A Review:
Jackery Solar Generator
And
How to Make a Unique, Refreshing Summer Drink
Earlier this year, we decided to purchase a small solar generator for the homestead. We wanted something that could run some lights, maybe some larger appliances for a short while, power-up my ham radio equipment if needed, even run a small water pump long enough to fill some buckets. It’s also great at events when you need electricity but none is available.
I studied reviews, watched YouTube videos, read articles and we decided to get the Jackery 500 watt solar generator.
The Jackery can be charged with household electrical current or via solar panels. We have used ours for lighting up a pontoon boat with a set of 24 5w bulb electric lights. We could have used LED’s for a much lower wattage but I like the look of the soft ‘Edison’ style lights.
The solar power pack ‘generator’ recharges quickly in full sun with the 100W solar panels included in our package. Larger power packs come with more solar panels. You can buy just a power pack, extra panels, or a complete package.
There are both DC and AC outlets, USB ports, an easy-to-read display letting you know how much power is being pulled and how much remains. You select the type of power you need (AC/DC) by pushing a small button.
PROS
· The solar generator is compact and lightweight
· Uses a lithium battery which can be depleted to nearly 0% power without damaging the battery, unlike automobile/marine batteries.
· Charges quickly
· Charges with either solar energy or household current
· Quiet- important if you want to stay on the down-low regarding your preps or are camping/boating and want peace.
· No fumes
· Initial cost only. No fuel to buy.
· In a grid-down situation, your fuel dependent generator will eventually run out of fuel and you won’t be able to obtain more. Even on cloudy days there is some sunlight being produced which can be captured.
· Everything is included in the package. We didn’t need to purchase an inverter, cords, other stuff. Neither of us are electrical engineers and understanding all the components of a full-on solar system can be daunting.
· Can charge our battery-operated power tools – including a chain saw. You can imagine how necessary that will be in a grid-down scenario.
CONS
· Initial expense
· You can’t charge the power pack and use it at the same time.
· We didn’t find any local dealers in our area (Eastern Ohio) and had to purchase online through the Jackery web site. (Not a big deal, but it would have been nice to discuss our needs with a salesman before buying.)
· Wish we had gone one size up for more flexibility of use.
· Lithium mines are polluting nightmares with human-rights abuses going on. I don’t like using lithium batteries unless absolutely only option.
The Jackery website, www.Jackery.com is packed full of information to help you determine which watt-size is best for you. You can also get discounts, they run sales, etc.
There are other similar generators on the market. They have comparable features and prices. I liked the look and function of this one, so we went with it.
We are pleased and wish we had purchased the 1000W or 1500W system. Maybe next year!
Leave a comment for everyone if you can add something to this discussion. Reviews are just one person’s opinion and experiences. I’d love to hear yours.
MAKING A SHRUB
A Unique Drink Which Preserves Summer
OK. First of all, I don’t know why it is called a ‘shrub’.
Secondly, where have these been all my life?
I love fruit. Much more than candy, chocolate, or sweets. Give me a basket of fruit at Easter and I am your friend forever. You can keep the chocolate bunnies!
I buy quite a bit of fruit each summer to preserve. Bob also picks wild berries and we have raised berries.
A shrub, also known as a drinking vinegar, takes these soft fruits to the next level. They have been around for centuries, our colonial forebearers made them from fruit going soft or too small to preserve.
I read about them in a magazine called Taproot, Inspiration for Makers, Doers, & Dreamers. The author of the article described the process of making a shrub and gave some recipes.
The first one I tried was out of this world. Now, I’m digging through Pinterest and the internet looking for more inspiration as the fruits become available in the grocery and are the highest quality, being locally grown.
A shrub is actually a fruit syrup with an added zing from apple cider vinegar. I’ve seen white wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar used also. Use your favorite.
You only use an ounce (2 tablespoons) in your glass and fill with sparkling water, favorite adult beverage, whatever. Add more to taste.
The fruit is macerated in sugar for 8 hours or more. I do overnight though some makers steep the sugar and fruit for up to 72 hours.
The juices are pulled from the fruit by the sugar into the bowl. Then vinegar is added and the entire thing strained. The fruit is nearly dehydrated by the sugar.
The fruit is prepped by cutting into 1" chunks and then macerated in sugar until the juices have been extracted. Vinegar is added to the mix and then the fruit strained and removed.
There is also a hot process where the sugar is dissolved into heated vinegar and then poured over the fruit. It is steeped for quite a while before being strained and stored.
It’s kept in a glass jar and refrigerated. They improve with age as the vinegar and fruits meld more closely together. I wait about a week before using mine, though at first I used it the same day as I mixed it.
The strawberry-rhubarb shrub was a beautiful blush color when finished.
It was refrigerated for about 7 days to meld the vinegar and fruit flavors.
Pinterest has links to many, many recipes. As we move through the summer months, I will be experimenting with different fruits as they appear at the fruit stands.
Besides the amazing flavor and very simple process, I like that you only need a small amount of fruit per batch. Usually about 2 cups. Of course, you can double this or make multiple batches at a time.
Strawberry- Rhubarb Shrub
Makes 1 qt
1 c. strawberries, cleaned, tops removed, sliced
1 c. rhubarb, cut into 1” pieces
Place in glass bowl
Cover fruit with 2 cups of sugar. Stir. Cover and let sit at least 8 hours.
Add 2 cups of Apple Cider Vinegar.
Stir well to dissolve sugar
Strain through fine sieve or cheesecloth. Allow to strain for 20 minutes or so.
Dispose of used fruit (chicken food) and store liquid in frig.
Flavor improves after 1 week or more as vinegar and fruit meld.
Black Raspberry Shrub
Makes ¾ qt.
2 c. fresh picked raspberries, or other soft berry, cleaned and stems removed
Mash into glass bowl
Add 1 ½ c. white sugar and stir together
Cover and let sit at least 8 hours
Add 1 ½ c. apple cider vinegar.
Strain and allow to drain for 20 minutes or so.
Store in glass jar in frig at least 6 days before trying.
Add 2 – 3 tablespoons to sparkling water, soda, favorite adult beverage.
We have wild black-raspberries on our farm. Bob picks them throughout the season
and I usually make jam or pies out of them.
This is so beautiful. I made this 2 days ago and it is still 'melding' in the refrigerator.
I can't wait to try it!
I hope you try your hand at making shrubs. For inspiration and many more recipes, go to Pinterest. I used the search 'Shrub Drink Recipes'.
I want to try my hand at peach shrub and a red plum one.
Until next time. Bob has a blog planned and I'm working on one about starting with chickens.
Enjoy your summer!
Polly
