With Labor Day being the unofficial end of summer, it's inevitable that you're feeling a little bummed out. We are too! Just like always, our favorite season has come and gone in a flash, and soon it will be taking its incredible produce with it. So here's the plan: Instead of sulking, seize the opportunity that's given to you with that extra day off this week to bottle up summer's sunshine for later. Here are 10 of our most favorite ways to preserve all of those tomatoes, berries, stone fruit, and herbs.

All the Tomatoes

Just imagine how much your future self will be thanking your current self when you have the taste of summer waiting for you in the fall and winter when there is nothing but mealy, flavorless tomatoes on grocery store shelves. Fill your farmers market bag with as many as you can carry and preserve them every way possible.

Jam

Now is definitely the time to fill cans upon cans with homemade jam, while berries and stone fruit are in abundance. The best part is that even if you're nervous about traditional canning, you can use the freezer to preserve it instead.

Other Pantry Favorites

Beyond things like tomato sauce and jam, there are plenty of other great items to preserve right now. Harvest that basil in your garden to make pesto, or make dill pickles to enjoy alongside sandwiches through the rest of the year.