A Cup of Miracles~

A Cup of Warm Water and the Juice of Half a Lemon~:)

 

I call this my " Cup of Miracles ".....helps start the day on a hydrated note, which helps prevent dehydration and adrenal fatigue. When your body is dehydrated, (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals are two small glands located on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response. So, the bottom line is that you really don't want to encourage a deep state of dehydration!

 

One simple action in your morning routine can bring you .....

  

A Strong Immune System

 

Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is a must for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain & nerve function and helps control blood pressure.

 

A Balanced pH

 

Yes, sitting on your counter they are acidic, but inside our bodies they're alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). As we all know ( or should ) an alkaline body is really the key to good health.

 

Helps with weight loss

 

Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster and keep it off in a more stabilized manner.

 

Better digestion activity

 

The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis—the activity of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen toxins in the digestive tract.

Serves as a gentle, natural diuretic

 

Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

 

Clear skin

 

The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. ( who doesn't want a few less wrinkles :)

 

Hydrates the lymph system

 

 

Bea Rigsby-Kunz

Sage Hill Farms

Culinary Herbalist

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

931-438-8328

 

Summer's Garden To Winter's Table~

Now that our gardens are in full swing, over abundant in produce and demanding attention every day to keep it that way....what can we do with all the fruits of our labor.....allowing it to waste away is not an option at Sage Hill...so, the work and the fun begins.

Today we are utilizing all the extra cucumbers, about a half bushel...we have shared, sold, and eaten many...well, actually a lot.

Pickle relish is one of those items that must be carefully scrutinized when purchasing at the super-market...most have High Fructose Corn Syrup, and very high Sodium content...mine will have neither.
~
Mothers Pickle Relish~no doubt my grandmother's too~
( I've adjusted the amount to a smaller batch )
~
5 pounds-small to medium size cucumbers
1 large sweet onion
1 Tbsp Pickling Salt
3 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups cider vinegar-5% acidity
1 Tbsp whole Allspice
1 Tbsp whole Cloves
1-3" cinnamon stick
~
Wash cucumbers and remove the darkest end of the cucumber( blossom end ) this is usually bitter.
Chop cucumbers and onion by hand or in a food processor-combine in a large -non reactive bowl-Sprinkle with pickling salt-mix well-cover and let stand overnight. ( refrigerate )

Next day...Drain well, tie all spices in a cheesecloth bag
In a 6/8 quart saucepan combine vegetable mix, spice bag, and all other ingredients.
Bring to a boil over medium high heat-stirring occasionally.

Boil for 10 minutes-stirring often to avoid sticking.
Remove from heat and remove spices.

Fill hot jars with mixture leaving 1/2 inch space between jar rim and lid.
Carefully run a non-reactive spatula around the inside of jar to release air bubbles.wipe jar tops and threads clean.

Place hot lids on jars and screw bands on firmly.

Process in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes.

~

I use pint size jars and an open top canner...place jars in canner-cover with boiling water to just over the lids...this will assure sealing and the proper action to avoid spoilage....

TIP: Jars that do not seal in a few hours should be left in the frig to eat or thrown out...never store unsealed jars. The content will spoil.
~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Rosemary-An Herb For All Seasons~

Rosemary, a plant/herb for all seasons indeed....a strong determined perennial that will give you years of beauty and production if you are aware of it's needs.

Good drainage is a must...raised-bed growing is fabulous for this-
Home made/composted soil is perfect...a little Fish Emulsion for food every few weeks and no need for any other additives.

Keep the tips snipped to encourage spread instead of straight up growth...makes for a much stronger and prettier plant.

Less instead of more water is the best...too much water and poor drainage is the death of any plant and especially herbs.

Uses....in the summer ( what we have now :) toss wet sprigs on the grill for a fabulous aroma and taste on meats, vegetables, and fruits.

In the fall...it is heavenly on a bonfire or in the fireplace...roasted atop a turkey and allowed to steep on top of the stove for a good smelling home.
Great for the respiratory health too.

Winter and the holidays lend themselves to endless uses of this beautiful evergreen....from a simple but elegant table-scape to a outrageous door wreath...Rosemary is your girl !

July 4th and all is good ~we are grateful.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

From Sage Hill Farms and all the helping hands...we ask you to make this holiday safe, fun, and in honor of the meaning.

Take a stand...EatWell, send a message to the food police...we demand the  safest, the cleanest, and the most nutritious...It's Independence Day !

Happy 4th of July....

The Sage Hill Farms family...
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328

The Perfect Giving Back or Paying It Forward~

....the change you wish to see~




Once in a while, the perfect chance presents itself that allows us to give back in a manner that makes a difference to the whole and not just a chosen few. This is one of those times, Jim Gerritsen in Bridgewater, Main-an organic farmer and advocate for all organic farmers against the damaging actions of the chemical giant...Monsanto-needs our help.

Let me make clear...farmers are not wealthy people...most of us work on a very tight budget, often working against all odds to make a goal and keep our farms and businesses out of the red.

Jim has, over the last 30 years, donated hundreds of hours to the cause of the organic farmers, most recently being the lead plantiff in the OSGATA suit for relief from the wrongful  actions of Monsanto.

Please take the time to follow the link below, learn about Jim and his family, and all they do for the organic farmers.

Remember...No Farms No Food...

I grew up with the knowing that we help our neighbors when help is needed....Jim is our neighbor, just living in another state.

Those who know me, know I do not promote many causes, or ask you for donations to those causes...this is a worthy plea...I'm asking...a little or a lot, will be greatly appreciated .

Thank you for your time and your consideration of this request.
http://www.indiegogo.com/help-woodprairie-build-repair-shop

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
Tennessee
Advocate for "Truth In Labeling."
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

An Herbal Summer~

I know from my own experience that we tend to get stuck using the same herb/seasoning time after time. This is the time to experiment with herbs we may not have tried before. Even if you aren't growing your own, most farm markets or fresh produce markets will have a variety. ( maybe even your neighbor :)

Basil, mint, and parsley seem to be the staples for most.
Cilantro, Lemon verbena, Savory, Tarragon, and Thyme...many awesome flavors can be achieved by opting to stray a bit from the norm.

Thyme is wonderful tossed onto the grill with chicken or fish, squash, or potatoes.
( soak it for a few minutes in water, then lay it on top of the meat or vegetable )

Tarragon...a small amount added to lemon or strawberry sorbet is awesome.

Savory...a milder thyme flavor...mixed with buttered breadcrumbs and spread on baking chicken...yum!

So, reach out and go a little herb crazy this summer...

Enjoy and remember to visit the website or tour this blog for recipes to tempt~

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Little Green June Apples......the production promises to be plentiful-the tree is loaded! These make wonderful snacks for the grandsons and for the big people too :) This is an old heirloom apple that is used a lot to graft and help preserve other heirloom varieties.

Not good to eat right from the tree...a wee bit too tart...but peeled and thinly sliced...allowed to dry naturally ( spread on a clean cotton cloth and leave in a sunny location for a couple of days)...perfection and so good for us.

Once they are dried, just scoop them into a storage bag, and they will last for weeks/months. (Well, it depends on who and how many are munching )

( to keep them from discoloring while drying...toss a few drops of lemon juice and mix until they are all coated. This will also help to preserve them .)

Hope your summer is playing out green and healthy ~

We are busy already....little green peppers, tomatoes are blooming, as are the squash.....it's happening!

If you're in my area, stop by for a cool glass of tea or lemonade...

Enjoy~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328
931-675-3962