Bunch of Herbs

Bunch of Herbs Growing one's own organic herb garden from planting the seeds to harvesting lush fresh herbs for culi

Summer Breeze2 apples3 apricots1 peach1.  De-seed the fruit and place in a blender with an ice     cube or two and whizz...
27/11/2018

Summer Breeze

2 apples
3 apricots
1 peach

1. De-seed the fruit and place in a blender with an ice
cube or two and whizz until smooth.
2. Serve in a tall glass and decorate with some peach
slices if you so wish.

Nutritional values:
Apple - rich in beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, pectin. Also contain scopper, zinc, and vitamins B1 ,2 and 3. An ideal antioxidant, good for cleansing the digestive system and an immune booster.
Apricot - rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, papain, calcium, magnesium,phosphorus, potassium and flavonoids. Also contains B vitamins, iron and zinc. Also and excellent antioxidant, cleanser and immune booster.
Peach - rich in antioxidant carotenes, flavonoids and vitamin C. Ideal for irritated stomach, persistent coughs, reducing high blood pressure, as well as protecting against cancer and heart disease.

27/11/2018

Butternut Muffins

250 ml (1 cup) butternut (cooked and mashed)
60 ml (1/4 cup) canola oil
15 ml (1 tbspn) brown grape vinegar
30 ml (2 tbspn) fresh orange juice
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) orange essence (or tspn orange zest)
125 ml (1/2 cup) brown sugar
140 g (250 ml or 1 cup) cake flour
7.5 ml (1 1/2 tsp) baking powder
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) bicarbonate of soda
5 ml (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) ground nutmeg)

1. Preheat oven to 180 deg C. Grease and flour a 12-cup
muffin pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir the butternut, oil, vinegar, orange
juice, essence or zest and brown sugar.
3. Sift in the flour, baking powder, bicarb, cinnamon and
nutmeg. Add to the butternut mixture and stir gently
4. Spoon the mixture into the muffin pan, filling each
cup at least three-quarters full.
5. Bake for 30 - 35 minute, until knife inserted into centre
come out clean.
6. Gently remove the muffins from the pan and place on
a wire rack to cool.

Hi all, at last I have manged to find a little time to post again!  Today I would very much like to provide information ...
27/11/2018

Hi all, at last I have manged to find a little time to post again! Today I would very much like to provide information on the amazing and versatile chemical compound know by us all as:-
Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHOCO 3) - also known as baking soda, cooking soda or bread soda. It lend itself to many uses such as in the fields of cooking, in medical and health treatments, in sports, veterinary, pest control, and as a cleaning agent.
In 1791, the French chemist Nicolas Leblanc produced sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash. In 1846, two New York bakers, John Dwight and Austin Church, established the first factory in the United States to produce baking soda from sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide.
It is produced by using the Solvay process, which is a process of sodium chloride, ammonia and carbon dioxide in water. The natural mineral form is nahcolite, which is a component of the mineral natron and is found dissolved in many mineral springs.
Cooking - it is primarily use as a leavening agent, which reacts with acidic components in batters, releasing carbon dioxide, which caused expansion of the batter and forms the characteristic texture and grain in pancakes, cakes, quick breads, soda bread, and other baked and fried foods. Acidic compounds that induce this reaction includes phosphates, cream of tartar, lemon juice, yogurt, buttermilk, cocoa and vinegar. Sodium bicarbonate is sometimes used in cooking green vegetables, as it gives them a bright green colour. Due to the reaction0 with the chlorophyll it tends to affect the taste, texture and nutritional content, and is no longer common. Although, baking soda is still used in traditional British mushy peas. It is also used in Asian and Latin American cuisine to tenderize meat, and known to enhance crispness of fried food.
Pest control - Sodium carbonate can be used to kill cockroaches. Once it is consumed it causes internal organs to burst due to gas collection. It is also effective in controlling fungal growth and is registered in USA as a bio-pesticide.
Alkalinity/pH Increase - Sodium bicarbonate can be administered to pools, spas and garden ponds to raise the alkalinity.
Medical Uses and Health - mixed with water it can act as an antacid to treat indigestion and heartburn. In cases of acidosis, when there is insufficient sodium bicarbonate ions in the blood, a solutions is administered intravenously. It can also be used to treat aspirin overdoses. As a paste it can be applied topically to relieve insect bites and stings. It also can be used to treat an allergic reaction to plants, such as poison ivy, and will relieve the itching. It is also useful in removing splinters from skin.
Some alternative practitioners, such as Tullio Simoncinni, have promoted baking soda as a cancer cure.
As early as the 1920s, it was found to cause increased bone strength in patients losing calcium in their urine. Adding bicarbonate to the diet reduced loss of calcium in postmenopausal women.
In a recent study published in 'Journal of Immunology', oral intake of baking soda activates the splenic anti-inflammatory pathway that seems to reduce destructive inflammation of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Personal Hygiene - toothpaste containing bicarbonate of soda has shown to have a whitening and plaque removal effect. It is also ingredient in many mouthwashes, keeping the teeth and gums healthy. It is also used in deodorants, in nasal irrigation and as a eye bath to treat certain infections.
Veterinary Uses - sodium bicarbonate is used in cattle feed supplement, in particular as a buffering agent for the rumen.
In Sport - Small amounts of sodium bicarbonate have been shown to be useful as a supplement for athletes in speed-based events, such as middle-distance running, lasting about 1-7 minutes. However, overdose is a serious risk as it is slightly toxic.
Cleaning Agent - it is used very effectively in removing paint and corrosion called soda-blasting, when cleaning aluminium panels. A paste made with a little cold water is used as a gentle scouring powder, and used to remove surface rust. When a paste is made with warm water when polishing when the silver get in contact with aluminium foil. When added to a washing machine it softens the water and is very effective in removing odours from clothes. It is also very effective in removing tea and coffee stains from cups when diluted with warm water. Bicarbonate of soda is an mutli-purpose odour remover.

Note: As always, please do consult with your physician before using any alternative forms of treatments if you are using medication for chronic conditions, if you have allergies or if you are pregnant.

Blueberry & Apple Smoothie125 g (4 oz) blueberries (fresh or frozen)2 large apples1. De-seed the apples and place in ble...
21/10/2018

Blueberry & Apple Smoothie

125 g (4 oz) blueberries (fresh or frozen)
2 large apples

1. De-seed the apples and place in blender, add the
blueberries and whizz until smooth. Serve in a tumbler
with a cube of ice, if you so wish.

Nutritional values:
Blueberries - rich in vitamins A, C and K, B-complex, and dietary fibre as well as minerals manganese, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, copper, zinc and iron.
Health benefits - especially helpful in helping to fight urinary track infections and restore its health. The carotenoids are helpful in the prevention of and delay of development of eye disease as well as fighting cancers.
Apple - rich in beta-carotene, vitamins C, B1,B2, B3, B6 and E. Minerals, calcium,magnesium, potassium phosphorus, copper, zinc and is rich in pectin.
Health benefits - great antioxidant and good for cleansing the digestive system and is also an immune booster.

Blueberry Muffins110 g (1 &1/2 cup) butter (softened)75 g (1 &1/3 cup) sugar3 eggs110 g (1 & 1/2 cup) plain all purpose ...
21/10/2018

Blueberry Muffins

110 g (1 &1/2 cup) butter (softened)
75 g (1 &1/3 cup) sugar
3 eggs
110 g (1 & 1/2 cup) plain all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
100 g (1 cup) blueberries (rinses and dried)
75 g (1 & 1/3 cup) ground almonds
1 pinch of salt (optional)

1. Heat oven to 200 deg C (180 deg -fan) (gas 6) and
grease 12 hole muffin tin with butter.
2. Beat butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy,
then beat in 2 of the eggs.
3. Fold in the flour, half of the ground almonds and the
baking powder, mix thoroughly and then fold in the
blueberries.
4. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin pan. Beat
the remaining egg, brush the tops of the muffins and
scatter the remaining ground almonds over.
5. Bake the muffins in the oven for 15-20 minutes or
until they have risen and are golden brown.
6. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes and then place them
on a cooling rack to cool down completely.

Hi All, I yet again have to apologise for my lengthy silence.  Today I would like to write about one of the most amazing...
21/10/2018

Hi All, I yet again have to apologise for my lengthy silence. Today I would like to write about one of the most amazing superfoods:-
Blueberries (Vaccinium cyanococcus) - this sweet, juicy berry is rich in natural pro-anthocyanin pigment antioxidants. This small berry has long been attribute to the longevity and wellness of indigenous people living around sub-arctic regions in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are two genus, both deciduous, high-bush blueberry, highly branched and erect and growing in the wild, and the low-bush blueberry, a short erect plant that spreads through underground rhizomes. The low-bush blueberry is mostly cultivated on farms for commercial purposes.
The flowers are bell-shape, white, pale pink or red, and the berries are pea-sized turning from pale green into red and ripen into deep purple, which are covered in a protective powdery coating of epicuticular wax, Traditionally, they are gathered by hand, and therefore require intense labour. The blueberry is native to North America, Europe and Asia, but is also now grown in the Southern Hemisphere in countries such as Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Their family also includes the cranberry, billberry and huckleberry, etc
Health Benefits: -
> They are low in calories, rich in soluble dietary fibre and among the highest antioxidant value fruits, such polyphenolic anthocyanidin compounds, as wells as flavonoind antioxidants beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
> These phytochemical compounds rid the body of oxygen-derived free radicals, thereby protect it against cancers, ageing, degenerative diseases and infections.
> Studies shows that the cholorogenic acid in the berries help lower blood sugar and control glucose levels in type-II diabetes.
> Fresh berries contains vitamins A. C, E, K, B-complex such niacin, pyridoxine, folates and pantothenic acid, which help in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fats.
> I also contains minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper, iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc, assisting controlling heart rate, blood pressure, with the production of red blood cells.
Use:-
Eaten fresh, added to soups, stews, with some meat dishes, in cakes and tarts, desserts, salads, juices and jams. Also delicious dried as s power snack.

Just a reminder: Please consult with you physician if you are on chronic medication, have allergies or are pregnant before using this fruit in alternative medication.

Choc Berry50 g (2 oz) chocolate or hazelnut spread50 g (2 oz) frozen strawberries100 g (3 1/2 oz) ready made custard100 ...
25/09/2018

Choc Berry

50 g (2 oz) chocolate or hazelnut spread
50 g (2 oz) frozen strawberries
100 g (3 1/2 oz) ready made custard
100 ml (3 1.2 oz) soya milk (dairy milk and option)

1. Whizz all the ingredients together in a blender until
smooth and serve in a tumbler. Decorate with a
strawberry if you so wish.

Salted Chocolate TartBiscuit Base125 g margarine or butter45 ml (3 tbsp) golden syrup2 packet of Marie biscuits (crushed...
25/09/2018

Salted Chocolate Tart

Biscuit Base
125 g margarine or butter
45 ml (3 tbsp) golden syrup
2 packet of Marie biscuits (crushed)

1. Melt the margarine/butter and syrup in saucepan. Place
the crushed biscuits into a mixing bowl and pour over the
melted mixture and mix well until all crumbs are coated.
2. Press the mixture in a pie dish and refrigerate for at least
30 minutes. (The base must be chilled).

Chocolate Filling

270 g dark chocolate (roughly chopped)
327 ml (1 1/2 cups) soya milk (dairy milk is an option)
15 ml (1 tbsn) cornflour (Maizena)
15 ml (1 tbsp) cacao powder
30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil
5 ml (1 tspn) vanilla extract (or essence)
Salt crystals or Maldon flakes (to taste)

1. Melt chocolate in a medium bowl over a saucepan of
gently simmering water, make sure no steam or water
come into contact with the chocolate. Stir periodically with
a spatula to help the melting process.
2. Heat milk and cornflour in a small saucepan, whisking
continually to prevent any lumps from forming. Remove
from heat as soon as it starts to boil. Add the cacao
powder, then the oil, stirring well to combine.
3. Pour the hot milk over the melted chocolate and add the
vanilla extract/essence and salt (to taste). Stir continuously
until the mixture has a smooth silky look. Remove from
heat.
4. Pour the warm chocolate mixture unto the chilled biscuit
crust ans set aside to cool completely, then cover lightly
with clingfilm and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or
until the filling is firmly set.

Orange Reduction Sauce

250 ml (1 cup) freshly squeezed orange juice
Finely grated zest of one orange
60 ml (1/4 cup) golden syrup
15 ml (1 tbsp) butter/margarine

1. Combine the orange juice, zest and golden syrup in a
small saucepan over medium heat stirring occasionally,
for about 15 minutes, until sauce reduces and thicken to a
drizzling consistency.
2. Stir in butter/margarine and simmer for another 2-3
minutes, until you have a glossy, silky sauce. (Do not
cook too long or it will turn into a jam). Remove from
heat and set aside to cool. (It will thicken slightly on
cooling).
3. Just before serving, sprinkle some Maldon salt flakes
over the tart, not ahead of time as the flakes will dissolve.
4. Serve each slice with a smear of warm Orange Reduction
sauce on the side.

Hi All, back again after too long a silence.   Today I would like to share some information about one of today's super f...
25/09/2018

Hi All, back again after too long a silence. Today I would like to share some information about one of today's super foods, the Cacao (Theobroma cacao) Bean:-
The raw cacao powder one uses for those delicious and warming hot cacao drinks on chilly nights, originates from the dried cacao beans that have been fermented and grounded into the powder. Cacao butter can also be extracted from the beans and is used as the basis of the sweet and divine food called chocolate.
The cacao tree is native to the Amazon Basin, and was domesticated by the Olmecs and Mocayas (Mexico and Central America). More than 4,000 years ago it was consumed by pre-Columbian cultures along the Yucatan, including the Mayans, and as far back as Olemca civilization, in spiritual ceremonies and has been used long before the Spanish arrived.
It also grows in the foothills of the Andes in the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America, in Columbia and Venezuela. Today wild cacao tree still grow there. New chemical analysis of residue extracted from pottery excavated at an archaeological site at Puerto Escondido, in Honduras, indicates that cacao products were first consumed there sometime between 1500 and 1400 BC. Evidence indicated that long before the flavourful cacao bean became popular, the sweet pulp of the chocolate 'fruit', was used in making a fermented alcoholic beverage. The cacao bean was common currency throughout Mesoamerica before the Spanish conquests. A Spanish soldier who was part of the conquest in Mexico by Hernan Cortes, tell that when Moctezuma II, emperor of the Aztecs, dined, he took no other beverage than chocolate, served in a golden goblet. It was flavoured with vanilla and spices, whipped into a froth that dissolved in the mouth. No fewer that 60 potions each day reportedly may have been consumed by Moctezuma II, and about 2,000 more by the nobles in his court.
Chocolate was introduce to Europe by the Spaniards, and became a popular beverage by mid-17th century. They also introduced the cacao tree into the West Indies and the Philippines. It was also introduced into the rest of Asia and into West Africa by the Europeans.
When harvested the pods are opened by machete to expose the beans. The beans are then removed and the pulpy skins removed from around the beans and both pulp and seeds are piled in heaps to undergo sweating, allowing the thick pulp to start a fermenting process. After the sweating process is completed the natural bitter taste of the beans is removed. A pod contains 30 to 40 beans and 400 beans are required to make one pound of chocolate. The beans should be dried in the sun for the best taste.
Cacao have been found by scientist to possess extraordinary life-imbuing and disease fighting properties. Cacao demonstrates significant benefits for the cardiovascular system, helping to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stokes, reducing the risk of high blood pressure, en even reduces the risk of cancer. It further also reduces cognitive decline in old age.
Cacao contains 700 known compounds, The antioxidant compounds in cacao prevent premature aging and disease. Although such foods as tea, apples, onions and red wine are rich in antioxidant polyphenols, it is known that cacao has the highest antioxidant polyphenols content of all. It further shows that it performs the same beneficial anti-clotting activity as aspirin.
Due to it being rich in agents that enhances the 'feel good' chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, it serves as an anti-depressant and mood elevator. It is also most nourishing.
Apart from being rich in antioxidants is also contains essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese, as well vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E, plus pantothenic acid.
Cacao is widely used in drinks, cakes, sauces, desserts and many divine sweets.
It scientific name Theobroma means 'Food of the Gods'.

Note: Please remember to always consult with your physician before using and alternative remedies if you are using medication for chronic conditions, if you have allergies or it you a pregnant.

Live Wire Booster2 oranges1 red apple1 pear1 tsp clear honey (optional)1. Place peeled orange, chopped apple and pear in...
02/09/2018

Live Wire Booster

2 oranges
1 red apple
1 pear
1 tsp clear honey (optional)

1. Place peeled orange, chopped apple and pear in blender.
Blend until smooth and stir in the honey. Pour into tumbler
over ice cubes. Garnish with a slice of orange if you so
wish.

Nutritional values:
Apple - rich in beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, pectin. Also contain copper, zinc, and vitamins B1, 2, 3 & 6 as well as vitamine E.
Ideal antioxidant, good for cleansing the system, and is also an immune booster.
Orange - Rich in vitamin C, potassium, carotene and lutein.
Ideal way in achieve vitamin C intake, good for fighting colds, lowering cholesterol and providing anti-cancer properties
Pear - rich in potassium, beta-carotene and vitamin C.
Good for persons with diabetes, watching their weight, as pears cause a slow but steady rise in blood sugar levels.
Pears are a good source when weaning a child as they rarely will cause allergic reactions.

Aubergine (Brinjal) & Lentil Salad2 medium size aubergine (sliced 2.5 cm thick)2 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp salt1.Preheat oven...
02/09/2018

Aubergine (Brinjal) & Lentil Salad

2 medium size aubergine (sliced 2.5 cm thick)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp salt

1.Preheat oven to 200 deg C.
2. Sprinkle salt over the slice of aubergine and stand for
30 minute. Rinse salt off and pat dry. Arrange on baking
sheet and brush olive oil over the slices.
3. Bake until golden brown.

Set aside to cool.

For the Salad:
1 cup roasted brinjal cut into bite-sized cubes
1/2 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
2 medium tomatoes (diced)
1/4 cup yellow bell peppers (minced)
1 cup green or brown lentil (cooked)
1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
1 tbsp fresh coriander (chopped)

1. In a medium sized bowl mix the brinjal, onion, tomatoes,
peppers, lentils, feta cheese and coriander together.
2. In a small bowl whisk the ingredients (as listed below)
together.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, garnish with sprigs of
coriander and serve.

Lemon and Honey Vinaigrette

1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)

Note: If your family are not keen on coriander, it can be
replace by parsley.

Hi All, back again! I thought you may find it interesting to learn more about the delicious, versatile and an important ...
02/09/2018

Hi All, back again! I thought you may find it interesting to learn more about the delicious, versatile and an important source of food, especially for vegetarians.
Aubergine (Solanum melongena) - it is also know as brinjal or eggplant and is part of the nightshade family, related to the tomato and potato. Like tomato, the skin and seeds can be eaten, but it is definitely not advisable to eat potato raw.
The spongy absorbent, 'meaty' fruit of the plant is widely used in cooking in many different cuisines and is often considered a vegetable, although it is a berry fruit by botanical definition, and is glossy egg-shaped, purple with white flesh. The plant grows to between 40 to 150 cm tall, with large coarsely lobed leaves that are 10 to 20 cm long and 5 to 10 cm broad, producing white or purple flowers. It has been cultivated in southern and eastern Asia since prehistory. The first known written records of the plant is found in "Qimin Yaoshu", and ancient Chinese agricultural treatise completed in 554. It was introduce throughout the Mediterranean area by the Arabs in the early Middle Ages. The aubergine was only recorded in England during the 16th century. Because of the plant's relationship with various nightshade species, the fruit was at one time believed to be extremely poisonous, though only the flowers and leaves can be poisonous if consumed in large quantities due to the presence of Solanin.
Nutritional facts:-
> It is a rich source of vitamins C, K, B 1, 3, 6 and 9, and contains minerals, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, potassium and manganese plus lots of dietary fibre and contains almost no cholesterol or saturated fats.
Health benefits:-
> Aids \Digestion - as it contains a great source of dietary fibre essential for gastrointestinal health, by stimulating peristaltic motion and stimulating secretion of gastric juices to facilitate absorption of nutrients when processing the food.
> Due to low fat and cholesterol content it greatly assists people trying to loose weight or battling obesity. The fibre is very filling which inhibits the release of the hormone ghrelin which tells our mind that we are hungry.
> Brinjal is a great source of antioxidants, giving the body the ability to defend against a variety of diseases, such as cancer ensuring healthy cells, together with vitamin C to stimulate the immune system and help with the production of white blood cells.
> Improve Bone Health - the phenolic compounds in brinjals are linked to reduced osteoporosis, by increasing bone mineral density, thus stronger bones.
> Prevent Anemia - as it is rich in iron and copper, essential to increase red blood cell count, thus eliminating fatigue, stress, weakness, headaches and migraines.
> Improve Brain Function - a great source of phyto-nutrients known as as booster for cognitive activity and general mental health, by defending the brain from toxins and disease by increasing the blood flow.
> Improve Heart Health - the fibre is known to reduce the LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body by stimulating the uptake of HDL (good) cholesterol. thus preventing heart attacks, strokes and atherosclerosis. The bio-flavonoids of the eggplant reduces blood pressure, thus reducing strain on the cardiovascular system.
> Manage Diabetes - it is a good regulator of glucose and insulin activity by keeping the insulin levels stable.
> Prevents Birth Defects - the rich source of folic acid (B9) is essential and a most beneficial addition to the diet of pregnant women.
Culinary uses - it is used in the cuisines worldwide and can be steamed, stir fried, pan fried, barbecued or roasted. Great in stews, soups, curries, pickled, dips, pates, etc.

Note: Please remember to consult with your physician if you
one medication for chron.ic conditions, suffering from
allergies, or if you are pregnant, before using
alternative forms of treatment.

Address

Piet Le Roux Street
Kleinmond
7195

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 18:00
Thursday 10:00 - 18:00
Friday 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday 10:00 - 18:00
Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

Telephone

0834628628

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