Though I planted a smaller food garden this year, as I transition the garden to require less water, the Solanaceae area is starting to offer ripening fruits, made plump and luscious by a monsoon storm or two.
The first significant haul included San Marzano tomatoes, another slicing tomato (whose identity I have misplaced), jalapeños, Japanese eggplant.
There’s currently also plenty of Thai basil from my three bushes, so a lovely garlicky, jalapeño spicy Thai style eggplant dish evolved. Served with brown rice quinoa mix.
The San Marzano tomato continues to be super productive. This heirloom Italian paste tomato makes absolutely delicious pasta sauces. I am starting to fill quart jars of tomato sauces various, for freezing, to enjoy later in the year.
Am I really prepared to give up this bounty? I’m already rethinking my total no water garden plan. There’s a lot to be said for the benefits of a Solinacea bed.
To be considered, however, is that my hands are permanently crooked and twisted, painfully seized up by arthritis now, even though it’s warm season when the pain in my bones usually troubles me less and I try to do targeted exercises several times a day.
The arthritis is exacerbated, perhaps, by my love of all things Solinacea. Do I have it in me to give up the fruits and roots of this heat and sun loving plant family in my menus?
Going to think about that as I head out into the garden to check on whether potatoes are ready for harvest, gather in more eggplant, tomatoes and chili for pickling (serranos and jalapeños) or drying (cayenne).
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