We PRESERVE Our Own TEA! (+Herbs, Currant Jam, and Broccoli)

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We want to share our passion for efficient, sustainable homesteading that brings the family together. On our homestead we do chemical-free gardening, grass-fed milk and beef, pastured eggs and broiler chickens, and free range children :) We love to go on adventures as a family, so if we're not workin on the farm, we're probably hiking or out getting ice cream. We're all into DIY, and being inventive and creative. We believe in homesteading that's sustainable, not just sustainable homesteading. In other words, we want to show you that homesteading doesn't have to wear you out to the point that you give it up. We've seen it happen, and almost came to that point ourselves. So go ahead and take a whack at that subscribe button if you'd like to join us on this crazy ride. Get ready to learn and be inspired!

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you Birch Living for sponsoring! Click here birchliving.com/morethanfarmers to get 25% off your Birch mattress (plus two free Eco-Rest pillows!) during their 4th of July Sale. Offers are subject to change. #birchliving

[@5GreenAcres]

Do you guys have problems with rabbits? Man....I never had rabbits in my garden and they are totally demolishing many things. Carrots and beans almost total loss.

[@kaylababb07]

Yall need to write a book with all your modern day homesteading secrets-I’d buy the heck out of it!

[@rachellincoln846]

I second this!

[@kaitlync15]

I was just thinking today if you all made a video course on the how to of gardening! Start to finish with planting and growing and harvesting common fruits / veggies! And the tricks and hacks for keeping pests away! I would totally buy the course! 😊

[@lorensingleton4002]

If you watch all their videos you will find plenty of wisdom and see how they improve every year Just get started on your own journey and begin the learning process - a lot of own biggest lessons need to be learnt first hand.

[@shellakers10]

Yes! Agreed!

[@kohei8061]

I need that too!!

[@jenniferrush8231]

U can take the leftover broccoli bits and food processor them to small bits and use them as riced broccoli: for fried rice, make broccoli tots, or in veggie muffins or eggbites/quiche

[@amyalvarado3762]

Your family is so fortunate to have you two as parents. They get to eat so very healthy because YOU make it a priority and a beautiful life style. Thank you for sharing all of you knowledge. Your plants and gardens are beautiful. Good job to all of you, it takes a team🌅💎💪

[@AHomesteadingHustle]

Funny story... I absolutely drool over roasted broccoli...like so much that my husband told me to not eat so much because it comes out in my pores and makes my skin smell like a fart. 😅 legit. Thought I could give someone a good laugh with that. 😂

[@jennhanna8126]

haha,🤣lmao stinker!

[@mrs.broccoli4362]

What is there to say other than thank you very much for the valuable tips about preserving herbs, tea and much more. I always recommend that my female patients drink raspberry leaf tea, especially during pregnancy. As always, thank you for your time and the effort you put into these videos. Have a wonderful 4th of July with family and friends. Blessings to you

[@morethanfarmers]

It's so good! And thank you 😊

[@jasonstefanuk3579]

Happy Canada Day to all Canadian viewers. Great video you guys.

[@eamonnholland5343]

Y'all have quickly become my favorite farmers/homesteaders. You've mentioned that you get some negative comments about your kids, but I appreciate that you involve them in your routines, and show them a little bit in how they help out with the workload. You're giving a realistic look at family life for a farmer/homesteader, which is invaluable for those of us planning to enter that life. Many in this sphere just show themselves repeatedly building new things, rather than cultivating the things they already have. So, I just wanted to say: thank you, and may God continue to bless you and your family.

[@entwifey]

My husband and I are moving our family across the country this week to start our homestead. We both feel very strongly about starting small and pacing ourselves and your videos are so helpful for how to make this lifestyle sustainable for a family. Thank you!

[@lytieuanh1993]

Yall need to write a book with all your modern day homesteading secret 😊😊

[@tannenbaumgirl3100]

Yes, we do the same using saltwater to float any worms or insects...however, once soaked in salt water, you must preserve or cook it. It will not store well raw anymore once soaked in salt water. My mother taught me this growing up in Germany, and I taught my children too. Most Americans are not familiar with this trick, so it's good you mention it in your video.

[@kdavis7525]

I have a question about the calcium water for Pomona’s pectin. If you don’t use it all, can you store it in the fridge for the next batch of jelly you make? Or do you have to discard whatever you don’t use for that particular recipe?

[@MrsBrit1]

I don't often comment, I'm not sure if I've ever commented on one of your videos, but I did want to say that the belly butter you used in pregnancy is not what prevented stretch marks. A person's risk of stretch marks is mostly genetic and the rest is about your own body size (both height and weight) and the size of baby/your baby bump. No cream or oil actually reaches the depth where stretch marks occur, so while it's still recommended to put creams on your growing belly, it's not actually because it prevents stretch marks. It does, however, feel very nice! I used cocoa butter religiously with my first and had a belly full of stretch marks. I didn't use anything with my second and didn't get a single new one. I had 9lb babies, too, and I'm 5'4" with a short waist area. They had nowhere to go but out. I looked like I was hiding a beachball under my shirt! My second was even breech for a while and I measured 6 weeks ahead because of that position. But yeah, you just got lucky genes to not have stretch marks! They actually happen in the deepest layers of skin, not the surface, and the surface is where oils and creams moisturise.

[@SoulsSoaring]

Agree! I used EVERYTHING and NOTHING stopped them!

[@Just-Nikki]

Yeah, it’s the natural elasticity that is absolutely genetic. I’m 5’2 short waisted and my oldest actually cracked my rib. I am thin so I was all belly with all my pregnancies and I only got one stretch mark on the underside of my breast and nowhere else.

[@FuckALLauthorities]

🥱🥱🥱

[@kprairiesun]

I've seen people who used various things on their belly with excellent results.

[@MrsBrit1]

No, you've seen people who weren't predisposed to the genetic issue of stretchmarks use products and then say they hekped, even though they did not. Again, absolutely no creams, oils, etc, will reach the skin layer where stretchmarks occur. Period. It's science.

[@corinne7126]

I make red currant & raspberries jam, because of the raspberries you can cut back on the sugar

[@virsapiensfortisest922]

Thanks for the great content. This gave me confidence to try and make my own teas as well. I’ve read that strawberry stem tea is good for anemia and when you’re on your cycle.

[@gosiakawabata2609]

Lovely beets!! We make in Poland this beautiful young beetroot soup- strongly recommend: basic veg like carrots parsley leeks etc to make base or just ready base , add some cubed(small pices)young beets garlic chopped beets tops with leafs plenty of dill add some souer cream and freshly boiled new potatos- amazing and amazingly healthy! Bon appetite!!❤

[@kdonor]

I have that on my stovetop right now. I love Poland.

[@gosiakawabata2609]

@@kdonor 😍

[@janetkoball44]

I really enjoyed your whole visit with us. Ive never even seen a currant before but i love ruebarb so i want to try making your jam. Thanks

[@Alison2436]

I love when u say bugs are part of life for organic gardening, I was pruning my tomatoes today and found a big fat tomato horn worm! I left it out for the lizards to eat, I have so many great lizards in my yard to keep the bugs in check so they are like my garden buddies 😂

[@opalsmith4994]

I am also in Ohio. I dry all my own teas. The best way I like my Red Raspberry is dry some of your berries and add a few to your tea.. Glad to see someone else making their own Teas! God Bless

[@suedalimonte7863]

I just found your channel today. I love it! Thank you for sharing.

[@sharonanderson346]

Me too!

[@janeenbrown1923]

I've been so discouraged by the absolute plague of grasshoppers I have invading my garden here in Colorado. Your videos are still encouraging and uplifting, even while I'm struggling with these pests. It doesn't look like BT would do much for them, but I'm thankful to learn about something new. I'm getting a handful of sugar snap peas, a zucchini, and one or two tomatoes, daily. It's my first year gardening after nearly a 10 year break, so I'm thinking that's pretty good. I live in an area undergoing intense desertification, and raising dairy cattle isn't possible here, so I really enjoy watching every video with your milk and butter. It looks divine!! Thank you so much for sharing your lifestyle and your garden with us. I've learned so much already. I have a big, fancy dehydrator, but I've learned that drying my herbs slowly and naturally will be better for them. That alone, is worth it's weight in gold. I second the other commenter who said they'd buy a book with all your gardening, canning, and homesteading knowledge! I hope your family is blessed this year with so much more than food. But also, good food! :)

[@jennhanna8126]

you just need to invite more birds into your garden put up a small feeder and a bath watch the grasshoppers flee your yard!

[@janeenbrown1923]

@@jennhanna8126 You're right! I do have three feeders, and several homes, but no birdbath. That is something I'd very much like to add. It's next on my list!

[@nikkinewton8276]

Check if that plum variety is self-pollinating or not. If it’s not, you may need to plant another variety of plum to get fruit.

[@kimberleychapman8416]

I agree with you regarding peas; however, we grow snap and snack peas that can be eaten fresh from the vine. That means no shelling the peas from the pods! My grandchildren like them as well. Don’t know if you have tried them? Thanks, as always, for the helpful video 😊❤

[@jennypiggott1600]

I live in Australia and keep Inian Runner duck running in a large run I have had trouble with Eagles I made a scarecrow and it has worked . I change it every 3 weeks as birds are clever. This could help with your hens

[@champagnemommy]

I love all of your easy, efficient tips! I am a huge fan of working smarter, not harder. 😊

[@Just-Nikki]

I like currant jam with toast and ricotta or cream cheese.

[@kristasahlin]

I can't wait to grow broccoli!! CAn you share where you get your broccoli seeds from and what variety? Thank you!!!! Keep up the great videos

[@belieftransformation]

Wonderful, informative vlog! Thanks for sharing! Blessings to all 🤗🇨🇦

[@trudil.7331]

I think I remember you mentioning Dutch Valley once before. Would you mind sharing how you guys purchase from them as an individual family and not as a wholesale distributor?

[@Denise-ei2pu]

I have more success with my FoodSaver bags Then I do Ziploc freezer bags. It may be that I don't use my produce as fast as you do.

[@amandaneilson8561]

Growing up in the 70/80’s you always had to wash your broccoli really well for worms, nowadays you never see worms because of the pesticides used. I would prefer the worms. One day I’ll have a yard and grow my own

[@northerngirlhobbies]

Another beautiful masterpiece production!

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you 😊

[@ggjlat]

Hi there! Good videos as usual and pleasant to watch! Have you ever frozen green beans which are pre-boiled until almost ready? I canned them a lot once, now I prefer freezing the boiled, ready to eat ones, also saves time considerably! Tastes much better then! tried to boil a couple of minutes - no, to boil until ready, then freeze. Good luck!

[@user-hz7kv6js6l]

Have you guys tried making breakfast sausage patties using ground turkey or chicken? I make my own turkey breakfast sausage that I eat every morning for breakfast. I don't have chickens or turkey's I buy the meat from the store. Let me know if you want my simple recipe 😊

[@marysellar3401]

Hi Michelle, thankyou so much for your cooking lessons. I love to try and experiment also. Your an exceptional person to watch on here. Many thanks to you both. 💞

[@kingstoncanadians7485]

I absolutely love your channel. You both are so down to earth and encouraging. I’m having trouble finding Apple mint. Can you tell me where you got yours?

[@ashleylittlefield7171]

I always look forward to and enjoy your videos so much. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Do you have a recipe for your belly butter that you used?

[@lmagas-om9dp]

I'm trying to find an alternative to plastic bags for freezing. Any suggestions??

[@Garret-nd6px]

Look yummy delicious pancake, waffles,and ice cream if this is like rhubarb that is what I would put on

[@tammyshepherd1152]

You and your family are such hard workers. Love when I see your videos are up.❤😊

[@estherjeudy1067]

6:49 😅😁 I am sure they are extra protein too🤣.

[@gcrousseau]

Your drying set up looks great but I was wondering about what your screens are made of. Window screens can be made of fiberglasss or aluminum - curious about whether that can affect the food.

[@thesimplelife6037]

How do you decide what to put into low raised beds and what to put straight into the ground?

[@morethanfarmers]

That’s a good question 😊 a lot of it just has to do with how tall the plants are.. if they are tall and will blow over easily, we put them in the ground. And then also how they get harvested, whether it makes sense to get them out of the ground or from the bed.

[@thesimplelife6037]

@@morethanfarmers Thank you for your reply.

[@elbeachy]

Do you have any recommendations for getting rid Japanese Beetles in a non toxic way. They’re on my red raspberries and I don’t want anything toxic on my berries.

[@MoneypitHomestead]

Enjoyed this video, you two are great! Have a super evening, Lisa

[@najwaseiya]

what a beautiful video, thanks💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@jmc8577]

I haven't heard of b.t I have farm neighbours who don't want to use insecticides...is this an alternative for large scale farming?

[@kallansmith5866]

Can you please tell me the type of broccoli you grow? Thank you! I want those big heads too!

[@sallyvernon2375]

belly butter, wow so not as prevention but to minimize scars anything with vitamin A or D and especially E

[@fayejacobs1043]

Really great videos ya'll put out, seriously top notch!

[@5GreenAcres]

I like my good ole fashion cone strainer and wooden pestle. I would be lost without it. You made Jelly not jam. Jam has fruit chunks in it. Jelly you use only liquid to make the end product of jelly.

[@teresawebster3498]

What kind of broccoli are you growing? They are beautiful.

[@julianamartin6267]

Could you explain a little more how you prevent your teas from overtaking the area they’re planted? I know you put a pot in the ground, but are there drainage holes in the bottom? Do the mints make it through those holes and send up new plants?

[@valeriecolvin6977]

I've also just finished freezing our broccoli harvest from 75 plants. Years ago I tried an idea for blanching greens that also works with broccoli or cauliflower. I take an old pillows case and fill it with veg before blanching in a larger canner bottom. It helps busy mommas get the job done quickly. I do put mine in a sink of cold water, them pull the bag it and let it drain in the dish rack before enjoying it... Yes, on old towels.

[@aliciamarieplus321]

I love gardening and all things plants , however I’m allergic to bees and im terrified of them I scream ever time they get near me how do you just get use to them on or near you?

[@leslieclifton7625]

Ahh,do you have a canning funnel. i use mine a lot for jarring my dehydrated items.

[@sallyvernon2375]

is dehydrated cane juice: sugar more nutritious or cheaper than raw organic turbinado sugar ?

[@FannityVair]

Thank you! Very excited for the tallow balm!

[@rachymccracken8489]

I saw a thing that was along the lines of, if nothing wants to eat your garden it’s not part of the ecosystem. A healthy garden will have things that want to eat it

[@lornaroach615]

I love your tea herbal Can you list the herbs you have I want to start my tea garden. And where do you buy your seeds from.

[@estherch8394]

Is the raspberry tea from raspberry berry plant? I have yellow raspberry plant, is it good for tea?

[@TheHappyHomestead]

What variety of broccoli did you grow? You had such a beautiful harvest!

[@Okmyre]

I am the first !! Best for you from Poland

[@morethanfarmers]

Welcome here 😊

[@gosiakawabata2609]

Witam!! Myslalam ze tylko ja😊

[@vanessaadams9145]

Yup Netted my plants as always and now I lost my cabbages to Cutworms, slugs and EARWIGS!!! 😒🙄 I have more on deck and my broccoli is untouched but ya...it sucks

[@morethanfarmers]

Wow, bummer 😕

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

You inspired me to sow a LOAD of broccoli

[@voss_homestead.oh.chapter]

I used BT for the fist time this year... wow, what a difference!!

[@sergeb957]

I love your video, very rich and has a lot of info. God bless your family.

[@AliceStanley-i5w]

Here in canada manitoba the Ninja just went on sale at costco including the possessor and its already on my list to get it this week

[@rhondacross850]

Where is your description box? Thank you.

[@Eisawithlove]

Where was the bulk cereal from? Stufman Farms??

[@esthergerlitz2359]

You should have given a better close up of the mug you designed!

[@gingernotturno5365]

I love your videos and I love your way of living....you all are awesome

[@Barbara-ui7cy]

Thyme keeps cabbage moth away when you plant them in between. Radishes keep squash bugs away from squash and melons and cucumbers . Get the radishes in the ground so they are up before the vegetables. I just let em go to seed. Really anything in the mustard family works.

[@morethanfarmers]

Thanks for the tips!

[@chezelleconroy2951]

Is the red raspberry leaf tea just leaves from our usual raspberries, or is it a particular variety?

[@familyonfire4808]

I live right down the road from Dutch Valley. I had no idea we could buy from them. I assumed it was just for commercial use. Great to know! I wonder if Dutch Valley would let me come in for a visit. ;)

[@morethanfarmers]

No idea 🤷🏻‍♂️ 😊 Would be cool!

[@cookingwithshelleypampered1735]

Thank you for the herb drying info! It's also nice seeing you both in the kitchen together. My herb drying annoys my hubby to no end! He hates seeing them around thr kitchen and in the cupboards😢😅 😮

[@morethanfarmers]

😅

[@kristenpreece4520]

I keep searching for that blue harvesting bowl to purchase 😂 new to y'all's channel and loving it here

[@morethanfarmers]

Welcome!😄

[@VsideKennels]

Hi we love all videos it’s always nice see to see everyone’s growing tips. However, homesteading is wonderful. But I don’t see in your videos anything for your children to enjoy on their downtime I don’t see swing sets or toys etc. Lots of children enjoy a farm life, but they have also have to have socialization and their own space instead of gardening and chores on an every day basis.

[@courtnez]

They have an amazing tree house that Cody built. It's in a couple videos. Though I'm not sure the connection between toys and socialization. They have also mentioned in a different video that the kids do at least one evening kid activity at church. Beautiful that every family is different.

[@VsideKennels]

@@courtnez A family farm is wonderful but church isn’t something they can enjoy on downtime. Something for the kids to enjoy is being left out of a lot of the homesteading videos on social media. Parents get so wrapped up in new gadgets and editing videos, that kids go without normalization.

[@courtnez]

​@@VsideKennels Respectfully you are entitled to your opinion and the have their parenting and childrens privacy. My kids play outside without many toys. The focus of the channel isn't the kids so they don't show us all their kid stuff, which I'm glad. It's also your opinion that their children don't socialize or relax at church. Again, each family is different and yours may have different things they enjoy. I get the impression that they enjoy family time and yes, it may be tempting to film all the time, but I don't see then following kids around with a camera....that's one of the reasons I like their channel.

[@VsideKennels]

@@courtnez Church shouldn’t be used as socializing . Indeed their children are in the videos quite often , doing chores and homework but never playing with kid toys or play sets. The whole topic.

[@courtnez]

​@user-bs8lm3kl1o Glad you feel that way. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Glad they can also do life as they feel best for their kids. Again, videos are short glimpses into someone's life, but let's remember the homesteading focus of the channel. It's not kid play time ;)

[@EricaSwetz]

Yall really rubbin it in on this one!(; Hey coming from a wife of a proffesional landscaper of almost 20 years, he always stresses when planying a tree or plant from a container digging the hole twice the width and height of the pot. Just gives the plant a little more growing room before it has to deal with real life.(;

[@morethanfarmers]

😁

[@Seasoncromwell]

I was excited when I saw content pop up!

[@imaprepper1866]

Just found your channel love it I’ve spent my whole evening watching you and your husband canning together love it

[@morethanfarmers]

Welcome! Glad you found us!😊

[@maryegerton6848]

I truly love your videos. You guys are so smart. I left my small homestead for the summer to take my grandson to Thailand and here I am wondering how the garden is doing and how the second batch of rhubarb is coming along. ❤❤

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you 😊 Wow, that’s so cool that you get to give him that experience! Safe travels 😊

[@loganjackson1335]

Michelle thank you for showing us how to make your tea. Also, do you think you could use Stevia to sweeten both the tea, jelly, and jams?

[@morethanfarmers]

Yes you could! We just don't really like the taste 😏

[@lunastar9086]

Where did you get the Apple mint I can not find it anywhere

[@marthapattee]

i add chocolate mint o my raspberry tea leaves yummy

[@tonijones1546]

How do you make the sourdough starter? The amounts?

[@meghanblackson1054]

your tea game is amazing. lately i have been putting herbs in a jar of water with some loose leaf green tea and leaving it in the sun to make sun tea. it is such a refreshing drink on a hot day, and the herbs really help my mood and energy levels throughout the day. Especially lemon balm, it is so great for mood and depression.

[@morethanfarmers]

Love it 😊

[@ulrikereisenauer6895]

And hot water destroys the good properties of the honey.😉

[@annae.9006]

I genuinely find your videos SO HELPFUL and SO PACKED WITH SUCH USEFUL INFORMATION!!! Thank you for following your dream and sharing it with the world!! Xoxoxo

[@davidstoddard9160]

When you planted your plum tree you did everything except did not put protection against rabbits that like to eat the fresh bark on a young fruit tree, and can destroy a tree over night.

[@courtnez]

We don't have issues with rabbits here, maybe they don't either?

[@FranklyFranky]

Was the learning curve for cast-iron steep or did you grow up on cast iron and it’s just all you’ve ever known, my parents recently switched to non-coded pans and although it is better for you EVERYTHING sticks watching your husband cook burgers it looks like you were not having the same issue. Any tips

[@morethanfarmers]

We had to learn, but it’s not too hard.

[@FranklyFranky]

@@morethanfarmers I asked because we switched over to stainless steel from nonstick and it’s not an experience my family and I are adapting easily too. Any tips

[@amaliacastanedo-rj6pk]

I’m sorry I think I spelled it wrong my phone phone just wanted to know if you sell any of your dry tea

[@morethanfarmers]

Sorry, we don’t.

[@shaneswing2016]

Broc - I love eating it, but I've hated growing it in spring for over 10 years. Now, I'm only growing it in the fall. Herbs - your herb has finally given me enough rack envy that I'm gonna build o e for next season. Honeymoon - you made me realize I do t just enjoy the garden enough. From now on every Saturday, I'm just gonna spend d 15 minutes in it without weeding, watering, or adjusting any plants Just observing the awe of it all. Grow on!

[@Zizzyyzz]

*"Moo-shine".* Nice. 🐮🥛😅

[@devotedmomof7]

Where do you get apple mint tea seeds?

[@mikeyoung5211]

If you use linens they won't smell

[@jolenef.9548]

Your broccoli is so bid and beautiful!

[@RachelZ0922]

Do you guys grow a Fall broccoli? I'm in zone 6 and I'm wondering if it would work if I planted them from seed right in the garden this month. Any thoughts? I've never grown broc!

[@GlendaMixer-jz7vc]

I gave up all the "cooking" videos. Your channel helps us so much with our Texas garden. We use the vacuum in the garden AND flies in our window. Where can I find BT. Texas bugs likes the broccoli family. Keep it up we love your channel.

[@brandymurphy6373]

Do y’all only use pomonas pectin?

[@wandagreen243]

Michelle, I learned something from you today after experiencing a bad time in my garden. I want to experience no worms on my brassicas using BT, nontoxic dish soap, and peppermint oil as you recommend this fall 2024. Thanks. Sincerely,