Despite its association with Christmas and romantic tradition, mistletoe has a long and interesting history that extends back to ancient times.
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Over the past few years America has become obsessed with one thing during the fall season. Pumpkin spice! Everything from coffee to soap is now available in pumpkin spice, but what exactly is that spice? It’s actually a mixture of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg with nutmeg and cinnamon making up the primary ingredients. Spices have always been important throughout history, and a prime example is the amazing history of nutmeg.
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The apple is the pomaceous fruit of the apple tree, species Malus domestica in the rose family (Rosaceae). It is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits, and the most widely known of the many members of genus Malus that are used by humans. The tree originated in Western Asia, where its wild ancestor, the Alma, is still found today.
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To most gardeners, dandelions are a nuisance that invades our beautiful lawns and gardens. However, that wasn’t always the case. In fact, dandelions were intentionally introduced to North America by European settlers. Why?!?!?!
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Along a few miles of the Pacific Coast at the Oregon and California border lies a unique area where the ideal combination of climate, soil, water and man has developed a product of deep meaning, beauty and tradition - the Easter Lily.
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The plant we know today as the poinsettia has long and interesting history.
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It’s hard to imagine an American Thanksgiving table without the ubiquitous orange-crusted custard made from strained, spiced and twice-cooked squash.
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With canning season upon us, we’re going to take a look at how to preserve your harvest over the next few weeks. There’s no better place to start than with one of the first known preservations methods. Do you like your pickles sour or sweet? Let us know in the comments.
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During World War I, a severe food crisis emerged in Europe as agricultural workers were recruited into military service and farms were transformed into battlefields. As a result, the burden of feeding millions of starving people fell to the United States.
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I have always been interested in studying history, and in West Virginia we have a rich history that holds many secrets and stories.
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This past week while on vacation at Folly Beach, SC, I had the opportunity to visit a natural wonder. Down a dirt road in the low country of South Carolina there is a tree older than the United States! The Angel Oak tree is estimated at 300-400 years old.
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