Green Zucchini vs Yellow Zucchini

WARNING - Always fry Zucchini alone!  If not fried alone grazers will eat it before it's all finished..

I love roadside Produce stands. You can always count on finding the freshest and most unique of fare.  This stop I made on my way to Lake Lure, NC.  The sign reads "Never fresher than the field"..  I passed by then decided to turn around and check it out, To my surprise, he had the best selection I had come across in ages! I will be picking up a bushel of Cucumbers for pickling next week when harvested.  Today I left with a Tomato, Peaches and Yellow Zucchini...Yes, Yellow Zucchini!  I personally had only heard of it and not yet seen it.  So today I decided to give it a try. Some say there is no difference and others say the yellow has a different flavor.   So I fried some up with my breadcrumb recipe and let the family have a taste then gathered opinions.  At first, when preparing it I noticed they didn't look much different than the green zuke once you cut it open. The texture, the feel, and the appearance look all the same except for the color. 

 I fried a pan of each separately. I used Olive oil and my favorite Cast Iron. We each had a helping of both varieties.

My son noticed a difference in taste right away. He generally prefers zucchini to typical yellow squash. The kids and husband asked for seconds so it was a hit either way  But, the verdict in my household seems to be that the yellow zucchini has a sweeter flavor than the Green. In my opinion, it's taste is comparable to the typical summer crookneck/longneck squash just possing as a Zucchini.  So as you graze your next produce stand don't pass up this unique squash. Give it a try!

Herbs as Salad & Health Enhancers

I'm love growing herbs! They are easy to grow in the garden or in containers. I grow them all over the Yard and in the Garden!  They have health benefits and not to mention they have some of the most palate popping flavors!  This lil mix has some of my favorite Salad enhancers. 

Chives ~ A perennial cousin of garlic and onion. Plant chives along with Tomatoes, Carrots, Greens & Cabbage they are known to repel aphids, fly, and Cabbage Worms. Chives belonging to the allium family have been used for ages for their flavor and their Medicinal properties including prevention of cancer and mood enhancement.

Red Sorrel ~ A perennial herb recognized by its red veins and sometimes called bloody Sorrel. Best picked when young and tender for additions to Salads. It makes a great stir-fry additive when the leaves mature.  The distinct lemony flavor gives it a sour bite which pairs it well with spring mix salad. It not only adds a pop to dishes it also aids the body in detoxification. It is filled with Vitamin C and several B Vitamins along with potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It is said the Native American would use Sorrell as an antidote for poison. Sorrel is fairly Hardy and easy to grow.

Cutting Celery~ This jewel is perfect for soups, salads, and various celery dishes.  The lacy leaves and delicate stems pack a punch of Celery flavor without the stringy stalk. This herb is known for its ability to aid arthritis, acidity in the body,  hypertension,  and weight loss.  It is believed the Ancient Greeks used celery to make wine and served it to winning athletes as a reward.  I think that says in itself that we all could use some celery in our lives.

Sweet Basil ~ A must in every herb garden and can be grown in a garden or container. I do have better results in the garden and able to harvest all season for fresh, dried and Freezer preservation. Yes, You can preserve fresh herbs in the fridge/ freezer.  I'll have that blog up soon.  This herb belongs to the mint family and has numerous health benefits ranging from digestive aid to fighting depression. If you grow anything, You should grow this herb!

Cinnamon Basil~ An easy to grow variant of Basil. This variety is similar to and often used as Thai Basil. I love the spicy sweet flavor this gives to Salads, Jellies, Drinks, Chicken and Thai dishes and often used in Mexican dishes. This type is best used fresh than dried and most potent as an extract or oil.

Again, I can not express my love of herbs and their many uses. We could all use the extra flavor and health benefits in our life's.

This is one of my Herb boxes after a cutback.   I like to cut the Cilantro, Oregano way back so they come back thick and quick! I think Thyme & Dill are my most complicated to grow.  

Marigold's a Garden's Best Friend

Marigold's " Herb of the Sun" represents passion and creativity and are known for their bright, colorful flowers and their pungent odor, which is said to deter insects and even snakes in the garden. They are also a good Companion plant to Basil, Squash, Cucumbers, Broccoli, and others. The Welsh believed that if the Marigold was not bloomed in the morning then an afternoon storm was sure to follow. Some even believe Marigold's put in your pillow enhance prophetic and psychic dreams. The astrological flower of the Leo.  Did You know that certain Species of Marigold flowers have impressive health and beauty benefits? They are known to boost volume in hair products and relieve rash, eczema and fungal infections.  It is also said they have Anti Inflammatory compounds.  

I grow a long row from seed at the border of the garden each year and then transplant some to other parts of the garden and yard.