Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Sorted by date Results 1 - 15 of 15
Laurus nobilis is the botanical name for sweet bay or Grecian laurel. Laurus is the Latin word for bay tree and nobilis refers to renowned. The early Greeks weaved crowns of bay leaves called laurel wreaths to honor priests, kings, soldiers, scholars, and athletes. They were awarded to athletes at the first Olympics in 776 B.C. and again in 2004 in Greece. The term poet laureate is derived from the custom of presenting a crown of laurel leaves to the outstanding poet of the day. Bay is the...
There are many legends about herbs and the roles they played in the Christmas story. We will explore some of these charming tales in this column. I hope they will add a new dimension to your celebration and a connection with past celebrants. These sacred herbs, which are linked to the Nativity, are often called manger herbs. Rosemary, the herb of remembrance, was silent underfoot as the Holy Family traveled. Its soft, pine shaped leaves muffled the crackling twigs beneath preventing detection, a...
Any one of these names will do! Shiso is Japanese, Zisu is Chinese and Kkaennip is what the Koreans call this very versatile herb. I find it to be beautiful, tasty and unusual in flavor. I think you will too. The botanical name is perilla frutescens var. crispa. I grow the variety that is green on the topside and purple on the underside but it is also available in other colors. It is an attractive perennial that has slightly prickly, ruffled leaves. The flowers are various shades of purple and...
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family and often called catmint. It contains nepetalactone isomers which intoxicate some cats when they smell it. They roll in it to release the essential oils and increase the aroma. The response to it is connected to a genetic trait that only some cats have. It is just a plant to the rest of cat-dom. It has a long history of medicinal use going back to the Roman herbal; Agnus catus. This publication claimed that a cup of this warm, minty and...
Coriandrum sativum is the mysterious plant that yields leaves called cilantro, and coriander seeds. These names are often used interchangeably causing much confusion. The roots like the other plant parts are edible and strong in flavor. This herb is irreplaceable in Indian, Asian, Chinese and Mexican cooking and it holds its own with the assertive tang of chili, garlic, onion, and other spices. It is often called Chinese or Mexican parsley. The leaf shape is similar but the flavor is sharper tha...
There are a variety of ways to preserve and store edible herbs, but let us take a step back. Some important things can be said about harvesting that will provide herbs of high quality. Early morning is best before the essential oils are dried by the sunshine. The leaves are tastiest before the plant flowers, but fresh flowers are delicious and a serving attraction. Do not use leaves or flowers that have dried on the plant. They are tasteless or worse! Use sharp scissors or your nails to pinch...
The name lavender is from the Latin word meaning to wash. The Greeks and Romans bathed and perfumed their bodies with lavender soap and oil. They refreshed their homes and repelled insects with urns filled with this pungent herb. Victorian women used sachets called tussie mussies to overcome unpleasant odors. Those were the "good old days" when bathing was considered unhealthy, because you might get a chill! Lavender was so favored by the British that it was called English lavender, although it...
It was nice to meet many of you column readers at this month's First Friday herb event. I decide to write this column because I found out that costmary is somewhat unknown. That is not surprising because the plants are not commonly sold and I have never seen it sold fresh. A good reason to grow your own! Costmary (chrysanthemum balsamita) flourished from Biblical times through the eighteenth century. It is a mystery why, with its many uses it is so overlooked today. Its minty, lemon, balsam scen...
There are many legends about herbs and the roles they played in the Christmas story. We will explore some of these charming tales in this column. I hope they will add a new dimension to your festivities and a special connection with past celebrants. Herbs that are linked to the Nativity story are often called "manger herbs". Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) was silent underfoot as the Holy Family traveled. The soft leaves muffled the crackling twigs underfoot thus preventing detection and...
Frosty fall has crashed in on us once again, preparing us for the warmth and serenity of a Thanksgiving feast. The aroma of sage and thyme drift through the home where a traditional turkey and stuffing dinner is roasting. The smell of herb bread, minted peas and carrots, and steaming pumpkin soup stimulate appetites as guests excitedly wait! The celebratory scene is set with a fall herb bouquet on the entry door. Small scented herb sprigs adorn drinking glasses tied with the colors of the...
This herb is definitely for hummingbirds, but bird watchers as well as gardeners seeking brilliant fall color and a delectable pineapple scent will enjoy it too. Pineapple sage (salvia elegans) fills so many "bills" that it is a must in every garden. It was formerly called salvia rutilans so either botanical name will suffice when you purchase a plant. It is rarely grown from seed but tip cuttings taken in spring are easy to start. Grow it in an area where it will get morning sun. Provide good...
Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) was deemed “king of herbs” in ancient times. Basilius is the Greek word for king. It was likely brought to Greece from India where it was, and still is revered and used in Hindu religious ceremonies. The French call it “herbe royal”. American Indians used basil for decades before the colonists arrived with their reserve. By the late 1700s basil appeared in advertisements in American newspapers, and was an important ingredient in many of their recipes. It “ rules” today in culinary delights throughout the world. Ther...
Shakespeare’s Ophelia tells us that “rosemary is for remembrance” and over time it has come to be known as such. It is given in the hope that you will be thought about or to signify that someone is on your mind. Did Ophelia mean remembrance or remembering? The ancient Greeks wore garlands of rosemary during exams to improve memory. It is being used today to improve the thinking process in Alzheimer patients. It appears that Ophelia’s meaning may have been misunderstood. Whatever the case, rosemary is a plant of worth! Rosmarinus officin...
There are more than thirty varieties of savories. We will explore the two plants most commonly grown. They are satureja montana (winter savory), and satureja hortensis (summer savory). Both have a peppery- thyme flavor, but the winter savory is somewhat stronger. The word “satura” is derived from the Latin meaning, “satiated”. The flavor of this herb punched up the high starch Roman diet long before trade brought tropical spices like pepper to their tables. Savory was one of the strongest cooking herbs they had for two thousand years. It sati...
I am delighted to have this opportunity to share my passion for herbs and their eatin’, curin’ and smellin’ benefits. Join me monthly as we explore these amazingly beneficial plants. We will start with some companionable herbs. They will turn your garden into a tasty, healthy and aromatic space by being supportive, protective and complementary to your favorite plants. Organic gardeners have long recognized these plant attributes and many herbs rank high on this list. How do they do this? Well, they are among the first bloomers in spring. With...
