This summer, our canning group in Columbia, S.C., made a game-changing decision: to partner with a professional produce manager, Kevin Bumfield, at Rosewood Market, a beloved small, locally-owned grocery store here in town.
Rosewood Market, a beloved small, locally-owned grocery store here in town.
Photo credit: CU Master Food Preserver Volunteer, Susan Carson Lambert
A Simple Arrangement for Quality Produce
The arrangement is simple—we give him a share of everything we preserve all summer long, and in return, he uses his expertise and connections to hand-select the very best fruits and vegetables for us from the South Carolina State Farmers Market. Let’s just say—it’s been a win-win.
Expertise in Produce Selection
Working with a produce professional means we’re no longer guessing about ripeness or quality. Our guy has decades of experience. He knows the difference between a good-looking tomato and a great one that will hold its flavor through canning. He understands which peaches are freestone and which are better suited for fresh eating.
For more information on the different varieties of peaches and what makes a peach a freestone, see HGIC 4235, Using and Storing Peaches.
Perfect Timing and Volume
It’s not just about quality—it’s also about timing and volume. Kevin knows when crops are peaking and when prices drop just enough to make a big batch worthwhile. Instead of scrambling through the market early Saturday morning, we get a curated haul delivered to the market ready to wash, peel, chop, jar, and process.
Strengthening Local Relationships
There’s also something beautiful about strengthening local relationships. By working with this small grocer, we’re not only getting better produce, but we’re also keeping dollars in our community and flowing to small farmers, as well as helping create a sustainable local food ecosystem. Kevin gets our canned goods for his personal use as well as filling our own family pantries. And so, the circle of local food gets a little tighter—and tastier.
Why We Started Canning
This kind of partnership reminds us why we started canning in the first place: to preserve the best of summer, support local farmers, and share something meaningful with each other. With a professional by our side, we’re doing it better than ever.
By collaborating with Kevin and Rosewood Market, we’re ensuring that our canning endeavors not only yield delicious results but also foster a thriving community centered around local, sustainable food practices.
