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March 01, 2006

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Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 11:38 PM |

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Next Meeting: March 1, 2006 7:30pm

This month’s speaker:
Mary Ann Poor
Mary Ann Poor will discuss “The Village Pharmacy—The Neem Tree.”
Come and learn how this tree has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine.

Herb of the Month:
Neem

A Look Ahead:

April 5, 2006:
Jorge Bermudez will be speaking on natural alternatives for products used daily.
Herb of the Month: Fennel

May 3, 2006:
DeAnna Alvarez & Tracy Bossinger return as The Ladies of FLERT and will speak on edible aphrodisiacs.
Herb of the Month: Saffron

Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm in the Fruit & Spice Park Auditorium. All members and guests are welcome! Our Tasting Table, Raffle Ticket Drawing, and Door Prize Drawing follow each speaker.

Monthly Society Project:
Come garden with us! Meet in the Park at 10am on the Saturday following each monthly meeting. You get free park admission and free herbs to take home.

Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 10:56 PM |

April 8 & 9: Fruit and Spice Park to Host “Think Natural Health” An Herbal Wellness Weekend

Miami-Dade Parks to Host
 “Think Natural Health”
  An Herbal Wellness Weekend
April 8 & 9 at the Fruit & Spice Park

Two-day event includes lectures and workshops on wellness through the wonderful world of herb and spices.

(Miami-Dade County, Fl.) – “Think Natural Health – An Herbal Wellness Weekend, A weekend to celebrate health, wellness, and well being using herbs and spice as your main medicine cabinet will take place Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9, 2006, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fruit & Spice Park, 24801 SW 187 Avenue in Homestead.  

Lecture and workshop topics include: “The value of Complementary Medicine”, “Weight Loss with Acupuncture”, “Environmental Health- How to Create a non-toxic Environment”, “ Aroma Therapy as Complementary Medicine”, “Healing Teas – Herbal Medicine, Cancer and Qi-Gong and Herbal Aphrodisiacs”. There is also an Aroma Therapy session for children.  

Concessions include an array of natural products, crafts, fresh herbs, organic fruit & vegetables, all natural tropical fruit ice cream, and gourmet salads.  Unwind with yoga, meditation, chair massage, gi-gong, Tai-Chi, Reiki, Marital Arts or a leisurely stroll through the exotic tropical Fruit & Spice Park.

If cooking is your forte, make an all natural dessert (bring recipe) for the cooking contest.  Prizes will be awarded.  


What: “Think Natural Health”
            An Herbal Wellness Weekend

Where:  Redland Fruit & Spice Park
               24801 SW 187 Avenue
              Homestead, Florida 33031
              305-247-5727 or fsp@miamidade.gov

When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 8, 2006
            9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 9, 2006
           Admission: $10. – Children 6 - 12 - $3.
           


The Fruit & Spice Park, established by Miami-Dade County Parks, grows more than 500 varieties of sub-tropical fruit, herbs, spices, vegetables and nuts from around the world on 35 lush acres in the agricultural Redlands.  The park offers daily botanical tours, fruit tasting and naturalist-led workshops.

 A Call for Vendors!

$75  for two days for a booth at the event.  Hundreds of people expected per day.  Please contact Karen at 305-247-5727 to sign up! 

Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 10:50 PM |

Herb of the Month: Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Description: Neem is an evergreen, tropical tree related to the mahogany. It can reach 40 to 50 feet tall. It produces small yellowish-white, fragrant flowers. Fruits are yellow to red-brown. It is native to India, but now grown in Africa, throughout Asia, and parts of the Caribbean and Central America.

Cultivation: Neem does not tolerate frost, but can be grown outdoors in South Florida or in containers. It needs good drainage, and can tolerate drought and poor soil, but  can be a heavy feeder. Two trees are needed for seed production. Seeds are rumored to be difficult to start in Florida, but trees grow quickly once established.

Culinary: Fruits are edible and rich in vitamin C.

Medicinal: All parts of the tree are used medicinally to clear toxins, reduce inflammation and fever, and destroy parasites. It is also said to be used as a spermicide. Other Uses: Neem twigs are used as toothbrushes and resins are added to toothpaste, soap and lotion. Leaves are used as insect repellants in books, grain bins and beds. Lumber is used for fuel and building. The oil is used for lamps and lubrication. Extracts are used in insecticides. 

Similar plants: A. siamensis, called sweet neem, grows in Thailand. Melia azadirachta is said to be used very similarly to A. indica, but one source said the fruits are poisonous and that the other parts need to be carefully used.

Resources:
Bown, Deni. Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses.
Brandies, Monica Moran. Herbs and Spices for Florida Gardens.

Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 09:43 PM |

February’s Speaker—Jane Hsu

REHS was introduced to the rich culture and culinary traditions of China with a demonstration and explanation of Chinese New Year’s traditions. Jane Hsu decorated the auditorium with paper lanterns and red streamers for prosperity, and greeted all with “Ni Cher Fan La Ma?” This is a customary Mandarin greeting, which literally translates to, “Have you eaten your rice today?” The makings of dishes from each of the four major regions of China were laid out, and the scent of the Szechwan hotpot filled the room as Jane introduced the differences between the cuisines and explained Chinese New Year activities. She showed how to wrap spring rolls and wontons, make homemade soy milk, and encouraged all to try the delicacy of Thousand Year Old Egg Salad. Then it was time for anyone else to try their hand at wrapping wontons and spring rolls while vegetables bubbled in the hotpot. As you can see, participation was enthusiastic—as was the enjoyment of the finished dishes!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!
(May the new year bring good fortune and prosperity!)

Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 08:13 PM |

Seafood Soup Wontons-Jane Hsu

2 lbs. shrimp, peeled and
deveined or scallops
2 Tablespoons finely
chopped ginger
3 chopped green onions
3 stalks celery
1/4 cup white wine
1/8 cup rice vinegar
2 Tablespoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt, to taste
Packaged or homemade wonton wrappers

Process ingredients in a food processor or blender until a fine paste forms.

Wrap in wonton wrappers, using about 1 teaspoon of filling per wonton.

Bring a pot of water to boil, and cook about 20 wontons at a time. Stir to prevent sticking to the bottom.

When wontons float, they are ready. Drain and serve in soup, or dip in soy sauce.

Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 07:24 PM |

Thousand Year Old Egg Salad - Jane Hsu

1 package soft/silken tofu
2 Thousand Year Old Eggs, peeled and diced into 1 cm cubes
2 scallions, finely chopped
Soy sauce and sesame oil to taste
Bonito flakes to taste (optional)

In a medium bowl, place the cube of tofu. Add eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil and bonito flakes, if using. Fold ingredients with a fork until coarsely mixed. Top with scallions for a garnish.

“An egg is always an adventure; the next one may be different.”
- Oscar Wilde

Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 06:39 PM |

How Does Your Garden Grow? Featuring the garden of Leila Barnes

This month we are visiting the garden of Leila Barnes. Situated in the Redland, Leila’s grounds are full of fruit trees and orchids as well as herbs. Much of it has been given rough treatment by an unwelcome guest gardener named Wilma, but many plants seem to be on their way to recovery.

In the herb plot, there is a lush growth of mint, and dill has self-seeded all over. Several basil plants and comfrey also are growing successfully along with several species of bamboo, lilies, violets and violas. Leila also has several gingers - most grown for decorative or edible blooms - and turmeric living quite happily under a canopy of large trees. She finds that growing plants here in Florida is similar to her native Hawaii. She also shared a remedy taught by her mother. Make a tea of guava leaf tips, and drink 1/2 cup before meals as a digestive aid to prevent diarrhea. Use only the newest pair of leaves on a branch.

After the tour, we were serenaded by Foxy – Leila’s friendly dog.

Many thanks to Leila for sharing her garden!

Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 05:41 PM |

Natural Tooth Care

The herb of the month has been used for centuries in natural tooth care. Currently, extracts are produced for use in beauty preparations, but for many years (and in some places it is still the norm) all that was needed was a twig from the neem tree.

Mint is another herb that has a long tradition in tooth care. Other herbs to use for the teeth include fresh sage for whitening and rosemary for antiseptic qualities. Cinnamon is reputed to be good for sensitive teeth when added to tooth powders. Myrrh has been used in Egypt for cleansing teeth and improving the breath. Lemons are also said to have whitening power.

Non-herbal but still natural are salt and baking soda. Most of these can be used alone or together in pleasing combinations to clean the teeth and sweeten the breath.

“Beauty is power, a smile is its sword.”
- Charles Reade

Resources for Tooth Care article:
Harris, Jessica. The World Beauty Book.
Bharadwaj, Monisha. Beauty Secrets of India.
Fairley, Josephine. The Ultimate Natural beauty Book.

Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 04:44 PM |

Szechuan Pepper (Zanthoxylum species)

In Jane’s presentation, she talked about an essential flavoring— Szechuan pepper. It is derived from several members of the Zanthoxylum genus, so varies regionally.

It is described as a lemony, pungent flavoring, and produces the required sensation of “ma” or numbness on the tongue that is characteristic of Szechuan cooking.

Until recently, importing Szechuan pepper into the United States has been prohibited by the USDA. This is because Szechuan pepper is a carrier for the bacteria that cause citrus canker, and we in South Florida know the devastation of that disease. However, heat treatment has been show to destroy the bacteria, and under certified programs, import is now allowed.

Resources:
http://www.foodandwineforums.com/showthread.php?t=421
http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/generic_frame.html?Zant_pip.html

Several online vendors have Szechuan pepper available:
Penzey’s: www.penzeys.com
Spices, Etc.: www.spicesetc.com

Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 03:54 PM |

Club Announcements & Member Exchange


Jim is still seeking speakers for 2006. If you have suggestions or wish to volunteer, let him know!

Tried and true recipe submissions are also being sought for the REHS/FSP cookbook. Contact Leila Barnes or Leah Sherman to submit items. Look for Leila to talk about this further at the March meeting.

The newsletter is looking for gardeners willing to be profiled in the newsletter. Call 305-248-9029 or email to: inariargenteus@gmail.com

We will be taking over the tea room at the Fruit & Spice park for the upcoming Asian Culture Festival on March 4- 5. Volunteers will be needed for the tables. Volunteers will also be needed for the upcoming Herbal Symposium & Fair, April 7-9.

This is your space to post items for sale, trade, or things you are seeking.

FOR RENT: Attention Nature Lovers! 1/1 plus studio/garage on 5 acre native hammock. Private, with easy access to US1. $800/mo. (Includes water & electric). Call 305-299-7826.

Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 03:47 PM |

Fruit & Spice Park Happenings, March & April 2006

March 3, 2006: Asian Twilight Gala. Fundraiser featuring Asian song, dance and dining. Entertainment begins at 6:30pm, dinner at 7pm, with more music after. $50 per person.

March 4-5, 2006: 16th Annual Asian Culture Festival. Sponsored by the Park and the Thai American Association. 10am-6pm. $6 admission, free for children under 12.

March 11, 2006: Authentic Thai Cooking held at the Buddhist Temple. 10am-1pm. $25

March 15, 2006: Aromatherapy Blending Lab led by Miguel Cisneros-Abreu. 7:30pm-9:30pm. $55.

March 18, 2006: Authentic Indian Cooking led by Laura Mani. 10am- 1pm. $25

March 25, 2006: Authentic Chinese Cooking. 10am-1pm. $25.

April 1, 2006: Establishing A Small Grove led by Chris Rollins. Goodie bags presented. 9am-Noon. $25.

For more information on any of these events or to register, call the Fruit & Spice Park at 305-247-5727. Registration is required for all classes.

Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 02:58 PM |

Editor’s Corner - Tracy Bossinger

If you would like to receive the newsletter via email, please let me know by sending an email to: inariargenteus@gmail.com.

To avoid spam, I will not be emailing newsletters without an invitation to do so.

The newsletter can also be viewed online at our website: www.REHSonline.com.

Suggestions and comments are always welcome, as are contributions. Thanks for making the newsletter so wonderful!

Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 01:04 PM |

February Tasting Table and Raffle Recap

All members and guests are invited (but not required) to bring a contribution to the monthly tasting table. For those not inclined toward the culinary arts, paper plates, plasticware and beverages are also very welcome.

February’s tasting table was brought in by: Melanie Bermudez—Fruit skewers; Robin Townsend—Paper plates, forks & spoons; Tina Pavel—Thai Chicken Salad with Rice; Cheri O’Neal—Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette; Leah & David Sherman—Rugalach; Tracy Bossinger– Decaf Spiced Tea; James O’Hare— Salmon; Eliat Schmalbach—Lentils; Leila Barnes—Orange Glow Punch; DeAnna Alvarez—Rosemary Mashed Potatoes.

Donations are also encouraged for the raffle table. Tickets are on sale at the raffle table during each meeting, and are fifty cents each. Ticket proceeds benefit the Society.

This month’s raffle prizes were given by: Miguel Cisneros-Abreu—Bath Salts & White Sage; Leila Barnes—Comfrey plant & Banana Bread; Lea Sherman— Glass cheeseboard; James O’Hare—Key Lime Marmalade; John & Marie Thorp – Banjo Tabacco plant; Tao Semko—Complimentary Tantra workshop admissions; Aramis Gutierrez—Ornament; Arturo Gonzalez —Vegetable basket; Cheri O’Neal—Soaps; Enrique Schmalbach —Photo frame; Fruit & Spice Park—Assorted herb plants.




Posted by REHS_Newsletter at 12:08 PM |