Choose Your Greens for the Nutrition They Offer You

Let’s face it greens are always good for us; but each type offers its own special blend of nutrients, so here are a few unique facts about some of our favorites…
These greens are also cold tolerant so you can find them fresh & local well into the fall season.

Chard
Chard leaves contain more than a dozen antioxidants,
anti-inflammatories, and detoxifiers, and acts as an effective
blood sugar regulator.

Endive
Endive is a great source of vitamins A, B’s, and K, as well as manganese; metabolizing carbohydrates, and assisting with brain and nerve function.

Kale
Kale is known as one of our healthiest foods; it lowers cholesterol and the risk for cancer, supports detoxification, and reduces inflammation.

Lettuce
Lettuce is low in calories, offers fiber, and several essential vitamins and minerals in just a small serving.

Spinach 

Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins K and A, copper, folate, iron, manganese, and B vitamins. Cooked spinach offers vitamin C, potassium, protein, and may also protect the digestive tract from damage.

#chard #culinarygreens #endive #freshgreens #healthyeating #kale #lettuce 

#livinggreen #minerals #naturalfoods #nutrients #noordinarychick 

#nutrition #spinach #vitamins

Treats for Fall... Brussels Sprouts

It’s a special culinary treat in the fall garden when the Brussels sprouts are ready for harvest; the nights get cooler and the bottom sprouts start to flower, you’re ready to trim and eat them while fresh n nutty.

On a nice crisp morning cut the whole stalks off just above the ground, and below where the sprouting has developed. Next you should be able to snap off the leaves with a quick downward tug, leaving just the top few for moisture until you get to trimming the individual sprouts from the vine.

The harvested stalks are fine on the porch, or outdoor area covered from the elements for a few days until you have time to clean the Brussels sprouts from the stalks.

Removing the Brussels sprouts from the stalks for further storage in the refrigerator and eating requires a sharp paring knife and a little patience as each sprout is sliced off individually; but don’t let this deter you, these fall treasures are totally worth the effort!

Use your paring knife to trim each Brussels sprout from the stalk starting at the base of the stalk and moving up to the tiny top treats, placing them in a bowl as you go.

When the sprouts are all removed you can compost your stalks and give your bowl of Brussels sprout treasures a rinse with nice cold water; check the bottoms trimming away any unwanted leaves and debris.

Here are two of our favorite KISS (Keep it Simple Silly) cooking methods.

Garlic Roasted Fresh Brussels Sprouts
You will need fresh Brussels sprouts; cleaned, trimmed, and sliced in half if they are larger.
Garlic cloves peeled and sliced.
Olive oil, sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
We like to cook with parchment paper for easier clean up so if you have some line a cookie sheet and spread your prepared Brussels sprouts out on it evenly.
Add the garlic slices; and sprinkle with Sea salt and black pepper.
Drizzle with olive oil and place in a preheated 400 degree oven 10-20 minutes; rotate the pan once shaking the sprouts loose to cook evenly, until lightly browned.

Steamed n Creamed Fresh Brussels Sprouts
You will need fresh Brussels sprouts; cleaned, trimmed, and sliced in half if they are larger.
Butter; a dash of heavy cream or ½ n ½, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, sea salt & freshly ground black pepper.
Toss your cleaned Brussels sprouts in a steamer over boiling water, cover and steam a few minutes until sprouts are blanched and bright green. Remove full steamer to sink, and douse Brussels sprouts with cooking water.
Place some butter; a dash of heavy cream or half n half in the warm steaming pan to melt. Add the hot sprouts and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat.
Heat over low flame slightly until simmering to blend, season with sea salt & freshly ground black pepper.

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Herbal Tips - Chives

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives are associated with the element fire and the planet Mars. They are an ancient type of a bulb-forming perennial culinary herb directly related to garlic, onion, scallions, and leeks; although among all of those spices, chives are the only species of Allium native to both the New and Old World. Chives are members of the lily family, they’re grown for their leaves and flowers which are equally popular in the garden, and the kitchen.

Mystically chives are known for their protection against evil and diseases. This herb quickly gained the reputation of chasing away evil spirits and disease: so it is commonly planted outside a home’s windows and brought indoors to the kitchen.

The medicinal benefits of chives are similar to those of garlic, but not as strong. Chives are a mild antiseptic; and are anti-hypertensive, in large quantities can lower blood pressure. A historical (never medically tested) use of Allium schoenoprasum was to expel intestinal parasites. Chinese medicine suggests chives can be used for colds, flu, and lung congestion.

Culinary
Because their flavor is so mild and their color so vivid, chives are an ideal addition to spreads, herb butters, and dips, tossed in salads; and even used as a flavoring for vinegars. Using the blossoms in the vinegar colors soft pink, and makes a nice gift when bottled in decorative glass. Add to dishes just before serving, because their mild flavor is destroyed by heat. The purple flowers of onion chives float beautifully in soup.

One of the most popular uses of chives today is as one of the components in the traditional herb mixture fines herbs. Combined in equal portions with tarragon, chervil, and parsley this blend adds aromatic flavors to chicken and fish dishes, and is especially tasty with eggs. Omelets made with fines herbs, asparagus, goat cheese, and garnished with chive blossoms makes a delicious spring entree.

Gardening
Chives are cultivated both for their culinary uses and their ornamental value; the violet flowers are often used in fine herb blends, and ornamental dry bouquets. 

Chives thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and it’s best to plant them in full sun. In late summer, dig up a couple of plants; pot them, and move them to your windowsill for a nice winter source of fresh flavorful snips.

Harvest & Storing
You can begin harvesting chive leaves as soon as they are tall enough to clip. Cut them from the outside of the clump about 1/2 inch above soil level, always leaving plenty to restore energy to
the plant. 

You can store extra’s for winter use by chopping and freezing the leaves, or you can preserve them in herb butters, oils, and vinegars; they blend well with parsley and tarragon.

#aromatic #chives #chiveflowers #culinary #enchantments #flavoredvinegar #gardening #healthyeating #herbs #herbharvest #herbstoring #livinggreen #naturalfoods #noordinarychick #ornamentaldrybouquets

Witch Hazel - Wonder Plant - Household Uses

Witch hazel is truly one of the worlds wonder plants, its skin healing properties have been known for centuries, and it is still used today in many lotions, ointments, and other skin treatments. A natural astringent its tannins are in it’s leaves and bark, and have medicinal properties that aid skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis, as well as minor cuts and scrapes.

You can make your own witch hazel extract using leaves, twigs and stems; cook with water for

8 hours, then strain and store your extract in the fridge… or it is easily available as a clear liquid distillate in drug and health food stores.

Here are some household remedies that will help you discover why witch hazel will become your favorite go-to remedy for first aid and minor skin ailments.

Witch Hazel Skin Treatments:
The sensitive skin around our eyes is prone to inflammation, discoloration, and swelling from lack of restful sleep, smoking, stress, and many other factors. For treating puffy eyes and dark circles just moisten cotton balls and lay them on your eyes, relax 10 to 15 minutes and repeat as needed.

Witch hazels astringent properties make it a perfect natural remedy for acne; just apply to blemishes with a soaked cotton pad, and dirt and oil will also be removed without drying skin.

In some European countries witch hazel is a common topical treatment for psoriasis, and research has proved its effects. Witch hazel creams can be applied to relieve this bothersome skin condition, as well as eczema and dermatitis.

Witch hazel contains natural tannins that help it tone the skin and tighten pores; leaving your skin feeling cooled and refreshed, as well as killing break out forming bacteria. To make a toner combine equal parts distilled water and unscented witch hazel distillate along with a few drops of naturally antibacterial and antiviral eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil.

Witch Hazel First Aid:
Witch hazel is known as natures Neosporin as it is a natural antibacterial that will help treat minor wounds. To disinfect and help with healing abrasions cuts, and scrapes apply witch hazel extract directly to the affected area with a cotton pad or cloth.

To relieve the pain from a burn apply a gauze pad soaked in witch hazel extract, and then cover the area with an adhesive bandage.

Which hazel relieves the itching and swelling from insect bites by applying to the affective area with a soaked cotton pad.

#astringentproperties #firstaid #healingproperties #householdremedies #livinggreen
#naturalantibacterial #naturalremedy #noordinarychick #skintreatment #witchhazel