Today's harvest

[pepperhead212]

Today it was the smaller tomatoes again, with over 4 qts of them, after 3 days.
All Sunsugar tomatoes, harvested August 1st, first in 3 days. by pepperhead212, on Flickr

A heaping 4 qt bowl of the smaller tomatoes, August 1st, 3 days since last harvest. by pepperhead212, on Flickr

 

[pepperhead212]

I picked most of the Thai Vesuvius that were ripe, or turning, and a lot of ripening Arunas. And the first ripe Red Habanero, and 3 ripe Datil peppers. Also got about a half dozen ripe Hanoi Markets, but unfortunately, those, and the other peppers under cover looked like they came down with a blight or something like what happens with tomatoes! And those, and the Thai Vesuvius (which also was not doing well), had ants all over them, which would come back, despite whatever I would do to kill them. The Thai Dragons right next to the Vesuvius, had no problems, so I think the Vesuvius were weakened when they were blown over in a wind storm in the spring; killed the Aji Dulce, and one Tomato, but blew a bunch of things over, despite being staked. Next season I'll have to use large stakes from the beginning, even when I know they won't be that tall!
Peppers from August 2nd, first habanero, first 3 datil, several more Hanoi Markets, mostly Aruna. by pepperhead212, on Flickr

 

[Meryl]

Just harvested some Coscia pears. I couldn't pick them all, as they were being invaded by loads of bumblebees, so I had to leave before I'd finshed. Or are these monsters called hornets? I'm not sure of the translation, we caIl them calabroni, I wouldn't want one of their stings! They can be fatal for anyone allergic to insect bites,I'm not, but don't wanna risk.

 

[dragnlaw]

Gorgeous Pears, how yummy!

Merle, think you are right to avoid them. They sure aren't bumblebees -
According to Wiki. "calabroni" translates to :-

European hornet (Vespa crabro) is the largest eusocial wasp native to Europe.

This species stings in response to being stepped on or grabbed, but generally avoids conflict. It is also defensive of its nest and can be aggressive around food sources. Care should be taken when they are found in these circumstances, as they may sting without warning. European hornets are largely carnivorous and hunt large insects such as beetles, wasps, large moths, dragonflies, and mantises.[4][5][6][7][8] They also feed on fallen fruit and other sources of sugary food.[2] Mutual predation between medium-sized hornets and the Asilidae (robber flies) is often reported.

 

[Marlingardener]

Thank heavens, there's an insect that Texas doesn't have!
We are picking almonds today. With the spring/early summer rains, we have a bumper crop. We'll be cracking and picking out almonds for hours!

 

[dragnlaw]

hmmm... and today we have on the menu for your enjoyment...

Fresh roasted pears sprinkled with honey
and
slivered almonds.
Ice Cream on the side for indulgent lusciousness.​

 

[larry_stewart]

I remember watching Emeril years ago and he made a parfait kind dish with pears , the pears were diced and slightly cooked in a caramel sauce . the caramel pears where then layered in a parfait cup with cubes of pour cake and whipped cream. I made it a few times , back in the day, and it was delicious.

 

[caseydog]

Thank heavens, there's an insect that Texas doesn't have!
We are picking almonds today. With the spring/early summer rains, we have a bumper crop. We'll be cracking and picking out almonds for hours!

Yes we do. They are a species of wasp.

CD

 

[taxlady]

I do not like getting stung by wasps. Really. One year there was a large wasps nest in our patio furniture. I got stung about 10 times on my face, scalp, and ears. I got more stings than just on my head. That was the worst time. My face puffed up a bit.

 

[pepperhead212]

Peppers are starting to ripen big time now.
First trays of peppers to go into the dehydrator, 3 trays of Thai, and 1 Aruna. The Aruna is still loaded with peppers, but starting to flower some more already.
First 4 sheets of peppers, going in the dehydrator, 8-3 by pepperhead212, on Flickr

 

[taxlady]

Today I brought the rosemary inside to live. The chomper was there again and harvested these two sprigs.

 

[Meryl]

@dragnlaw and @larry_stewart, those desserts sound delicious, I may just try something today.

 

[dragnlaw]

Not quite so hot here as there Meryl, but I'd gladly come and test the results for you.

 

[Marlingardener]

We have started harvesting almonds. This is about half the crop, with the rest still on the tree, too high up to pick, but they will fall eventually.
View attachment 70195

 

[larry_stewart]

Here's a link to that Emiril pear dish if interested.

Emeril's Parfait With Spiced Pear Coulis

www.emerils.com

 

[dragnlaw]

OMG - that sounds sooo good! Thank you Larry!
Will I make it? Who knows, maybe if pears come on special. But I do have it saved anyhow - 'cause yuh never know!

I CopyMT'd it and the picture inserted was of his shoes! so now I will have to make it if only to get a proper picture!

 

[Marlingardener]

We harvested the first of our almonds. There will be more, the ones at the top of the tree which are out of reach. They will fall and we'll have more.

 

[Meryl]

I didn't have all the necessary ingredients to try one of your suggestions @dragnlaw and @larry_stewart, but I have noted down those recipes, for my next shopping list.
For the moment, I've just prepared a quick, simple chocolate pear dessert.
I cooked the pears in syrup (water lemon, sugar).
I made the chocolate sauce by heating milk with sugar, then adding this to a cocoa powder and flour mix in a bowl. I returned to the heat, stirring until sauce thickened.
Not as interesting as your suggestions.

 

[dragnlaw]

Not as interesting as your suggestions.

I won't say no to a serving, Thank You.

and maybe one serving to go?

 

[pepperhead212]

More tomatoes! Due to the weather, it had been a few days since the last harvest, and those larger varieties are getting more productive.

8 qts, 3 qts, and 2 qts of tomatoes, harvested on 8-5 by pepperhead212, on Flickr