Tag: Homegrown

Yes, it is safe to eat okra leaves, which are consumed as a nutritious green in many cultures worldwide. While many home gardeners and cooks primarily focus on the plant's pods, the leaves are an edible and healthy part of the plant, often prepared similarly to other greens like spinach or kale.

Indigenous peoples in South America have used stevia leaves to sweeten medicines and foods for centuries. If you've just harvested or purchased fresh stevia leaves, you can harness this natural, calorie-free sweetness to enhance beverages, create concentrated liquid extracts, or preserve them for long-term use.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, root and tuber crops are among the world's most vital foods, serving as a staple for millions globally. Among the vast array of options, two common and highly nutritious roots stand out for home gardeners and cooks alike: carrots and sweet potatoes.

Over 800 species exist within the poppy family, but only a few are safe for culinary use. While it is possible to cook with poppy seeds from the garden, it requires precise identification and rigorous handling to ensure the safety of using homegrown poppy seeds for culinary purposes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the warm, humid conditions needed for sprouting can foster bacterial growth, making proper technique essential. Learning how do you use sprouting seeds correctly is key to enjoying this nutritious, homegrown food safely and effectively.

Microgreens can contain up to 40 times more nutrients by weight than their mature vegetable counterparts, making them a potent superfood. This makes knowing what are the top five microgreens to grow at home a valuable skill for anyone interested in enhancing their meals with concentrated flavor and nutrition. These tiny, tender seedlings are harvested just after the first true leaves emerge and offer a convenient, space-efficient way to enjoy fresh produce year-round.

Experts at UNH Extension suggest that an initial planting of 100 strawberry plants can provide enough fruit for a family of four, with a surplus for preserves. The ultimate number of plants you need is determined by your specific goals, from casual fresh snacking to year-round preserving.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), contaminated sprouts have caused numerous foodborne illness outbreaks over the years. This guide provides a detailed look at how to avoid food poisoning when growing sprouts, ensuring your healthy harvest is also a safe one.

A 2004 study comparing USDA data from 1950 to 1999 found significant drops in several nutrients in some garden crops, attributing the decline to modern, high-yield varieties. This research brings up a crucial question: **do homegrown vegetables have more nutrients** than their supermarket counterparts today? The evidence suggests that for several compelling reasons, the answer is often yes.