Tag: Homesteading

According to the National Turkey Federation, over 210 million turkeys were raised on US farms in 2022, highlighting the bird's widespread popularity and utility. The benefits of having a turkey extend far beyond the dinner table, encompassing nutritional advantages, sustainable farming practices, and even pest management.

Eggshells are a surprisingly rich source of calcium, comprising about 40% calcium carbonate. This abundant, free resource can be turned into a potent, natural supplement with a few simple steps, reducing waste while boosting your bone health and providing other mineral benefits.

Approximately 40% of a banana's weight is its peel, which is commonly discarded. Knowing how to grind up banana peels is a simple way to reduce waste.

For thousands of years, traditional soap was created by combining rendered animal fat (tallow) with an alkali leached from wood ash. This combination, while seeming primitive, is the foundation for genuine soap, prompting many to question: is tallow and ash really non-toxic in its final form?

Before the rise of highly processed vegetable oils, beef tallow was a kitchen staple for centuries. So, what's beef fat good for? Today, rendered beef fat, known as tallow, is making a comeback as a versatile and natural alternative for high-heat cooking, sustainable household uses, and even skincare.

According to the USDA, a rabbit needs only 4 pounds of feed to produce 1 pound of meat, a far more efficient conversion than cattle. So, how much meat is in one rabbit once it's been processed? The answer depends heavily on the rabbit's breed, age, and diet, with typical dressed weights for a meat breed ranging from 2 to 4 pounds.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, chickens account for 94% of the world's poultry population, but that doesn't mean they are the best type of poultry for every situation. Deciding which bird is right for you depends on specific goals, from meat and eggs to temperament and space.

With proper storage, many dehydrated vegetables have a recommended shelf life of 6 to 12 months, but how long will dehydrated broccoli last and what are the secrets to extending its freshness and nutritional value for years? The answer depends less on the vegetable itself and more on the methods used for drying and storage.

According to the National Allotment Society, growing your own food can significantly lower grocery bills, especially for expensive produce. So, **how much money can you save if you grow your own food**? The answer depends on many variables, but the potential for savings, combined with improved nutrition and health, is substantial.

Did you know that freshly laid eggs are covered with a natural, protective layer called the "bloom" or cuticle? This coating is why you must handle and know how to correctly wash farm fresh eggs differently from store-bought ones, as improper washing can increase the risk of contamination.