Home Grown Organics - Our first workshop

Our first workshop stemmed from the need to find a more affordable alternative to store-bought organic products.  After all, safe food should be available to everyone regardless of our wallet size. We offered the home grown solution - If you grow it, you know (what went into) it and you get to eat it, share it or sell it with pride and confidence.  And, as we learnt at the workshop, you don't 'bong to have' a garden plot; even a balcony could be set up for growing some of the food needed to sustain a family.  

But the venue was perfect... in every way.  It belonged to an avid horticulturist who had attended the various workshops held by La Souce over the past year.  The orchid garden was simply beautiful and the bromeliads, the most unusual varieties I have ever seen.  Interesting features like the stone-filled tyres forming a pathway to the kitchen garden where we planted the herbs and the tree stump that was repurposed as a home for a stunning assortment of bromeliads... and the pond built by La Souce at their last workshop.  This was Some of our participants were able to purchase a few plants.

Tree stump repurposed in a magnificent way

As the aroma of Appolonia's Select Organic coffee filled the air (special thanks to Ryan and Appolonia Stollmeyer for supplying us with samples ) as participants began to arrive, excited to meet one another and the organizers.  In fact, I have not seen a more enthusiastic gathering in a long time.

Nicholas Mohammed

Jameel and Ciele of Green Thumb provided the seedlings which participants would later sow into the new organic bed under the guidance of Carlson of La Souce.   Following brief introductions, the first speaker Nicholas address took the floor, delivering a dynamic introduction to organic gardening as he focused on the need to treat the earth and all the creatures dependent on it with care and consideration.  Organisms work hard to make soil healthy for plants to grow as well as pests and  how to encourage natural predation in our gardens (think ladybugs devouring the dreaded mealybug).  According to the IUCN human activity has already forced 869 animal species into extinction.  Nicholas' plea was, "don't kill them, just control them'. 

The next speaker wished not be highlighted on the internet and so his name will be withheld but we must acknowledge his erudite contribution on selection of plant species and varieties for the soil available.  His simple, sensible message: "Instead of planting what we want to grow (we should) ask, what does the soil want to grow?"  

Gillian Goddard

Our third speaker held our attention for over an hour.  This special lady's name is apparently synonymous with 'organic lifestyle' in T&T because everytime I had spoken to someone about the We Organic TT journey,  they referred me to Gillian Goddard, '...she owns a cocoa estate, Sun Eaters organics' and 'that's the person you need to speak to'.   And as she spoke, I understood the reason.  Gillian is dedicated to living a zero waste and organic lifestyle and  to helping others along the path.  She works with the farmers with the Alliance of Rural Communities (ARCTT) who prepare 100% organic CSA baskets every other week.


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenewruraltt/

John Stollmeyer

We were fortunate to also have in attendance John Stollmeyer of Wa Samaki Permaculture Eco-Systems, the focus of a recent movie, Quiet Revolution, by Rhonda Chan Soo and Edward Inglefield.  Wa Samaki has become a teaching and learning hub for ecological agriculture and sustainable community-based living.   Their next Permaculture Design Course will be held over 2 weeks in March 2017.  Read more

Participants listening attentively

Carlson Teloka

Carlson Teloka conducted the practical session with discussion and demonstration of each step:  The quality and composition of the soil required for growing organics, how to prepare the ground for proper drainage, how to select and plant the seedlings.  Some participants assisted in preparing the organic vegetable/herb bed and planting the seedlings while others took photos.

Armed with a lot of new knowledge to put into practice at the end, all agreed it was a day well spent.

Preparing the bed for planting

What is Organic Gardening? Prelude to Workshop

Tomato seedlings for a home organic garden

Preparations are in full swing for our first Home Grown Organics Workshop to be held  in 4 days time.   As the excitement builds I thought it will be useful to discuss what Organic Gardening is and what it isn't.

Organic gardening is not:-

• Using Roundup to get rid of the grass in the garden bed, then buying seeds or seedlings from your neighborhood agricultural shop and just planting them. 
• Having a random fruit or vegetable plant grow effortlessly in your yard.  If you don't know where it originated you can't really say it is organic.  It might have come from GMO see.  Genetic modification is used in large-scale farming to have crops develop particular desired traits, produce insecticides in their tissues or to be immune to particular herbicides.  While this may sound like a great idea, the real concern for those against GMOs is that the process of gene splicing introduces to one species genes from an entirely different species, something that would never happen in nature as their reproductive organs don't match.
• Spraying synthetic pesticides or fertilizer only when the plants are young and treating them as though they are organic afterwards.  

Nutrient-dense, organic soil

Organic gardening is:-

• Growing plants for human and/or animal consumption using natural, organic fertilisers, and natural means of controlling weeds and pests.
• Using organic or heirloom seeds to start seedlings fore the garden.
• Ensuring the soil you cultivate has not had synthetic chemicals applied to it for at least 7 years; in the US this time frame has been reduced to 3 years.  This includes avoiding sewerage sludge, irradiation (read more) and conserving wetlands,woodlands and wildlife.

Challenges

Care must also be taken to ensure that neighbouring yards do not use the chemicals and seeds that you avoid; imagine that you are downwind from a garden to which synthetic chemicals are being applied and understand that the your plants and soil will be affected by this.  GMO seeds can also reach your garden by travelling on the wind.

The Home Grown Organic Garden

For the organic home gardener the emphasis is on developing practices that nurture the ecosystem which in turn sustains and nourishes the plants, microbes and beneficial insects.

It all begins with improving the soil by adding organic matter.  This is done by mixing compost into the soil to increase its water and nutrient retention. This introduces microbes into the soil that are essential for healthy plant growth.  Compost can be made from grass clippings, leaves, organic yard debris and kitchen scraps.  

Pest control is achieved by such means as companion planting or natural concoctions such as cayenne or garlic spray.  Click here are a couple of tips to try out.

To learn actual Organic Gardening methods, register for our workshop to be held in St. Joseph, Sunday November 20, 2016.  Find out more.

Mung Kitchree - A Family Fave

Kitchree - a quick, nutritious, protein packed one-pot dish

Known as a healing food in Ayurveda, kitchree (also spelt kichadi or kitchari) is a totally vegan dish that was traditionally made by my grandmother, with split peas and rice, carrots and poi bhaji, flavoured with turmeric, garlic, ginger and the ubiquitous scotch bonnet pepper. Mum would add eddoes for variation and for a really special taste, use mung beans instead of split peas. Everyone always wanted more. Dr. John Douillard of lifespa.com shares the amazing benefits of using kichree during an Ayurvedic cleanse here.

I was happy to find whole grain mung at New Earth Organic Enterprises Ltd on my recent visit 'cause I have been craving this comfort food for a while.  

Organic produce from New Earth Organics

Mung beans

Now that I have children of my own Kitchree has become my go-to meal for quick , tasty, wholesome food that even my teen sons love.

According to nutritiondata.self.com mung is low in saturated fat and sodium and very low in cholesterol.  It is a good source of protein, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, riboflavin, folate, copper and manganese.

You can also find mung (aka moong) at Extra Foods Supermarkets but to be sure it was organic, I chose to get mine from New Earth Organics, along with the vegetables I used in this dish.  

Ingredients

• 1 c. brown rice washed and soaked for 5 mins. Note: Use white rice when this dish is being used as part of an Ayurvedic cleanse.

• 1 c. mung beans soaked overnight and cooked. Note: overnight soaking helps to split the skins and release gas making the bean easier to digest.

• Assorted veggies thinly sliced or chopped, such as: eddoes, yam, carrots, pumpkin, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach (imported or local), kale, poi (malabar spinach) or water cress.  A good rule of thumb is to include some that grow below the ground as well as some that grow above the ground.

Seasonings and Spices for the Kitchree

                                                                                

Spices and Other Ingredients
3tbsp ghee
1 scotch bonnet whole or 6 pimentos chopped
1 medium onion chopped
1 inches of ginger minced
4 cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoons peppercorns
2 tsp whole grain geera (cumin)
3 sprigs cilantro
2 bay leaves
1 tsp Himalayan rock salt or fire salt
1 tbsp turmeric
1/4 tsp garam masala
2 tbsp Bragg's Amino Acid
Approx. 5 c. boiling water

Steps

1. Saute onions and pepper in hot ghee. When onions are transparent add remaining spices and mix well.  Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
2. Add vegetables and mix thoroughly.  Cover and simmer until veggies are tender (approx.10 minutes).  Add cooked mung and simmer for another 5 minutes.
3. Add rice, mix thoroughly, add boiling water (to about 1 inch above the level of the ingredients).  Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Stir from time to time to prevent sticking to bottom of pot.  Turn off the heat when the texture looks porridge-like.
4. Serve hot with coconut chutney.

Try this recipe with all organic ingredients you can easily find at New Earth Organics, and let me know if your family loves it like mine do :) 

New Earth Organics, 80 Robert Street Woodbrook; 622-3643

Locally Grown, Bean-to-Bar Organic Chocolates

Cacao belongs to the genus Theobroma, Greek for 'food of the gods'.  Is it any wonder then that dopamine stimulating, divinely tasting chocolate is made from the fruit of this tree?

Some of us might remember the days when cocoa was king in T&T.  During the 1860s to the 1920s (no, I have not been around that long, hahaha), the country was one of the world's top five producers (Cocoa History TT). My grandfather's estate produced a fine drinking chocolate and the best coffee I have ever tasted... but I digress.  Cocoa prices began to fall following this period, followed by the dreaded witch broom disease and by the late 1960s the industry had collapsed and acres of cocoa estates were left to ruin.  

In recent years there has been a resurgence of the cocoa industry, with several estates implementing sustainable or organic practices and once again Trinidad and Tobago's cocoa is wooing the world and achieving coveted International Cocoa Awards .  The three chocolate producers listed below are Bean-to-Bar or single-origin cacao farmers.  Their products have  a distinct advantage over those created from blends and they can guarantee quality at every stage of the value chain and have complete control over the product's quality and flavour.  

Sun Eaters Organics

Single origin/single estate Trinitario gourmet chocolate bars, described as having a 'rare and precious taste' that gives you a unique sensorial experience.  Sun Eaters Organics takes great care to control the bean-to-bar process of chocolate making, creating a chocolate that preserves the beans' distinctive flavours.  

Sun Eaters Organics achieved the Mott Green Award for Sustainability 2014, a tribute to their dedication to quality at every stage of production from their organic farming methods  to selection of the most eco-friendly packaging available for the product.

In addition to chocolate bars and hearts, they also produce 100% organic cacao powder, gluten free organic banana flour, gluten free pancake mix and gluten free brownie mix.


The Brasso Seco Chocolate Company

This estate located in the heart of the Northern Range, Trinidad, creates  quality fine flavour chocolate bars in four flavours: original, Premium, Mocha and Espresso.





Soular - Eat the Sun, Feed Your Soul

Soular aims to 'create delicious foods that come from nearby, that are gently processed, using sunlight and that have nothing artificial added to them. Ever.'  Their products include rich and delicious Mayan style drinking chocolate, Trinitario cacao nibs and sundried bananas.  They are alway experimenting on the next tasty,good-for-you-good-for-the-earth organic treat.



You can find these specialty items at most gourmet and organic stores and also at Sweet Nothings- Trincity Mall, Veg Out- UWI, the M Store at the airport and Tobago Chocolate Delights - Tobago.

Here's to our  local cacao industry once again giving the world the gift of fine chocolate!

And now that you know of three that are organic, go out and find them, taste them and share your experience...

We Organic TT welcome your comments.

Goodbye Whole Foods Market, Hello...?

Re-branding of Whole Foods Market

I needed to get some organic eggs for that breakfast recipe I posted a few days ago so I thought I'd check Whole Foods Market at Royal Palm Plaza, Maraval.  

I got there to see a sign on the door saying 'Re-opening Soon' but the door clicked to let me in anyway.  They were in the midst of restocking and re-branding, I was told by the Manager, however they were present to deal with any emergency requests a customer might have. 

Eggs were not an emergency so we chatted instead about the re-branding.  I won't spill the beans but Whole Foods Market is scheduled to re-open its doors in 2 weeks time with a new name, new management, new decor. A wonderfully new shopping experience is coming your way, with well-stocked shelves  of your favorite organic products as well as lots of new items, carefully selected to ensure top quality and taste.  Fresh organic produce will also be available from permaculture farm Wa Samaki.

I can hardly wait...

How To Eat Organic On A Budget

Organic products at New Earth Organic Enterprises 

Once you have decided to follow the organic path you will experience improved health almost immediately.  That's right, your digestive tract will be one of the first body parts to thank you.  You will also realise that you have to make some adjustments to your budget.  We are here to help you stay the course with these 30 Tips to Eat Organic on a Budget:

1. Choose brands that are cheaper. Once it is labeled 100% certified organic it means it has the same value as the more expensive item.
2. Always use your shopper's club card.  The points you earn will bring rewards or can be redeemed at certain stores.  
3. Choose local organic food.  This is important as land and sea transport leaves a significant carbon footprint.
4. Find a farmers market near you (check my previous post on Farmers' Markets) – get to know your local farmers, create a personal relationship and negotiate prices.
5. Ask your farmer about his farming practices. There are many farmers out there that use natural alternatives to control pests and weeds, but don't label their products as 'Organic'. Show them that consumers want organic products.
6. Be the last person to leave the farmer’s market. Farmers will likely cut their prices at the end of the day, so they do not have to take their produce back to the farm.
7. Set up a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program such as the San Antonio Green Market. This way  to you and neighbours contribute to a local farm’s operating expenses while getting a weekly box of fresh fruits and vegetables.

GROW YOUR OWN FOOD - It's Cheaper and Tastes Great!

1. Plant an herb pot in your kitchen or somewhere convenient so you can always have fresh herbs on hand. Organic herbs are one of the most overpriced items at the grocery store.
2. Once you start growing produce, give herbs, fruits and vegetables as gifts to family and friends (saving money on other material objects they might otherwise not use or collect).
3. Remember to buy non-GMO seeds, check out Sow True Seed for lots of options.
4. Remember, a pricey restaurant doesn’t equal organic or quality food – going to a grocery store and picking up some organic food will save you money and your health.
5. Bring your food with you in a cooler – even if you are flying. Did you know you can check a cooler?
6. Bring filtered water with you wherever you go in a reusable safe water bottle so you never have to buy expensive bottled water.
7. Always carry snacks like homemade trail mix in your purse or bag for emergencies.
8. At the movies, bring your own organic popcorn and snacks if they do not offer them. There is no reason to pay a premium for conventional food.

STOP WASTING FOOD - Tips for Making Them Last:Longer

1. Raw nuts and flours should be kept in the refrigerator to last longer without going rancid.
2. Line your refrigerator’s crisper drawer with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. They’ll absorb excess moisture which will help keep produce longer.
3. To repel bugs, place a bay leaf in containers of rice, flour and pastas.
4. Buy and keep bananas separated from one another, they spoil slower.
5. Turn almond butter, yogurt, sour cream, tahini and cottage cheese containers upside down when stored in the fridge – this creates a vacuum seal, keeping them fresh longer
6. Do not throw away nut meal from homemade nut milk – use it for smoothies, baked goods like biscotti or to make nut flours by placing the pulp on a baking sheet and drying it out in a 250 degree oven or dehydrator.
7. Repurpose vegetable pulp from juicing to add fiber to soups, smoothies or make crackers or bread.
8. Place limp celery, baby carrots and radishes in water with a slice of potato to make them crunchy again.
9. Keep all organic citrus fruits in the fridge – they will last up to 1-2 weeks longer.
10. Do not wash organic dark leafy greens or berries until they are ready to consume.
11. Store herbs, spring onions, asparagus upright in a large glass filled with an inch of water
12. Learn tips and recipes on how to use over the edge food. For examples, bread pudding with stale bread, and banana bread with overripe bananas.
13. If you know you will not have a chance to eat it, freeze food before it goes bad.
14. Choose to eat less, use a smaller plate to help you control the amount of food you might eat or end up wasting.
15. Compost all food waste to put nutrients back in your garden (you will spend less on fertilizer).

Change of Venue for Home Grown Organics Workshop

Plans are moving along for our first workshop just 2 weeks away.  Had some hiccups with the planned venue in Santa Cruz but Co-hosts Indira and Carlson of La Souce Environmental found the perfect location in another picturesque valley, Maracas, St. Joseph.

Contact us soon for more info and to register!

Home Grown Organics Workshop 

Facilitated by La Souce Environmental Designs 

Sunday, November 20, 2016  9AM - 1PM

#12, Riverview Gardens, Maracas

St. Joseph

Cost: $500.00 - All required materials and light refreshments will be provided 

Register now- Space Limited  
Call: Marlene at 798-8524   or     Email: omgrowntnt@gmail.com 



A presentation of We Organic TT - Return to Wholesomeness

Try Organic Eggs for Breakfast

Eggs are a quick and easy favourite at our house.  Our teenage twin boys never seem to be satisfied with 3 meals so they learnt early to prepare eggs in various ways and this dish always hits the spot.  

Make a stop at Be Free Organic Grocery in Mucurapo to pick up grass-fed butter, organic eggs, salsa and brown rice tortillas.  The avocado, cilantro/ chadon beni, tomato and lime can be found at Fresh Organics in Maraval, Massy Stores or Tru Valu Supermarket.  

If like me, you thought Free Range, Cage Free and Organic eggs were basically the same, here's a link to Rodale's Organic Life to  help you understand the practices implied by the terms, Free Range, Cage Free, Organic, Pastured...

And let us know what you think of this recipe.

Easy Eggs with Black Beans (Servings 2-4)

Ingredients

4 organic eggs

1 tbsp grass-fed butter

3-6 green chili peppers, chopped (more if you can take the heat)

1 14 oz. can black beans (drained and rinsed to get rid of the white sugar)

1/2 cup grass-fed cheese, grated (optional)

1 small avocado, sliced

4 mixed grain, brown rice or sprouted wheat tortillas 

Salsa

4 small tomatoes, chopped

1-2 tsp lime juice

1 handful cilantro or chadon beni leaves, chopped

Sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste

Steps

1. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat and fry eggs sunny side up or over easy.
2. In another pan, heat up black beans and chilies.
3. Layer on each plate, tortilla, beans and egg; sprinkle with cheese; add avocado.

4. Mix together the salsa ingredients and top off the dish.

5. Serve with Appolonia's Select Organic Trinidad Blend Coffee or a glass of organic coconut water.