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

[@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!

[@Rachel_Lincoln]

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

[@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!

[@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🌅💎💪

[@jasonstefanuk3579]

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

[@faithfullyfitkitchen]

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!

[@cleosworld9096]

Ummmm I just almost fell of my bed laughing at picturing a man smelling his partner and saying god u smell like a fart😂 so ty for the laugh

[@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.

[@TieuPhiDailyLife]

So inspiring! Wishing everyone joy in learning the art of preserving tea, herbs, and homemade jams - each jar filled with nature’s goodness! 🍃🍯🥦✨

[@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 😊

[@shireethompson5028]

First of all, I love your videos. I started growing more mints and basils this past growing season. I have really enjoyed holy basil with mint. Sometimes, I add honey, tumeric,ginger, and/or maringa. Making different teas is a good way to add extra nutrients to your diet. I like sitting out on the porch in the evening drinking tea and just enjoying the sounds of nature. Happy growing everyone.❤❤❤

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you! That’s awesome! Sounds wonderful.😊

[@freegirl3786]

One hack i love is taking unbleached tea bags (for loose tea) and fill them with so e rice, knot it up and put one bag into every herb jar. Helps with keeping it completely dry ❤

[@morethanfarmers]

Thanks for the tip!😊

[@freegirl3786]

@@morethanfarmers oh wow, you answered 😁😁 that's Soo cool. I love your channel 😍😁

[@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 😂

[@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!

[@alinadaych8866]

First time visiting this channel, so glad i found it. I am very happy to see that there are families like yours out there.

[@morethanfarmers]

Welcome! Glad you’re here!😊

[@sallyvernon2375]

Mounding a tree planted where the ground floods will no keep the roots from suffocating. Fig and eldery do like wet feet, but not soaked.

[@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 😍

[@corinne7126]

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

[@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

[@anitastyczynski7140]

Hi Michele. You mentioned in a previous video that your squash was not being pollinated. I had the same problem until I learned that I could pollinate the flowers by hand. I use a small craft paintbrush and pick up pollen from the male flowers and brush it on to the female flowers. It's easy to distinguish the two. Since, I have gotten a much more abundant harvest. Hope this helps.

[@AZJH8374]

I put all the broccoli stems in my broccoli cheddar soup. 😋 yum

[@EulaleeMiller-cx1bp]

When do u get to rest u work so hard Cas there is so much to do❤

[@PureEarthGardens-r9t]

I love the way you break down complex gardening techniques into simple steps.

[@andielliott7721]

I am right there with you about peas. Last year was my last time growing peas. EASY to grow, Time Consuming to Shell, LITTLE REWARD!

[@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.

[@lesmohr6289]

When you dehyrate any food you want to check the mason jar to see if the need to dry more just make sure the top and bottom of the jARS don't stick the food when you shake it

[@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

[@champagnemommy]

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

[@jeremyandheidibennett5721]

Thank you for the vid. It's late October in Northern California and I had to go back and watch this one as my broccoli is just coming in now. Zones are so awesome over the US. Thanks for the relevance no matter where we live.

[@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

[@catherineluthultz5494]

When I found you, I haven't left. You know so much about gardening 🤣 & canning. I've heard from you that you learned so much from your mom. When you were filling your jars with jam, you said the reason I don't fill the jars full is because I just don't want to. I cracked up when you said that, 😅😊

[@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 😊❤

[@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?

[@alinadaych8866]

I agree. I did not get any stretch marks both times, and i never used any creams. My skin is dry and thin, i was very skinny and my belly was huge , protruding like a torpedo. My babies were 8.5 lb.

[@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.

[@kellykremer7431]

OMG! I can not imagine having hail in the beginning of July! We were at 118 degrees and dry as a bone here in Northern CA in the beginning of July. It's always soo cool to follow other people and see other places' weather patterns.

[@ChelseaDraughn]

Tea. I’m new to drinking tea. What to grow more mint next year. Apple and chocolate mint sounds good.

[@tammyshepherd1152]

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

[@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!

[@AZJH8374]

LOOK AT THAT BROCCOLI! YUM❤❤

[@joeyhardin1288]

Great video! Finally got the garden planted, June 9&10, rained a 1/16 of an inch since then and watered every day. Opossums got all of our plumbs and peaches!

[@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]

😅

[@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!

[@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 😊

[@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!😊

[@cynthiag3065]

The broccoli stocks are excellent in soup, vegetables stock, or sautéed.

[@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?

[@WachiwiSioux-i2n]

I just love you!! Classic music is life! I can work better, think better, and be grateful for life

[@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.

[@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!

[@dianehill6612]

I watch your guys all the time. Also watch a lot of Homesteading channels. You guys by far are the best. Michelle I’ve learned so much from you. I love how you grow all your veggies & herbs. Thanks for sharing

[@ulrikereisenauer6895]

Love your herbs and teas! You can also mix nettle and raspberries well as tea. Parsley preserves the flavor better when you freeze it

[@deannadilsaver9656]

Thank you for a great video!! I got the pleasure of meeting you at the Food Summit and I was beyond thrilled. You both are so kind and genuine! ❤️. That broccoli is MASSIVE!!!! Thank you for the tips. Hoping next year to grow better broccoli! 😃

[@morethanfarmers]

I remember seeing you there! So glad to meet you 😊 Thanks for being there and supporting us. Good luck with the broccoli!

[@deannadilsaver9656]

⁠​⁠@@morethanfarmersthank you so much!!! It’s was truly my pleasure!! ❤Hope to see you again! 😊

[@Aragornski]

Another lovely video, thank you! Apart from tea, you can use stinging nettle for a really magnificent soup! You just need the tips of the really young stinging nettle early in the spring, some leeks, rice (or sometimes potatoes), a bit of feta cheese and some spices.

[@estherjeudy1067]

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

[@carmentrevino4704]

I like mint and lemon tea, from the leaves of my lemon tree ♥️🧓😘

[@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 😏

[@debbiemurrell3632]

I put my kale and other things in salt water and it gets rid of bugs (if any) , it works.

[@sergeb957]

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

[@suedalimonte7863]

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

[@sharonanderson346]

Me too!

[@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 😊

[@Just-Nikki]

I add dried nettles to omelettes or things that I’m adding spinach or kale to because it adds the benefits but doesn’t change the flavor profile of the dish.

[@tonisorrells4365]

I have that same blue bowl. One of my favorites passed down in my family.

[@kendratai]

Thank you for sharing drying herbs! I realized I could save some money doing that but I really don't know how. You made it look so doable!

[@tinkerthetabbycat6483]

I also try different things when I make jams, add beet/ carrot juice to give natural coloring and reduce sugar add powered chia seeds as thicken.

[@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. 💞

[@shellakers10]

I blanch most veggies the same way you do! It works.

[@Just-Nikki]

25:14 I make that but I also add thyme. It has some amazing benefits.

[@Way_LifeGardening]

Pure genius blending dried tea ❤ I will be blending dried tea for the first time this year 😊

[@tamidavis3730]

Last year I steam blanched my broccoli. It went so much better for me. Would recommend for sure.

[@northerngirlhobbies]

Another beautiful masterpiece production!

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you 😊

[@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?

[@alph8654]

Enjoyed another busy day with you all doing your thing. Thanks !!

[@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

[@Angiebea22]

You should try ground chia seeds and fruit to make sugar free jam! I’ve never canned it but it’s delicious in a pinch!

[@voss_homestead.oh.chapter]

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

[@TheHappyHomestead]

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

[@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.

[@caroljordan2886]

I’m moving this summer and hope to prepare for a spring garden. Until then I’m planning on containers for some fall goodies. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I’m a new subscriber

[@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?

[@FannityVair]

Thank you! Very excited for the tallow balm!

[@belieftransformation]

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

[@juanicefosu4106]

So, do you use the leaves from the raspberries you grow to make red raspberry tea?

[@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

[@tamararobinson2069]

🤗 I like you do “Why Nots” too. The beet juice for color - great Idea!! Loved ALL the Things today!!! 💚

[@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!

[@beansngreens8006]

Amazing video today! I’m so jealous of your teas! 😊😊😊. And thank you for showing how to use the French press. Looks like I need to get one. 😉. And your broccoli harvest was 😍😍😍😍!

[@sherriekemper1828]

Really efficient planning for preservation of veggies and fruits.

[@jennan3407]

I love your cookie sheets (and bread pans?). Are they stainless steel? Will you please provide a link? Thank you!

[@katienelson9242]

I just love your channel! It’s always exciting when I see a new video pop up! I’ve leaned so much from your family and am so thankful to have found you!!

[@dhansonranch]

Good broccoli harvest! Good video. Well done.

[@thisnthatcormak]

Thank you so much for sharing how you make your tea. You inspired me this year and I bought orange mint, chocolate mint and peppermint plants to make tea this year a and beyond. I've already got a pint size jar full of each all dryer and ready to enjoy. I'm trying stevia this year too. I may try broccoli again next year. I didn't have much luck 4 years ago!

[@billybass6419]

When I make burgers or sausage, I roll up a little ball of mean and put it on a piece of aluminum foil or wax paper, lay another piece on top and roll out the meat with a small can of greek seasoning. Takes a minute and I get nice even paddies.

[@fdabill1]

Love your channel. Such an inspiration. Also have to say Michelle’s laugh is the cutest 😊

[@dauntlessdivine2627]

when you make jam, just fill the jars and turn it upsidedown. let it sit for several hours and then once its cooled down, check for proper seal and put it on your shelf. no freezer space necessary. many people can jam this way without waterbath canner.

[@GlendaMixer-jz7vc]

Does that get rid of the air in the jars like Water bath does?

[@EmmaHope88]

@@GlendaMixer-jz7vc Don't even have to turn them upside down. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. I don't let them cool down completely like that though. When I do turn them upside down, I just do it for a bit and then turn them over again because otherwise all your jam sticks to the lid - well, mine has done that before and I don't like that. You can do chutneys and applesauce like that too. The jam needs to be piping hot when you fill it in and then you need to immediately screw the lid on, after a while you can hear them pop. They seal on their own. They last for a year at least, but usually longer. I have some grape jam on the shelf from four years ago and it's fine.

[@GlendaMixer-jz7vc]

@@EmmaHope88 Thank you so much I hope "More than Farmers" sees this post.

[@Thankful_.]

Towel tasting green beans and broccoli spelling towels….u guys made me lol! I totally appreciate the tips and could smell and taste in my mind what you guys meant! lol 😊

[@najwaseiya]

what a beautiful video, thanks💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@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,

[@tildars]

Wowzy video and great achievement on the homestead ❤

[@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?