Dear Folks,
This is a quick post to let you know the FDA has finally decided they want to hear from US, the consumer on what NATURAL means.
The word NATURAL has been mis-used, abused and outright mis-leading as an informative adjective by food manufacturers, most of intended to draw you in with a word you think you know the meaning of, but they - like an magician illusionist - have made meaningless, because they can claim an insect or animal organ in a fruit drink or food is "natural".
YOU now have a platform to voice your opinion on what NATURAL means.
For years now food manufacturers have used chemicals made in a laboratory to create flavors from things like an animals organ to make "strawberry", "raspberry" or "enhanced vanilla" flavors they can call NATURAL FLAVOR.
Instead of beets for red they used an insect (cochineal) to create "NATURAL COLOR" for things like strawberry.
The FDA has finally opened for public comment the whole discussion about what we think of as NATURAL.
Please take a few minutes and give your voice to this REAL labeling issue.
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/11/12/2015-28779/use-of-the-term-natural-in-the-labeling-of-human-food-products-request-for-information-and-comments
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe in the upper side bar link, to get all my posts!
Disclaimer: Clicking on links on this blog may earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Your price does not change.
Saturday, December 05, 2015
25 Days of Herbs and Celebrations - December 5
Dear Folks,
Celebrating the Multicultural festivities of December, I thought I would pick an herb or spice which is referenced in the Bible (land of three of the Major Religions of the world) and used in many cuisines around the entire world, as a way of gathering together all the wealth of diversity around us - in true celebration.
Day 5
Herb: Chamomile -- Isaiah 40:6 "All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field"
Chamaemelum nobile, is the herb most known for its calming and sleep aid properties. Perhaps no other herb is quite as useful as Chamomile to take the edge off some the frensy which accompanies holiday preparations (except maybe Lavender - Day 12)
CHAMOMILE OR CAMOMILE...anyway you wish to spell it, this herb is worth finding and keeping near by.
By: Catherine, The Herb Lady, Originally published in the East Valley Tribune December 27, 2003
It is said of Chamomile "May all your wishes come true" (in the language of herbs and flowers-Flora's Dictionary by Kathleen Gips), and that would be appropriate for this hectic but happy season of the year.
So sit down with a relaxing cup of chamomile tea, put your feet up and I will tell you about this simple herb.
There are actually a couple of species of Chamomile (the usual American spelling); German Chamomile, matricaria recutita (aka M. chamomilla); annual used in teas and cosmetics; Roman Chamomile, chamaemelum nobile (aka Anthemis nobilis), perennial used in teas, cosmetics and lawns; English Chamomile, chamaemelum nobile 'Treneague' is a perennial non-flowering variety of the Roman species used in the popular "chamomile lawn" of England; and a dyer's herb (yellow coloring) Golden Marguerite, dyers's chamomile, (Anthemis tinctoria 'Kelwayi').
The tea you are drinking is most likely the Roman variety which most people prefer.
The apple scented daisy-like flowers and leaves are a calmative (meaning calming) agent, used for insomnia, nerves, as a digestive aid, and there is some research going on into its anti-inflammatory properties. Teas are generally made from the flowers, but if you grow your own, you can use the leaves also.
A note of caution. Chamomile is a member of the Compositae (daisy) family, and as such some people are allergic to the flower tea (if you have ever had a "morning after" type
headache after sipping chamomile you may be allergic to these types of flowers). A leaf tea may not cause the reaction, although leaf alone is inferior in its actions.
Chamomile has traditionally been used as a hair rinse for blonde or light colored hair to enhance the highlights (Rosemary does the same for brunets).
Easily grown here in the cooler weather, chamomile does not like our summer sun, but may summer over in a protected spot. That protected spot can be a traditional "lawn" of this fragrant herb on the south/southeast side of your property (where it gets no western summer sun) or as a "seat" in a raised bench (again, traditionally used in a cut stone or poured concrete planting beds, these shaded seats-some with elaborate backs, were planted with chamomile or mosses, and kept sheared low, for a fragrant or soft resting place).
You may start seeing the plants for sale now. Put them in the ground right away in well-draining soil. Allow to dry out a little between waterings. Lightly shear chamomile to encourage side growth. If allowed to go to flower and seed, it will reseed itself for next year. Chamomile is considered a "physician" plant in companion planting parlance, meaning it perks up nearby plants.
Take a break with chamomile the plant, the flowers, the tea will reward and refresh you. (Picture: Had to share this lovely idea for a bench planted with chamomile.)
Good For You Chamomile Tea
1 sprig or 1 tablespoon dried herb or 1 tea bag of Chamomile
1/8 inch slice of fresh ginger
1 thin slice of lemon, lime or orange (or 1/8 tsp peel)
Stevia, honey or sugar to sweeten if desired
8 ounces of just boiled water (do not over boil the water)
Steep all for 10 minutes, strain, sit down and relax with this fragrant tea.
Hair Rinse for Blondes
And, about that hair rinse steep plain chamomile in hot water (rosemary for brunnets), cool and rinse hair with solution following shampooing, do not rinse out. For more intense
highlighting, sit in sun and/or add lemon juice (not for brunnets) or reduce basic solution to half volume by simmering for 20-40 minutes in a non-reactive pot.
One more recipe - from my cookbook "101+ Recipes From The Herb Lady"
LOW SALT/FAT COOKING
Warm Camomile Dressing Salad
Serve this tangy side dish with baked, roasted or grilled pork and apple slices. The chamomile echoes the apple. Recipe can be doubled.
1 medium tomato sliced thin
1 cucumber peeled and sliced thin
6 ounces white vinegar
1 teaspoon dried chamomile crushed
1/4 teaspoon honey
Alternate layers of tomato and cucumber attractively on the plate. (Other vegetables can be added or substituted to the cucumber, i.e., avocado, thin sliced fennel or jicama).
Bring the vinegar, chamomile and honey to a boil and reduce by 2/3—approximately 15 minutes. Cool slightly—you want it warm, not boiling hot. Spoon over salad, serve and enjoy.
Music:
Silver Bells
Bing Crosby
https://youtu.be/xmNzLlxxnNk
Carol Of The Bells
One of the most beloved of the Christmas songs, originally composed as an A Cappella piece taken from a pagan Ukrainian New Year's chant.
It is performed as either an instrumental, woman's choir or as an A Cappella rendition.
A Cappella Group Pentatonix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSUFzC6_fp8
Carol Of the Bells
Piano Guys - Instrumental
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg
Carol Of The Bells
Classic Choir & Orchestra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-W2Bkz_Rno
If you enjoyed this post, please share.
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe in the upper side bar link, to get all my posts!
If you enjoyed the recipe in this post from my book - you can find more recipes featuring herbs (and a Two-Flower Soup recipe featuring Chamomile and Cauliflower) in "101+ Recipes From The Herb Lady" at Amazon or on my publisher's site.
Disclaimer: Clicking on links on this blog may earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Your price does not change.
Celebrating the Multicultural festivities of December, I thought I would pick an herb or spice which is referenced in the Bible (land of three of the Major Religions of the world) and used in many cuisines around the entire world, as a way of gathering together all the wealth of diversity around us - in true celebration.
Day 5
Chamaemelum nobile, is the herb most known for its calming and sleep aid properties. Perhaps no other herb is quite as useful as Chamomile to take the edge off some the frensy which accompanies holiday preparations (except maybe Lavender - Day 12)
CHAMOMILE OR CAMOMILE...anyway you wish to spell it, this herb is worth finding and keeping near by.
By: Catherine, The Herb Lady, Originally published in the East Valley Tribune December 27, 2003
It is said of Chamomile "May all your wishes come true" (in the language of herbs and flowers-Flora's Dictionary by Kathleen Gips), and that would be appropriate for this hectic but happy season of the year.
So sit down with a relaxing cup of chamomile tea, put your feet up and I will tell you about this simple herb.
There are actually a couple of species of Chamomile (the usual American spelling); German Chamomile, matricaria recutita (aka M. chamomilla); annual used in teas and cosmetics; Roman Chamomile, chamaemelum nobile (aka Anthemis nobilis), perennial used in teas, cosmetics and lawns; English Chamomile, chamaemelum nobile 'Treneague' is a perennial non-flowering variety of the Roman species used in the popular "chamomile lawn" of England; and a dyer's herb (yellow coloring) Golden Marguerite, dyers's chamomile, (Anthemis tinctoria 'Kelwayi').
The tea you are drinking is most likely the Roman variety which most people prefer.
The apple scented daisy-like flowers and leaves are a calmative (meaning calming) agent, used for insomnia, nerves, as a digestive aid, and there is some research going on into its anti-inflammatory properties. Teas are generally made from the flowers, but if you grow your own, you can use the leaves also.
A note of caution. Chamomile is a member of the Compositae (daisy) family, and as such some people are allergic to the flower tea (if you have ever had a "morning after" type
headache after sipping chamomile you may be allergic to these types of flowers). A leaf tea may not cause the reaction, although leaf alone is inferior in its actions.
Chamomile has traditionally been used as a hair rinse for blonde or light colored hair to enhance the highlights (Rosemary does the same for brunets).
Easily grown here in the cooler weather, chamomile does not like our summer sun, but may summer over in a protected spot. That protected spot can be a traditional "lawn" of this fragrant herb on the south/southeast side of your property (where it gets no western summer sun) or as a "seat" in a raised bench (again, traditionally used in a cut stone or poured concrete planting beds, these shaded seats-some with elaborate backs, were planted with chamomile or mosses, and kept sheared low, for a fragrant or soft resting place).
 |
| The Camomile Bench at sissinghurst |
You may start seeing the plants for sale now. Put them in the ground right away in well-draining soil. Allow to dry out a little between waterings. Lightly shear chamomile to encourage side growth. If allowed to go to flower and seed, it will reseed itself for next year. Chamomile is considered a "physician" plant in companion planting parlance, meaning it perks up nearby plants.
Take a break with chamomile the plant, the flowers, the tea will reward and refresh you. (Picture: Had to share this lovely idea for a bench planted with chamomile.)
Good For You Chamomile Tea
1 sprig or 1 tablespoon dried herb or 1 tea bag of Chamomile
1/8 inch slice of fresh ginger
1 thin slice of lemon, lime or orange (or 1/8 tsp peel)
Stevia, honey or sugar to sweeten if desired
8 ounces of just boiled water (do not over boil the water)
Steep all for 10 minutes, strain, sit down and relax with this fragrant tea.
Hair Rinse for Blondes
And, about that hair rinse steep plain chamomile in hot water (rosemary for brunnets), cool and rinse hair with solution following shampooing, do not rinse out. For more intense
highlighting, sit in sun and/or add lemon juice (not for brunnets) or reduce basic solution to half volume by simmering for 20-40 minutes in a non-reactive pot.
One more recipe - from my cookbook "101+ Recipes From The Herb Lady"
LOW SALT/FAT COOKING
Warm Camomile Dressing Salad
Serve this tangy side dish with baked, roasted or grilled pork and apple slices. The chamomile echoes the apple. Recipe can be doubled.
1 medium tomato sliced thin
1 cucumber peeled and sliced thin
6 ounces white vinegar
1 teaspoon dried chamomile crushed
1/4 teaspoon honey
Alternate layers of tomato and cucumber attractively on the plate. (Other vegetables can be added or substituted to the cucumber, i.e., avocado, thin sliced fennel or jicama).
Bring the vinegar, chamomile and honey to a boil and reduce by 2/3—approximately 15 minutes. Cool slightly—you want it warm, not boiling hot. Spoon over salad, serve and enjoy.
Music:
Silver Bells
Bing Crosby
https://youtu.be/xmNzLlxxnNk
Carol Of The Bells
One of the most beloved of the Christmas songs, originally composed as an A Cappella piece taken from a pagan Ukrainian New Year's chant.
It is performed as either an instrumental, woman's choir or as an A Cappella rendition.
A Cappella Group Pentatonix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSUFzC6_fp8
Carol Of the Bells
Piano Guys - Instrumental
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg
Carol Of The Bells
Classic Choir & Orchestra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-W2Bkz_Rno
If you enjoyed this post, please share.
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe in the upper side bar link, to get all my posts!
If you enjoyed the recipe in this post from my book - you can find more recipes featuring herbs (and a Two-Flower Soup recipe featuring Chamomile and Cauliflower) in "101+ Recipes From The Herb Lady" at Amazon or on my publisher's site.
Disclaimer: Clicking on links on this blog may earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Your price does not change.
Friday, December 04, 2015
25 Days of Herbs and Celebrations - December 4
Dear Folks,
Celebrating the Multicultural festivities of December, I thought I would pick an herb or spice which is referenced in the Bible (land of three of the Major Religions of the world) and used in many cuisines around the entire world, as a way of gathering together all the wealth of diversity around us - in true celebration.
Day 4
Herb: Cassia (Cinnamomum iners) Exodus 30, Psalm 45:8, Job 42:14
Like True Cinnamon (Day 3 Cinnamon zeylanicum), Cassia is mentioned in the bible for its perfume and scenting properties in anointing oil, and was traded in commerce. Job named his second daughter after the herb (Keziah, Job 42:15 Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job's daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers.) We can believe that he must have thought them very special to name one after a valuable trading spice and to grant them an inheritance.
(Image: source: Naturalis Biodiversity Center/Wikimedia Commons)
Food:
Make cinnamon sugar for dusting pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, a final dusting on baked goods before they go in the oven, or the top of whipped cream desserts. I keep a shaker jar of cinnamon sugar in the pantry right next to the salt and pepper.
To make a large amount, combine:
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Store in glass away from light and moisture.
A small shaker jar holds quite a bit less. So adjusting for the size of your shaker, 1 part cinnamon to 4 parts sugar, = 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to 4 teaspoons of sugar. Add several grains of rice to the shaker to keep the mix from clumping if moisture gets in.
Cinnamon Scented Ornaments and Decorations have been around for decades. These are a dough-craft which can last for a couple of years if stored air tight between seasons. They are NOT meant to be edible. The applesauce in the recipe is designed to make the dough a little more pliable.
Craft: McCormicks has a fun project to make with the children - Cinnamon/Applesauce Ornaments: Here is a good recipe to use with the less expensive Cassia Cinnamon.
http://www.mccormick.com/Recipes/Other/Cinnamon-Ornaments
Check around the internet for other cinnamon scented recipes and projects.
Music:
Here are some fun songs to keep you company while making the sugar or ornaments.
Have A Holly Jolly Christmas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVMCUtsmWmQ
It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGBie5pT9nw
. . .
If you are enjoying this posts, please share. :-)
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe in the upper side bar link, to get all my posts!
Disclaimer: Clicking on links on this blog may earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Your price does not change.
Celebrating the Multicultural festivities of December, I thought I would pick an herb or spice which is referenced in the Bible (land of three of the Major Religions of the world) and used in many cuisines around the entire world, as a way of gathering together all the wealth of diversity around us - in true celebration.
Herb: Cassia (Cinnamomum iners) Exodus 30, Psalm 45:8, Job 42:14
Like True Cinnamon (Day 3 Cinnamon zeylanicum), Cassia is mentioned in the bible for its perfume and scenting properties in anointing oil, and was traded in commerce. Job named his second daughter after the herb (Keziah, Job 42:15 Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job's daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers.) We can believe that he must have thought them very special to name one after a valuable trading spice and to grant them an inheritance.
(Image: source: Naturalis Biodiversity Center/Wikimedia Commons)
Food:
Make cinnamon sugar for dusting pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, a final dusting on baked goods before they go in the oven, or the top of whipped cream desserts. I keep a shaker jar of cinnamon sugar in the pantry right next to the salt and pepper.
To make a large amount, combine:
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Store in glass away from light and moisture.
A small shaker jar holds quite a bit less. So adjusting for the size of your shaker, 1 part cinnamon to 4 parts sugar, = 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to 4 teaspoons of sugar. Add several grains of rice to the shaker to keep the mix from clumping if moisture gets in.
Craft: McCormicks has a fun project to make with the children - Cinnamon/Applesauce Ornaments: Here is a good recipe to use with the less expensive Cassia Cinnamon.
http://www.mccormick.com/Recipes/Other/Cinnamon-Ornaments
Check around the internet for other cinnamon scented recipes and projects.
Music:
Here are some fun songs to keep you company while making the sugar or ornaments.
Have A Holly Jolly Christmas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVMCUtsmWmQ
It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGBie5pT9nw
. . .
If you are enjoying this posts, please share. :-)
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe in the upper side bar link, to get all my posts!
Disclaimer: Clicking on links on this blog may earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Your price does not change.
Thursday, December 03, 2015
25 Days of Herbs and Celebrations - December 3
Dear Folks,
Celebrating the Multicultural festivities of December, I thought I would pick an herb or spice which is referenced in the Bible (land of three of the Major Religions of the world) and used in many cuisines around the entire world, as a way of gathering together all the wealth of diversity around us - in true celebration.
Day 3
Herb: Cinnamon -- Proverbs 7:17
(Cinnamomum verum) Ceylon Cinnamon is considered the True Cinnamon contrasted to another Biblical herb Cassia (discussed in the next post - Day 4). It is the bark of the tree which gives all the wonderful flavor.
While the Biblical reference to Cinnamon is as a perfume (and you can find recipes for making ancient type perfumes using cinnamon, myrrh, and Frankincense) we most think of it for its excellent flavor in cooking and baking.
Taste: True Cinnamon has a taste described as milder and sweet compared with descriptions of Cassia as strong and occasionally bitter. Modern manufacturers opt for Cassia because of the bold taste and that fact it is cheaper than true cinnamon.
Medicinal: The distinction is important because of the medicinal properties of True Cinnamon and toxicity of Cassia in high doses e.g., Levels of the blood-thinning agent coumarin in Ceylon cinnamon are much lower than those in cassia. True Cinnamon is a benefit in reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels in diabetics. It is usually recommended to add some cinnamon to the daily diet.
Cinnamon has a long history of use in sweets, in mulled hot drinks like cider with or without alcohol, as a part of a nice hot cup of Mexican Cocoa, and as a component of some traditional spice mixes such as Chinese Five-Spice, Garam Masala, and Middle Eastern Baharat. NOTE: When you go looking for recipes for these spice mixes you will often see them using Cassia - just keep in mind that you need to limit how much of the mixes you use because of the "coumarin" issue of Cassia over true Cinnamon.
While Cinnamon probably can't be grown here in the desert (it is very frost sensitive*), you can get some of Cinnamon's essential oils through Cinnamon Basil (planted in February for spring and summer growing). The beauty of the essential oils in herbs is how they not only mimic flavors of other plants, they ARE flavored by 1 or more of the same essential oils found in the not-related plant.
Cinnamon Basil, like many basils goes very, very well with stone fruits (peach, apricot and pear) and berries.
Recipe:
My Arizona Aztec Blend
1 tablespoon each ground cinnamon, cocoa ,and mild chili powder. Makes 3 tablespoons, store in jar in dark, cool pantry.
Use this to make hot cocoa (about a 5 teaspoons, to 1 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of sugar), stir a teaspoon in your coffee, or to make this sauce:
Make a type of mole sauce by mixing 1 tablespoon of the blend into a half cup each chicken broth and white wine, add a pat of butter and season to taste with salt. Pour over grilled, baked or roasted chicken or pork.
Music:
Nate King Cole - The Christmas Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOszvL9lgSs
It's A Marshmallow World in The Winter - Dean Martin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ujM9wreqGQ
*I found a fun video on growing a cinnamon tree in Australia! If you click on a link in the text under the video it takes you to a nursery (DaleysFruit) with some descriptions of cultivating the tree.
https://www.youtube.coqOlWDGVw1Im/watch?v=X
If you are enjoying these posts, please share with friends and family!
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe in the upper side bar link, to get all my posts!
Disclaimer: Clicking on links on this blog may earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Your price does not change.
You can find my books and month-by-month gardening calendar on my publisher's site.
Celebrating the Multicultural festivities of December, I thought I would pick an herb or spice which is referenced in the Bible (land of three of the Major Religions of the world) and used in many cuisines around the entire world, as a way of gathering together all the wealth of diversity around us - in true celebration.
Day 3
Herb: Cinnamon -- Proverbs 7:17
(Cinnamomum verum) Ceylon Cinnamon is considered the True Cinnamon contrasted to another Biblical herb Cassia (discussed in the next post - Day 4). It is the bark of the tree which gives all the wonderful flavor.
While the Biblical reference to Cinnamon is as a perfume (and you can find recipes for making ancient type perfumes using cinnamon, myrrh, and Frankincense) we most think of it for its excellent flavor in cooking and baking.
Taste: True Cinnamon has a taste described as milder and sweet compared with descriptions of Cassia as strong and occasionally bitter. Modern manufacturers opt for Cassia because of the bold taste and that fact it is cheaper than true cinnamon.
Medicinal: The distinction is important because of the medicinal properties of True Cinnamon and toxicity of Cassia in high doses e.g., Levels of the blood-thinning agent coumarin in Ceylon cinnamon are much lower than those in cassia. True Cinnamon is a benefit in reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels in diabetics. It is usually recommended to add some cinnamon to the daily diet.
Cinnamon has a long history of use in sweets, in mulled hot drinks like cider with or without alcohol, as a part of a nice hot cup of Mexican Cocoa, and as a component of some traditional spice mixes such as Chinese Five-Spice, Garam Masala, and Middle Eastern Baharat. NOTE: When you go looking for recipes for these spice mixes you will often see them using Cassia - just keep in mind that you need to limit how much of the mixes you use because of the "coumarin" issue of Cassia over true Cinnamon.
While Cinnamon probably can't be grown here in the desert (it is very frost sensitive*), you can get some of Cinnamon's essential oils through Cinnamon Basil (planted in February for spring and summer growing). The beauty of the essential oils in herbs is how they not only mimic flavors of other plants, they ARE flavored by 1 or more of the same essential oils found in the not-related plant.
Cinnamon Basil, like many basils goes very, very well with stone fruits (peach, apricot and pear) and berries.
Recipe:
My Arizona Aztec Blend
1 tablespoon each ground cinnamon, cocoa ,and mild chili powder. Makes 3 tablespoons, store in jar in dark, cool pantry.
Use this to make hot cocoa (about a 5 teaspoons, to 1 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of sugar), stir a teaspoon in your coffee, or to make this sauce:
Make a type of mole sauce by mixing 1 tablespoon of the blend into a half cup each chicken broth and white wine, add a pat of butter and season to taste with salt. Pour over grilled, baked or roasted chicken or pork.
Music:
Nate King Cole - The Christmas Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOszvL9lgSs
It's A Marshmallow World in The Winter - Dean Martin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ujM9wreqGQ
*I found a fun video on growing a cinnamon tree in Australia! If you click on a link in the text under the video it takes you to a nursery (DaleysFruit) with some descriptions of cultivating the tree.
https://www.youtube.coqOlWDGVw1Im/watch?v=X
If you are enjoying these posts, please share with friends and family!
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe in the upper side bar link, to get all my posts!
Disclaimer: Clicking on links on this blog may earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Your price does not change.
You can find my books and month-by-month gardening calendar on my publisher's site.
Wednesday, December 02, 2015
25 Days of Herbs and Celebrations - December 2
Dear Folks,
Celebrating the Multicultural festivities of December, I thought I would pick an herb or spice which is referenced in the Bible (land of three of the Major Religions of the world) and used in many cuisines around the entire world, as a way of gathering together all the wealth of diversity around us - in true celebration.
Day 2
Herb: Anise
(Pimpinella anisum) in the family Apiaceae (carrot and parsley) native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia and shares some flavor characteristics with fennel, star anise, licorice, chervil and tarragon.
Although references to translations of the Bible speak of Anise - it is usually Dill which is referred to. I am including it in this 25 Days posting, because the people of the Biblical lands would have known Anise through the Romans and Greeks.
Anise is used primarily in sweet foods like cookies, such as the popular German Pfeffernüsse around the holidays, it is used to flavor black jelly beans, and liquors such as Italian Sambuca and Greek Ouzo. From Roman times (and probably earlier) the seeds were chewed for digestive relief.
Its primary essential oil is Anethol, which is also found in other licorice tasting herbs such as fennel, tarragon and chervil. It also contains a minute amount of limonene (the lemon essential oil). Other essences account for its sweeter taste.
The differing combinations of essential oils generally allow for different medicinal uses among similar flavored herbs. Medicinally, Anise is used to make herbal expectorant cough syrups.
Seed Cakes (a type of sweet batter quick bread) in Old England would have contained anise seeds along with other aromatic seeds.
Plant:
This annual, like its relatives, is a cool weather plant in the Valley. Because of its taproot, it does not transplant well, so it would be best to seed in intervals for a sustained crop. While many people are accustomed to using the seeds, the plant will take almost all winter to form seed heads. The leaves can be used in cooking well before that. You can plant every 2 weeks through the end of December/January to harvest seeds for use this coming spring, and keep for baking time.
Music:
George Strait -- Christmas Cookies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDCmeKs8Zpk
The Carpenters - There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmPer3yNGHg
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe in the upper side bar link, to get all my posts!
Disclaimer: Clicking on links on this blog may earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Your price does not change.
Celebrating the Multicultural festivities of December, I thought I would pick an herb or spice which is referenced in the Bible (land of three of the Major Religions of the world) and used in many cuisines around the entire world, as a way of gathering together all the wealth of diversity around us - in true celebration.
Day 2
Herb: Anise
(Pimpinella anisum) in the family Apiaceae (carrot and parsley) native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia and shares some flavor characteristics with fennel, star anise, licorice, chervil and tarragon.
Although references to translations of the Bible speak of Anise - it is usually Dill which is referred to. I am including it in this 25 Days posting, because the people of the Biblical lands would have known Anise through the Romans and Greeks.
Anise is used primarily in sweet foods like cookies, such as the popular German Pfeffernüsse around the holidays, it is used to flavor black jelly beans, and liquors such as Italian Sambuca and Greek Ouzo. From Roman times (and probably earlier) the seeds were chewed for digestive relief.
Its primary essential oil is Anethol, which is also found in other licorice tasting herbs such as fennel, tarragon and chervil. It also contains a minute amount of limonene (the lemon essential oil). Other essences account for its sweeter taste.
The differing combinations of essential oils generally allow for different medicinal uses among similar flavored herbs. Medicinally, Anise is used to make herbal expectorant cough syrups.
Seed Cakes (a type of sweet batter quick bread) in Old England would have contained anise seeds along with other aromatic seeds.
Plant:
This annual, like its relatives, is a cool weather plant in the Valley. Because of its taproot, it does not transplant well, so it would be best to seed in intervals for a sustained crop. While many people are accustomed to using the seeds, the plant will take almost all winter to form seed heads. The leaves can be used in cooking well before that. You can plant every 2 weeks through the end of December/January to harvest seeds for use this coming spring, and keep for baking time.
Music:
George Strait -- Christmas Cookies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDCmeKs8Zpk
The Carpenters - There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmPer3yNGHg
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
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Tuesday, December 01, 2015
25 Days of Herbs and Celebrations - December 1
Dear Folks,
Celebrating the Multicultural festivities of December, I thought I would pick an herb or spice which is referenced in the Bible (land of three of the Major Religions of the world) and used in many cuisines around the entire world, as a way of gathering together all the wealth of diversity around us - in true celebration.
A note about the herbs and spices I selected. There is agreement on some of the herbs of the Bible (garlic, onion and mint for example) and some continuing discussion on which plant the Bible referred to. After many years there is a consensus - although still discussed by some - that the Hyssop of the Bible is Syrian Oregano (Origanum maru). Since Hyssop (Hyssopus officionalis) is not indigenous to the lands of the Bible but Syrian Oregano is, I have included it as the Biblical plant.
I am including some of the most enjoyed songs of the Christmas and secular celebrations of the month.
A nice site for talking to and teaching your children or grandchildren, about the multicultural celebrations of December, is Education World, with this nice page.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson246.shtml
Day 1
Herb: Myrtle
PLANT MYRTLE FOR JOY, PEACE AND LIFE RENEWED
By Catherine, The Herb Lady - originally appearing in the East Valley Tribune December, 24, 2005
Is there a more appropriate biblical herb to contemplate for the holidays than Myrtle (Myrtus Communis) with its ancient meanings?
Biblical references (Nehemia 8:15; Isaiah 41:19 and 55:13; Zachariah 1:8-11) speak to Myrtle as a symbol of recovery, festivals and the divine establishment of the people in the land.
Myrtle was woven into wreaths for the winners of Olympic games; was a sacred plant of the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Roman goddess Venus; and the Myrtle-nymphs were prophetesses who taught the god Aristaeus, son of Apollo and Cyrene, how to make cheese, build beehives, and cultivate olives.
Parts of the Myrtle have been used in tanning which also imparted scent to the leather.
Here is a fragrant shrub suitable for hedges, or as a lovely specimen plant, and is available in several varieties including a dwarf and variegated. The lovely white/creamy flowers always remind me of a fairy's wand with its many stamens rising from the center of honey-scented petals. Myrtle will take substantial pruning, either for hedges or to showcase the lower limbs.
This evergreen beauty from the Myrtaceae family does exceptionally well here in the Valley as it does in its native Mediterranean home. Other members of the Myrtle family are
Pineapple Guava (another wonderful plant for Valley gardens) and Eucalyptus. Give it direct sun, well-draining soil and deep watering and it will thrive for years.
Myrtle relatives Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) an Australia native known for its incredible lemon oil, and Wax Myrtle (Myrica - several varieties) are often discussed in
gardening/cooking literature, but may be a challenge to grow here, as their normal environment is coastal.
The bitter essential oils flavor meat (especially game), sausages, wines and liquors. The dried berries (fruit) have been used as a substitute for black pepper and juniper berries.
Sometimes described as a cross in flavor of Bay Leaf and Rosemary, use Myrtle on the grill to smoke or as a bed/cover to flavor the food while grilling (soak the whole sprigs for at least an hour before hand). Add to a marinade prior to cooking, or tossed the strained marinade with cheeses and olives for an appetizer. Try it as an herbal vinegar component.
Add the Myrtle herb of joy, peace and renewal to your garden this year!
Music:
It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFtb3EtjEic
Joy To The World
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLT9dSt8cwg
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe in the upper side bar link, to get all my posts!
Disclaimer: Clicking on links on this blog may earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Your price does not change.
Celebrating the Multicultural festivities of December, I thought I would pick an herb or spice which is referenced in the Bible (land of three of the Major Religions of the world) and used in many cuisines around the entire world, as a way of gathering together all the wealth of diversity around us - in true celebration.
A note about the herbs and spices I selected. There is agreement on some of the herbs of the Bible (garlic, onion and mint for example) and some continuing discussion on which plant the Bible referred to. After many years there is a consensus - although still discussed by some - that the Hyssop of the Bible is Syrian Oregano (Origanum maru). Since Hyssop (Hyssopus officionalis) is not indigenous to the lands of the Bible but Syrian Oregano is, I have included it as the Biblical plant.
I am including some of the most enjoyed songs of the Christmas and secular celebrations of the month.
A nice site for talking to and teaching your children or grandchildren, about the multicultural celebrations of December, is Education World, with this nice page.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson246.shtml
Day 1
Herb: Myrtle
PLANT MYRTLE FOR JOY, PEACE AND LIFE RENEWED
By Catherine, The Herb Lady - originally appearing in the East Valley Tribune December, 24, 2005
Is there a more appropriate biblical herb to contemplate for the holidays than Myrtle (Myrtus Communis) with its ancient meanings?
Biblical references (Nehemia 8:15; Isaiah 41:19 and 55:13; Zachariah 1:8-11) speak to Myrtle as a symbol of recovery, festivals and the divine establishment of the people in the land.
Myrtle was woven into wreaths for the winners of Olympic games; was a sacred plant of the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Roman goddess Venus; and the Myrtle-nymphs were prophetesses who taught the god Aristaeus, son of Apollo and Cyrene, how to make cheese, build beehives, and cultivate olives.
Parts of the Myrtle have been used in tanning which also imparted scent to the leather.
Here is a fragrant shrub suitable for hedges, or as a lovely specimen plant, and is available in several varieties including a dwarf and variegated. The lovely white/creamy flowers always remind me of a fairy's wand with its many stamens rising from the center of honey-scented petals. Myrtle will take substantial pruning, either for hedges or to showcase the lower limbs.
This evergreen beauty from the Myrtaceae family does exceptionally well here in the Valley as it does in its native Mediterranean home. Other members of the Myrtle family are
Pineapple Guava (another wonderful plant for Valley gardens) and Eucalyptus. Give it direct sun, well-draining soil and deep watering and it will thrive for years.
Myrtle relatives Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) an Australia native known for its incredible lemon oil, and Wax Myrtle (Myrica - several varieties) are often discussed in
gardening/cooking literature, but may be a challenge to grow here, as their normal environment is coastal.
The bitter essential oils flavor meat (especially game), sausages, wines and liquors. The dried berries (fruit) have been used as a substitute for black pepper and juniper berries.
Sometimes described as a cross in flavor of Bay Leaf and Rosemary, use Myrtle on the grill to smoke or as a bed/cover to flavor the food while grilling (soak the whole sprigs for at least an hour before hand). Add to a marinade prior to cooking, or tossed the strained marinade with cheeses and olives for an appetizer. Try it as an herbal vinegar component.
Add the Myrtle herb of joy, peace and renewal to your garden this year!
Music:
It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFtb3EtjEic
Joy To The World
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLT9dSt8cwg
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe in the upper side bar link, to get all my posts!
Disclaimer: Clicking on links on this blog may earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Your price does not change.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Get Ready For The 25 Days of Herbs and Celebrations of December!
Dear Folks,
25 Days of Herbs and Celebrations
Celebrating the Multicultural festivities of December, I thought I would pick an herb or spice which is referenced in the Bible (land of three of the Major Religions of the world) and used in many cuisines around the entire world, as a way of gathering together all the wealth of diversity around us - in true celebration. (Pictured are Horseradish, Bay, Garlic and Syrian Oregano (the Hyssop of the Bible).
A note about the herbs and spices I selected. There is agreement on some of the herbs (garlic, onion and mint for example) and some continuing discussion on which plant the Bible referred to. After many years there is a consensus - although still discussed by some - that the Hyssop of the Bible is Syrian Oregano (Origanum maru). Since Hyssop (Hyssopus officionalis) is not indigenous to the lands of the BIble but Syrian Oregano is, I have included it as the Biblical plant.
I am including some of the most enjoyed songs of the Christmas and secular celebrations of the month.
Starting tomorrow, December 1st I will be posting a feature each day.
I hope you enjoy this way of celebrating the diversity of December. I welcome your comments.
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
Garden for better success with your veggies, fruits, herbs and edible flowers in the desert with my month-by-month planting calendar.
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe in the upper side bar link, to get all my posts!
Disclaimer: Clicking on links on this blog may earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Your price does not change.
25 Days of Herbs and Celebrations
Celebrating the Multicultural festivities of December, I thought I would pick an herb or spice which is referenced in the Bible (land of three of the Major Religions of the world) and used in many cuisines around the entire world, as a way of gathering together all the wealth of diversity around us - in true celebration. (Pictured are Horseradish, Bay, Garlic and Syrian Oregano (the Hyssop of the Bible).
A note about the herbs and spices I selected. There is agreement on some of the herbs (garlic, onion and mint for example) and some continuing discussion on which plant the Bible referred to. After many years there is a consensus - although still discussed by some - that the Hyssop of the Bible is Syrian Oregano (Origanum maru). Since Hyssop (Hyssopus officionalis) is not indigenous to the lands of the BIble but Syrian Oregano is, I have included it as the Biblical plant.
I am including some of the most enjoyed songs of the Christmas and secular celebrations of the month.
Starting tomorrow, December 1st I will be posting a feature each day.
I hope you enjoy this way of celebrating the diversity of December. I welcome your comments.
-- Catherine, The Herb Lady
Garden for better success with your veggies, fruits, herbs and edible flowers in the desert with my month-by-month planting calendar.
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe in the upper side bar link, to get all my posts!
Disclaimer: Clicking on links on this blog may earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Your price does not change.
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