Hibiscus flowers can be charming and pretty on the plant, but I also find them quite charming on my plate. There are many ways to enjoy hibiscus, especially if you go outside each afternoon and collect that days bounty and dry yourself a big jar […]
Garlic chives are not really a chive, but they do tasty mildly like garlic. That “mild” is good! You can have garlic chives for breakfast and not alienate friends and family. A Pretty Plant Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) make a graceful green statement in the […]
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a lovely herb that can be easily grown in much of the Southwest. Dr. Jacqueline Soule wrote about growing lemongrass this week on Gardening With Soule. Now its time to share some of the many ways to use this tasty herb! […]
Elder or elderberry is a Southwest native somewhat shrubby tree. Virtually all parts of the plant are used. In my book on Father Kino’s Herbs, I list these uses: “Cosmetic, Culinary, Dye, Edible Flowers, Medicinal, Ornamental, Wildlife.” What’s in a Name As with any useful […]
Some of our Southwest native plants, like Ephedra, are found around the world. Everywhere that Ephedra occurs, Native peoples have found similar uses for it, generally as a tea. Prehistoric Ephedra Ephedra is a fascinating plant that has been on earth since before plants had […]
I wish to dispel a lemon myth made popular back in the Sixties by the band called Peter, Paul, and Mary. “Lemon tree very pretty, and the lemon flowers are sweet, but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.” This stanza was […]
Don’t waste your money on fancy, pre-packaged spice blends! Most of your favorite seasoning blends can be made at home at a much lower cost. At home creation of your own spice and herb blends can reduce or eliminate salt, plus change the ratios to […]
Flavor is important in our meals. We all need to eat so that our bodies can function. The difference between simply fueling our bodies and savoring a meal comes down to flavor. Flavor for Savor My New Years resolution was to try to eat something […]
Make this chimichurri sauce if the cilantro is taking off in your Southwest garden. Or make it with store bought cilantro. Either way this is a very yummy way to use the bounty and get some fresh greens in winter. Good news – you can […]
Chamomile! In honor of National Hot Tea Month, lets look at a soothing herbal tea you can grow in your yard in the Southwest in the cooler months of winter. Name Nerd Shares The herb known to most Americans as chamomile comes from two different […]
