Unveiling the Mysteries of Rhubarb Leaves: From Toxicity to Unlikely Superpowers

Rhubarb plants are often celebrated for their ruby stalks that can be used to make pies, jams, and compotes. However, in the process of harvesting these stalks, the foliage of the plant is often overlooked. Rhubarb leaves are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to reduce waste and help with gardening.

One way to use rhubarb leaves is to shine pots and pans. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can create a potent shine when boiled in a stainless steel pot. This homemade solution can replace commercial cleaners, which often contain harmful chemicals.

Another way to use rhubarb leaves is to repel pests from the leaves of non-edible plants. By infusing water with the leaves and combining the strained extract with gentle soapy solutions, we can create an organic pesticide that safeguards the leaves of non-edible plants, without the use of chemicals.

Rhubarb leaves can also be used to create a green dye for textiles. The infusion of leaves in boiling water extracts pigments that can saturate materials in deep green hues, offering a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.

And finally, rhubarb leaves can be composted, returning as nourishment for the soil, laying the groundwork for a fertile future. Composting is a natural and sustainable way to dispose of the leaves, and it exemplifies nature’s circular economy.

In summary, rhubarb leaves have unsung potential, and by using them in different ways, we can reduce waste, promote sustainability, and connect with our natural environment. Gardening is not only about growing food, but it is also about respecting nature and finding creative ways to reduce waste.

Further Reading: A Guide to Creating a Vegetable Patch

For some great vegetable blogs take a look at sowitgrowitandfeast.co.uk

How to Preserve Chillis and Extend Their Shelf Life

If you’re an avid chilli lover, then you know how important it is to preserve your chillies and extend their shelf life. Whether you’ve grown them yourself or purchased them from a store, preserving your chillies not only ensures that they stay fresh for a longer period but also allows you to have a steady supply throughout the year.

Freezing Chillis

When it comes to preserving chillies, freezing is one of the easiest and most effective methods. If you’ve got a surplus of chillies or you’re worried about them going bad, then freezing them is a great option. All you need to do is wash the peppers and dry them thoroughly before placing them in a sealed container or freezer bag. For best results, consider cutting them into smaller pieces before freezing. This way, you can easily use just the amount you need and they will defrost quickly.

Drying Chillies

Drying is another popular way to preserve chillies. To dry chillies, simply string them together using a needle and thread and hang them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated room. Alternatively, you can use an oven, dehydrator, or microwave to dry them. Dried chillies can be ground into a powder and used as a spice or left whole to be rehydrated and used in cooking.

Pickling Chillies

Pickling is a great way to preserve chillies while also adding flavour. There are many different pickling recipes out there, but the most basic one involves boiling vinegar, water, and salt before pouring it over the peppers in a jar. You can also add herbs and spices to the mix, depending on your personal preference. Pickled chillies are delicious on sandwiches, burgers, and tacos and can also be used as a garnish.

Canning Chillies

Canning involves sealing chillies in a jar with vinegar or oil and sterilizing them in boiling water. While canning requires some equipment and know-how, it’s one of the best ways to preserve chillies for long periods of time. Canned chillies can be used as a topping, in dips, or in chilli sauces.

Keeping Chillis Fresh

If you’re not quite ready to preserve your chillies, there are still some things you can do to extend their shelf life. Keeping them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight can help prevent them from spoiling. You can also store them in the refrigerator for a week or two. Additionally, placing them in a paper bag with an apple or banana can help absorb any excess moisture and keep them fresh for longer.

Preserving chillies is a great way to save money, reduce waste, and extend their shelf life. Whether you’re freezing, drying, pickling, or canning, each method has its unique benefits and can help you retain the flavour and heat of your chillies. So, go ahead and try preserving some of your chillies and enjoy your favourite spicy dishes all year round.

Further Reading: Troubleshooting Chilli Problems

Try our SowItGrowItandFeast Grow Chillies Pack

Spice up your Garden and grow Chillies

If you’re a keen gardener & enjoy growing your own vegetables, then why not spice up your garden with some of the hottest chillies around? Chillies come in all shapes & sizes & can add a fiery kick to your cooking. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned gardener, our list of favourite chillies to grow is sure to inspire & excite you. From mild to scorching hot, there’s a chilli for everyone to grow.

Jalapeno: A popular chilli amongst gardeners, they are perfect for making homemade salsa or stuffing with cream cheese. These chillis are relatively easy to grow & prefer a warm climate. Keep in mind that Jalapenos can take up to 80 days to mature, so plant them in early spring for a late summer harvest.

Habanero: Known for their intense heat, Habaneros are not for the faint of heart. These chillies require plenty of heat & sunlight to grow & can take up to 100 days to mature. Use gloves when handling these chillies & add them to your favourite hot sauce or Mexican dishes for an extra kick.

Poblano: With a mild to medium heat, Poblanos are perfect for stuffing or roasting. These chillies can be harvested in just 60 days & prefer a slightly cooler climate. They’re great for making chilli rellenos, as well as adding to stews & soups.

Anaheim: Similar to Poblanos, Anaheim chillies have a mild to medium heat & can be used in a variety of dishes such as stir fry, stews, & salads. These chillies prefer a warm climate & can be harvested in just 60-75 days.

Ghost Pepper: Also known as Bhut Jolokia, Ghost Peppers are one of the hottest chillies in the world. These chillies require plenty of sunlight & heat to grow & can take up to 150 days to mature. Use caution when handling & use these chillies sparingly in your cooking.

Thai: Known for their fiery heat, Thai chillies are perfect for adding to stir fry, curries & soups. These chillies prefer a humid, warm climate & can be harvested in just 50-60 days.

Cayenne: Cayenne chillies are great for making hot sauce, as well as adding to soups, stews & marinades. These chillies prefer a warm climate & can be harvested in just 70-80 days.

Serrano: Similar to Jalapenos, Serrano chillies have a medium heat & are perfect for making salsa & guacamole. These chillies prefer a warm climate & can be harvested in just 70-80 days.

Fresno: With a similar heat to Jalapenos, Fresno chillies are great for making hot sauce, pickling & adding to salads. These chillies prefer a warm climate & can be harvested in just 75-85 days.

Scotch Bonnet: Similar in heat to Habaneros, Scotch Bonnet chillies are great for making Caribbean-style dishes such as jerk chicken. These chillies prefer a warm, humid climate & can take up to 120 days to mature.

Whether you’re a fan of mild or scorching hot chillies, growing your own is a great way to add some spice & flavour to your cooking. Just remember to handle these hot little peppers with care & enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Further Reading: Spicy Evolution: A Dive into Chilli’s History 🌶️, Troubleshooting Chilli Problems, What Gives Chillies their Kick, Grow Chillies with SowItGrowItandFeast!

Discovering the Scoville Scale

As a gardener, you must have heard of the Scoville Scale. It’s the universal standard used to measure the heat of peppers, but it’s become much more than that for gardeners. The Scoville Scale is a must-know for people who want to grow, harvest, or taste peppers. It’s a tool that allows you to identify the heat levels of different types of peppers and determine what works best for you. In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Scoville Scale and how you can use it to your advantage.

Understanding the Scoville Scale

The Scoville Scale is a measurement of the heat in peppers. The scale was developed by an American pharmacist named Wilbur Scoville in 1912. The heat of a pepper is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The higher the SHU value, the hotter the pepper. The most common peppers used to measure heat levels include jalapenos, habaneros, and ghost peppers. The scale ranges from 0 SHU for sweet bell peppers to 2.2 million SHU for the Carolina Reaper, the hottest pepper in the world.

Determining the Heat Level of Peppers

The heat level of peppers is determined by the amount of capsaicin, the compound responsible for causing the “burning” sensation. Capsaicin is found in the placenta, the white membrane that surrounds the seeds. Generally, the smaller the pepper, the hotter it is. However, heat levels can also vary within the same type of pepper based on growing conditions, climate, and the plant’s genetics.

Choosing the Right Pepper for Your Recipe

Now that you understand the basics of the Scoville Scale, you can use it to your advantage. Knowing the heat level of different types of peppers can help you select the right pepper for your recipe. For example, if you’re making a mild salsa, you can use sweet peppers, which have a SHU value of 0. However, if you want some heat, you can use jalapenos, which have a SHU value of 2,500 to 8,000. If you’re looking for something hotter, you can try using habaneros, which have a SHU value of 100,000 to 350,000. However, be careful not to overdo it as these peppers can be extremely hot.

Growing Peppers Based on Heat Level

If you’re planning to grow peppers in your garden, you can also use the Scoville Scale to your advantage. You can choose to grow sweet peppers, which are mild, or you can grow hot peppers, which are spicy. When growing peppers, be sure to select the right variety based on the heat level you’re looking for. You can also use the Scoville Scale to monitor the growth of your peppers. Generally, hotter peppers take longer to mature, so you can use the SHU value as an indicator of when your peppers are ready to be harvested.

The Scoville Scale is an essential tool for anyone interested in growing or cooking with peppers. It allows you to determine the heat level of different types of peppers and use them to your advantage. Whether you’re making salsa, growing peppers in your garden, or trying different types of peppers, understanding the Scoville Scale will ensure that you have the right pepper for your needs. So, go ahead and add some spice to your life with the Scoville Scale!

Grow Chillies with SowItGrowItandFeast!

Further Reading: Spicy Evolution: A Dive into Chilli’s History 🌶️, Troubleshooting Chilli Problems

The Benefits of Growing Your Own Vegetables

Growing your own vegetables is a practical and satisfying. There’s no better joy than eating the vegetables you’ve cultivated yourself. It’s a healthy and rewarding way of living a more intentional lifestyle. We are here to guide you through the benefits of growing your own vegetables.

Saving on Grocery Costs: Growing your own vegetables not only helps you save on grocery expenses but also offers you healthier alternatives. You can purchase a packet of seeds at a lower price than what you would pay for produce in the supermarket. For instance, a single seed of the Beefsteak Tomato variety can produce around 100lbs of tomatoes throughout the growing season. Imagine how much you can harvest! Not only will you save on costs, but you’ll also enjoy fresh and chemical-free vegetables to use in your cooking.

Sustainable and Environment-Friendly: Growing your own vegetables reduces your carbon footprint and contributes positively towards a sustainable environment. The process of planting and harvesting your vegetables conserves water and reduces soil erosion – leading to healthier soil, plants and animals. You’ll also eliminate the carbon footprint of transporting the vegetables from far-off places. By taking up vegetable gardening, you’re playing a part in reversing the impacts of climate change.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits: Gardening is an excellent way to exercise without going to the gym. Spending time tending to your vegetable garden strengthens your muscles, increases flexibility, and builds endurance. The fresh air and sunlight you get also contribute to your mental health, reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. Moreover, harvesting and sharing your crop with your community can uplift your mood and provide a sense of achievement – making the time spent in your vegetable garden ‘feel-good’ moments.

Enhancing Your Culinary Skills: Growing your vegetables provide you with an exciting way of experimenting with new recipes. Incorporating fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits from your garden into your meals can completely enhance the taste and quality of your food. You can also get creative with preserving your vegetables with pickling and canning to use them beyond their season.

Connecting with Nature: With vegetable gardening, you get to reconnect with nature and acknowledge your relationship with it. You become more attuned to the cycles of life in nature, and this helps you appreciate it more deeply. Gardening is an excellent way to spend more time outdoors and observe the different species of birds, insects, and trees in your garden. You’ll gain more appreciation for biodiversity and reduce the risk of environmental stress and degradation.

Growing your vegetables is a fulfilling way of engaging in sustainable and healthy living. It connects you with nature, saves you money, provides you with healthier alternatives, and is an excellent way to remain physically and mentally active. By incorporating the practices mentioned above, you can reap the numerous benefits of growing your own vegetables. We hope that this guide inspires you to create your vegetable garden and start the journey of cultivating your food. Happy gardening!

Sow It, Grow It and Feast!

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