The Value of Veggies

I began this blog planning to share information about gardening or at least some ideas for enjoying and preserving the produce thereof! I'm also writing a book about healing and as it turns out, gardening and healing have quite a bit of "common ground." First, let me tell you what our bodies can reveal. When your stress level is high or you're feeling just a bit under the weather, pay attention to what your body craves. I have to add, right here, that not only does our body give us indications of what we need, but I think G-d does too, by what grows well in our garden and yard. Back when I lived in town, I had an abundance of chickweed growing in my yard. Turns out chickweed is used by herbalists in weight management . . . If you could see me, you'd know I'm a testament to my theory. Moving right along . . . Yesterday, I listened to some woman loudly carry on about her disdain for vegetables, and her mother's contempt of vegetables until I really wanted to just tell her to be quiet. She sounded like a child in a very unhealthy middle aged woman's body. My body craves vegetables. I think G-d made us all that way and I think people who don't eat vegetables are SINNERS. Go ahead, call me intolerant!
In the winter I settle for tomato soup and canned tomatoes added to stews, etc., but there's truly something my body needs in tomatoes and when they are in season, I eat them with everything, as well as alone. As it turns out, tomatoes offer quite a delightful array of vitamins, including being a very valuable source of Vitamins A, B, C, and K, which are high on every one's list of needs. Since I don't live where citrus fruit grows indigenously, I've secured the highest sources of Vitamin C in this area for protection against what goes around.
If you are considering homesteading, be sure to either be led by Your Creator or research the growing seasons and zones. I also realized this particular summer, that when the stress is high, cucumbers are wonderfully soothing. We all know a slice of cucumber on the eyes relieves and comforts, same thing when you eat them! Even in the drought, the cucumbers and tomatoes have done quite well. I've made all the pickles I'm going to and enjoyed fresh cucumbers with most every meal or for a meal. This blog simply would not be complete today without a pepper report. I went a little wild planting peppers this year because last year they didn't produce very long before the heat wiped them out. Well, this year, I'm still picking and preserving peppers. I've had large crowds for dinner and we've stuffed ourselves with stuffed peppers. We have even "preserved and pickled, pints of purple peppers." It's been absolutely amazing . . .
My chicken soup recipe is a blog for another day.