HerbFest

Using E.V.O.O. for Fresh Herb Storage

2008-11-20T11:49:00.002-08:00

Olive Oil and Herbs Replace Olive Oyl and Popeye

Guess I'm showing my age but sounded like a spiffy title if you are of my generation that loved Popeye defending Olive Oyl from Bluto/Brutus* ( See note below on the two names )

Why do we blend fresh herbs with E.V. Olive Oil is often asked. Let me bullet point you some answers:

* EV ( Extra Virgin) Olive Oil has little flavor so you are not importing flavor to your already flavorful herb (s)
* EVOO is one of your healthier oils with little transfat
* EVOO acts as a preservative so you can enjoy the flavors of fresh herbs all year as the oils are retained within the olive oil
* EVOO is not cloudy so the colors, patterns of the herbs can be seen in a glass jar.

In many recipes most herbs are blended in the final steps of cooking so the time the oil is heated becomes very important. EVOO will not withstand long cooking with hot temperatures. EVOO breaks down in those situations so it is best for preservation if added as a final touch to the recipe. One of the best applications is to use the herbally infused EVOO with a mild red or wine vinegar in a simple salad dressing. Shave a few shreds of Parmesan over fresh spinach slightly sprinkled with the herbal salad dressing and enjoy a healthy delightful treat.

* Bluto was the original name given for the first two years of the cartoon character and after two years it was decided by Hanna Barbera that "Brutus" was more fitting. Bet you didn't know that!! (:)

** For more recipes simply type in "recipes" in the search box on our web site.

First OctoberFest - October 25, 2008

2008-09-25T10:27:00.005-07:00

HerbFest and OctoberFest are becoming two of the primary contributors to the Graham Johnson Cultural Arts Endowment.

The first OctoberFest will be held and proceeds benefit the continued arts programming for the young adults in our community.

The OctoberFest will be held at Festival Park from noon to 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free to this family friendly event with games, storytelling and much more for the kids to enjoy, including the German Weeder Geese on display.

The German HarbourTowne Fest Band will perform for 5 hours with 18 performers and lively German/Austrian music and dance. HarbourTowne Fest Band is donating their time, energy and money to help promote the GJCAE.

West Street Band will perform for 2 hours.

Over 10 microbreweries on hand for free samples of their custom crafted micro brews, original German bratwurst, wiener schnitzel, sauerkraut and much more provided by Chuck Walkley in exchange for the GJCAE helping one of his favorite charities, the Wake Forest Boys and Girls Club with a cultural arts program for the kids. This will be an acapella performance which is already booked and ready.

Come join us.

Severe Gardening - By Nature or Committee?

2008-02-16T06:35:00.005-08:00

In the midst of a drought one has to wonder how reactionary we become to the drought conditions or to the reaction to the drought. This is a time to look at how we are reacting to the present situation here in the Southeastern U.S.

Most plants can survive well if some preplanning goes into where the plant goes and in what conditions. One of the best ways to insure a plant lives is to amend the soil with natural organic components. This can be turkey, cow manure or the ubiquitous fallen leaves that are in abundance. Any of these organic materials provide nutrients, hold down heat at the root level, and contain moisture. The simple step of good preparation upon planting is crucial to the viability of the plant's life under drought conditions.

Political processes also can exacerbate the drought by poor planning. Why would one mandate the planting of trees, bushes, greenery in conditions that insure the plant can not survive and will deplete the water supply of other plants? You do not have planning depts. insist on placement of trees 24 inches apart, along corridors knowing the tree will grow to have a span of 24 feet. The destiny of most of those trees is death or disease and deprivation and stress to the few that can survive under those conditions. We need trees, if nothing other than air filtration, erosion resistance and oxygen production, but we need healthy trees.

When plants are first planted they absolutely have to be watered. Initial planting is very stressful to plants and the watering helps minimize that stress. The first few weeks, months for some large specimens transplanted, are crucial to the survival of those plants. Legislative bodies need to show some common sense in insuring the survival of trees, greenery that is mandated yet destroyed by policies that insure the costly mandates will fail due to other legislative mandates. It just doesn't make sense. Take the time to examine the essence of the total legislative package and not allow isolation by dept. edict to counteract another mandate. The cost is to the citizen and our environment.

We need common sense integrated into all aspects of legislation by all those who have the power to create rules and regulations.

Daily Craft Tips For Herb Crafts

2008-01-23T10:28:00.000-08:00

We are getting several requests to have our web site add on a web sign up form for crafting with herbs. One suggestion is to have a "daily craft tip" explaining how to craft herb scented papers, strewing herb recipes, or sleep herb sachets, etc.

We presently have, and functioning, "herb recipes" as well as "herbal lore & legend" and legend programs on the site.

We have now posted to our web site a sign up sheet for this new proposed free service of "daily herb crafting tips". You can access it here.

Herb Pots/Organic Vegetables

2007-12-31T09:50:00.000-08:00

A lot of the food that is sold in the super markets today is laden with harmful chemicals that can cause some negative reactions in our bodies. According to studies, eating chemical laden food can cause different types of diseases including several types of cancer. To avoid eating too much chemically laden food, it would be a good idea for you to utilize what small space you have in your house and grow some vegetables and herb plants organically. Organically growing your own vegetables and herb will not only ensure you a steady supply of healthy food, it will also make your home look green and beautiful.

Using Pots For Your Herb Plants
If you only have a small space available for planting, it would be wise for you to use pots for your herb plants. Not only will this method free more space for you to plant more vegetables, it will also help you make your home more organized and less cluttered. Stacking pots with the use of some iron racks will help you produce more herb plants with just a small space. Furthermore, using pots will allow to you transfer your plants every now and then if you want to. Transferring your plants to different locations at specific times of the year will help you maximize the use of available sunlight.

Choose the colors and designs of your pots well when using pots to hold your herb plants. Using decorative pots to hold your plants can make your home look more attractive especially if you put your herb plants near the front door of your home. Small decorative pots stacked neatly on a decorative rack will make an interesting front door decoration. There is really nothing more beautiful than having some greens greeting your visitors every time they visit you.

Choosing The Right Herb Plants
Plant those types of herbs that you use in your daily cooking. If you have not been using many herbs in your cooking, try to imagine which types of herb plants would be more useful for you in the kitchen. Herb plants such as rosemary, basil, chives, lemon grass and others will make your cooking more delicious so you might want to invest in these types of herb plants. You may also add some exotic herbs and spices into your collection to add some variety. When it comes to herb plants, more choices are always better since this will give you a lot of room to experiment in your cooking.

This article copied from http://www.herb.suniloza.com/herb_plants.html.

We extend this to you considering this year HerbFest will introduce it's first organic vegetables and seeds.

New HerbFest Herbal Recipes

2007-12-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

New Recipes posted on HerbFest today. Click here to acess.

1. Lemon Balm Loaf

2. Cinnamon Basil Cookies

3. Herbal Rolls

Use the herbal tips on storage and create summer fun in December with your saved/preserved herbs.

New Vendor Application for HerbFest, 2008

2007-12-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

Here it is.

Herb Plants Generally Drought Tolerant - HerbFest, 2008

2007-11-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

HerbFest, 2008 will feature special emphasis on use of herbs and perennials that are drought tolerant. John Wrenn, our herb grower, has recently received his certification as a U.S.D.A. Certified Organic Grower and will be adding organic vegetable plants this year.

Due to the drought conditons being experienced along the east coast the growers for HerbFest will be concentrating on plants that need little water, which is generally most herbs, but will also add perennials such as sedums that require little water.

In keeping with the HerbFest long standing practice of being environmentally friendly we are now adjusting to the specifics of the climate of our area.

Rosemary Shampoo & Spritzer

2007-11-28T13:19:00.000-08:00

One beneficial use for your Rosemary leaves is to take the leaves off the stem, put them into a "ball" type jar, then fill with warm water. Place the sealed jar in the refrigerator and allow the water/rosemary to steep for couple of days.

After 48 hours remove the jar, strain the water, and then mix the water with your favorite shampoo, or add to your pet's shampoo. Some brunette/brown haired folks also put the strained water in a spritzer bottle and spritz their hair in the mornings after grooming.

Essential rosemary oil is used in high end commercial shampoos because it adds a vigor, sheen to their hair. The reason for adding to your pet's shampoo is the essential oil is also a flea/tick repellent so it not only adds sheen to the pet's fur but also is a self protector against insects such as fleas and ticks.

Preserving Rosemary if zone 7 or more

2007-11-16T08:01:00.000-08:00

Preserving Rosemary

Rosemary is quite cold hardy, but nonetheless, you might want to trim some to insure a supply through winter, especially in zone 7 and colder. You can store the cut stems as they are by hanging them or propping them in a vase (no water) so that the leaves air-dry naturally indoors. Then just pluck a few as you need them. They will fall off very easily as they dry.

After a few weeks, you may need to collect the little leaves in a jar because it will seem that they fall if you even look at them.

If you cut big pile of stems, avoid piling them up on top of each other to prevent mold, especially if they are in a garage or basement. Spread them out over a table or screen if possible.

Herbs Are Environmentally Friendly

2007-11-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Drought Conditions and Herbs

The Beneficial Plants - Herbs For Drought ConditionsAs much of the East Coast is now experiencing drought conditions and some forecasts predict that will be the state of the climate for several years to come, it's time to look at alternate planting methods and plants to use.Obviously most grasses are used solely for eye comfort to hide bare dirt. Little else is gained by the most popular grasses. You can not smell them unless they are cut down, no taste, not healthy, no crafting, not medicinal, and high water consumption. The question begs itself, why plant them?One very useful and practical class of plants to put in your yardscape is the "Mediterranean " herbs, ie. basil, oregano, rosemary, thymes to name but a few. These plants are drought tolerant, require little if any maintenance, and are "beneficial" plants for human and animal use. This group of plants desire very little water, hardly any cutting except for personal use, are highly aromatic, culinary additions to most dishes you make, and beautiful low maintenance plants to enhance your yard. It is very hard to duplicate what it's like to walk over a ground cover of spearmint, pineapple mint early at dawn and have the delightful fragrances wafting around you. It is truly a lifesyle enhancer that is unmatched in the experiences of many of us and our kids. To sit at night on your deck beside a blue spire rosemary as the breeze blows through the leaves and smell that wonderful fragrance while sipping your favorite white wine lightly dusted with sweet woodruff is a moment to savor.As the winter sets upon us, take the time to help preserve the use of our water and plan on incorporating the mediterranean herbs in your landscape next spring for the years to come. It not only will make your life more pleasurable but is also good for our environment and as we all know, quite fashionable!!!Bob Johnson

Reason for Vendor Pricing

2007-10-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

The HerbFest is extending from 3 days to 10 days and that is reason for the new vendor pricing. A Vendor can choose to attend some or all of the event.

The first 3 days will be basically similar to what it has been last 8-9 years with the Weekend Gardener live romote from the location. Our second 3 days weekend will be geared more toward entertainment and will feature Bull City Syndicate and the winner of the GJCAE Battle of The Bands, .

Herbfest, 2008

2007-10-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Vendor application for HerbFest, 2008 has now been added to our website,

www.herbfest.net held this year at www.festivalpark.org

We are looking for crafters, unique food offerings utilizing some herbs, and other vendors of products that enhance one's lifestyle.