River’s Edge Organic Mini Farm

From River’s Edge Organic Mini Farm

Hudson Valley, New York

This past year, I foraged daily for wild edibles in the forest garden, planted a medicinal herb garden where I am growing my own medicine and grew an abundant amount of food in the enclosed vegetable garden.

I managed to save some of the wild edibles that will be used over the coming winter months like maple syrup, white mulberries, burdock, golden oyster mushrooms, elderberry and red clover.

From the medicinal garden, I harvested and dried mint, chamomile, calendula petals, and lemon verbena and from the vegetable garden herbs that I used to make herb salt, and also jalapeno and red chili peppers.

Trying every day to live and eat as healthy as I can!

I took a photo of a selection of storage jars I have in my pantry, with messy labels I made from scraps of paper. The following is a breakdown of what I saved or made (maple syrup and herb salt), it’s health benefits and how I use it.

Maple Syrup (syrup): good for your heart; immune system support; is an antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals. Eaten on pancakes, or added to smoothies or oatmeal.

White Mulberries (dried): antioxidant; high in fiber and protein and packed with nutrients. Added to oatmeal or eaten as a snack.

Golden Oyster Mushrooms (dried): high in protein; good source of vitamins D, B2, B3 and B5; antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; antibacterial and high in fiber. Added to stews, vegetable stir fries, pasta sauces, omelets or salad.

Burdock (Dried): detoxification; powerhouse of antioxidants; induces lymphatic drainage and blood purifier. Used to make stock base for soups.

Elderberry (dried): high in vitamin C and dietary fiber; packed with antioxidants; boosts the immune system; eases cold and flu symptoms. Made into syrup and taken by the spoonful.

Chamomile (dried): improves sleep; promotes digestive health; lowers blood pressure and lowers blood sugar levels. Taken as a tea.

Mint (dried): relieves indigestion; relieves tension or migraine headaches; relieves blood pressure; relieves clogged sinuses; has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Taken as a tea.

Calendula Petals (dried): builds immunity strength; stimulates bile movement; detoxification of free radicals; anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic. Added to salad.

Lemon Verbena (dried): high antioxidant; promotes weight loss; reduces joint pain; strengthens muscles; reduces inflammation; boosts immunity; aids digestion and helps eliminate phlegm and mucous. Taken as a tea.

Herb Salt (dried): herbs fight inflammation; rich in antioxidants; fights against bacteria and packed with nutrients. REAL salt has 60 trace minerals. Herbs used were thyme, rosemary, oregano and sage. Used in stews, soups, omelets, past sauces and stir-fries.

Jalapeño Peppers (pickled): high in nutrients; full of vitamins and minerals; antioxidant properties and a good source of fiber. Eaten in omelets, avocadoes, stir-fries, soups and stews.

Red Chili Peppers (dried): contains the excellent compound capsaicin; improves digestive health; improves metabolism; alleviates migraines; fights colds, flus and inflammation. Eaten in stews, soups, pasta sauces, stir-fries and omelets.

Sage (dried): packed with vitamins and minerals; loaded with antioxidants; reduces blood sugar levels and has antimicrobial properties. Eaten with omelets, butternut squash, chicken, beans, pasta sauces or in turkey stuffing.