Natures Secrets
Watermelon Rind Salad
What to do with the rind of your Watermelon? It can be transformed into a refreshing Korea-style side dish. It is very easy, with just a little preparation and time for marinating.
1. Prepare the rind:
Peel away the green outer skin of the watermelon.
Slice the white rind into very thin strips.
2. Blanch:
Place the strips into a heatproof bowl.
Pour boiling water over them and let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
Drain well.
3. Make a marinade:
Combine honey, soy sauce, mild vinegar, aromatic oil, like sesame oil, and a pinch of hot pepper flakes.
4. Marinate:
Toss the blanched rind strips in the marinade.
Let sit for at least 30 minutes or longer for a deeper flavor.
5. Serve:
Enjoy as a crisp, sweet-sour-spicy side dish alongside rice or noodles.
Enjoy this Elderberry Balsamic Glaze with all the goodness Elderberries offer!
Wash a cup of ripe, black Elderberries with no stems. 1 quarter cup of good Apple cider vinegar. 1 quarter cup of Brown sugar, 1 quarter cup of Water to pan and gently simmer for 20 minutes.
Crush the Berries down with the back of a fork, so they release their juices; it should be fairy wet at this stage, so if it reduces down too much before 20 minutes, add more Water.
After 20 minutes, bring the heat up and reduce until the sauce thickens. It should quarter in volume and take on a sticky thick texture. Then take off from the flame and allow to cool slightly.
Pour the sauce through a strainer, into a bowl and press down with the back of a spoon. Then top with extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Press and a pinch of good sea salt, like Celtic Sea Salt for example.
If you want to make more you absolutely can. If poured into a sterilized jar, it should keep in the fridge for a few weeks, or it can be frozen in ice cube trays.
Enjoy your time foraging wild Elderberry plant: it is not just a fruit, it is medicine supporting your immune system: antiviral, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer anti- heart disease, anti-diabetes, and anti- Alzheimer's!
CCF: Ayurveda Miracle Tea
Combine these three spices- cumin, coriander and fennel- this ancient Ayurveda tea will aid in nutrient absorption and stimulate lymphatic system, promoting overall digestive wellness.
Benefits of Cumin:
Stimulates agni ( digestive fire)
Decreases gas and soothes digestion
Flushes out ama (toxic waste)
Relieves congestion and smoothes inflamed mucous membranes
Contains antioxidants and iron, improving elimination and overall health
Cumin is pacifying to vata and kapha doshas, but its eating nature is balanced by coriander and fennel, making it suitable even for pittas.
Benefits of Coriander
Improves digestion and relieves gas
Helps with pitta disorders, especially urinary and digestive issues
Increases digestion and absorption, treating intestinal disorders
Reduces inflammation, even helping with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Benefits of Fennel
Strengthens agni without aggravating pitta
Stops cramping and relaxes the digestive tract
Promotes mental alertness and aids in IBS relief
Increases fat burning and helps move lymph.
CCF Tea Recipe:
1 Tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 cup of water
1- Heat the water over high heat. 2- Add the seeds.
3- Allow the tea to boil for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the strength desired.
4- Strain the seeds and enjoy!
Nettles, the plant that stings but heals even harder.
Nettles are incredible versatile, and once you know how to handle them safely, they can become a staple in your kitchen and medicine cabinet.
This plant is the most nutrient- dense food on earth. It has more iron than spinach and more calcium than milk.
It is packed with proteins, vitamins and it is an ancient medicine. It cleans your blood, strengthens your bones, it supports your kidneys, and it cools the fire of inflammation in your gut, on your skin, and joints.
We just need to remember, Nettles didn’t go anywhere. We just lost the wisdom to use them. You only get stung by this once.
1) Harvesting Nettles:
*When to harvest: Spring to early summer, before the flower: after flower, they become too tough and can accumulate compounds that may irritate the kidneys.
* Use gloves and scissors to snip the top- 4-6 inches of the young Nettle plants.
* Where to pick: Wild areas away from pollution, pesticides, or pet traffic. Always forage responsibly and sustainably.
2) Neutralizing the Sting:
* Blanch: Drop fresh Nettles into boiling water for 30 seconds, then rince with cold water.
* Cook: Saute, steam, or add to soups: Cooking neutralizes the sting.
* Dry: Hang them in a dry, shaded area or use dehydrator. Once dry, you can crumble the leaves to tea or seasoning.
3) Culinary Uses:
Nettles have a mild, slightly grassy flavor- between spinach and cucumber.
* Nettle Tea: Pour hot water over dry leaves and steep 5-10 minutes. Add honey, lemon, or mint.
* Nettle Soup: Classic use in Europe. Cook with (onions), potatoes, vegetable broth, and other vegetables.
* Nettle Pesto: Blanch leaves, blend with nuts/ seeds, olive oil, and cheese (optional)
*I n place of greens: Use in omelettes, stir-fries, curries, lasagna, or quiche.
* Smoothies: Use a small amount of blanched nettle or powder for a mineral-rich green boost.
4) Medicinal Properties:
Always consult your health-care professional if you have specific health conditions, but traditionally, Nettles are used for:
* Nettle Tea or Capsules:
* Anti-inflammatory ( arthritis, allergies, gut inflammation)
* Kidney and urinary support( mild diuretic)
* Iron-rich tonic ( especially good for fatigue or anemia)
* Tincture:
*Stronger concentration for allergy relief or chronic inflammation.
External:
* Nettle infused Oil
* Use topically for joint pain, eczema, or skin heal.
* Hair rince ( Tea or Vinegar)
* Stimulates hair growth and soothes scalp issues.
* Poultice: (Fresh or Dried)
* Traditionally used directly on skin for pain relief( ironic but real- called urtication).
PRECAUTIONS:
* Wear gloves when handling fresh Nettles.
* Don’t eat raw. Fresh Nettles unless juiced unless blended extremely well- blanch them quickly!
* Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding unless under professional guidance.
* Diuretic effects may interact with medications or low blood pressure.
~Enjoy all the Nettles benefits!
