The other day, my neighbor showed up at my door carrying a large bag overflowing with something from their garden. With a smile, they handed it over and said, “We have way too many of these—please take some!” I thanked them, but as soon as I looked inside, I realized I had no idea what I was looking at.
Have you ever been in that situation? Someone generously shares a harvest from their garden, and you’re left wondering not only what it is, but what you’re supposed to do with it. Is it something you eat raw? Cook? Bake? Pickle? The possibilities seem endless when you’re staring at an unfamiliar vegetable or fruit.
What many people don’t realize is that receiving a surprise bag of produce is often a sign that a gardener has had a wildly successful season. Plants like zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and squash can grow faster than anyone can keep up with. Fruit trees can suddenly produce more figs, plums, peaches, or apricots than a family could possibly eat before they ripen. Even herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and cilantro can spread so quickly that gardeners find themselves looking for anyone willing to take some home.
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