick and rich with lots of fig chunks. I'm not really a fan of marmalade, but love making it....seeing all the pectin ooze out of the muslin bag!!!! Amazing. Enjoy 🥰

[@butterflyj1967]

ooh lovely figgy jam on toast....yummy!

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thank you 😋 definitely!

[@lilly1761]

I've never made jam before, always thought it would be difficult but you make it seem so simple. I always thought I would somehow have to get the lid top to bubble up to properly seal the jar so it's contents wouldn't spoil? Wonderful, thank you for sharing. Hugs to Maxx!

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Morning Lilly, keeping jam making simple with basic recipes to start and build confidence is the way to get into it. This fig jam is simple and I just re- use jars and lids from bought items. The boiling hot jam sucks the lid tight as it cools 🥰

[@kathleenpitt1981]

And even if one jar doesn’t seal, it can be refrigerated and used. Elaine, your fig jam and the others, looked so good!

[@egoyiboclementinaonwuegbut7331]

Lovely update on your portuguese life. 🙂 I am glad you found a good use for the grapes 🍇 .

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thank you, the jam came out really well 🥰

[@karenabendshien846]

Nice job cleaning up the chair, what a good find! And I could almost taste the fig jam just by watching! 😋

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Glad you enjoyed it 🤗

[@RedPhone-mz5lv]

I love making jam and jelly,redcurrant jelly is great with Turkey and lamb and Apple jelly is lovely on toast

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Definitely 😋

[@thefatbaker]

Great to see you making such good use of the fruit preserving and making jams. Lovely to see Darren, Elaine and Max.

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@Drummer1964]

Fig is lovely, Fig and Rhubarb, Mmmm

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Ooo!! Not tried fig and rhubarb, have made plenty rhubarb and ginger in my time 👍. Thank you for watching 🤗

[@rubyreddress1]

Love figs keep up the good work you work so well together ttfn.💐♥️☕️🙋🏻‍♀️

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thank you so much 🤗 Take care 💕

[@marlenegearon4709]

Great video. Have you always loved gardening? Other than the extreme heat, you seem in your element. It's wonderful to watch you make jams, vinegar, your meals from the bounty of your garden and /or neighbors. It's wonderful to bring back to life unwanted items. You both seem much more relaxed and happier since you moved to Portugal. Well done!

[@PensionersinPortugal]

So nice of you to ask Marlene. Yes I've always loved gardening, foraging and making the most of stuff. 🥰

[@portugalitis]

Elaine, it's just so nice to see you in the kitchen all that confidence and just running the show !!!! And the jam looked really delicious :) I tired grape jelly yesterday with some toast and cup of tea hmmm delicious ;) See you soon xxxx

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thank you so much G, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the grapes, they've all be squished and are sitting fermenting 🍇🍇

[@portugalitis]

I still have to do ours .... but I was so inspired after watching your video now I am cooking some tomatoes LOL ... 5 more jards done ... hope you will like it and next year you can try to do it as well ;) @@PensionersinPortugal

[@georgebuscay8511]

I've never canned anything or made jams, etc. Never had fig jam. Very interesting tutorial. Thanks. It's great to recycle and keep things out of the landfill like that chair. Kathleen

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thanks for watching Kathleen, try some if you get the chance 😋

[@georgebuscay8511]

@@PensionersinPortugal I will.

[@mutternav4]

It does take birds a while to learn about where new feeders are located, so don’t despair‼️ Just continue to be patient ‼️❤️

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Exactly, it's not like we have to do anything else!!!😆

[@christines5430]

Well done on your armchair find! It cleaned up very well. Loving seeing your fig harvest and the jam. It must be such a joy for you to be harvesting after all your pruning last year. I have a potted fig tree and managed to get five tasty figs for the first time, after planting it three years ago 😁

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Brilliant, glad it's surviving, I'm sure it will ho from strength to strength, we used to get figs on a small tree we had in NE , so I'm figuring you're more south and warmer 🥰

[@christines5430]

Elaine, I am in the South, in Essex just outside of London, so definitely warmer than NE. I need to transplant it into a bigger pot! ,

[@robine916]

My daughter and her roommate lived in a city near several colleges. They added a lot of furniture and decor items to their apartment from the "curbside shop" when the students moved out. What a great find!💕Jam looks yummy💕

[@PensionersinPortugal]

That sounds amazing!! I love seeing upcycled, re- purposed items, so much waste these days 🤗

[@robine916]

@@PensionersinPortugal I taught her well! My Mom's mom was a great "deal" finder, and I made sure my daughter knew how to bargain hunt. There was a Theatre having a sale/fundraiser to raise money and thin out their cache of items. She and her friends got a few good deals, plus she got a damaged folding screen for free. She fixed it with bargain wallpaper!

[@lisacraig5235]

Those figs are my favourite - pingo de mel - a drop of honey. Snap them up in season. The armchair scrubbed up nicely. Recycle and reuse, should be more of it. I used to live in the tropics in Australia but after three decades in Portugal this intense dry heat keeps me indoors during summer. But aren’t the evenings glorious? Lovely video❤.

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Sounds like you've lived an interesting life Lisa 🤗

[@LifeinLancashire]

I love fig jam. Fig and apple chutney is very good, and another way to use your figs. Though as you've already got some pears you could always make fig and pear chutney instead of fig and apple.

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Sounds good 😋

[@heidihughes8806]

Mmm, I'm so envious of you eating those fresh figs! I'll bet the jam is delicious too. It's so nice that you can harvest your own fruit & veg. You're living the dream.👍😊💙💙

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thank you Heidi, some things are working, some just haven't!!

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Hello Darren, Elaine and Max, Hope you' all are doing well. Harriet and I love are jams for morning breakfast. Recently, we learned how to preserve our fruit in jars. You guys are such sweethearts. We have learned so much from watching your videos. We can't thank you enough for your landscaping ideas. What do we owe you ? Hope you have managed to cope with the heat. We are dealing with it here in Virginia. So hot and humid. Be Well Dear friends 🙏❤🙏 Harriet, Jim and Yuki

[@PensionersinPortugal]

I'm really happy you liked some of the ideas I put forward. My fee is photos of any ideas you put into practice 📷 Thanks for your support and lovely comments, take care, stay cool 🥰

[@pattiwhite9575]

You guys are doing so well with the new life / new home. How you make a shamble a beauty. Everything you are doing works out so well. Love the dumpster diving find. And that throw fabric is so pretty. I would get another and make curtains or pillow covers. Heck I would even wrap it around my waist and make a skirt. Max looked disgusting in you for locking him away from pond. lol Maybe he needs his own baby pool from the store. He could take spa time when you do in his own little baby pool. Your busy making lots of jarred goods is excellent for the winter. I can't wait to have Darrens review of fig jam. Just to see if it is as good as his memories were. I think maybe so by your smiles after your little lick test.

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Most of the time Max doesn't like getting wet, but if there frogs involved, he's in!!!

[@ruthconstantino6861]

😂

[@maryexall]

Hi Elaine and Darren, That was delightful to see you both working away, being productive in the cooler clime's 🙌 That fig jam (and your description Elaine ) had me drooling! 😂 Im sure it will be a delicious accompaniment on a little cheese 🧀 board any time of day... Or night XX 💕

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thanks so much 😊

[@lizwilson6633]

Love the chair and the new throw, good find there. Both of you are looking so tanned, a lovely healthy glow eh. Wish I could try some of that fig jam on my sourdough bread, it looks scrumdiddly. That look Max gave you Darren, said it all 😂😂😂. Glad you are having a few cooler days, I actually managed to get my bedding hung out in the garden today. All to change tomorrow though, back to the miserable 🌧️. Take care xx

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Hi Liz, yes the chair was next door!!! So it's sat there for years. Hope to get another batch of jam from the remaining figs still growing, Darren has his eye in now, everywhere we go he's ' ooo fig tree' or ' that's a good one, shall I stop and get some figs?'. I keep reminding him, the trees may be on the road side, but they're owed by someone!!

[@lizwilson6633]

@@PensionersinPortugal when we were near Limoges in France we were told by local artist to "just help yourselves" and have us a bag to fill lol

[@coletteellerton1840]

Take the straps of on use them to repair the chair split

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Good idea 👍

[@inekeroos9264]

Rewatched, hope the pond has hold with all the rains lately. Stay healthy and happy ♥️

[@patriciabrawner3717]

Great video enjoyed the jam making & so amazing that you live in a place with figs. Have a blessed week.

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thank you! You too!

[@suz-annemoss6500]

I love figs, but I have yet to have fig jam that is I like. We don’t grow figs in this region of my province in Canada but I think I may be able to get some from the Niagara region and I will try this recipe. I have also ordered a used Book of Preserves which will take some time to come, but I am looking forward to trying more of their recipes. Love the chair - it looks good in the small house. I hope you get some birds in the feeder, there is nothing more lovely thank watching the birds coming to feed in the feeder. Lovely video thanks for sharing.😊

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thanks Suz-Anne, hope you get your book soon. I'm waiting on a book too, from a channel we watch ' Holly the cafe boat' . Lovely couple live and work on a narrow boat. 🥰

[@wooden_branches]

I really enjoyed this video. I love fig jam.

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you for watching 🤗

[@maureenlowther7621]

Elaine loved to see you making the jam and the other goodies the chutney will be ready for Christmas. The chair cleaned up okay and with the throw will see another few years wear.❤️❤️❤️

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thanks so much Maureen, chair is really comfy. Take care 🥰

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thanks so much Maureen, chair is really comfy. Take care 🥰

[@NordicLight365]

Nice to hear you have had a bit cooler weather. 40°C is not pleasant at all. Noticed your Portuguese cinnamon - canela - there, almost like the Swedish word, we call it kanel. Lots of goodies you made there💛💙

[@PensionersinPortugal]

I find it interesting how many languages have so many cross overs. Yes, been trying to use up as much as possible 🥰. 1 more week of 40°c plus, I think, then it starts to trail off!!! 🥵

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

Nothing like well made fig jam on a buttered, crusty slice of fresh bread. What are variety of home supplied (?) ingredients for an interesting choice of home made goodies. I'm waiting for the home cured hams. You might need a cool house in some higher altitudes with cooling see breezes to make your hams competitive. 😋.

[@yesidtac7863]

Execelente dia

[@JanThornton-ep3hl]

Hope you are both keeping well in the heat. Thought about you and was wondering how you had managed. Lovely to see you both again. Stay well and happy xxx Jan & Ken

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thanks so much, good to hear from you. Hope you're both well. We are ready for summer to cool now and welcome autumn. Have a good weekend, Elaine 🥰

[@RuthKrippner]

Yum figs….

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys.

[@melinda5777]

Enjoyed your video this week. 🙏❤️🇺🇸⛵️👣😊👍

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Glad you enjoyed it Melinda. Hope you and your family are well, stay cool 😎 💕

[@melinda5777]

@PensionersinPortugal in this hot weather! 🤣🤣🤣 Pools and beach water is hot, well warm. It feels real good under a waterhole! That's where my showers are in the summer! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@melinda5777]

Not waterhole, waterhose.....stupid KZbin!

[@mariettafocke9276]

Lovely people, lovely Max xx

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Lovely viewers 🥰

[@juanitakauffman6336]

Jam’s look good.

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thank you 😋

[@jan9562]

Yay The PiPs! I'm sure I shall enjoy this. Furniture that can be wiped down 👍

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Always a winner 😁

[@bridgetryan6936]

Very enjoyable

[@theduchessofmearns]

Must try to get that book. I’d love to try jam-making.

[@PensionersinPortugal]

You should! It's a great starter book, then uou mix up ingredients to use what jou you have 🤗

[@jeanrichardson2044]

Was just going to suggest investing in a funnel, lol.

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

I notice that you appear to use the lids that come with the jars. You must find that those seal ok rather than using canning jars with the canning lids. That’s good to know.

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Definitely, I've never bought special jars. I check each one to be sure they're in top condition, no dents or chips. I also make sure they are very clean and boil them just before filling 🥰 Thanks for watching 👍

[@ritagiffin9403]

Hello Darren and Elaine we are having a heat wave here in Dallas Texas also.105-108 degrees l can not even go outside anymore.lts hard to breathe.

[@PensionersinPortugal]

It's not pleasant during midday 11 - 4, so we try and use before and after as much as possible 👍. Stay cool 😎

[@giedreruleviene]

Ohh and I did noticed B & W in your video 😊😊😊😊 ;)

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Darren said ' good!! Glad someone noticed!' 💕👍

[@giedreruleviene]

@@PensionersinPortugal 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 bless him ;)

[@kangtani_indonesia]

Thank you for sharing

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thanks for watching!

[@RuralSpanishRetirement]

You might get more birds in spring 💁 😊 our figs are all dry and on the ground.. you must have more humidity than us. We’ve had some lovely cool days but temperatures are on the up now but soon be over 😂 I love how you still have the energy to get some work done.. I literally do nothing until the temperature is under 30C 😂 be careful of the fig sap, it reacts with sunlight and can cause terrible blisters 😒

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Thanks for the tip Jane, will remember that!! Missed your video today, part of my Saturday morning routine, enjoy your time off 🥰

[@LiLBitsDK]

fig jam is so awesome! never tried homemade, just the "factory" stuff... 1 was soso... 1 was really good

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Always love making jam and chutney, gives me alot of satisfaction. Sharing it makes me happy too🤗

[@LiLBitsDK]

@@PensionersinPortugal reming to come by and suck up big time next time you make fig jam hahaha :D it looks lovely

[@coby6417]

👏🌟👍🍀💐

[@brendabrinkmanpasichnyk3500]

You can sew leather

[@mariatajes9054]

Question, when you put the fig jam in the bottle, don't you have to boil it again so that it seals the jar?

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Hi Maria, no I never have. As long as you've sterilised your jars and lids and they are still hot, then the jam is still hot going into the jar, it should cool and form a seal. Mine always have, even using re-used jars. Hope that answers your question, thank you 🥰

[@portugal1969]

Ide be interested to know if you get jam just by using its natural sugar and not adding....who knows!?

[@PensionersinPortugal]

Good question, I think once you boiled off all the natural liquid you would end up with something like a fruit leather. 🤔