Pea Harvesting Break

We have a sizable pea crop coming in at the perfect time, nearing the end of May before the cool-temperature-loving pods get parched in the southwest France June sun. There's lots of peas needing to be picked over a two-three week period, and just at the right moment when the individual seeds are not too little (not enough sugar) nor too big (too much starch). Pea precision. Then they will be processed for freezing. Presently it's looking there will be enough to fulfill all our pea-eating needs for a whole year.

Shelled pods under the pergola waiting for a trip down to the compost pile

See you next week when the ins and outs of pea whispering will be revealed!

Taking a Short Autumn Break!

Souped-up Garden will be on hiatus the next two weeks.  The Calm One, Dirac the Young Cat, and I will be relaxing, and of course chowing down on good food like my warming, nourishing minestrone soup. Brimming with delicious ingredients like olive oil, garlic, basil, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, carrots, potatoes, white beans, porcini, Parmesan, peas, greens, macaroni, and beef, it is perfectly attuned to all things autumn including our turning on the central heating!  The recipe is here.

Dirac demonstrates how relaxing is done.

À bientôt!