With an absolute abundance of cucumbers at the community garden lately, I couldn’t have been more delighted to share one of my family’s recipes with our wonderful BBA members.
With cucumbers, dill, chillies and onions fresh from our beds, we had ten eager
participants sign up for a morning of pickling – really showing how simple and easy it can be!
The timing couldn’t have been better. The garden was bursting with produce, and rather than let any of our home-grown vegetables go to waste I thought it was the perfect opportunity share the pickling wisdom that’s been passed down through my family– and made family famous by my sibling Ivy.
The recipe I used comes from Ivy, who has been making these pickles for family and friends for the past 15 years – an excellent gift idea and always in high demand.
Some of the workshop participants had never tried pickling before, while others
brought their own experience to the table. I love how these workshops become such rich exchanges. I always gather as much information and knowledge as I share –and people came up with some brilliant flavour adaptions to the recipe as well.
This pickle workshop fits perfectly alongside our other preserving activities here at Bandstand Beds. We’ve been busy making jams and chutneys throughout the growing season, all using produce grown in our community garden. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our vegetables and fruits transformed into preserves that will keep us going through the winter months and beyond – and available for a donation at the produce stall at the garden on Saturdays.
At the end of the workshop session everyone left with jars of beautiful home-made pickles and huge smiles on their face. I had such a great time and judging by the laughter and chatter throughout the morning, I think everyone else did too.
Pickling done, we finished the morning off with a delicious lunch, homemade
focaccia, caprese salad and a courgette loaf.
Mornings like this always makes me wish I lived close to Clapham Common again, as Saturdays at the community garden are always the perfect way to start my weekend.
If you are interested in the pickle recipe, we have put it on our website under recipes, or you can find it here: Ivy’s pickled cucumbers
Written by Sarah Yandell
If you are interested in growing food, connecting with nature and spending time with a friendly group of people, why not become a BBA member? For more information about taking part click on this link, and you can sign up for membership here.