What are the differences between sprouts, shoots and microgreens? Moving to Greenville and discovering the diverse farmers markets has been enjoyable. However, I have discovered new food I had yet experienced. Sprouts, shoots and microgreens were once only popular in expensive restaurants, prepared by Le Cordon Bleu graduates…now, they are grown by specialty farmers and provide an enhanced flavor and texture to any home cooked dish. Shoots Once the new growth of a plant has formed from seed germination, this “up-growth” is called a stem, also knows as a shoot. Shoots have not yet developed a secondary cell wall, making them delicate, easy to chew and digest by animals. Photo…
-
-
EASY Freezing For My Summer Garden
As of today, my garden has rendered a great harvest, more than enough for my husband and I. I have been doing research and I am trying several methods to “preserve” my summer harvest. All fruits and vegetables have enzymes and bacteria that can destroy the nutrients, change the color and texture of the food. Blanching is a heat treatment that will destroy these enzymes. My first harvest I tried the blanch then freeze method. Although not difficult, it did take most of an evening to complete the process for all my squash and peppers. Do not allow the vegetables to sit on the counter more than 24 hours before…
-
Summertime Strawberries
Summertime and hot temperatures are just around the corner, so that means strawberries are perfect for picking. My wonderful neighbor was so kind by sharing some strawberries with us, her mother picked that same morning. So fresh and sweet, my husband flashed his beautiful brown eyes and asked for my own, Summertime Strawberry Cake, which I was happy to oblige. What is a Strawberry? Strawberries are a red, sweet, juicy fruit consumed in everything from preserves to milkshakes. Synonymous with summertime, but able to withstand shipping and storage, small berries tend to taste better than that are larger varieties since larger ones tend to be more watery. Peak season is…
-
My Garden First Crop
My garden first crop was 2 yellow crooked neck squash and 1 zephyr squash. Both are delicious! Both varieties have the same texture and flavor. The Zephyr is the one with the green tip. According to “SpecialityProduce.com” Zephyr squash is a relatively new type of summer squash and botanically a part of Cucurbita pepo. A highly productive hybrid variety the Zephyr is a constricted neck type of squash, similar to that of yellow crook neck squash. It was bred specifically to have superior taste, quality and adaptability. Its fruit can be harvested at varying stages of maturity, with the medium size of five to seven inches being the most recommended…
-
Using Natural Habitat Gardens at Ford Elementary School
Natural habitats are a necessity Natural habitats and gardens are vital to our plant’s ecosystem. With the vast development of land throughout our region, wildlife has become displaced. Creating natural habitats in your backyard garden can preserve necessary wildlife to sustain our environmental balance. Ford Elementary School in Acworth, Georgia is one of the premier schools to successful develop a natural habitat and use it to educate students outside the classroom. Ford Elementary School Earth Plant Program Founder and teacher Catherine Padgett says the program’s first goal, “is to bring awareness of environmental issues such as habitats, pollution, and conservation of resources to the classroom by using Ford’s outdoor classrooms.” …
