Huge Harvest Day! + Preserving Food From My Backyard Homestead! - Processing 30lbs Of Tomatoes!

[@FourSeasons04]

Beautiful garden and harvest. Here on the East Coast outside of DC, the extreme heat, lack of rain, and pests have brutalized my garden. Gardening has been my refuge, but this year it's been a struggle. I do enjoy watching others thrive though. All the best!

[@tuliplangel4624]

Don’t give up 4 seasons!!!

[@amyk6028]

@@tuliplangel4624Yes. Looking forward to the fall garden!!

[@cleosworld9096]

Awe I hope starts to get better and great on u for seeing the joy in others even wen u struggle. A lot of ppl can’t seem to do that

[@FourSeasons04]

@@tuliplangel4624 Absolutely! Here's hoping for a kinder fall season. TY😊

[@itsbreellis]

Thank you! & Ugh sorry to hear that! I’ve definitely a few seasons like that! We always hit our hottest between now through mid August so I know some things are going to be dying back really soon. Hope the second half of the season is better for you!

[@myleneberkowitz9418]

That looks more like a small farm than a garden. Impressive!

[@itsbreellis]

Thank you!

[@MommaOG]

​@@itsbreelliswhat state are you in I'm a new subscriber and just started watching your videos.

[@jperrocks5712]

@@MommaOG I don’t remember it but I think it’s in her TikTok

[@toddmiller1753]

I can't tell you how relaxing and inspiring and overall soothing your videos are. You are truly special Bre, please don't ever stop don't ever change, close to perfection!

[@conniebranham-b9x]

I totally agree

[@MariaLD90]

This was so interesting to watch! And very educational. Preserving vegetables like this is not very common where I'm from, so there's not many sources to find good information about it. We mostly just preserve jam, marmalades since our forest is full with fresh berries for everyone to pick freely. Thank you for sharing this. Greetings from Sweden.

[@saskiacarina2791]

I could watch 10 videos of yours every week😍so inspiring ❤

[@itsbreellis]

Thank you so much!

[@saskiacarina2791]

I startet gardening last year and learned so much from. I was also very happy about my garlic in June. I know also have my own garlic to replant and hopefully multiplie💯

[@boxerloverkz812]

Growing up we boiled water and filled one sink then filled another sink with ice and water. We would dump in a sink full of tomatoes into the boiling water, let them sit a bit them put them into the ice water. peel and process. So much faster than doing a couple of tomatoes at a time. Also, we didnt put the X in the bottom of the tomato. You will learn how long to leave the tomatoes in the hot water before they just slip right off.

[@mylfygamer]

Thank you. This is so much simpler than I plan.

[@joanacooper0429]

You can use bottle lemon juice instead of citric acid to can.

[@itsbreellis]

Yes! I’ve done it in the past, and honestly hated the flavor it gave.

[@lisagrafton2529]

Do you have a veggie chopper, that comes with different sized blades and a see-thru box for the veggies to fall down into? Some even have cup measurements on the side, if you stand up the box on its end, the veggies fall down and you can see how many cups you chopped, in less than a minute! When you're faced with so many veggies to preserve, we need to work smarter, not harder.

[@tamararobinson2069]

Bre you are so organized!! You do so much in a small space!! Such an inspiration 🤗 I’m Amazed at how many tomatoes you have ready so early!! Thanks for sharing❤💚

[@itsbreellis]

Thanks for watching!

[@Idontwantachannel67]

For chopping faster, get a food processor or one of those hand choppers with different size grates. It’s a game changer.😊 For making canned soups, it saves you hours!

[@itsbreellis]

Ive been looking into them! I have a chopper but its such a pain to clean, and I hate it for tomatoes lol

[@Idontwantachannel67]

@@itsbreellis yeah I resisted for years, but finally got a food processor. Definitely worth it and if you do a bunch of prep work all in one day, then you only need to rinse it in between. Washing it is definitely easier than those horrible little square blades. I couldn’t believe how fast I made coleslaw, cucumber salad and all kinds of stuff!

[@kathyalsteen3579]

My son suggested I use the wide mouth 8ounce jars for salsa. This allows you to more easily dip the tortilla chips directly into the jars. Best idea ever!

[@lachlannae]

Looks like you're working hard and a lot of beautiful food! 🎉 great job canning! That makes for such a looooong day!

[@rachelbonner]

Hi Bre! Thanks for another inspirational video - I’ve been making lots of salsa here in central Illinois as well 😊 Have you thought about using shade cloth on your tomatoes? After hearing Millennial Gardener talk about benefits, I installed some above mine this year, and it’s been a game changer so far!! Keeping all the plants very productive.

[@itsbreellis]

I have been thinking of trying to figure something out for a few years. Ill have to look into that! Thanks for sharing!

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I am so passionate about preserving the harvest--well done!

[@Hanna-DailyLife]

Your creativity and humor really shone in this video. Great job!

[@VANGarden-iv1yo]

Your garden is so beautiful ❤

[@lisagrafton2529]

I just saw someone roast tomatoes, peppers and onions, and she left the char on them when she made salsa, from cooks country perserving.

[@glennahoki6476]

I love seeing you do this! It's a lost art that is having a resurgence! Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@itsbreellis]

Thank you so much!

[@kajolaggarwal4]

Whenever you can using tomatoes try freezing tomato skin or seeds whatever extra you have and wen you have a nice amount of it freeze dry it and make tomato powder

[@katiebutterfield6428]

Absolutely amazing!!! Such an inspiration! You truly should be proud of all you’ve accomplished! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@itsbreellis]

Thank you so much!!

[@cherylpresleigh6403]

You are off to an amazing preservation season from the beautiful abundance of your garden. Like you, I think having a pot filler at the stove would be awesome! Well done, Bre!

[@itsbreellis]

Thank you!!

[@maddisonbaughn2573]

Added vinegar to my load last night and really helped my jars not be covered in mineral build up from my water! Thank you for that tip!

[@itsbreellis]

So glad that helped you!

[@LyThiHangDailyLife]

The harvest looks superb

[@taylorharris1355]

Loving your content and channel SO much, you’re inspiring me to get my yard full of garden beds!!

[@itsbreellis]

Thank you!! Love to hear that!

[@Volfor321]

I invested in a vacuum sealer for mason jars and it works flawlessly!

[@lynetteclauser3551]

I’m starting all over and I guess I’m back where I started. We downsized and moved 5 hours from our previous location. From alkaline to acid soil, from drought and water conservation to amply rain. And where I had few pests & disease to hornworms & cabbage moths. Seems like I’m having to learn all over again. I was curious as to what size freeze dryer you use and how many people you are preserving for. It’s just my husband and I. Sadly we’ve had a very very rainy spring and then Beryl. So my garlic & onions have rotted in the ground. And my tomatoes ended up with a fungal infection that spread.

[@itsbreellis]

I always worry about the starting over years when we finally move. Wishing you some better weather for the rest of the season! I have a medium harvest right. Its just my husband and I was well, and I find the size to be perfect.

[@LivingLaVidaAshley]

Also, thanks for making canning look easy! I’m excited to try it!!

[@brittburkard3650]

Thank you so much for sharing some of this process, it helps so much to see it being done. :)

[@MovingBlanketStudio]

Great to see your process on all of this. I can prep beds, grow stuff, maintain the garden and harvest all day long. But knowing how to preserve is where I fall short. Making refrigerator pickles is about the extent of my abilities.

[@itsbreellis]

Thank you! It took me some years before I got the swing of things!

[@roxananunez4238]

You are so talented such a beautiful harvest love watching your videos ❤

[@rickthelian2215]

Nice harvest Bre, yeah grow more carrots 🥕 they looked nice and taste.😊 Great Preservation Techniques reminds me of my late mother❤

[@bridgetwilkins312]

Dehydrate the tomato skins you peeled, then powder them to make tomato powder. Alot you can do with tomato powder.

[@PirouettingFox]

Ok so I have a few questions 😅 1st- Where did you get your apron? 2nd- where did you get your hair clip? It’s gorgeous! 3rd- Where did you get your silicone wrack? 4th- Do you work away from home or is KZbin your “job” 5th- Did you know you can do 2 layers of jars in a canner as long as there is a metal rack between the layers and there is at least 2 inches of water above the top of the jars? For pressure canning you don’t need to worry about the water being above the jars since that’s not how pressure canning works. I like to can in half pints so that I have the option of a single serving so you can get a lot more jars processed in a session. With how tall your pot is I think you could stack pints but you’d have to just test and see. You get the metal dividers for in between the layers of jars on Amazon. Thank you for this awesome video!! I’m a new subscriber and I’m really enjoying your channel ❤ You have a beautiful home and a dreamy garden. The envy is so real lol

[@marenm9392]

Are you harvesting your garden already? When do you start planting seeds, seedlings etc etc….

[@tammystoddard4690]

I've been learning so much from you... thanks 😊

[@taramiller2849]

Me too

[@itsbreellis]

Thanks for watching!!

[@CottageontheCorner]

New follower here. I love your garden. I just expanded this year and went from some containers on my deck to some huge raised beds and fruit trees and very bushes. I haven’t started canning yet because I’m intimidated. I would love to see more videos, maybe you have some so, I’ll scroll through them, but where are you like for beginners like me.

[@freshoutofcrabs]

This is a really lovely harvest you've got and a bountiful haul. Thanks for sharing all the different ways you preserve the abundance! I've heard that freezing and thawing tomatoes is another good way to get tomatoes to peel easily. For the mylar bags, is it possible to reuse them or are they one and done? Side note: I'd be surprised if your citric acid contained silicone (with an e at the end, rhymes with CONE) as that is a malleable plastic that is generally regarded as safe to use as cookware, but isn't meant to be eaten. If it's silcon or silicon dioxide (without the e at the end, rhymes with ON), though, that's basically nanoparticle sized sand that is used as an anti-caking agent and is safe to eat. Though, if you use your citric acid quickly enough or don't live in a humid environment, you don't have much need for an anti-caking agent anyway.

[@teresastuart4383]

You have a very calming voice and presence. New subscriber here. 😀

[@Teresa-mu4kw]

You have an amazing harvest!🎉

[@greenrockgarden2851]

I bet you slept well these nights. Lol Your garden is beautiful this year. ❤

[@itsbreellis]

I defiantly did! & Thank you!

[@dustfeatherandco]

Your garden and harvest are amazing! When you're canning, how long do the newly filled jars sit in the water bath to process?

[@PaulineFeldman]

Would love to see more videos like this!

[@carolb5677]

Good work. Check your manual for the freeze dryer, my understanding is that all trays need to be used during a cycle.

[@itsbreellis]

I must have missed that, I actually haven’t heard this until now. After looking it up, people do suggest it. Both things I see are cost/sensors. I haven’t had any issues yet doing a few at a time but makes sense with the sensors! Sometimes if food isn’t done drying, I would move the trays around and continue. Now I know it would probably be easier to just load all the trays. Thanks for sharing!

[@carolb5677]

@@itsbreellis Thanks for taking the comment in the gentle manner it was intended. Also, you need to find a canning buddy! It is so much more fun to can with another person. Just don't can with a slacker or someone who arrives late and leaves early! Ask me how I know ;-)

[@itsbreellis]

@@carolb5677 I appreciate the comment! I dont claim to know everything, and I just share my everyday so I like when things like this come up. I sent a email to the contact I have a harvest right to double check their recommendations/suggestions. I can't seem to find much when I search. In my personal experience I haven't liked running multiple things at once. I find its always a uneven dry, so I started to do smaller batches and never had a issues. Ill comment back when I hear something farther incase anyone else sees this as well. lol Idk if Id have the patience to can with someone else lol even though Im sure it would make the day quicker lol

[@itsbreellis]

I was told "The freeze dryer is really forgiving, but if possible it is best to use all the trays. Trays don't need to be full but spreading them out help fun faster and be more efficient." Thanks again for bring it up, Im sure this will help decrease how long some things take to freeze dry.

[@carolb5677]

@@itsbreellis Great!

[@Bindy36]

You have a dream garden. Very beautiful.

[@itsbreellis]

Thank you so much 😊

[@Lilac-oq4by]

i was just wondering what do you do about your veggie garden when you go on vacation?

[@cathykillion6544]

Your flowers on your counter are gorgeous

[@itsbreellis]

Thank you!

[@0MissElizabeth0]

Yay you uploaded more 🥰 love hanging out with you 😁

[@nutellabrot9047]

You are my inspiration

[@amyk6028]

Nice harvest! ❤ So glad your weather has been good. We are in SC and the heat is absolutely unbearable. It’s been 96 degrees and 80% humidity for a solid month. Already had to pull all my determinate tomatoes 😢

[@cleosworld9096]

@@amyk6028 oh no I hope it starts to get better. The loss must be rough

[@itsbreellis]

Ugh im so sorry! I grew up in SC so I understand the heat and humidity your dealing with! Its a whole other level down there!

[@mcgritty8842]

😩😭😂

[@melaniemaldonado6692]

Beautiful harvest.

[@kristinc.2371]

Hi Bre, just wondering where you ordered you paprika pepper seeds from. Would love to try that next year. Thanks!

[@melindawargowsky8176]

Buy yourself some cheap litmus paper strips to test your acidity😊. You may just need to add a little bit more citric acid.

[@jsaapple]

On the Mylar bags you use that have the clear front, how long do they stay good? I wondered if those let air in or something over time compared to the silver. It looks nice to be able to see the food in it. You had a great harvest and preserving!

[@itsbreellis]

I have stuff from last year that’s storing just fine. If I planned to store these super long term I would store in ones that block out light. These are stored in my basement and never had a issue but that would be my thought. Can’t say if how long since I’ve only had a freeze dryer for a year. Typically if I preserve from my garden I can only get 1-2 years anyway since I grow in a smaller space.

[@Eyesofsilverr]

One day I aspire to become like you ❤

[@mistresskaliko5596]

KEEP IT UP SISTER 👍👍👍

[@delpheniaguice3275]

New subcriber. Your delivery and videos are really good.

[@EirlysMcLachlan]

I'd always heard rosemary water would darken hair, but your hair doesn't look dark at all! Have you noticed any darkening?

[@itsbreellis]

I haven't noticed to be honest

[@EirlysMcLachlan]

@@itsbreellis I'll give it a try then, thanks!

[@heatherbaker414]

How do you get your carrots to grow? Im trying to grow petite carrots they've been growing since May. The green tops are maybe 5ish inches. I uncovered a couple of them, the carrot is maybe an inch if that? They're the potting kind.

[@rochellegronberg2257]

How do you decide to freeze dry VS dehydrate?

[@taramiller2849]

Looks good! I'm doing pretty well for my first garden. My carrots are small and bitter-ish though. 🤷‍♀️

[@itsbreellis]

I believe it could be a timing thing with harvesting with what Ive read in the past. Ive found pelleted seed to help me a lot when it comes to growing bigger carrots

[@Just-Nikki]

It was a very hot spring for most of us and unfortunately that happens 😕

[@martagarcia-retamero3210]

Where do you buy those plastic bags for freezing? Are they reusable?? Thank you! Nice videos!

[@JamieTipton09]

Can I ask what zone you are in? I grew up in Kansas, moved to Texas for the last 9 years and now we are headed back to Kansas zone 7a to some land. I am want to learn how to garden (I love flower gardening but need to learn edible gardening) and can, etc.

[@missmangle]

Great video. May i ask, what freeze dryer do you have?

[@amyfletcher4749]

Love it all!!!!!

[@itsbreellis]

Thank you!

[@TheSnuffy1994]

How do you open a glass jar/can like that? I've never had them

[@Thaonguyen-vx]

Oà, tại sao bạn lại trồng được 1 cái vườn đẹp như vậy 🎉. Tôi rất thích nó, tôi xem nó từ Việt Nam

[@lucythomas4077]

Beautiful garden. I was looking at your tomatoes. Do you cut off branches? They look so nice and tidy in those cages.

[@itsbreellis]

I do if they start showing signs of disease I try to not to prune too much off of my determine plants.

[@lucythomas4077]

@@itsbreellis thanks Bre. This is only my first year gardening and I’m still trying to g to learn the ins and out. I also only like determinate tomatoes.

[@ka786]

I would give away the veggies as I'm too lazy to do much work 😂😂

[@marshaberlin2388]

What brand of garlic and tomatoes do you get?

[@CardioCaffeineQueen]

FOR your ACV hair rinse do you use with the mother or the regular ACV?

[@itsbreellis]

One with the mother is what Ive always used

[@karenvknight6516]

Impressive

[@walkbyfaithfamily9177]

Oh girl! If you are not going to use a food processor to make salsa, you need an onin chopper to chop all those peppers and onions. ❤

[@itsbreellis]

Ive been looking at food processors! Any suggestions? I have a chopper but the thing takes so long to clean, I never use it lol

[@walkbyfaithfamily9177]

I just use my ninja blender for making salsa. It shows the cups on the side, so it makes measuring easy. I dont know if I recommend it, its just what I have. I do like the texture of salsa when the veggies are diced in nice square pieces, but I use one of those onion choppers with the little squares that you smash the veggies through. Still takes time, but faster than hand chopping. 😉 I hate cleaning it too. The trick is to rinse it right away, then I put it in the dishwasher..

[@MoniqueRaluca831]

Why you boil peppers?they get pickeld only with vineger.

[@phillippinter7518]

What kind of tomatoes are those? Looking for a super productive, open pollinated, meaty determinate

[@phillippinter7518]

Except unlike you, I prefer inconsistent tomatoes, a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors

[@LynnBoergermann]

What chopping knife does u use?

[@Kyla_Gilbert]

what book did you use?

[@kathleenholden621]

What brand of romas do you plant?

[@lytieuanh1993]

Omg u cook so good. I want to eat 😊😊

[@lucythomas4077]

Did you grow that bell pepper? And if so, what is your secret for getting them to turn color? I really struggle with that. Thanks.

[@itsbreellis]

Yes I did! Just leave it in the vine and it should continue to change color.

[@habtech3462]

Do you freeze dry your tomato skins to make tomato powder?

[@itsbreellis]

I have yet to do that. I typically compost them down, but I've been meaning to try that! Thanks for the reminder!

[@marshaberlin2388]

I use a potato peeler…….. much quicker and easier.

[@mrslsix]

What Peppers do you use for paprika powder?

[@itsbreellis]

Hungrain Magyar. I get the seeds from Renee’s Garden

[@mrslsix]

@@itsbreellis Thank you.

[@mylfygamer]

Do you homestead or just garden?

[@LivingLaVidaAshley]

Link to your apron please?

[@TungLam1996]

Đàn gà thật đẹp.rất tốt bạn ❤

[@DebRoo11]

Can you reuse mylar bags?

[@itsbreellis]

Everything I've read states as long as its still it good drape your good to reuse!

[@DebRoo11]

@@itsbreellis awesome!

[@wendylawson6588]

How long did u water bath for x

[@itsbreellis]

Just depends on the size of the jar/ the recipe your doing.

[@09echols]

❤❤❤

[@katrinalynn6]

in missouri my peppers are popping off my tomatoes have stalled

[@itsbreellis]

Yah Im starting to get to that point here. I can tell my tomatoes are starting to not produce as much as they were with the heat, but that's common for us around now.

[@katrinalynn6]

@@itsbreellis ive gotten a total 6 off of 18 plants

[@katrinalynn6]

@@itsbreellis ive got 20 plants and ive only gotten 6 big tomatoes

[@veronicamarquez276]

I have bought items from the store and it is very disappointing when you realize you bought an item that has an unnecessary ingredient(s).

[@itsbreellis]

Yes it is!!! I’m typically a avid reader of the ingredients too and I didn’t even think twice!

[@florencecampbell774]

🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@oilfieldron5800]

Your chickens are lottery winners😅

[@itsbreellis]

Got to spoil the ladies!

[@sillav7_276]

You are gourgoues !!!

[@Mommyslittlegarden]

I’m interested to Amazon to🎉gosh like we’re the same

[@sibongileeunicenkosi]

U are so inspiring i always look forward to your videos

[@itsbreellis]

Thank you!

[@stricknitt0184]

I don't understand why people at home use Mylar bags. Such an waste. No one needs to store food for multible decades and all types of jars, especially combined with a vacuum sealer, last multible years.

[@wallfloweresque]

I was wondering if those were reusable, but i don't see how they could be

[@DebRoo11]

​@@wallfloweresque some mylar bags don't have the zipper thingy. Maybe those are reuseable? 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@itsbreellis]

You can reuse them, and sometimes it's a bit more convenient. Especially if you're giving it to other people and don't want to give away your jars. I find its just good to have options.

[@stricknitt0184]

@@itsbreellis They are avalable in Europe, at least for commercial use. But I gues it's a bit like the situation with paper plates. In Europe waterbath canning is the standart. It's easier and save enough. Pressure canner are not realy avalable and even if you would use an imported one from the US, there is still the jar problem. Weck jars don't fit as good as mason jars. (And the other way around). Most stuff, like your salsa would be filled Hot in jars and thats it. Means we either buy or save mountains (like in my case) of Twist of jars. And these are the best option for us to give away.

[@cindyupton7357]

Is it just me ??? I am NOT a fan of the taste of citric acid. Am I doing something wrong? I think it ruins the taste???

[@itsbreellis]

I honestly can’t taste it in there. I can tell a HUGE difference if I use lemon juice and hate the flavor. I know people that only use lemon. I’m sure it’s just preference!

[@wajidlohar2184]

job me

[@garden1710]

You can use bottle lemon juice instead of citric acid to can.