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

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/

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/

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

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

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