Preparedness – doesn’t have to be difficult or hardcore. It can be Simple and Straight forward with a little forethought

I hope, as you do, that this terrible situation we find ourselves in with the Corona Virus (late winter of 2020) will soon have an end; that we will accomplish what is needed to reduce the rate of spreading infection, as well as develop weapons to use against it, not-the-least-of-which is a vaccine. I hope that soon life will return to one where we can freely be in each other’s company again, and where we can reach out and ‘touch’. Who could have imagined that shaking hands and hugging would become taboo overnight? How can humanity – the social creatures that we are, go on indefinitely without the wonderfulness of ‘touch’?

But in the meantime, there are undoubtedly many things we can learn. Ways we can turn this awful experience to our good. If we come out of it unscathed and in time go back to the way things were, then it benefits us nothing. And I just cannot believe that such a BIG deal is meant to benefit us nothing. The Lord tells us “all things shall work together for your good” and here’s the clincher “if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another. ” (D&C 90:24) This is a ‘covenant verse’. [covenant see below] It carries with it a promise. IF you do this, THEN I will do that. In this case IF we walk uprightly and remember our covenants THEN the Lord will ensure all things work to our good. I love this verse. It is in my top ten favourites. In it I find hope and assurance, because He also said “I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” (D&C 82:10) This is my mantra. It governs my life. Find out what the Lord wants me to do and DO IT. I cannot think of a single being that I am more anxious to have BOUND to me than my God. And He happily agrees to it. If I am to have Him work an experience to my good, then I am under strict obligation to honour my commitment which is to walk uprightly before Him (remember Him and obey His commandments) and honour my covenants.

I also find it interesting that He says “ALL things shall work together for your good“. He doesn’t say “some things”. He doesn’t even say “most things”. He doesn’t say “all things except drug abuse”, or “all things except for deliberate conscious, stupid choices”. He says “ALL things”. The word ALL is pretty inclusive in our language, and I will take Him at His word. I choose to believe He intended me to know He means “ALL things” including a global pandemic which may in fact take the life of someone I love.
I will go forward with that understanding. The question then is – what is my my part? my responsibility in this arrangement? We know that “there is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated – and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” (D&C 130:18-21) So it is simple. Find the law. Obey it.

There are certain principles of preparedness that are basic. I am sure we’d all select them in a multiple choice quiz, but it is shocking how many of us refuse to live by them. In fact we prefer not to think about them at all. We’d really rather laugh at the people who govern their lives by them. How boring right? Well, when it hits the fan and the unthinkable is happening, some things are just not so funny anymore. At the time of me writing this, we are in (what is probably) the beginning of the Corona Virus pandemic. Schools have closed. Gatherings of more than fifteen are prohibited. For the most part, citizens are voluntarily self isolating at home. Every detail of the fabric of our society has shifted in a matter of weeks. The changes are fluid. Moving targets. Policies replace policies almost every hour. Unemployment is high, stress and anxiety are epidemic, and the future is shrouded in mystery.

Recently I spoke to a friend of mine Helaman Petlacalco, who lives in Mexico, in an area that is 100% dependent on tourism for its economy, the Yucatan Peninsula. Tourism is to them what Oil is to us in Alberta. In light of the pandemic I asked him how he and his family were doing. I have read and re-read his answer multiple times. His perspective is refreshing, encouraging, even empowering. Let me share a little of it here. He reminded me of some memorable, relatively recent times that stood out to him as affecting their economy. Things such as *1985 earthquake in Mexico City – *1988 hurricane Gilbert in Cancun – *9-11 in 2001 which affected air travel and tourist confidence for a very long time – *2005 hurricane Wilma in Cancun – *global economic crises in 2008 – *2009 swine flu originating in central Mexico – *2017 a public shooting in the main police office in Cancun days only after another public shooting in close by Playa del Carmen. . . . . . . . .

He said “Thanks to all of these experiences and the gospel, I was ready and prepared. I told my kids and their spouses several weeks ago to get ready for this adventure. The thing I thank my Heavenly Father so much for, is that this is happening after our high season of tourism. He gave us the chance to work and to save money. Otherwise, it would be really very hard.”

Can I just interject here? He refers to some of the worst times in their recent economic history as “good experiences”. What an interesting perspective. I happen to know that they were bad experiences for tens of thousands of Mexicans, including his own family, and yet – he reflects upon them as “good” experiences. Without trying to read too much into my friend’s words, he is of course, referring to what came out of those experiences. The lessons that were learned. Those lessons taught principles of self reliance by unveiling weak spots in current habits, and showing a better way.

Then he concluded his message by bearing personal testimony – revealing the true foundation for his hope and strength. “I don’t know how long it might take,” he said “but I would love so much if this was part of the second coming and to see my Saviour very soon! That is really exciting!” For millennia, people have referred to that “Great and Terrible Day” of when the Saviour returns. The two terms ‘great’ and ‘terrible’ are generally polar in definition, and imply that for some it might be great and for some it might indeed be terrible. I don’t want to get into a discussion of that right now, other than to acknowledge that my friend’s mention of it refers to more than just a physical, temporal preparation. Just saying. For now. Another conversation for another time.

He then concluded “I don’t know why my character is so positive, but I trust in Him and I understand that He knows what He is doing. I love Him for all that He did, does and will do for us.” – Helaman Petlacalco (private letter)

the Good Shepherd by Simon Dewey

There are pearls of wisdom in Helaman’s comments, that can help us all. We have all had times of difficulty from which we should have learned important life-lessons, and developed skills and attitudes that would sustain us in the future. If that is not the case, or if you can’t recall them specifically right now, then perhaps our current shared experience with the Corona Virus will help. Perhaps THIS will be our “good experience”. The one that teaches us what our strengths are, where weaknesses in our self-reliance lie, and where we can reliably place our trust. Will we get over this and return to normal? I believe we will get over it. I genuinely do. But I hope with all my heart that we don’t ever go back to ‘normal’. There are many things wrong with our ‘normal’. I hope that we will learn from this and become a better people – globally, nationally, in our own communities, neighbourhoods, and especially in our own homes, with our own families. We can only do that if we make the decision to learn, and to do better.

quote from Maya Angelou

Here are two foundational issues of temporal self reliance that I believe are critical for us to focus on. Our physical, mental and emotional well beings are intricately connected to them both.

Money

Most North Americans are a single pay check away from insolvency. That is a scary thought because we’re talking about real human beings – with faces and names, and families and homes that they will lose. Consumer debt is at an unprecedented high, and increasing at an alarming rate annually. This spells d.i.s.a.s.t.e.r for individuals, families, communities and nations. We MUST do our part by starting at home. Rules to live by:

over spending and mismanagement of household funds is a huge source of stress and anxiety
  1. Stay out of debt.
    Okay I said it. That’s where it begins and ends. If you couldn’t pay for it last month what made you believe you could pay for it this month? Or next month? There is no possession that will make you feel so good that it is worth the stress and burden of debt. Interest never sleeps. It has no sick days, and it never goes on vacation. It is constantly on the clock. And it is not your friend.
  2. Save Up rather than Pay Off.
    This requires some self governing. Maybe you don’t get that ‘thing’ right now. Maybe you save for another few months (or years) and get it when you can. Maybe you never do. That’s okay. You’re working toward something much more important. Peace of mind. There is no price nor substitute for PEACE of mind.
  3. You don’t ‘deserve’ that thing you want.
    What kind of foolishness is that line of thinking? Having a shiny new, fully loaded truck is not a basic human right. Get one you can afford. Yes, it might be used. Yes, it might not have all those bells and whistles. And yes, you might even want to learn to change your own oil. But above all, learn to distinguish between “privileges” and basic human rights. They are not the same.
  4. Live within your means.
    If you can’t pay for it by the end of THIS month, You-Cannot-Afford-it. There it is. Straight forward and unadorned. For something so difficult to live with, it is amazingly simple. Remind yourself of that continually. It gets easier. Trust me.
  5. Debt for this or that?
    Okay let’s be reasonable. I know some debt is necessary for some things in our society. But those things are FEW.
    – A house. Modest and affordable. One that you can reasonably hope to pay off, and one with payments you can manage without spending every last dollar.
    – A vehicle. Perhaps. But one that is modest and affordable and that you can pay off in a year or two at most.
    – An education. If necessary, and which should be reasonable and subsidised by seasonal or part time work when possible.
    NOT a vacation-in-the-sun. NOT a fancy new zoom-zoom car. NOT a brand new motor home. NOT dance lessons, dinner out, new clothes or a movie. And for heaven’s sake NOT food! Sacrifice what you need to, to put healthy food on the table – that you can afford. Garden if you can. Go back to the basics, just don’t spend what you don’t have. The other stuff: if you can pay for those things – enjoy them. If you cannot, wait till you can.

    “Look to the condition of your finances. Discipline yourself in your purchases, avoiding debt to the extent you can. In most cases, you can avoid debt by managing your resources wisely. If you do incur debt, such as a reasonable amount in order to purchase a modest home or complete your education, work to repay it as quickly as possible and free yourself from bondage. When you have paid your debts and accumulated some savings, you will be prepared for financial storms that may come your way. You will have shelter for your family and peace in your heart” (True to the Faith, 2004, 48–49).
  6. Save for a rainy day.
    I know it is easy to say we should all set some savings aside, but I also know what it is like when there simply isn’t anything left at the end of the month. We too went through years of living hand to mouth, barely able to make it through the month, being stressed about kindergarten fees, school supplies, additional field trip expenses, new clothes for the kids, and inside shoes for school, not to mention birthdays, Christmas and all those ‘extra’ things that are part of family life. Putting money in the bank seemed impossible. We’ve all read the counsel to “pay yourself first”. Whatever! When you have nothing, that is insulting to even hear. I know.

    But I am here to tell you that even $10 in the bank is better than nothing. And $10 once a month turns into $120 in twelve months. And one year turns into two years, then pretty soon ten. The point is to start where you are. Put something aside. Anything. And then do it again. And again. Consistently. Tires need replacing, kids need braces, furnaces quit in the middle of winter cold snaps, …. emergencies that could have put you into debt can be met head-on by a rainy day fund. It gets easier as time goes on. And watching it grow (even slowly) is immensely satisfying.
  7. Be charitable.
    I saved this for the last, not because it is of lesser importance, but because I want to emphasize it. Moroni tells us that “charity is the greatest of all“, and that though all things must fail, “charity never faileth“. Charity, he clarifies, is the pure love of Christ, and we must all possess it. (Moroni 7:46,47) Taking care of oneself should never be at the expense of charity. How can one reconcile the two when our own personal need is great? They are not mutually exclusive. Jacob counsels us to “seek ye for the kingdom of God …. before ye seek for riches“. (Jacob 2:18) It becomes a principle of faith. We always have something we can share when the spirit prompts, even though there might be sacrifice involved in the sharing of it.

    Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are asked to go without food for a period of time every month. The money that would normally be spent on those missed meals is freed up to give to those who have less. We call that a ‘fast offering’, and there are real and tangible blessings that come from a generous fast offering. Yes, it is another principle of faith – to give when you feel you don’t have much to give, but it is a principle that becomes easier with testing. “I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say”(D&C 82:10) is the comforting, and accompanying principle that attends any example of obedience, including charity.

    Sharing as the spirit prompts and giving service as opportunity presents itself, will never be in conflict with basic principles of self reliance. One should still avoid debt and live within our means; we cannot give what is not ours to give. It has been my experience that the Lord will never allow himself to be in our debt. When we sacrifice, He blesses us. When we sacrifice again, He repays more. No matter how much we try to get ahead of him, we will always be the ones in His debt, because the attending blessings are too great to number. Trust in Him, and like the Widow of Zarephath, you too will be blessed for your charity.

    In our effort toward Self Reliance and Preparedness, never think to get ahead at the expense of charity.

the way out

I am not pretending to be an expert on debt reduction, but we have been on both sides of it. More than once I am embarrassed to admit. We first hand know the despair that comes from over spending and unmanageable debt. Of living outside of our means. We also know the relief of that final payment, and the peace of mind that follows. We know what it is like to lose our house in a season of unemployment. We also know what is to NOT lose our house in another season of unemployment. And I don’t want to trivialise the journey by giving some trite recommendation; it deserves a much bigger picture than that. Such as I have something to offer, I will address it in a future post. But for now, we can say it requires the DECISION to do so, and then the commitment to follow through on that decision. Make the decision now to do whatever it takes to begin the journey of being debt free.

Food and other Necessities

Home Storage
During the early days of the Corona crises, we were all shocked at the sudden shortages of certain items in grocery stores that resulted from panic-buying. Ridiculous items like toilet paper. One person’s full cart prompts another to reconsider their decision to buy only one, which prompts another and another. We are so susceptible to social suggestion, and sometimes make regrettable decisions based on crowd mentality. Surely all that money spent on toilet paper could have been put in more sensible purchases if a little forethought had been applied. Whatever the motivation – personal use? possible future trade? business investment? or to take advantage of others later … the whole fear-fed panic purchasing situation is so preventable with a little preparation.

If you are one who relies on weekly grocery shopping or regular take-out, it might seem overwhelming to have a long term supply of food on hand. What to buy? How and where to store it? And most importantly, how to afford it? …. Step back. Take a breath. This is not only good counsel, it is very doable. It may take time (and it should take time), but with a little planning and consistent execution you will start to feel the peace that comes from being a week ahead, two weeks ahead, … a month ahead, six months ahead.
Consider these steps:

Don’t go to extremes.
Calm down. Avoid the temptation to go into debt by trying to establish your food storage all at once. Remember the rule above – if you can’t pay for it, you cannot afford it. Have a plan. Gradually adding to your ‘Home-Store’ one step at a time, will not be a financial burden to you. I promise.

Store what you Eat and eat what you store.
Don’t go all crazy and buy a bunch of shelf stable stuff you have never eaten before and don’t even like. Doing that gives “food storage” a bad reputation. If it would take a zombie apocalypse to talk ourselves into eating it, then we have made some poor food choices. But get real, this might imply that we start integrating more basic foods into our daily routine, so that we can learn to prepare them and become accustomed to using them.

Don’t forget the fruits and vegetables. Yes, the basics: flour, rice, beans, grains, pasta etc, but good health is intricately connected to good nutrition, and good nutrition is dependent on FRUITS and VEGETABLES. Clearly with fruits and vegetables, a form of preservation is required. Nutrition should be our primary focus when considering what form of fruits and vegetables we intend to store. Most fruits are picked before they’re ripe, for better travelling. This is unfortunate as the final stages of ripening involves the development of many vital nutrients, that would get utterly missed if picked before fully ripe.

Options:

* Canned:
Whether commercially canned or home bottled, the process retains approximately 40% of the food value. Not ideal, but still an easy and reliable method of home preservation.
Shelf life TWO years. Caution: often contains other less desirable ingredients.

* Frozen:
Whether frozen at home, or commercially frozen, the process retains approximately 60% of the food value. Must be properly prepared and properly stored.
Shelf life three to twelve months, depending on what it is. Caution: completely dependent on electricity.

* Dehydrated:
Could retain up to 80% of food value but assurances of this and the shelf life are unstable due to the number of variables. Whether home dried, or commercially dehydrated (drum dried), answers to the questions of *temperature during drying process? *length of time from harvest to dehydrator? *how much moisture did you remove? *are you sure about that? was the use of sulphurs used in the process? all contribute to the bigger picture.

* Freeze dried:
Freeze drying could retain up to 98% of the original food value. Whether freeze dried at home or done commercially, it is a two step process that involves 1) freezing as fast as possible, and 2) removing the remaining moisture through a vacuum-like process using no heat. This yields a food that is completely without moisture. When it is packed in an oxygen free container, it’s shelf life is a remarkable twenty five years.

With all these methods of preservation, it is critical to process fruits or vegetables as quickly as possible from the garden to the kitchen. This ensures nutrient stability as produce begins to deteriorate within the first hour after harvest. Buying fruit that was picked green a week ago to can, freeze, dehydrate or freeze dry yields a substandard product to begin with. Attention to this detail is important. When purchasing freeze dried foods, you should have assurance that time from field to freezer is as short as possible.

Starting Small Works:
During your normal shopping trip, when you come across a good deal of what you would normally buy – buy an additional one, or even a few more than you ordinarily would. As you can afford it. It really IS as simple as that. When you go home, set it aside as the beginning of your Home-store. A few extra tubes of toothpaste, an extra package of toilet paper, a few additional cans of tomatoes, etc. Keep it up, and watch as it grows, perhaps slowly at first, but steadily nonetheless. Focusing on those foods that are already IN your ‘normal’. reliance. Buy what you can afford, but remember that paying interest on top of a good deal – defeats the ‘good deal’. Every week you will feel more peace-of-mind about your increasing level of self

Rotating food:
Every food has a shelf life, and yes, I know that the food doesn’t self destruct the day after that best-before date, but nutrition is lessening every week that goes by. The answer of course, is to USE the food in our Home-store. When we buy more, put the new cans in the back so that we are always using the oldest cans first. I usually write the date I buy the food on the lid so that I see that information readily.
With freeze dried food, the open shelf life is generally a year. I mark the day I open the can on the lid to keep it front-of-mind. Remember to keep the lid on, as being without moisture the food will readily absorb moisture in the air (even when you don’t think there is any). Moisture won’t spoil the food, but it will take away its ‘crispness’, and that is what gives it its long shelf life. I keep open cans in my kitchen so they are hand to use for every day meals.

HOME-Store vs Food Storage:
The concept of a “Home-store” is that when the kitchen runs out, one simply goes to the home store to bring another one into the kitchen. A Home-store is in a constant state of replenishment because it’s constantly being used.
I cannot count to the number of people I have spoken to over the years who live by the principle that food storage is Food Storage and groceries are Groceries, and never the two shall meet. No offence intended, but what kind of goofiness is that? It is contrary to the whole concept of rotation and the counsel to “store what we eat, eat what we store”. We all know how quickly time flies and soon even the food with the 25 year shelf life will be a decade old. I have known people who boasted “I have a whole lot of freeze dried food in my food storage.” As soon as I hear this, I know how the conversation will develop. I ask “How do you like it?” They say “Oh I’ve never used it.” I say “Why not?” They say “Because its FOOD STORAGE. And besides, I haven’t got a clue what to do with it.” Then comes the clincher. I ask “How long have you had it?” The answer: “we bought it the year we moved here.” How long ago was that? “We’ve been here 37 years.” . . . . pause . . . . “You realize its 12 years PAST the expiry date right? When exactly were you thinking about using it?”

I get the concept of ‘protecting’ one’s food storage. But by doing that, we more often unintentionally waste it. Can using it regularly, continually replenishing in a Home-store model, be more expensive than throwing out $6000 worth of food that is decades older than it was ever intended to be?

It is my hope and prayer that we will learn valuable lessons from the wonderful hands-on experience we’re sharing in this Corona Virus chapter. We are in fact living History. Books will be written about what we are going through at this very moment in our lives. Our grandchildren will learn about it, the way we learned about the world wars, deadly Spanish flue epidemic and great Depression. Many of us will suffer more than we needed to, but the lessons we are learning are ones we could never have learned any other way.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’d love to hear your strategies for navigating these waters, and riding this wave of social isolation and the tremendous effect it is having on our economy.

Warmly,

Cindy Suelzle

references

Late summer days should smell of hot apple juice

We had three apple trees here when my kids were home, and although the apples weren’t great for eating, they made terrific apple sauce, apple juice, apple leather, and apple butter. What we found most useful for our family in those days, was apple juice. The rich, homey smell of apples juicing on the stove was a familiar fragrance that said “Welcome home” on those early days of school in September.

Luke was in elementary school and I worked full time in our family Bookstore. Our apples were generally ready the last week of August. Once we picked them it became a race against time to get them all put up before they spoiled. In the final weeks of summer of ‘that’ year, I was particularly busy at the store. And with everyone busy getting back to school and routine, and homework, the start of seminary, music lessons, and everything else that goes on in a growing family, . . . . . . well, the timing just wasn’t great to take care of a couple hundred pounds of apples. But you gotta do what you gotta do during harvest season right? So we picked the apples as a family on the only day we had all hands on deck, and loaded them into 5 gallon buckets to wait their turn at the juicer. The kitchen and back porch were lined with apple buckets, while we got the steam juicer, canner and jars ready to begin the next phase of our life – a project that once started, we knew we’d be fully committed to till it was finished.

The job fell to Luke and I most of the time. Don’t ask me why. Probably because it mattered to me the most and Luke was still young enough to enjoy hanging out with me. But that might be another story for another time.

We had a system. When we got up in the morning, we’d empty the steamer basket into the backyard compost bin. Then we’d pour off the juice, turn the stove on and refill the basket with stemmed apples cut in half, ensure the water reservoir had enough in it to not boil dry, make sure the flame wasn’t too high, and then go eat breakfast and get Luke off to school. The apples continued to steam over boiling water while I got ready for work. We had already washed and sterilized plenty of 1-quart and 2-quart jars ready to fill, and the canner stood by ready to can the juice. We were pros at this. All should have gone slick as a wick – like it normally did. But this time, during those critical days, I never seemed to find the time in the evening to actually process the quarts of juice in the canner! It didn’t take long before they filled the fridge and then the counter tops, waiting for me to have time to finish the job. Ideally, if I had had even a few days in a row to devote to the project, I could have poured the hot juice directly from the juicer into sterile jars, affix hot sterile lids, and put them into the hot canner immediately. Before new jars of juice were ready to put into the canner, the processed ones would be out and sitting on a clean tea towel to cool. It should have been that easy. And it should have been relatively quick. Two or three days at most. But that week I was just so busy at the store, I simply couldn’t find an extra hour to finish the job. Fruit once harvested however, doesn’t wait. It has no sympathy and no ability to slow down time. And fruit flies? … … Well, lets just agree that fruit flies are a hateful part of summer harvesting.

So we kept it up, Luke and I. Because it seemed like the only thing to do. I would strain off whatever juice we extracted from the morning, then turn the stove off on my way out the door for work.   When Luke got home from school, his job was to take the basket of spent apples out to the compost, dump it and start filling it up again by cutting the apples in half, and removing the stems. Then he’d turn the stove on and begin the water boiling, draining off whatever juice might have accumulated during the day.  After I got home we just continued the process right into the night amidst dinner and homework and our usual routines, finishing off as many steamer baskets of apples as we could, pouring off as much juice as we produced, and taking the pulp out to the compost heap in the backyard to the delight of late summer wasps and hornets. We could get a few more batches done until about midnight, when I’d pour off the last of the juice, turn the stove off and go to bed. In the morning we’d start the whole process over again. The cycle of our days during apple harvest was pretty predictable. Except for the not-getting-them-processed in the canner part. That part was new.

You can imagine that we had begun accumulating a fair number of jars of juice.  The fact that they needed to be processed in the canner began to weigh heavily on my mind, but I simply. could. not. find. the time! “Tomorrow I would.” Always tomorrow.  Well the natural circle of life is a real thing, and it cannot be stopped or even slowed down in a summer kitchen.  One day I noticed a few jars on the back counter had begun to foam. Urgency was added to the heavy weight, but then – the clock and I have never been friends. 

It seemed that with every hour that went by, the juice in some jars was not only foaming at the top, but carbonating. I though didn’t know what to expect from the taste, when I tested them, they were great! Even better than usual. A little ‘fizzy’, but I kinda like ‘fizzy’. I finally had to admit that the word I was looking for, was “fermenting“.   Now in a house like mine, this was not a word I wanted to say out loud but it was pretty evident to everyone what was happening under my watchful eye.  I had zero experience with this type of fermentation.  I had made pickles and sauerkraut, yogurt, sourdough bread and even kimchi, but fermented juice was in a class of its own.  I didn’t know if it could be processed in a hot water canner under the circumstances. I had no idea what to expect from a jar of juice during the fermenting process. What to do? What to do?  I determined that I couldn’t risk canning it, but after two weeks of juicing, and a whole season’s worth of apples, there was no way in this green earth I was gonna waste it.  Waste not – Want not. Right? Only one option that I could see, and that was that we needed to drink it.

Lots and lots of apple juice.  We started with the older ones, the ones at greatest risk of being lost. Apple juice for breakfast, apple juice for lunch and apple juice at the supper table. Carbonated apple juice.  We had a LOT of fizzy apple juice.  And even though we had half a dozen people living in our house, it seemed to be like Elijah’s cruse of oil.  No bottom to it.  It went on forever.  Getting more carbonated every day.   It was delicious! Luke and I loved it. We couldn’t get enough. The others?  Well they didn’t feel the same way. They simply weren’t as ‘invested’ as we were.  They hadn’t spent two weeks juicing apples so they didn’t ‘feel the feels’ when we considered the possibility of having to pour the fermenting juice down the drain. Luke and I soldiered on.

Finally, mutiny started to rear its ugly head, and I started to see cracks in the seams of our otherwise unified wholesome (non alcohol drinking) household.  Other family members began making rude comments regarding the fermentation of the ‘juice’.  They used words like ‘stillery‘, and ‘moonshine‘. Luke and I were all “Yeah whatever! This is GREAT!”  Them?  Not so eager.   As the days passed even I no longer felt that the word “juice” was appropriate, but I sure as heck wasn’t gonna use the “W” word. I had no idea exactly what apple cider was, but I decided it was a safe place between juice and wine so I started calling it apple cider.  Luke was totally supportive. 
“I love apple cider!”  he reaffirmed daily.

Dan and my other kids continued teasing but I brushed it off.  “Sour grapes!”

One day as Luke got the chilled jug of apple cider out of the fridge to set the table for dinner, seventeen year old Zack complained “This again to drink? I’m getting tired of drinking this for ever single meal. And I’m thinking we shouldn’t be drinking it anyway.” 
“Oh lighten up Zack.”
I told him “This is as close to wine as you’re ever gonna get.”
“Frankly Mom,”
he said as he got himself a drink of water, ” I have NEVER felt the need to get this close.” 

One by one the family dropped off till only Luke and I remained.   True appreciators of this wonderful accidental apple cider we created with the help of a little natural yeast and time. 

One afternoon my sister was in town and stopped in on her way home.  I prepared us a nice lunch, with apple cider of course.  She loved it and helped herself to more.  And then a little more. Three days later she phoned me wanting the recipe … “That was THE best apple punch I have ever had! I cannot stop thinking about it. I need your recipe.”

Super simple.” I told her. “Nothing to it. You just make apple juice.  Leave it on the counter for a week or two till starts foaming.  Then sweeten with a little bit of sugar and leave for a few more days.  Easy Peasy. (lol)” She didn’t think it was as funny as I did.

Surprisingly, that apple ‘juice’ took longer to consume it all, than it did to create it. But eventually all good things must come to an end.  Even apple ‘cider’. And soon enough the last jar of apple cider was served.  I do believe it was only Luke and me who stayed with it right to the end.  It was a solemn moment when we shared that final glass. We had taken lots of ribbing and name calling along the way, but it was worth it.  Truly that apple cider had gotten better every day, but by Christmas it was only a memory and a funny story.  … … The following summer we had another great crop of apples and while I dreaded the work, Luke looked forward to the smell of apple juice in the house again, and our shared tradition.  “Can we make some more of that apple cider Mom?” he asked. 
Uh, no I don’t think so Luke.  We can only ever do something like that by mistake once.  After that, …… its not a mistake anymore.  I think we had our day in the sun.”

Today my steam juicer’s second home is Luke’s house, where it continues to live a purposeful and fruitful life.  Luke says that late summer days should smell like hot, sweet apple juice and he’s determined to make sure his boys grow up with the happy memories that that slightly spicy, comfortable fragrance conjures up. The one that smells like “Welcome Home“.  

What are some of those comfy smells that bring back memories for you? You know. The ones that put a smile on your face when you think of them.

Warmly,

Cindy Suelzle

Chamomile

. . . and wild chamomile

Chamomile is a common name for a range of several daisy-like plants from the Asteraceae family, so if you’ve been confused, its okay. The one you’re most likely to come across in Alberta is the common German Chamomile. Then of course there is what is commonly called “wild chamomile” (pineapple plant). I know. Relax, we don’t need to over complicate it. Chamomile is really just a simple down-home herb that grows well in poor soil. It is an annual plant and can grow up to three feet in height with hundreds of lovely bright and cheery daisy-like flowers. Its a weed. But don’t be one of those bigots who think that ‘weed’ is a bad word.

The plant is most commonly used as a tea (the correct term is INFUSION* – see below) for it’s calming properties which come from its daisy-like flowers. The flowers contain volatile oils (including bisabolol, bisabolol oxides A and B, and matricin) as well as flavonoids (particularly a compound called apigenin) and other therapeutic substances.

The flowers of a chamomile plant are very similar to those of a feverfew plant, and if looking at the flowers only, confusion can be understandable. The difference in in the plants themselves.

German Chamomile plant. More airy.
Observe the leaves.
Feverfew plant. More compact. Observe the leaves.

Chamomile ‘Tea’

First of all, let’s get the whole ‘tea’ thing out of the way. I always thought everyone knew the difference between ‘tea’ and herbal ‘tea’. I’ve had people ask why it is that as a Latter-day Saint, I drink herbal tea but I don’t drink ‘regular’ tea. answer: They’re not the same. Not by a long shot. And no, it is not splitting hairs.

*TEA is an aromatic (usually hot) drink made from the cured leaves of a ‘Tea’ plant. It originated in China centuries ago and spread to the rest of Asia as a medicinal and recreational drink. Early European explorers, missionaries and merchants introduced it to Europe in the 16th century where it became very fashionable, especially among the English aristocracy. The English took their ‘tea’ so seriously, they began large scale production of it in India, where it is still a very important export. In fact, over 60% of the world’s tea comes from either China or India. It is an actual PLANT. Called “Tea”.

Contrast this to what we call “herbal teas“. We call them’teas’ not because they ARE ‘tea’ (which comes from an entirely unique plant remember) but because of how we ‘prepare’ them. Herbal teas are made from flowers, leaves, or roots of herbs – fresh or dried. They are prepared by pouring boiling water through them and letting the drink steep as it cools. Like regular tea they are drunk hot or chilled. They taste nothing like the original ‘tea‘, and have their own unique properties depending on the plant. If one wanted to be precise, one would not call them ‘tea’ at all, they are actually INFUSIONS. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may choose not to drink TEA (according to our counsel), but often will drink herbal teas. Now you know why.

There. Now that we’ve got that outta the way, lets talk about ‘Chamomile Tea’. As with all herbs, it is safest to start with a weak tea (low dose) till you know how you deal with it. You can work up to stronger tea (larger dose) for more therapeutic value slowly. Chamomile contains chemicals called flavonoids. These flavonoids are a type of nutrient present in many plants, and they play a significant role in chamomile’s medicinal effects.

To make a tea, start with a small handful of fresh flowers or a tablespoon of dried flowers and pour boiling water over top. Let steep for a few minutes and strain as you pour into a cup.

The strength of the tea will depend on the quantity of herb you add of course, but also how long you let it steep. I begin pouring the tea thru the strainer withing two or three minutes of having poured the boiling water over it, leaving some in the pot. The first pouring will be mild, the second pouring will be stronger. As it gets stronger, I often add more hot water to dilute it. Don’t throw left over tea away. Put it in the fridge for a very nice chilled tea tomorrow.

Chamomile has been used for centuries in teas as a mild, relaxing sleep aid, to calm an upset stomach and to soothe heartburn, as well as other ailments. While I know some use the oil of chamomile, I prefer to use the herb in a simple home-friendly herbal infusion – “tea”. Something I can easily harvest and use. I have heard of chamomile being used as a mouth rinse for cankers and mouth sores. I filed this away in my brain for when or if I am ever in need of trying it, but I have no experience at this point.

Without being too wild with claims it is fair to say chamomile is helpful on many levels. It is often used to reduce anxiety and distress, and I’ve read some interesting studies that it helps with the severity of menstrual cramps as well as anxiety and moodiness connected. I’m not confident the studies I read are too scientific, but it is a logical connection so I suggest making one’s own study. Claims have been made that chamomile reduces inflammation and that applying directly to a wound assists in healing. Also, worth experimenting. I’m paranoid about infections with open wounds,

I highly suggest trying chamomile tea as in regular does of one or two cups a day. At the very least, it will simply be an enjoyable and relaxing hot tea, or a refreshing iced tea. At the best, it could offer improvement in your overall health by adding the valuable components with which nature has endowed it.

People who have a history of allergies particularly to pollen should probably avoid chamomile, or experiment in weak infusions at first. People with weakened, compromised or undeveloped immune systems (such as infants), who it is advisable to avoid honey, should also avoid chamomile and many other herbs.

growing German Chamomile

The plants you’ll find growing wild on the side of the road or in the alley will likely flower mid to late July or early August. I’ve tried to grow chamomile in my garden with limited success but I noticed a volunteer plant this year that seems to be doing well. Perhaps the birds helped me. I have no problem foraging for chamomile, but I’m a bit of a control freak and if I can grown anything in the safety of own backyard, I’m always happier.

 German chamomile grows from seeds sown directly in the garden. The seeds are very tiny (almost dust like). They can be scattered on the soil’s surface, then gently tamped down with the flat side of a hoe. Plant early in the spring, about the same time you would plant peas. The young seedlings will withstand a mild frost. The seeds generally germinate in a week to ten days, growing slowly at first, and need to be kept well weeded. I know, this seems counter intuitive when we’re talking about a weed after all. I think that’s why I had limited success in my earlier attempts.

Wild Chamomile or Pineapple Weed

Now this is an herb most of us are familiar with – even though we don’t know much about it. …. Pineapple Weed. The next time you see it, don’t be so quick to just pluck it out and throw it away. Remember: a weed is just a plant growing where it doesn’t belong. Once you understand it, and want it to be there, you can be friends.

Native to North America, pineapple weed is hardy and grows in poor, compacted soils; so you’ll usually see it growing on the side of roads, in cracks of sidewalks and other inhospitable places. The plant grows from 2 to 16 inches in height, and flowers from early spring through September. Although it is called Pineapple ‘Weed’, it is actually considered a wildflower. When foraging for this weed, be mindful to not pick it from an area that’s been contaminated by pollutants. This is something to consider since it grows so well on the sides of roads.

Native Americans used it for a variety of medicinal and culinary purposes. (I don’t know what they called it – probably not pineapple weed – lol). It is not only edible – its pretty tasty. Similar to pineapple. Could be the taste where it got its name, or could be that the yellow green cone shaped flower head resembles a pineapple. Take note of the obvious lack of petals on the flowers. Since it looks so similar to chamomile, this is a good indicator that it is what it is. Also, if you crush the flower head between your fingers, you’ll notice a sweet pineapple-y smell. Another good indicator.

Pineapple Weed makes a good herbal tea! Reminiscent of chamomile tea (same family), but slightly sweeter. Steep a small handful of young flower heads in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Delicious! Can also use the leaves or even whole plants to make tea, but the leaves have it a slightly more bitter flavour. Add it to your next garden salad. It is nutritious as well as delicious. As with most garden produce, the younger the plant the sweeter, it gets more bitter as it gets older. If you already have allergies to certain plants and weeds, you might want to keep that in mind when experimenting with this one.

It has a mild sedative property similar to chamomile – and is soothing to the tummy.  I am told that the entire plant was used as a insect repellent by the native people, but I do not know how. Maybe just having it around? 

It is an annual plant which means it doesn’t over winter, but comes back from seed every year. If you want to grow more, allow the flower to dry out and go to seed (still in the ground). Crush in your fingers and broadcast the seed all around the space you’d like it to grow next year. I do this with lots of seeds. Then the next spring, I just pull out the ones growing in spots I don’t want them.

Remember, pineapple weed does well in lousy soil, so put it in your least desirable spots. It wants sun though. Both of these plants are easy to forage in most disturbed ground. They are ‘people plants’ as they are wherever people are. But they deserve a place in my garden so that I can ensure they’re clean and green. However you harvest them, I highly recommend you do so. Another good friend from the plant world.

Enjoy! 
I’d love to hear your experience with these different chamomiles.

Cindy Suelzle

Common Herbs and Spices in Your House and Yard: Oregano

Oregano is a major player in my herb garden. To the right you can see a few varieties of thyme. Behind the thyme are feverfew plants in full bloom, St. John’s wort behind the feverfew with yellow flowers. Also purple lupins and poppies in bloom.
Raspberries in the very back along the fence.

Oregano is a staple in every herb garden. Primarily because it is so doggone easy to grow, and easy to please. It is super friendly and loves everything and everyone; a real confidence booster for first time gardeners.
* Spring came early this year? Great! Oregano will be one of your first plants to green up.
* Late spring? Don’t worry about it. Oregano will be pushing through the cold nights like a trooper.
* Lots of rain and hardly any sun? No problem. Oregano can be its own mini rain forest.
* Lots of sun and a little on the dry side? Gotcha covered. Oregano is very forgiving on either end of the spectrum. For a plant that originates in the hot areas of the Mediterranean, it is surprising how hearty an established plant can be in a typical Canadian year.

in the garden

Oregano is a hearty perennial that makes a useful ground cover in any sunny part of your garden. It may start out low, but can grow up to two feet high when mature! It has a lovely pink to lavender coloured flower (some varieties might have white flowers) so I make sure to have it in a few different spots: my herb garden of course where I keep it trimmed by harvesting, and in a couple of my flower gardens where I allow it to flower to use in bouquets and flower arrangements. Strip off the lower leaves to use fresh or dry and then enjoy the flowers in a jar of water. Because its so independent (not one of those high maintenance fair weather friends), oregano is the perfect beginner for any herb or backyard garden. If you’re much north of Edmonton, or live out in the country where your garden is open, its possible your oregano might not make it through every winter. Just be prepared for this and don’t take it personally. That’s one reason I keep it in a few DIFFERENT spots throughout my garden. I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket, and we do live in Canada after all. I even grow some in my vegetable garden as it is a friendly and helpful companion to many other plants.

Oregano in upper right, parsley in center and sage forefront. Lupin (purple flower) upper left of center, feverfew upper far left (flowering like little white daisies). Red orache center left.

Most herbs are considered weeds (we are such name calling bigots lol), and as such they’re not particularly fussy about the soil in which they grow. Oregano is no exception. Not surprisingly then, rich loamy soil is actually not even desirable for oregano. It actually prefers sandier, lighter soil that drains well. So if you have a difficult spot in a sunny area (rock garden, along a sidewalk, or close to your kids’ sandbox) – let your oregano show you what its made of. If you’re in an apartment with a sunny side, or small condo with limited patio space, oregano will do well in a pot. If you live where I live, be prepared. A pot makes it a one season plant as it won’t survive the winter outside of the ground. Best to plant it in the ground if you have a spot available, so that it can come back, but if you don’t – no problem. Just treat it like an annual and replant it again next year. It does best in sun of course but doesn’t demand full sun. Other than that it is virtually trouble free and maintenance free. Having said all this, my garden has excellent soil and I really don’t have a poor-soil place to plant it, so it is where it is. Thankfully its pretty difficult to offend oregano.

The leaves of oregano are flat and oval and can range from fuzzy to almost smooth. Occasionally mistaken for marjoram as they belong to the same family and look very much alike. 

Oregano plants are in the mint family (and a close cousin of marjoram) so they propagate themselves through root expansion. They’re not ‘invasive‘, but they will spread if not contained. I like this fact and it keeps my oregano plentiful so that I have lots to move around and to share.

It can be started from seeds but they take a long time to germinate. Catalogs offer a wide variety of seeds, but unless you’ve got your heart set on a particular type that you can only get by seed, spend a few bucks and get a plant from your local nursery. Better yet, get a cutting or division from a friend, then you’ll know exactly what to expect and you’re more sure of its hardiness. After a few years, you can divide your own plants to spread oregano to different parts of your garden, and share with friends.

Few garden pests bother oregano, (another great attribute), in fact the strong scent of oregano repels pests, making it an excellent companion plant in your vegetable or flower garden or under fruit trees.

Many use oregano oil as a natural insect repellent, and even as bug spray for your household plants! Simply add a few drops to a spray bottle with water, and spray your plants with it. You will keep aphids away.

in the kitchen

Oregano is a MUST-HAVE in any kitchen garden, probably the herb I use the most during the cold months, as it is so wonderful in soups, meat stews, pasta sauces, chicken dishes, dressings, and roasted vegetable dishes (especially those with a Mediterranean flavour. One of my favourite ways to use it in the summer months is with a few other herbs on vegetables roasted over the barbeque with a little bit of olive oil. Did you know that climate, soil, and moisture can cause variation in the flavour? That means that your oregano can be quite unique to YOU.

As with most herbs, oregano leaves taste best before the plant flowers. In my herb garden I pinch the flowers to keep the plants bushy and prevent it from bolting to seed. In my flower garden, I allow them to flower and then cut to use in the house in flower arrangements. Either way, cutting the flower off keeps the plant vibrant.

To harvest (anytime after the plants are close to 6 inches), simply clip with some kitchen scissors or clippers. I cut the stem right to the ground to encourage more stems from the base and keep the plant looking plump. I pick the bigger, older stems that are a little more ‘woody’. Swish lightly in clean water to wash and shake excess water off in the sink. Let sit to let the wetness dry off, and when no longer damp, strip the leaves from the top by holding the top and sliding your finger the thumb down the stem.

Oregano and Thyme. Very good friends.

Conveniently, harvesting = pruning. Most woody, perennial herbs don’t require pruning to grow. They’re fine left to their own devices and given the right growing conditions, in fact many will become shrubs or carpets of ground cover. But in a well kept garden, pruning will improve the look and strength of the plants, and the whole idea in a home garden is to USE the herbs anyway right? Pruning also encourages new growth which will have the best flavour. Having said this, the flowers of the oregano plant attract bees and other friendly pollinators which is very desirable in any garden, so allowing some flowers to stay on the plant is a good thing. There simply is no bad way to grow oregano. It is going to like you and help you no matter what you do or don’t do regarding it. Wouldn’t we all like to have friends this loyal and forgiving?

Using it fresh in salads, and many other dishes, using it dry during the winter, and even making into a tea – which is quite tasty bytheway. I sometimes use it in my pesto to supplement basil if I’m a little low on basil. When you know something is super nutritious as well as delicious, your incentive to use them MORE is enhanced.

However you use it, just make sure you do!

oregano is good for you

More than just a culinary herb to use in the kitchen, oregano is rich in antioxidants, boasting one of the biggest antioxidant ratings. Keep in mind of course that we don’t eat handfuls of oregano like we eat handfuls of berries, but just knowing that should make us want to include them as much as possible in our diet. Rich in Vitamin K, (a lesser known but important nutrient), it is helpful in preventing heart disease and building strong bones.

a veritable bouquet of herbs! Clockwise from 11:00 and 12:00 is Feverfew in full flower,
1:00 is Red Orache (more green than red here),
3:00 is Orache, 4:00, 5:00 and 7:00 is Mint, 6:00 is Feverfew and dead center is Oregano

Oregano is well known to strengthen our immune system, so make sure you have plenty on hand for flu and cold season. Because it has powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal properties oregano oil is very popular. It has a remarkable ability to fight bacteria and studies indicate that it’s antimicrobial quality is not diminished by heating. For those who suffer from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, it is helpful to know that oregano contains a substance known as beta-caryophyllin, which inhibits inflammation, so we can add anti-inflammatory to the list of favourite ‘antis“.

Oregano has earned its honoured place in my garden, and I love that the flowers attract bees which are welcome guests. I highly recommend it in your herb, flower, or vegetable garden.  A single plant can yield you enough to use fresh during the summer and enough to dry for the rest of the year.

I’d love to hear your Oregano story. 
How do you grow it and where? 
What are your favourite ways to use it? 
Any tips for the rest of us?

Warmly,

Cindy Suelzle

Apricots – one of the world’s healthiest foods

Apricots – those gorgeous small orange fruits may look a lot like small peaches, but they sure don’t taste like peaches.  There’s nothing quite like them, a little sweet and a little tart at the same time, and not nearly as juicy as a peach.  When perfectly ripe, they have a texture that is all their own too.  Hard to describe.  ‘Smooth’?  But don’t let all of that fool you.  Those little orange fruits pack a whallop of a nutritional punch!

Years ago, we planted two apricot trees in our backyard.  We had no expectation of them producing fruit (we live in Edmonton after all) but we heard they were a beautiful shade tree and we were looking for two trees between which to hang a hammock.  Every year the apricot trees blossomed profusely and we truly knew what it was like to have “Popcorn popping on our apricot trees“, but it was usually too early and a late spring frost or big wind or something else we couldn’t control would eliminate any serious promise of the blossoms fruiting out.  Until one year.  The stars all lined up I guess.  Beautiful blossoms.  No late frost.  No big wind.  We were surprised to see cute little green apricots form.  Still we had no expectations out of them.  No sense putting our hope in unrealistic places. …. But they continued to grow, and they ripened into that beautiful apricot-orange we’re so familiar with.  Being the eternal skeptics, we figured they’d be lousy because … well, EDMONTON!  Hello!  You don’t grow apricots in Edmonton.

But we did!  And we harvested them.  Truth be told their texture by the time we picked them wasn’t very  inviting to eat fresh.  But their taste was amazing!  We picked several gallons.  And I made the best apricot jam in the history of the world.  We also made apricot pies.  First year ever for either of those two.  I love apricot pie to this day.  Sadly, one day the jam was all eaten up, and we never had another harvest.  And then we moved.  However, I am reading lately about new varieties that may be hardy in the Edmonton area.  You can bet I’ll be looking into them.

In the meantime, apricots have always been one of my favourite fruits – for two main reasons.  They are so full of nutrition and I absolutely love their flavour.  Dried apricots are especially delicious.

Good Food is Good Medicine

Apricots are rich in potent antioxidants, and an excellent source of Vitamin A (from beta-carotene).  When my kids were little, dried apricots were a real treat, and apricot nectar (though pricey) was the fruit juice that I bought for whoever happened to be sick at any given time.  The sick person got to drink a whole container apricot nectar all to themselves.  It was their special food-medicine because it is so rich in infection fighting and immune enhancing vitamins A and C as well as minerals and so many antioxidants that are known to fight free radicals in the body, and protect us from disease.  When appetite is minimal anyway, it never made any sense wasting it on anything that wasn’t going to help heal.

Apricots and Eyesight

Apricots are packed with Vitamin A, (also known as retinol) which helps with our vision.  Retinol, Beta Carotene and other related nutrients  (carotenoids and xanthophylls) reduce the chances of developing the serious eye-related disorder called Neovascular ARMD – an age-related macular degeneration that causes loss of vision in the elderly.

Research has linked regular intake of fruit in general (not just apricots)  with less risk of age related vision loss.  By simply increasing the amount of fruit you’re currently eating by three or four more servings a day you will increase your long term health in every way, not just vision related.

Apricot Protection Against infection and Inflammation

Apricots are a strong dietary source of phytonutrients.  A single apricot will provide you with 4-5 grams from catechins which are potent anti-inflammatory phytonutrients.  Multiple studies have shown that catechin-rich foods can protect blood vessels from inflammation-related damage, leading to better over all blood pressure control.

The richness of vitamin A makes apricots one of the most valuable immunity enhancing fruits.  The gorgeous orange colour isn’t simply cosmetic you know.  It indicates beta-carotene.  Why is that important?  The human body converts beta carotene into vitamin A.  We need vitamin A for healthy skin and mucus membranes, our immune system, and good eye health and vision.

Other fruits and vegetables that are particularly rich in Vitamin A via beta carotene are:  carrots. sweet potatoes. peppers, broccoli, mangoes, papaya, winter squash. cantaloupe. spinach, kale, and collard greens.  Look for deep orange and deep green.  Of course ‘freshness’ is very important.  There are also many non fruit or vegetable sources of Vitamin A.

Digestive Health – Apricots are a good source of dietary fibre which is helpful in supporting digestive health.  Soluble fibre also helps control blood cholesterol levels.  Since the retinol in apricot is fat soluble, the fruit dissolves in the body easily, and the important nutrients are easily absorbed by the system.  It breaks down fatty acids quickly, which keeps your digestion running smoothly.  Cleaning out the intestines regularly protects you from gastrointestinal concerns.  This helps increases metabolism and energy level which makes apricots a great midday snack when you need a little pick-up.

Blood Health – The type of iron in apricots (as in most plant based foods) takes time to be absorbed by the body and the longer it stays in the system, the better your chances in preventing anemia.  Vitamin C taken with iron ensures better absorption of this type of iron.  How wonderful that nature has them both present in apricots.  So it goes without saying that in iron rich foods like spinach, kale and apricots etc, you’d want that Vitamin C to be in good supply when you eat it.  This is important as Vitamin C is volatile and doesn’t stick around for a long time.  Did you know for example, that spinach (which is known as a good vegetable iron source) loses 100% of its Vitamin C within four days of harvest?  Well I dunno about your local grocery journey, but I can pretty much guarantee that the spinach I buy has not been picked within the last two or three days.  Not only does that mean you’re missing out on the Vitamin C, but because its not there, you’re also not getting full advantage out of the iron in spinach.  🙁  I hate to sound like a bad-news-Betty, but that kinda takes the magic outta ‘fresh’ store bought spinach for me.  There’s gotta be a better way right?  Well, . . . . another conversation for another day.  Stay tuned.  Lets get back to apricots.  

For Healthy Skin, make sure you eat apricots every day.  The combination of Vitamins A and C and also the phytonutrients present ensure good skin.  For years our teens took extra Vitamin A supplements to get them over those difficult teen-skin years.  I am convinced it made all the difference for them and prevented some of the teenage woes I went through.

Overall Health – Ripe apricots are a rich natural sources of antioxidants.  When eaten daily, they help the body to get rid of toxins that we tend to collect over time.  Antioxidants also kill free radicals that damage our cells.  They help to reduce the bad cholesterol content in the body while increasing the good cholesterol.  The potassium content in apricots balances the electrolyte levels in our system.  All of this spells good heart health.

Potassium also helps our bodies absorb calcium and assimilate it uniformly.  Better absorption of calcium is critical in developing and strengthening bones.

Where do Apricots come from? 

I’ve always associated apricots with coming from Turkey for some reason, and in actual fact, they arrived in Europe via the middle east.  They are mentioned in the Old Testament.  Apricots have been cultivated for about 5,000 years and their origin has been traced to China.  Apricot trees were first planted in North America beginning on the east coast (Virginia) in the early 1700’s century, and expanding as far west as California by the end of that century.  The climate there is perfectly suited to apricots, and most apricots grown in the United States are grown in the California sun.  Turkey, Italy, Russia, Spain, Greece, and France are also the world’s leading producers of apricots.  In western Canada, some of our seasonal apricots may be coming from southern BC in the Okanagan Valley, where as in eastern Canada, they are likely coming from Ontario.

When are they in Season?

Apricot season in North America runs from mid spring through mid summer at best.   Look for fruits with a rich orange colour and they should be slightly soft.  Tree-ripened fruits always taste the best, so the closer you are to the source, the more likely that’s gonna happen.  For maximum nutritional value, always choose fruit that was fully ripened on the tree and was harvested as close to your purchase time as possible.  No easy task if you live in Edmonton.

Apricots can also be purchased fresh, canned, dried or freeze dried.  They’re also popular in preserves of all kinds.  The taste of all are these variations is so uniquely ‘apricotty‘ and I love them all.

How to Eat Apricots

FRESH – Like most fresh fruits, apricots can be eaten in multiple ways.  Eating as a snack is always the easiest, but they are so much more versatile than that.  Nutritionally speaking, Fresh is always best!  But it has been my experience that it is difficult to get ‘good’ apricots in season, at least in my little corner of the world.  At best, I might be able to buy them once or twice in a season.  Sometimes not even that.  And its often disappointing.  Too frequently, you buy fruit that is ‘mushy’.  I hate it when that happens.  They are way too expensive for that.  This makes apricots more elusive in Alberta than mangoes!  What’s with that?

Unfortunately, one never really knows how ‘fresh’ fresh is.  How long ago were they picked?  Did they have time to ripen on the tree?  I realize that tree ripened fruit is more difficult to transport, and a lot more volatile, …. and living in Alberta, one cannot be too picky about that sort of thing.  I completely understand that there are so many variables that factor into getting ‘fresh’ produce out to the masses.  I don’t mean to sound unreasonable.  But one does need to consider the various options and choose the best for their circumstances.

Canned – Canning is still an easy and convenient way to home preserve excess fruits from the garden.  And canned apricots are still available to buy from the supermarket.  The process of canning  fruits of course, involves high heat for a prolonged period of time and usually the use of sugar.  Whether home canned or commercially canned, the process is the same although you can control the use of added ingredients when you do it yourself.  Generally speaking the resulting nutritional value of canned fruits is about 40% of whatever it was when it went into the canner.  While that is disappointing, we know a quart of fruit is boiled for 40+ minutes so it shouldn’t be surprising.  Still, canned apricots in February are better than no apricots in February, so canning remains a viable method of preserving excess summer produce.

Dehydrated Apricots are delicious and a convenient healthy snack food.  For years, this was my preferred way to eat them, primarily for convenience sake.   But commercially grown and dried apricots are often treated with sulfur-containing compounds during processing to extend their shelf life.  There is much concern about this additive.

Freeze Dried Apricots are delicious and another convenient and healthy snack.  They have recently become a viable option on the market that has all but replaced my romance with dried apricots.  For eleven months of the year, I choose to eat FREEZE DRIED Apricots.  After tree-ripened ‘FRESH’ – which lets face it, doesn’t happen too often in Alberta, freeze dried is the MOST nutritious source of apricots.  Of course nutrition is optimised when care and attention are given to the ‘quickness’ of the process, ensuring fruit was tree-ripened and that time between harvest and flash freezing is measured in hours rather than days.  Although the method of freeze drying is standard, the care of beginning with the best possible fruit varies from company to company.  There are many different brands of Freeze Dried fruits.  Do your investigation and find the one that guarantees best nutrition.  A good source of freeze dried apricots could yield up to 95% of the original food value.  And bonus: if packed properly in an oxygen free can, the shelf life could exceed twenty five years. This is a pretty impressive and stable way to keep apricots on hand for everyday use all year long.

using everyday

* Whether using fresh, dried or freeze dried, apricots can be chopped up and added to your morning cereal, granola or porridge.  Add them to your yogurt.
* Use them in baking.  Apricot tarts, pies, crumbles and cakes are amazing.
* My husband makes a delicious Persian Chicken baked with a fruit sauce made of freeze dried apricots.  We’ve also baked them with prunes in the same pot as a pork roast.  Adding them to meats dishes or vegetable stews adds a wonderful middle eastern flavour.
* We add them to greens with feta and almonds for a wonderful salad.  Just sprinkle a little balsamic vinegarette to finish it off.

* I make a wonderful apricot couscous with raisins, orange juice and a little bit of cayenne for punch.   Click here to see the recipe.

Apricot jam is the best jams ever!  Even better if you make it up as you need it from freeze dried apricots and little to no sugar.
I take about a cup of freeze dried apricots
add about 1/2 a cup of water and a pinch of sugar to taste (if any).
I refresh the apricots in a small sauce pan, heating over low heat and stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.  It takes about 20 minutes to thicken up to make an absolutely incredible spread.  I hesitate to call it ‘jam’ because there’s hardly any sugar in it.  But I use it as jam, so if the shoe fits wear it I guess.  Except there’s no guilt.

No matter how you are able to enjoy apricots, they are one of the healthiest fruits we can grow or buy. They deserve an honoured place in our diet.

Warmly,

Cindy Suelzle

Pineapple – why its so good for you

It may seem odd to read a blog post about Pineapple in a self reliance blog from a Canadian city homestead, but I would never for a single minute pretend we in this house eat only those things we produce. Heavens no!  What would we eat for the other nine months of the year?  There are many wonderful fruits and vegetables that are available to us that can enliven our days and enrich our bodies.  I am so glad to live in a country where variety can be part of my life.  However, it is still as important to me as ever to eat “in the season” – even though that season may be five thousand miles away.  There are ways of ensuring we get the very best nutrition – even out of tropical fruits, and yes, even while living in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Pineapples –  those wonderful tropical fruits that are so gorgeously delicious – are even more nutritious than you may have believed.  I live in Canada, so the pineapple I grew up on was the same as what my parents had available –  canned.  Dole or Del Monte.  We thought that was delicious enough – imagine my delight when I discovered “fresh” pineapple in the produce department when I was all grown up and buying my own groceries!   Oh My!

There really is nothing like a ‘fresh’ pineapple.  But sadly, the pineapples we buy in most North American grocery stores are nothing like ‘fresh’.  That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who lives here; they have to travel many thousands of miles to reach us after all.  For that reason, pineapples are picked green.  Most of the time they’re still green when we buy them.  Sigh …. I know.  One of the hazards of shipping so far.  We all know that fruits and vegetables are at their peak of perfection in every way – including nutritionally when they are picked fully ripe – having ripened ON the plant.  Harvesting before ripe means of course that the nutrients have not had a chance to fully develop, and so are sadly lacking right from the beginning.  Since fruits like pineapples and bananas have to travel half way across the world to reach us, taking two to three weeks minimally before we see them on the grocery store shelf we cannot hope to have them picked ripe.  But wait a minute, must they always be less than they should be for those of us who don’t live in tropical countries?

Well, hold that thought.  Let’s first talk about all the wonderful goodness that a fully plant-ripened pineapple has to offer.  Pineapples are super rich in vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants.  They help boost the immune system, build strong bones, aid digestion, reduce inflammation and improve circulation.   And, even though they are deliciously sweet, they are surprisingly low in calories.

Immune system, respiratory health and healing:
Pineapple contains a huge amount of Vitamin C and other important antioxidants, along with Vitamin A, beta-carotene and other flavonoid compounds. Did you know that one cup contains 121% of our recommended amount of Vitamin C for the day? I KNOW right!
Since vitamin C is a primary water soluble antioxidant that stimulates your white blood cells to defend your body, it a major player in the fight against many diseases, as well as heart problems and joint pain.  Vitamin C and bromelain (the digestive enzyme pineapples are famous for – see below) are both known to reduce mucus in the throat and sinuses, thus they help prevent and treat respiratory illnesses like colds and flu. Heck, pineapple is a regular Super Hero in the whole-food world.  If you already have symptoms like excess mucus and phlegm, eat some pineapple! If you feel a cold coming on, feast on some pineapple. Prevent the mucus and phlegm from building up.

Vitamin C helps create collagen, a protein base that is essential for healthy organs, bones, skin and blood vessel walls. Increasing your consumption of pineapple will speed up your wound recovery time and help you fight off infection that may follow an injury.

Bone strength and oral health:
A one cup serving of pineapple contains nearly 75% of the daily recommended amount of MANGANESE (I know right!) which is essential in developing strong bones and connective tissues. Studies suggest that manganese is helpful in preventing osteoporosis in post menopausal women. Teeth are bone, so that same quality of manganese and bromelain is helpful in strengthening teeth. And the high vitamin C content as well as the astringent qualities of many of the natural enzymes tighten tissues in the body from skin to muscles, including your gums. So pineapple is great for good oral health.

Eye health:
Due to its high amount of Vitamin C and other important antioxidants as well as beta-carotene, pineapple is important in helping maintain healthy vision.  Additionally, studies show that eating pineapple can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and other age related eye diseases.

Digestion:
Most fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of dietary fibre, and pineapple is particularly fibrous – which is essential in keeping our intestines clean and healthy.  But pineapple is also known as a wonderful source of digestive enzymes, perhaps the most important one being BROMELAIN, an enzyme that breaks down protein, being particularly beneficial in aiding in digestion.

Inflammation and improved blood circulation:
The ability that the proteolytic enzyme bromelain has to break down complex proteins, gives pineapple helpful anti-inflammatory properties. This is especially important when dealing with joint or muscle pain associated with arthritis.  A variety of studies associate bromelain with reducing tumor growth and other excessive inflammation often associated with cancer, as well as being helpful in treating osteoarthritis.

Besides being a valuable source of manganese, pineapple is rich in other minerals such as potassium and copper.  Potassium can help increase blood flow throughout they body by relaxing blood vessels to allow circulation in a less restricted manner.  For this reason, eating pineapple can help prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of artherosclerosis, stroke and heart attack. Copper is essential for red blood cell formation which increases our cognitive abilities and ensures optimum organ function which lowers our chance of neural disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

In short.  Eat more Pineapple. 

Caution:
The wonderful active enzymes in pineapple make it a great meat tenderizer, but eating too much can result in tenderness of the mouth, including the lips, tongue and cheeks.  This is not a long lasting effect and will normally resolve itself within a few hours, but in some unfortunate individuals – a legitimate allergy may exist.  You have my deepest sympathy.

Eating unripe pineapple, is not only tasteless and sometimes bitter, but dangerous as it is toxic to humans and can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting.  Hint: if it tastes bad, it is bad.  Pineapple should be sweet and deliciously refreshing.

Where Pineapple grows and how we get it:
Pineapple can only be grown in tropical regions, but since its discovery in the 15th century by Europeans on the Caribbean Island of Guadalupe it has been introduced to many other tropical regions in Asia, Africa and the south Pacific where it has flourished.  Since it is so perishable, it was not only a rarity in the early days, but many attempts have been made over the centuries to preserve it so that those of us not living in tropical climates can enjoy it.  For centuries it was glazed in a sugar coating and dried as a luxurious treat for those who could afford it.

Pineapple was brought to Hawaii in the 18th century and became a major Hawaiian industry in the early 1900’s with the enterprising efforts of James Dole.  Nowadays however, Hawaii produces little more than to keep up with island demand and is no longer a world producer.  Other countries that grow commercially include Thailand, the Philippines, China, Brazil and Mexico.   Recently California and Florida have begun growing pineapple, but so far, not for export.

Best way to get the BEST pineapple with the MOST natural food value is to pick it ripe of course.  How is that possible for you and me?  Freeze Dried.  The science of freeze drying is bringing the most nutritious food to us all.  Wherever we live.  While there is nothing that can beat the wonderful juicy deliciousness of that perfect pineapple you occasionally find in the produce department of good grocery stores, for the sake of nutrition – go for freeze dried.

Freeze Dried Pineapple

Although the process of freeze drying is the same no matter who does it, the attention to details like plant ripening, and the urgency of flash freezing within hours of harvest are not the same.  Yet these are important, even critical factors in the fruit being at its peak nutrition by the time we eat it.  Do your homework.  And pay attention to the country of origin to begin with.  That is critical information.

Enjoy your pineapple.

Warmly,

Cindy Suelzle

Cruciferous Vegetables – and why we should eat them

Many people are familiar with the term “cruciferous vegetables” and may even be able to identify a vegetable in the cabbage family – like broccoli as belonging to this group.  But there are many more vegetables in this family than you might have realized.  And do you know why Nutritionists recommend we choose at least at least one serving of this vegetable family every single day?

Cruciferous Vegetables

  • Arugula
  • Bok choy
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Chinese cabbage
  • Collard greens
  • Daikon radish
  • Horseradish
  • Kale
  • Kohlrabi
  • Land cress
  • Mustard greens
  • Radish
  • Rutabaga
  • Shepherd’s purse
  • Turnip
  • Watercress

High in Vitamins C & A, fiber and loaded with other nutrients that scientists are finding to have anti-cancer properties, there is much, much more.  Vitamin K helps to regulate our inflammatory response, and that is where the Cruciferous family literally become Super Stars in decreasing our risk to many types of cancer.  Its cancer-preventive properties are in a constant state of investigation, and increasing acclaim.

The astonishing concentration of vitamin A in cruciferous vegetables and their unusually high content of vitamin C and manganese are clearly key components in their growing reputation as an antioxidant vegetable group.” [The George Mateljan Foundation]

We may not think about broccoli or kale as the type of vegetable to improve digestive disorders but we should.  Eating a hearty amount of broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage or any of the other common cruciferous vegetables is a power house of healthy (low calorie) fibre.  “When consumed in fresh, uncooked form, nutrients from the cruciferous vegetables that we eat are also more likely to be absorbed in the upper digestive tract, transported to the liver, and made available to other tissues in the body that might benefit from their presence.” [The George Mateljan Foundation]

Add a handful of kale to your favourite smoothie in the morning for a great jump on your day, or anytime throughout your day for a nutritious pick-me-up.  RECIPE for Kale Smoothie.

When it comes to cooking cruciferous vegetables, LESS IS MORE.  Lightly steaming for 3-7 minutes (just when the colour is most gorgeous) is much preferable to long term cooking, like in a soup, or any time in the microwave.  Does that mean you shouldn’t have cream of broccoli soup?  Absolutely not.  But keep the temperature low and add the broccoli toward the end of the cooking process.  This helps preserve nutritional integrity.  You can steam, roast, grill, or saute them.

By commonly consuming all parts of plants from this group, including flowers, leaves, stems, stalks, roots and seeds, we allow this cruciferous vegetable group to integrate together an unusually wide range of nutrients that is broader than any other single food group subdivision in the average U.S. diet. For all of these reasons, and based on the latest research evidence, we cannot say enough about the healthiness of this food group for most every individual diet plan.” [The George Mateljan Foundation]

Here are some of the three better known, and more readily available cruciferous vegetables.  Hopefully you’re already in love with them.  But be creative and try those you haven’t yet fallen in love with too.

KALE

This tough, leafy green is loaded with vitamins A, C and K as well as immune-system booster beta carotene and bone-building calcium. It is a virtual powerhouse of antioxidants as well as having anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. We all know ‘raw and fresh’ is best, so add it into a coleslaw. But don’t stop there. Lightly saute it with olive oil and red wine vinegar, just till the colour is that gorgeous bright green and it becomes tender to the fork. Add Kale to stir fries, omelettes and many other vegetable-friendly dishes toward the end of the cooking process. Think outside the box. Be creative.

Sprouted in nature and packed with nutrients, Freeze Dried Kale is simply kale!  Stir into pasta, stuff inside mushrooms, add to any dinner recipe, or blend in a smoothie.  My niece even adds it to ‘brownies’.  LOL
It’s fantastic however and wherever you serve it!

 

 

CAULIFLOWER

Cauliflower is a cancer fighting vegetable as well. It’s also a good fibre source and contains healthy doses of vitamin C and folate (an important nutrient which a shortage of has been connected to defects in unborn children).

Lightly steamed your cauliflower and then drizzle with your favourite salad dressing. Top with some dry crumbled feta. Or saute with garlic and ginger, and serve with rice. Add it to your stir fried combo. Steam and mash like potatoes.

The advantage to freeze dried as opposed to ‘grocery store fresh‘ – is always nutrition.  Not all freeze dried companies have the same commitment ot high quality so be picky when looking for a brand you can trust.  The key is produce that is picked at the peak of perfection and flash frozen usually within hours of harvest.  All freeze dried food is transferred in the frozen state to a facility where the remaining moisture is removed through a vacuum process called ‘sublimation’.  One doesn’t get a better percentage of original food value in food that we don’t grow in our own organic gardens AND that we don’t use within a few hours of picking, than with freeze dried vegetables.

Freeze-dried cauliflower is absolutely delicious when used in creamy soups, casseroles, and even garden salads. This unique vegetable reduces toxins in the body and provides you with essential vitamins.

Have you tried using crumbled cauliflower as a pizza crust?  I know!  It sounds too weird to be good, but it shocked me.  Delicious.  I’ll post a recipe in this spot later.

BROCCOLI 

Broccoli is probably the best known and most commonly used cruciferous vegetable in Canada and the United States, but make no mistake broccoli is not to be underestimated. There is nothing ‘common’ about it.

* Of all the cruciferous vegetables, broccoli stands out as the most concentrated source of vitamin C, plus the flavonoids necessary for vitamin C to recycle effectively. Also concentrated in broccoli are many powerful antioxidants.
* Broccoli contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone growth, health and prevention of osteoporosis.
* Broccoli is a smart carb and is high in fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating. .
* Broccoli shares cancer fighting, immune boosting properties with other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

It is recommended that we eat several servings of assorted cruciferous vegetables every week, one of the biggest reasons is that they have been found to lower our risk of getting cancer.  They are literally the Super Heroes of the vegetable world.  But they can’t help us by sitting on our counter or in our fridge.  Get to know them, and learn to love them.  Find new recipes to make them exciting members of your regular meal plan.  You have everything to gain, and nothing to lose.

Warmly,

Cindy Suelzle

 

Eating “In the Season Thereof”

I have always been interested in good health and nutrition, and like all moms  wanting to ensure my kids received the very best I knew how (and had the ability to provide), I had to rely on information that came from a variety of sources.  The problems arose when informational sources contradicted themselves.   I am sure you’ve found that happens – not infrequently.

Like the whole butter vs margarine debate of the 80’s –  which apparently we’re still debating ….. and of course the fat vs no-fat debate.  etc.

One can really get wrapped up in knots trying to decipher, give credibility where it’s due and be suspicious without being cynical.   Like others I swayed from time to time between fads and science, being in a specific camp only to find out that my sources of information were either wrong, or became suspect because they had hidden agendas or something to sell.   Argh …

I decided long ago that when in question about what to feed my family, there was one guideline I can rely on completely to remove all doubt.   It is brief and simple but profound in its straightforwardness, and upon investigation one can see incredible wisdom.   What is it?
Counsel given long enough ago as to remove all modern conspiracy theories (😉) and yet still be relevant to the world I currently live in.

All wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature and use of man.   Every herb in the season thereof and every fruit in the season thereof, all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
(D&C 89:10,11)

This portion of a larger code of health called “the WORD OF WISDOM” was recorded in February of 1833, and whether you believe it was from the personal writings of an individual, or that it was given as heavenly revelation, I’ll leave it up to you.   But it deserves a close look in light of today’s understanding.

I want to refer to the phrase “in the season thereof”.
I find that increasingly significant in this day when the typical North American can eat watermelon and apples twelve months a year.   Firstly, what is referred to by the word herb?  as in “every herb in the season thereof“.    In the mid nineteenth century the word herb was often synonymous with our word ‘vegetable’, and the meaning quite literally is – any edible plant in or on the ground, that dies back to soil level at the end of the growing season.   So modernizing the line – “Every [vegetable] in the season thereof and every fruit in the season thereof” – simplifies our discussion.

It is easy to understand that in 1833 eating fruits and vegetables in the season they grew would be the most beneficial.   At the time, the only accessible ways for the average home to preserve would have been temporary cold storage, ferment or pickle, or in some climates to sun dry, but clearly each method was only suitable for a narrow range of foods, and all were completely weather dependent.   And frankly, only for the extension of a few months at best.   But still, one does the best one knows how to do right?   It was pretty obvious you would get more nutrition from a ‘fresh’ apple eaten in its season, than one stored in the root cellar for several months or dehydrated.   But still in the middle of winter, a dehydrated apple is a welcome variation.   Although fresh cabbage is preferable, sauerkraut would be a close a second in the middle of January. . . . .  you get the point.

So here we are, almost two centuries later – and we can have ‘fresh’ tomatoes in our salads all year round.   We see watermelon, oranges, bananas and even blueberries and raspberries on the supermarket shelves in every month of the year.   Many fruits we buy from the produce department don’t grow during any season in the country I live in.  Bananas, pineapple, mangoes, kiwi, …..  and my personal favourite, citrus fruits.   Most of us wouldn’t know if those fruits even had seasons, let alone what they are.   Well, let me put your mind at ease.   They do.   The question is, should we really eat everything all the time, just because we can?   I’m gonna save you some time because I am not interested in the debate.   I say – “no.  We shouldn’t.”   If we really want the fruits and vegetables to be of optimum value to us, we should eat them “in the season thereof”.   So the next questions would naturally be ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ and ‘what even IS the season?’

Lets get 7 important and applicable facts on the table to begin with:

#1 – fruits and vegetables begin to deteriorate in the hour they are harvested.  Nutritionally and in every other way.   This implies that ideally, we’d want the journey from “field to fork” to be as short as possible.

#2 – taste and natural colour are excellent indicators of nutritional value.   They are intrinsically connected.   You can count on it, and trust your taste.

#3 – many fruits and even vegetables we buy in grocery stores are harvested before they have ripened.  This gives producers the ability to pick, ship and market them with reduced risk of spoilage.    Consider bananas.   Does anyone in North America question that bananas are picked green?   How often have you bought summer peaches, only to have them be ‘not quite ready’ to eat?  Still a little too green or firm.  Pears.  Obviously picked green.  Mangoes.  I often joke that I used to buy them when they were green, throw them out when they were brown, and only occasionally eat them when they were orange.  …  Don’t get me wrong. I am not complaining.   Clearly, if we want to eat ‘fresh’ bananas in Edmonton, they must be picked before they’re ripe.  I totally understand they couldn’t possibly make the trip if it were otherwise.   However …. there is always a price to be paid right?

#4 – When a fruit ripens on the tree, it is complete.   Fully developed.   With all the vitamins and minerals and other nutrients that nature intended.   If we could eat that mango right off the tree, then wow!   Wouldn’t we expect to taste the difference?   Phytonutrients are the very important antioxidant nutrients contained in fruits and vegetables.  They are among the last to develop in the ripening process.   Wait!   That implies that by picking a peach before its ripe, its nutrition is incomplete?   Or at the very least – compromised?

Fresh peaches in a basket

Yeah, it does.   In fact, vitamin C is one of those very important antioxidants, and don’t we expect a fresh peach to be loaded with vitamin C?   Well yes.   Of course.   And fairly so.   But  another fact is ….

#5 – most produce travels thousands of miles to reach its destination markets.   We aren’t all fortunate enough to live in a climate where peaches and apricots and blackberries grow in abundance.   And even if we did live in Hawaii where pineapple and mangoes grow just down the way, that means we don’t live in a place that grows raspberries and blueberries.   Hold that thought.

#6 – the apples we buy in the grocery store are never ‘fresh’.   In fact almost without exception, they were picked last year and kept in cold storage all these months.   It is the only way to ensure apples stay on the grocery store shelf twelve months a year.   Lets face it, when we eat an apple in May – we KNOW it had to have been picked eight or nine months ago.   At the very least.   Lets think about that ‘fresh’ apple.  Is it reasonable to expect it to be as nutritious as it was in the days after it was harvested?   No!   That is completely not reasonable.   So if you want to eat an apple for your lunch in June, then reduce your nutritional expectation out of it.

How are apples kept so good looking all those months?   They’re put into what’s known as Controlled Atmosphere storage where they sit in a sort of stasis.   The temperature is very low, and oxygen levels are reduced to 2% which prevents them from ripening; some growers call it “putting them to sleep.”   I am not complaining.   It’s a part of modern food science that keeps the world eating.   And it is necessary with the sense of entitlement that North American consumers have, that tells us we should be able to eat apples whenever we want.   It’s a habit we’ve become accustomed to.   Personally, I love apples in the fall – when they’re crisp and juicy and at their best.   I don’t like them as much when they’re not at their best, and I don’t feel the need to eat them 12 months a year.   I will admit however, that I will eat freeze dried apples in those off months – because they are always at their best.   But more about that later.

#7 – going back to fact #1 “fruits and vegetables begin to deteriorate within the hour they are harvested”, when would it be best to eat a fruit or vegetable?   As soon after harvest as possible obviously.

#8 – in the area that I live, there are no fruits or vegetables ‘in season’ for almost 8 months of the year.   So clearly, those of us in the northern areas must be creative to eat a variety of food with the best possible preservation of nutrients.

So, does that mean that we shouldn’t eat apples in the spring?   Or watermelons in the fall or winter?   I don’t believe it does.   Do whatever you want.   Eat whatever you want.   But be reasonable in your expectations of the food you’re eating.   Don’t expect them to be what they cannot be.   So how does one eat a good variety of fruits and vegetables all year round?   And make no mistake, variety is important when we’re nourishing our bodies.

Going back to the counsel I quoted above:
All wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature and use of man.  Every herb in the season thereof and every fruit in the season thereof.”   (Word of Wisdom)
It is so simple.   I am a purist when it comes to the source of this type of counsel.   I am convinced that my Heavenly Father quite literally is not only interested in my health and well being, but that He is invested in it.  To the point that He is telling me what is best for me.  (not by constraint, but by loving counsel).   He is telling me to eat fruits and vegetables when they are the most nutritious and beneficial to my health and well being.   Did He anticipate that one day we wouldn’t be bound to what we could reap from the earth ourselves? or buy from local farmers?   Oh I believe He anticipated everything in my world today.   And yet still, He counsels me that ALL wholesome fruits and vegetables He ordained for my use.   “For the constitution, nature and use of man.”  Not only that, but He tells me we should eat them with “prudence and with thanksgiving“. (D&C 89:10,11)

How could we obey the spirit of the counsel to eat fruits and vegetables “in the season” while still partaking of the wonderful variety our present circumstances provide?   To be ‘prudent’ is to be wise and practical especially when considering the future.   It implies care and attention to the details of one’s best interests.   To use ‘thanksgiving’ is to give grateful acknowledgement of “benefits and favours” especially to God.   I think we can agree that thanksgiving is a personal state of mind, completely between oneself and God, but to be clear, it is important to God that we are grateful and express that gratitude.   I’ll leave that up to you.

One of the things I am very grateful to modern food science for is the science of freeze drying.  Developed and used by ancient people (the Incas in the Andes) to the extent they had the ability to harness the elements of sun and cold temperature, it became a serious science during the Second World War to send stable blood components to hospitals overseas.   It really took off during the years of developing space travel.   In need of highly nutritious food that didn’t require water and with a long shelf life, it became the subject of very important study.   Thank-you space industry. 

The process locks in nutritional value better than any other way of preserving food – even cold storage.
The result:  a food with the highest nutritional value, second only to straight-out-of-the-garden.   That’s right!   Fruits and vegetables that remain the nutritional power houses they were on the day they were picked ripe from the tree or garden.

What is the science of freeze drying?
Well, its really very simple.   Its a two step process:
1) flash freeze
2) remove remaining moisture.
That combination = freeze dried.   Of course ‘simple’ means the process is pretty straight forward.   There is still a lot of science and technique involved in getting the very best result.

Many of us live in areas that have winter or non-growing seasons.  In the spirit of prudence, I cannot think of a better way for me to abide by the spirit of eating “in the season thereof” or to ensure the food we eat is the best possible nutrition – than FREEZE DRIED food.   Not only is it ‘fresher’ than some of the so-called ‘fresh’ foods in our grocery stores, retaining a higher and more stable level of nutritional value than grocery store produce, but protected in a sealed airtight container, it has an extended shelf life.   Quite literally, stored properly it remains ‘in-season‘ for a very long time – 25 years and more.

And in the spirit of thanksgiving, I thank God for the science of freeze drying which provides the best food on earth to the masses, in all climates, and in all seasons.   I am grateful for the counsel to eat fruits and vegetables when they can provide the most nourishment to our bodies, and I am grateful that inspired modern food science has provided a way for us to have food security and independence every season of the year.

The best way to eat fruits and vegetables?   Still straight out of our gardens.   No question.   If we have them.   Or as quickly as we can purchase them (from a local market garden, or farmer’s market), making that trip from-field-to-fork as short as possible.
The next best way?   Freeze dried.   Absolutely.

Having said all that – I do not own a freeze dryer.   I know right?   Seems contradictory.   Some friends tell me they’re surprised since I am all about self reliance. food storage, and home production and such.   I get it.   I can, I freeze, I ferment and I dehydrate – but I choose not to freeze dry myself.   Why not?   Because in all those other circumstances, I believe I can produce a better end product.   I know where my vegetables come from, where my berries, plums and apples come from, I know they’re organic, I know when they were picked, and I am in charge of all the things that I’m most particular about.   As a general rule of thumb I don’t preserve produce I didn’t grow myself.

On the other hand, I don’t believe I can produce a better end product if I freeze dry myself.  Why not?   First of all, I would have to buy the peaches, mangoes, blueberries, bananas, etc in order to freeze dry them.   I know the process of freeze drying and what would be required of me and my resources to produce a high quality end product, one that I could have confidence would still be the highest quality in 5-10-15+ years.   It is involved, precise and expensive.   Very expensive.   And then there is the storage of it.   The food can only be as good as how well I protect it.   That is another process with another expense.

After the expense of the unit (which is only part of the picture), I feel that if I’m going to have to buy the food to freeze dry, I might just as well buy it already freeze dried.
And while I acknowledge that not all freeze drying companies are equal in their dedication to the quality I desire, I know one that is.   I have had long experience with this company.   I know many of the behind-the-scene details of this company and their processes.   I have toured their facilities more than half a dozen times over the years, I have even participated in a few of the steps, and more than that – I have used their food for over a decade.   It meets my requirements for quality on every level, and I have confidence that they’ll be around for all my future needs.

For others, purchasing a freeze drier might be the right choice, but for me and my purposes – unless something unforeseen happens in my future – I prefer to purchase my freeze dried fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat from Thrive Life.   I highly recommend them.   So firm is my resolve in that choice, that years ago I became a consultant with Thrive Life, enabling me to not only benefit from my own purchases, but earn an income as well.   I like being able to represent a company that prioritizes quality and value the same way I do.   It is important to me on a very personal level.   So, while I love freeze dried food, I choose not to freeze dry myself.   I find that the quality of the freeze dried food I feed my family and store for future use, gives me the nearest quality to fresh from my backyard garden as I can possibly get.   And since I don’t grow bananas or pineapple in my own backyard garden, it opens the world to me – allowing my family to eat ‘in the season’, making that journey from field to fork in the nutritional equivalent of 2 – 4 hours.   I’m hard pressed to get things from my garden to my table within 2 – 4 hours.   It’s pretty hard to beat.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Warmly,

Cindy Suelzle

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away …. uh yeah, about that ….

So if you’re like me, September is synonymous with fresh, crisp and delicious apples.  When I was a little girl we waited for that first big early fall batch.  My mom always bought them in boxes.  I would shine them up with a damp cloth for the table. To this day there is nothing to compare with those deliciously crispy autumn apples. sigh ……

When I was young momming I wanted to provide the same experience for my kids.  Every year I bought a few cases of fresh apples, straight from the orchard.  We looked forward to it. It made fall worth it.  My kids are gone now and I am not buying cases of apples.  I am buying them by the bag at the grocery store, and I noted for several years that the fall apples I brought home were …. well, they were disappointing.  No matter what store, no matter what type of apple, they were repeatedly disappointing and I began to suspect that my memories had led me astray.  Why did I think apples were so wonderful this time of year anyway?  Or worse, perhaps I had simply lost my taste for them. ….

I discovered a few years back that in most cases the apples on our supermarket shelves can be up to a year old.  whaaaaat!!!   Sometimes over a year old.  In fact, the apples you’re buying this week are almost assuredly from the previous years’ harvest.  Why?  Well, think about it.  If you want to eat apples in March, where are they gonna come from?  You know that apples in North America generally ripen between August and October.  When you buy an apple in May, you know that it had to have been picked last fall.   Its a sign of our times that we want to have everything ALL the time.  Well, there’s a cost to that sense of entitlement we’ve gotten used to.

Within weeks from harvest the natural process of deterioration will continue to break down an apple.  According to the US Department of Agriculture, apples stored in temperature controlled, low humidity conditions with low levels of oxygen and high levels of carbon dioxide can be stored for months before being consumed.  To extend the fruit’s post-storage quality it is sprayed with an ethylene blocking colourless gaseous compound called 1-methylcyclopropene.  This same chemical is used to lessen the “de-greening of broccoli, browning of lettuce and bitterness of carrots” says USDA.
see source https://agresearchmag.ars.usda.gov/2007/oct/apples

I don’t want to come across as one of those conspiracy theorists who believe everyone’s out to wreck my day.   And I find absolutely no fault in the concept of prolonging the life of produce.   After all, our great grandparents (grandparents in my case) had root cellars for this express purpose.   Heck, its why we have fridges.  And I appreciate having the produce variety I’ve become accustomed to.  Really I do.  And I’m not on a soap box claiming that there is something inherently wrong with the process science has determined is the optimal way to ensure the masses eat apples all year long.   But even if extending the life of apples is perfectly safe, a freshly picked apple is always going to be much better for you than one that was picked six or eight months ago.

So if you want to eat apples all year long, then you can be grateful to food science that makes it possible.  But as with everything else in life, there is always that ‘cost’ we mentioned above.  And that cost is nutrition.  Apples are nutritional powerhouses.  Remember the old adage we grew up with “an apple a day keeps the doctor away“.  Apples are particularly rich in a type of antioxidant called polyphenols.  But these antioxidants (as with most) are volatile and they dissipate over time.  A year old apple retains close to zero of its all of its original antioxidant properties.  That is something to take note of.

It is difficult to impossible to determine which supermarket apples are freshest until after they’re purchased and brought home.  The people working in the produce department won’t be able to tell you.  Often times the produce manager won’t be able to tell you either.  The apples all come from legitimate sources.  Those sources just happen to be the storage facility, not the orchard.

Sometimes even your farmer’s market vendor doesn’t know when the apples were picked.  Unless they picked them themselves, or saw them picked, they probably can’t guarantee that they didn’t come from a quonset.  So how can  you know?  Well, as with all fruits and vegetables – taste, colour, and texture are good indicators of nutritional integrity.  You know how a fresh home grown tomato has so much more flavour than a store bought tomato?  Same thing.  There is something to be said for that wonderful crispness and unmistakable taste of a fresh apple.  Trust your taste buds.  If you are disappointed in the apple you’re eating, there’s probably a good reason why you should be.    Problem is, we don’t taste the apples till we get home – purchase already made.  argh …. Inevitably it seems that if I take the cautious route and only buy a few, the apples are terrific.  If I take a chance and buy a big bag, they’re yucky. . . . .  Or maybe that just happens to me.

If you don’t want to play that guessing game, how do you make sure the apple you’re eating is the BEST with the MOST nutritional value possible?  Well, the answer is not very scientific.  Simply buy your apples in season and eat them in season, and where possible, buy locally – so you can be sure they are “in the season“.  If you have even a small yard (even in a townhouse), you can – in almost any zone, grow apples. There are some now that are known-hardy even in Alaska.   I have a gorgeous, hardy apple tree in my backyard.  Its been here longer than we’ve been here and its in the perfect spot.  Right beside the play-centre for our grandkids, providing shade for the swings.  The problem is that it has yucky apples.  We’ve been sorely tempted to get rid of it many times as the apples just fall to the ground and make a mess. They’re not good eating apples.  Don’t last very long.  They make good juice and sauce but you’ve got to get on them immediately or they’re so bruised you don’t want them anymore.  However, I recently learned, some pretty exciting news.  I can take cuttings from other apple trees which I like much better and graft them onto this proven-hardy tree!  I am super looking forward to next spring to do that exact thing. Which ones?  I plan to graft in these varieties that I have tasted and talked to several local growers about:  Norkent, Collette, Edmonton Borris, and September Ruby. These are all hardy in zone 3, and delicious and crisp, with various features that appeal to me. 

Whatever you decide to do about apples, don’t fall into that mindset that you should be able to get (and eat) apples all year round.  Why?  What grand eternal rule says that eating apples twelve months a year is a basic human right?  Most of us freely use the word “fresh” to describe the produce in the produce department of the grocery store.  More accurate adjectives we could be using to describe them are “perishable or raw” or maybe “cold storage“, because as we’re learning, store bought fruits and vegetables are not all exactly “fresh” are they?  Bottom line: if you choose to eat an apple in April, then simply adjust your expectations nutritionally. And for heavens sake don’t use that word “fresh” – because it simply isn’t so.  This is true of all fruits and vegetables: the less “fresh” they are, the less nutrients they contain.  Its okay.  We can live with that.  Its not gonna wreck our lives.  Adjust.

I decided a few years ago that I was tired of being disappointed in the food I eat.  I choose for the most part, to not buy apples past Christmas time.  I decided to eat oranges in the cold months because that is the season in which they are harvested in North America.  For the most part, I decided to eat only the tomatoes I grow. After all, “it’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato”. (lettering above the kitchen door leading out to my garden)  And in those off seasons, I choose to eat the next best thing to ‘fresh’ (REAL fresh I mean) which is freeze dried, because freeze drying retains the nutritional integrity and value of fruits and vegetables.  Of course, it all depends on how quickly the fruit can be freeze dried after harvest, and what the process and dedication to quality the producer has, but that’s a conversation for another time.  As for the produce department version of fresh, I say “for the most part” because I am lucky.  I live in the same society you do, and I know these foods are available to me almost daily.  There might be a moment I decide to go ahead and buy a few – out of season.  Simply because I can.  – smile –

Cindy Suelzle
September 2018