Empowering Self-Reliance and Sustainable Living & Microbiomes
Empowering Self-Reliance and Sustainable Living & Microbiomes
Basil, renowned for its aromatic leaves and unique taste, stands as both a culinary delight and a medicinal treasure. Its vibrant green leaves, fragrant aroma, and distinctive flavor have captivated chefs, herbalists, and home cooks for centuries, making it a beloved herb in gardens and kitchens around the world. But …
More Than Just Another Basil Growing up, basil has always been that reliable companion in my garden. Her aroma and flavor have filled my kitchen with bursts of joy, a familiar presence that makes every dish sing. I can’t think of cooking without her, whether it’s tossing her leaves into …
Ketchup (tomato ketchup) and mustard (along with mayonnaise) are more than just everyday condiments; they carry a rich history and have become essential staples in kitchens worldwide. These sauces have evolved through centuries, bridging culinary traditions and inviting creativity with every use. For a chef, resorting to store-bought versions of …
From my first encounter with yarrow in the wild pastures of Canada, this unassuming herb captured my heart and soul. Known as Soldier’s Woundwort, yarrow is a beacon of resilience and healing, with its delicate white flowers and finely cut leaves exuding an aura of ancient wisdom. It’s a plant …
Roses, with their velvety petals and intoxicating fragrance, have captivated humans for centuries, not only as symbols of love and beauty but also as powerful healers in the natural world. Rooted deeply in cultural and medicinal traditions, roses offer a wide range of health benefits that enhance well-being and promote …
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is well known as a tropical spice. We grow it for its spicy and refreshing taste and its delicious aroma. Ginger is a “cultigen,” a plant that has never been discovered in the wild. It’s thought to have originated as a natural hybrid somewhere in the region …
Nasturtium—a flower vibrant with color and bursting with more than meets the eye—has been a singular staple in my gardening journey. To pluck a nasturtium bloom and add it to the daily salad feels almost indulgent, like sprinkling a dash of living sunshine into each meal. Over time, I grew …
Mexican Tarragon, or “Tagetes lucida,” is like a vibrant thread woven into the rich tapestry of Mexican culture and spirituality. Unlike its more common cousins—French and Russian Tarragon—this hardy herb thrives in warm climates, exuding a charismatic personality that’s both bold and welcoming. Encountering Mexican Tarragon is like meeting an …
Cilantro—known by some as coriander and by others as Chinese parsley—often finds itself at the center of a lively culinary debate. My journey with cilantro began in my Canadian childhood, where it was more of an aromatic whisper than the bold, vibrant presence it is in my life today. In …
Every time I step into the kitchen and glimpse the sage jar, I am reminded of its deeply embedded place in our family’s culinary roots. Sage, with its earthy and robust personality, adorned our holiday dishes, stealing the show with its pungent, aromatic presence in the stuffing by the Thanksgiving …