July Garden Totals and Zucchini Candy

We finally got measurable rainfall this month, .13 inches, and that on the 26th. That is 1/7 of our usual rain totals for July. We also broke the record for the hottest July ever, it was 97 today. Yuck. Another record  was broken this month in the garden. To be accurate it was blown out of the water. I more than doubled my produce harvested than July 2013!

Here is what I picked this month:

35 pounds 1 1/2 ounces cucumbers
1 pound 8 1/4 ounces blueberries
16 pounds 14 ounces tomatoes
9 1/2 ounces green onions
9 pounds 1 1/4 ounces cabbage
69 pounds 8 ounces zucchini (holy vegetable tray Batman!)
2 1/4 ounces dill
14 ounces basil
3 ounces raspberries
7 pounds beet root
3 pounds 8 ounces beet greens
1 pound 9 3/4 ounces squash blossoms
11 ounces garlic
14 1/2 ounces swiss chard
2 pounds 7 ounces carrots
7 pounds 12 1/4 ounces green beans
3 pounds 12 1/4 ounces eggplant
2 pounds 4 1/4 ounces kale
2 pounds 1 1/4 ounces onions
1 pound 5 ounces peppers
5 pounds 12 ounces leeks
18 pounds plums

Month total: 190 pounds 15 ounces

Year total: 271 pounds



Zucchini Candy

14-16 cups zucchini, peeled, deseeded and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices (this is a great way to use those giant zucchinis)
3 - 12 ounce cans 100% juice concentrate, any flavor (I used apple)
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon citric acid

In a large pot bring juice concentrate to a boil over high heat. Add in zucchini and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes.
Drain zucchini in a colander and let cool and dry for 15-20 minutes.
Place zucchini in a food dehydrator, making sure pieces don't touch. Dry at 135 degrees for 12-14 hours or until candy is barely sticky.
In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar and citric acid. Pour into a gallon size zip top bag.
Add candy to the bag, zip closed and shake to coat. You may want to do this in batches.
Return candy to the dehydrator and dry on the lowest heat setting for 6-8 more hours or until candy is dry.