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.

[@cheerificcheerleader]

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!

[@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🌅💎💪

[@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.

[@jasonstefanuk3579]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@AwakeningWARRlOR]

🥱🥱🥱

[@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.

[@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!

[@corinne7126]

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

[@tammyshepherd1152]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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! 😃

[@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 😂

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 😍

[@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. 😊

[@dhansonranch]

Good broccoli harvest! Good video. Well done.

[@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!

[@sherriekemper1828]

Really efficient planning for preservation of veggies and fruits.

[@workinonit9562]

Wonderful harvest!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@debrakessler5141]

I love this family!

[@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!

[@user-xh2vn7ow6i]

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

[@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!

[@robertacleary5256]

Great tips THANK YOU😊

[@tonisorrells4365]

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

[@tildars]

Wowzy video and great achievement on the homestead ❤

[@Zizzyyzz]

*"Moo-shine".* Nice. 🐮🥛😅

[@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

[@joanwalker4199]

So good!!

[@Mtpumpkinsman]

What an amazing broccoli harvest! Love the preserving videos.

[@fdabill1]

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

[@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 😍😍😍😍!

[@georgiabrasher7636]

You guys are a wealth of information! Love your videos!

[@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,

[@lindabyrne1645]

Love watching the channel!

[@fayejacobs1043]

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

[@willowblack1234]

I love your videos, they are so calming and informational. 🙂

[@Seasoncromwell]

I was excited when I saw content pop up!

[@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!

[@shellakers10]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@LaurenDenson]

Y’all are killing it! Huge fan! 🤘

[@Ellieandherlupus]

This is an amazing video ❤❤❤

[@lisagauthier5968]

You guys are awesome

[@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?

[@TampasCreekHomesteadandMore]

❤❤I love this video and all that I've learned following you all.❤❤

[@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!

[@tamidavis3730]

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

[@Just-Nikki]

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

[@Aelfswythe]

Your green beans tasted like towels 😂 I'm sorry but that just sounded so funny! Great video, guys!

[@marinamayo7994]

Your content is wonderful! 😊

[@officiallaskardoa]

what a beautiful video, thanks💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@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 😊❤

[@debbiee7850]

what a beautiful life

[@montyshinn8704]

Soooo inspiring!❤

[@tamararobinson2069]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@d.f.8005]

Really Good Video! ❤ I think so far it is your best one❤

[@TheHappyHomestead]

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

[@diggingwithdogs6850]

I put a beet in my strawberry jam and it was beautiful

[@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!

[@kimcarrots]

I love all your videos - so inspiring.

[@OurMessyHouse]

Love this ❤

[@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.

[@user-ml9zg7re4h]

I think you need to sell those dring racks in your etsy shop. Ive tried to find good screens & havent or they are tiny. I love to see the herbs in blender then jars. Hash tag goals! Thank you for the great video.

[@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

[@debbiemurrell3632]

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

[@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.

[@kprairiesun]

Those blanched broccoli spears look perfect for dipping in butter, my favorite way to eat broccoli! Try it. My grandpa had tree ripened plums and pears from his trees and they were way more delicious than any I've ever had since. Nothing as good as plums from your own tree! Broccoli looks great, but i think green beans are so yummy, they are worth the work! I have a favorite Dill Pickle recipe that uses fresh, leafy dill. From a dear Mennonite friend.

[@Just-Nikki]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1514">25:14</a> I make that but I also add thyme. It has some amazing benefits.

[@Garret-nd6px]

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

[@ireneroyal3584]

I wpuld love to see you noth at the Modern Homestead Conference on Coeur dAlene Idaho!!!!

[@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?

[@jeanettemyer1818]

You’ll need to plant another plum to get fruit 👌🏻

[@nadinestutterheim7950]

Those food mills are very popular over here too. They are called "flotte Lotte" in german (means something like a very fast girl named lotte)😅. Greetings from Nadine from Berlin Germany

[@Ilikethesefastbits]

Grüße aus Berlin! musste lachen über die flotte Lotte..

[@heatherbee2386]

I would love to see a video on your popcorn 😊

[@camicri4263]

Dill seed are very healthy as well! I actually use the dry flower hesds for pickles! I bought dry raspberry leafs to make tea and I can't stand the grass flavor and the smell! The dry parslley tastes abnd smells like grass too, disgusting! I only had fresh parsley all my life and it' s something I can' t get used to! Blessings!

[@courtneyscupboard]

What brand of broccoli seed do you grow?That harvest is epic and I also preserve my vegetables that way so much better than the store bought bags.

[@Just-Nikki]

I have that Ninja blender and we use it for so many things!

[@colleenblanchard5729]

Love your videos :)

[@teresawebster3498]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@marthapattee]

i add chocolate mint o my raspberry tea leaves yummy

[@willowblack1234]

How do you store fresh picked blackberries? And how would you make a jam with them?

[@leslieclifton7625]

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

[@Fizbini1]

here in BC last year i had major issues with cabbage moths, this year none, and i didnt spray either year.