Saturday, October 2, 2010

Pumpkins

Well Fall is finally here. I can't help but to think of pumpkins at this time of season. Pumpkins have been around forever. Before the pilgrims came Native American Indians used pumpkins not just for food but for material goods as well. The pilgrims soon learned from the Natives of how valuable pumpkins were. There are several kinds of pumpkins depending on the types. They can grow between 2-100 pounds. Here are a few that I found.

For Cooking: Buckskin, Chelsey, Dickinson Field, Kentucky Field

Standard Orange: grows between 2-5 pounds; Baby Bear, Baby Pam, Small Sugar

Standard Orange: grows between 8-15 pounds; Autumn gold,Frosty Face, Spirit

Standard Orange: grows between 15-25 pounds; Aspen, Big Autumn, Big Tom, Connecticut Field

When selecting a pumpkin for carving look for one that is healthy with a long stem. If it sounds mushy inside and rolls select another one. For cooking select one with the stem attached and no soft spots. It will keep up to one month at room temperature and three months refrigerated.
When you are ready to cook it cut the whole pumpkin in several large pieces removing the seeds and pith. Place the pieces skin side up in a large deep baking pan or roasting pan and fill with one inch of water. Cook 30 minutes until soft and remove to cool. Peel off the skin and cut in chunks and mash. Now you have fresh homemade pumpkin that you can use in your recipe.

Pumpkins are classified as gourd-like squash that are full of antioxidants and beta-carotene which is converted to Vitamin A in our bodies. One cup of cooked pumpkin has only 49 calories.
These wonderful orange gems can be made into pies, breads,soups, muffins and more.

Just about every town have a pumpkin patch that you can visit and purchase a pumpkin. There may be Organic pumpkin patches available in your area. If you want to explore more from your home check out this website at http://www.localharvest.org/ to see where they are located.

Yes! Fall is finally here and with it came golden sparkles of patches that have made me hungry right now for a pumpkin pie. Remember to check out the website for any local Organic pumpkin patches. Our local farmers will be so happy that you did. Getting to know who they are and supporting their efforts will encourage them to provide us a more healthy and nutritious living.
Have a safe and happy Fall!

Wishing You Well,
Sherlyn Edmonson
www.OrganicPurelyNatural.com





Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Raw Milk

Last week I visited a dairy farm in Decatur, Texas where I made my first purchase of raw milk. This raw milk that I bought came from Jersey cows that are grass fed, antibiotic and hormone free.Since I live in Texas raw milk is not sold in retail stores but on dairy farms that have passed testing and inspection standards before it's sold as certified raw milk. I was totally amazed of how rich and creamy it tasted. Nothing like the conventional milk sold in stores. Jersey, Devon, and Guernsey cows have a high level of butterfat which makes raw milk tastes even creamier. So if you are like me look for raw milk that comes from these babies.


I believe raw milk can heal you from illnesses and strengthen your health. My husband grew up on Jersey grass fed cows and could not stand the taste of raw milk. When he was young he became sick with strep throat and later on developed rheumatic fever. He became bed-ridden, weak, could not walk, and the sight of food made him sick. He had a schoolmate who came down with the same illness and she died. My husband's mother knew that if he did not eat he would die too. So she fed him only raw milk a few sips at a time. He said it was very hard to swallow at times but it was his only hope. After 6 weeks he gained strength and showed signs of improvements. Raw milk is full of living enzymes, vitamins, protein, calcium, minerals and fat globules. It is like the perfect food. Healthy cows are grass fed, farmed on land through Organic methods, and in a safe toxic free environment. Milk that have been processed loses all healthful benefits. Pasteurization destroy the nutrients and proteins and enzymes are denatured. Through homogenization milk fat globules are destroyed by forcing milk through tubes under pressure. This reduce their size and the membranes are lost causing the fat to absorb proteins and creating oxidation.

If raw milk sounds good to you give it a try. For more information you can visit www.realmilk.com and www.raw-milk-facts.com . Dairy farmers need our support to encourage them to feel good about what they believe in to deliver good and wholesome food to us. Take care of yourself and have a healthy day!

Sherlyn Edmonson
www.Organicpurelynatural.com

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Local Organic Farming

It is always a good feeling when we support a worthy good cause. When that cause is supported by a larger community the greater in chance it will flourish. That's why it's very important to support our local Organic farmers. When we purchase meats or produce at an Organic farm stand we are supporting that local farmer. This farmer took careful measures to ensure us that we are getting the best what nature intended us to have.

Meats from animals are grass fed, Organic feed, no antibiotics, no hormones, and no modified genes. Fruits and vegetables are grown using the same care without the use of dangerous synthetic pesticides. Animals are free-range and are more healthier than locked up caged animals. These animals are getting a humane and healthy attention from farmers who cares.

Organic farmers are healthy farmers. They are not exposed to the chemicals from dangerous pesticides and fertilizers. They use manure to fertilize the soil that comes from Organic fed cows which is Eco Friendly for the environment. Ground water and soil is preserved and not destroyed from this treatment. Farmers also rotate their crops. This method helps prevent diseases, reduce pests, control weeds, and prevents soil depletion.

Whenever you buy from a local farm stand you are supporting a worthy cause. Our local farmers need the encouragement from people who believe in them to provide us with food that is healthy and organically raised. I choose to support local Organic farming. What about you?

Wishing you well,
Sherlyn Edmonson
http://www.organicpurelynatural.com/

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Non-Organic Fruits and Vegetables

We all know that Organic Fruits and Organic vegetables can be very costly. Just about everyone is living on a limited budget and grocery shopping can be a chore for some. I know for me. When grocery shopping for fresh produce, I always strive to buy Organic or I will do without a certain fruit or vegetable if it not Organic. Recently I did some research and found out that there are fruits and vegetables that contain high amounts of pesticides and some that have less. The thin skinned type can easily absorb pesticides. Among them are peaches, nectarines, potatoes,celery, peas, apples, grapes, spinach, all lettuces, peppers, tomatoes, and cherries. If it posses a thin skin, you can say that it have a higher concentration of pesticides. I also did some research and found out you can reduce some residue and bacteria. Mix one half water and one half vinegar(preferably organic) in a bowl and soak the fruit or vegetable for a minute or so and rinse.
Thick skin fruit and vegetables have the least amount of pesticides. Bananas, pineapples, avocados, broccoli, cauliflower, kiwi, onions, garlic, melons, mangoes, corn, citrus fruits, and papayas which to name a few. All of these have a stronger protective barrier that allow less pesticides to penetrate. When removing pesticides from this type of produce, mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the produce. Rub in and rinse. This rinse is also great to remove wax like on apples.

For me Organic Living is like taking baby steps. It is a choice that I have made for my health and well being. I will continue to research and take in account of what others have to say. Always remember you are never too young or too old to change for the best!

Wishing you well,
Sherlyn Edmonson
http://www.organicpurelynatural.com/

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Organic Baby

Last month I became the proud grandmother of twin girls. If you are a grandmother you can't help but to run out and fill your beloved grandchildren closet with the cutest clothes. With so many outfits from the practical onesies to the fanciest attire your baby could be doing the run way in Organic wear. Organic Baby clothes are made from 100% cotton that have not been genetically altered and pesticide free. Always look for a certified organic clothing label if your serious about Organic wear for your baby.
When it comes time to nightie night or nap time your baby can rest assure with Organic Bedding. Crib sheets, mattresses, blankets are just to name a few of what you may find when considering these Organic. A baby's touch is gentle why not surround it with gentleness.

We all know that breast feeding is the best choice to feed our babies. If this is not an option for you consider an Organic Formula supplement. A wonderful healthy choice that is made without artificial colors, pesticides, or hormones. Make a healthy decision by giving your baby the best.
Why not start your baby off in this world with Organic Living? You will be investing in a future that will give your child a healthier living and one that will appreciate what Organic Living means.



Wishing you well,
Sherlyn Edmonson
OrganicPurelyNatural.com

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Vermont- A State Of Organic Living

Last week I had the pleasure to vacation in the state of Vermont. This beautiful green mountain state is well known for it's dairy farms, produce, cheeses, strong communities, Organic Living, covered bridges and of course maple syrup. I had such a thrill sampling different grades of maple syrups and cheeses that were made right there on farms the natural way. I later learned that the major brands of pancake syrup have none to 4 percent of pure maple syrup added. So if you had a taste of pure and natural maple syrup you'll never go back to the store brands again. The same is true for the cheeses. The taste of the cheeses are flavorful, vibrant and full of healthy enzymes. The folks who prepare the maple syrups and cheese put a lot of care into them.
Vermont have several communities or towns that are centered on "Town Green", which is like in the center part of town the community hosts events such as concerts, antique car shows, vendors and farmers' markets. While admiring a covered bridge in Woodstock, Vermont I noticed a man setting up a table on the "Town Green". Later I found out that vendors and local farmers will be out to sell their products. I had a good time to see so many Organic vegetables , and Organic baked goods. One of the baked goods that impressed so much was the Organic Fruit pies. They were beautiful! If you're craving fruit pies why not make it Organic.
The people of Vermont believe in supporting their communities by buying locally grown Organic food. This helps the flow of money in their community, saves energy, less packaging, encourage farmers to work and benefits the landscape. By working together I know that the love and strength for their land will be handed down from generations to generations.
I hope you get a chance to visit Vermont one day and who knows you may see me eating a slice of an Organic Fruit pie.

Wishing You Well,
Sherlyn Edmonson
organicpurelynatural.com

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Organic Pear Trees

About 10 years ago my husband and I stumbled upon two pears trees in the middle of a vacant lot not far from where we live. The unkempt lot is covered with weeds and tall grass so we take my husband's truck to get to the pears trees. Every year around the end of September we would go pear picking. If the rainfall was good during the previous months the harvest would be plentiful. Since these pears remained untouched from harmful pesticides I know that they are truly safe to eat and are considered Organic Fruit. Some of these Organic pears are unattractive in appearance and I may occasionally find a fruit maggot(requires extra cleaning) but that does not stop me from enjoying the healthful benefits from these green gems. Hey I eat Organic Fruit for what it's doing inside my body not for what it looks on the outside. Organic Fruit is expensive and this is one way I can enjoy at least one type of Organic Fruit free during early fall.

If you are thinking of planting an Organic Fruit tree a small back yard or garden is enough space. Most fruit trees blossom with beautiful flowers and a heavenly scent(lemon and lime trees have a wonderful fragrance) An apple tree such as a crab apple is a great start. Uncanniest to me and my husband planted an apple tree in our backyard about 3 years ago and thought it was a non bearing apple tree. Well a month ago we noticed green apples growing now. Pollination is a factor. There are some fruit trees that need pollination and some are self pollinating. Talk with your nursery to find out what's best for you. So with a little patience because it takes a few years before your fruit tree produces you will be harvesting Organic Fruit before you know it!



Wishing You Organically Well,

Sherlyn Edmonson
OrganicPurelyNatural.com

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Natural Beauty

Everyday we make a decision about what article of clothing we are going to wear. Should we do the same when it comes to our decision about what we put on our skin? What we put on our skin goes deeper than we think. You see our skin is like a sponge and can absorb anything that is put on it. A Skincare regimen that includes a myriad of cosmetics and cleansers that contain chemical emulsifiers and preservatives is not beneficial for your skin. Overtime our skin becomes loaded with these poisons and may cause illness.
Organic Natural Skin Care products promote healthy and supple skin. The ingredients listed on these products contains Organic and Natural substances that you sometimes can eat! With this in mind our skin is getting some good food stuff. Organic Natural Skincare encourages healthy skin naturally. It doesn't matter if your young or old we all benefit from the beauty of Organic Natural Skincare. Make sure that your product reads USDA ORGANIC so that you get the full advantage of healthy skin. Also our skin is the largest organ of our body so feed it well!

Wishing You Well,
Sherlyn Edmonson

www.organicpurelynatural.com

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

More Enzymes Please

Ever wonder why you see a low stock of Organic produce in a health food store or supermarket? It is because of the high content of enzymes that they contain. These helpful enzymes will start digesting within the fruit or vegetable which will cause the produce to spoil sooner. Commercially grown produce have been genetically altered to supply a low amount of enzymes to last longer in stores. When we eat our pancreas releases necessary enzymes to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The more we eat processed and genetically altered food our pancreas gets stressed out because of the demand of releasing enzymes to digest food. Nourishing our bodies from eating Organic raw food helps our pancreas by providing enzymes.

A deficiency of enzymes causes chronic fatigue, chronic pains and a low immune system. Natural Organic fruits and vegetables will help combat these problems. Do some research and see for yourself of how Organic fruits and vegetables are beneficial to your health. I know that eating an organic apple helps my indigestion at times. Take charge of your health. I'm filling my plate with more enzymes. What about you?

Wishing You Well
Sherlyn Edmonson
www.organicpurelynatural.com

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Organics In My Life

Nowadays I am seeing more and more of organics and Eco friendly products in Supermarkets. That makes me happy. The choices from fruits, vegetables dairy, meats and cleaning supplies just to name a few are becoming available in your everyday shopping. I do become disappointed when I do not see a certain organic fruit or vegetable in stock when I am shopping. Luckily I can find it in the frozen food section as an alternative to fresh such as frozen organic strawberries and blueberries. Organic frozen fruit is available year round whereas seasonal fruit is here when it’s time for harvest. You will always find organic milk in my refrigerator. I enjoy my milk coming from cows that are free from added hormones and vaccines given to them. These cows are raised on farms where they are free to roam and graze on land and feed that is not treated with harmful pesticides and herbicides. The same is true pertaining to chickens, turkeys or other animals that are raised this way.
Baby steps are the key for me while I am still in this process to living organically. It can be very costly as you may know but let this not discourage you. Choosing to live organic and Eco friendly encourages a better environment and a healthier lifestyle.

Wishing You Well,
Sherlyn Edmonson
organicpurelynatural.com