HISTORY OF SPICES

The McCormick Science Institute (MSI) provides valuable insights into the historical and modern uses of herbs and spices, especially about health and culinary applications. Humans have co-evolved with plants for millions of years, discovering the flavorful and medicinal properties of herbs and spices. Initially, these natural ingredients were used to enhance the taste of food, mask undesirable flavors, and preserve perishable items. Spices have been valued throughout history for their various uses, from religious rituals to medicinal purposes. During biblical times, spices like cinnamon and saffron were highly regarded. In Ancient Egypt, garlic and onion were notable choices for both medical and culinary purposes, and the Ebers Papyrus from 1500 BC documented the use of various herbs. Early Chinese culture also recognized the power of herbs and spices, with the Classic Herbal, likely written around 2700 BC, containing information about medicinal plants, including cassia, which is similar to cinnamon. Ginger was also grown in pots and used to prevent scurvy during sea voyages. Ancient Mesopotamia, particularly Babylonia, had a rich tradition of spice and spices used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. King Ashurbanipal's records included various aromatic plants, while King Merodach-Baladan II grew numerous species of plants and herbs in his royal garden. India has a rich history of using spices such as black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom for culinary and health purposes. Ancient surgeons like Sushruta incorporated aromatic plants into medical practices. In ancient times, Greece and Rome imported and utilized a variety of Eastern spices. Hippocrates and Theophrastus contributed to the understanding of spices and herbs in medical science, while Dioscorides wrote "De Materia Medica," a comprehensive text on spices and herbs. The Arab and Muslim world played a significant role in the spice trade, using spices for both trading and scientific purposes. Arab physicians developed techniques to extract flower scents and essential oils from aromatic plants. During the Middle Ages, spices in Europe were highly prized and often used as currency. The Crusades opened up trade routes, making Asian spices more accessible. European apothecaries integrated spices and herbs into their remedies, often based on Arabian medical knowledge. Spices and herbs have played a significant role in human history, from early civilizations to the modern world. For instance, the Age of Exploration, including Marco Polo's accounts, contributed to the expansion of the spice trade. As a result, spices from the New World, such as capsaicin (red pepper) and allspice, were introduced to European cuisine. Moreover, American history saw early settlers incorporating indigenous spices and herbs into their diets. During the colonial and revolutionary periods, spices became an important part of American cuisine. In the present day, the usage of spices is diverse and widespread. They are commonly used in global cuisine, including astronaut food. Additionally, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the health benefits of spices. Scientific evidence supports their potential positive effects on heart health, cognition, and diet quality. To conclude, spices and herbs have been used for culinary enhancement as well as medicinal applications throughout history. Their continued exploration promises further health benefits. The McCormick Science Institute is a valuable resource for understanding the science behind the use of spices and herbs.

Loving the Black-Eyed Susans! Always so perky and cheerful. 🤗 #flowersmakemehappy #greatoutdoors #daisies #flowerlovers #seedsavers www.shop4simplepleasures.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CiTRPydpVyw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Seed gathering and cleaning and sowing is a lot of work. Unless you love it. Then it is a lot of fun. ONOPORDUM ACANTHIUM is one of the most beautiful thistles I know. I hope they germinate! #onopordumacanthium #onopordum #scotchthistle #oisforonopordum #hollingtonsflorilegium #seedsavers #semiscambi #weedsareflowerstoo #iloveweeds #lamacchinafissa #mezzogiardiniere #clarkanthonylawrence (presso La Macchina Fissa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeybwFgIbYc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Harvesting gourd seeds.

It's still possible to pick up seeds for holiday gifts or get a head start on next year’s gardening seasons! Take 15% off any seed order from plantgoodseed.com when checking out with discount code HOLIDAYSEEDS! Note: the cutoff for USPS Priority Mail and UPS Ground is December 18th. We offer both these options for shipping for checkout and any order $100 or over ships by USPS Priority Mail for free!

Also, we have been diligently working on getting our new releases for 2024 in order and we will start rolling some of these out before the end of the year!

Did you know Dragonfruit are easy to start from seed, taken straight from the fruit?

[ID: two images, both showing the same black fabric grow bag filled partially with soil from different angles, which has bright green, small and skinny Dragonfruit cactus seedlings growing in it, each about the width of a pencil, with the camera focused on a cactus that has started to branch out at the top into four branches, all covered in bright white spines which are currently still soft. End ID ]

I'm like "oh I'll film the seedsaving videos in the bathroom since it's quiet" but mistakes were made, it's too quiet, so now in all the videos you just hear the incessant clicking of the camera. Why is it even clicking when it's recording video? I have no idea. But it is. And it's really annoying.

anyways here's some seed saving videos I just made. Please ignore the clicking noise.

Also I am once again asking: how do I add subtitles to my youtube videos? Can I do it through youtube? Is there a free video editing program I can download that even dummies like me with no training can use?

Dune Groundcherry (Physalis walteri) with two ripe berries:

Dune Groundcherry but this time with an unripe berry to see if the seeds are viable:

Peppervine (Nekemias arborea):

Swiss chard seed saving is a time-honored activity. Not sue how to do it? Keep reading to learn how to collect and store swiss chard seeds the simplest way! 👉https://chokrihomeandgarden.blogspot.com/2021/07/how-to-collect-swiss-chard-seeds.html

Hollyhock seeds! Ty @ominouswizardbox :p there's sooooo many. I love hollyhocks. Sprinkling these suckers everywhere. Thinking about doing a seed give away too when I reach 1k, which seems to be creeping up quick. Thinking I will do a flower🌺 set or a veggie🍅 set. Winners choice. Will post more details once I hit that mark. Did you know hollyhocks are part of the mallow family and can be used interchangeably as you would marshmallow, the only difference is hollyhock is a bit woodier making it less palatable but useful none the less. Mallows can b used for irritation of the mouth and throat, dry cough, and bronchitis. It is also used for stomach and bladder complaints and to treat wounds. It's an essential part of my lung support tea 🍵 ☺️ #homestead #seeds #seedsaving #plantmedicine #flowers #herbalmedicine #permaculture #growmedicine #herbs #homesteading #garden #gardening #cottagegarden #homeateadlife #hollyhock #marshmallow #plantlady #farmlife https://www.instagram.com/p/CdnBcMiutoX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#seeds #gardening #growyourown #organic #chiaseeds #vegan #seedsaving #growyourownfood #pumpki

A Victory Garden

a vault of free food.

Know Your Seed: #13

Sonajuli Bau: Deep water, Red Rice.

The sixteenth century Assamese poet Ram Saraswati mentions red rice in his poem "Bhim Charit" entitled "Shiva's Agriculture"

Red rice is rich in magnesium, which is good for your bone. Red rice is rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanin. 

Red rice helps in regulating and maintaining insulin levels. It reduces stress levels and fatigue. Cook like a regular rice. Soaking is not required.

Red rice, has a low glycemic index. It keeps the glucose in the blood at minimal.

Rich in Antioxidants, Dietary Fibre, Vitamin B1, B2, B6 and many nutrients.

Loving the Black-Eyed Susans! Always so perky and cheerful. 🤗 #flowersmakemehappy #greatoutdoors #daisies #flowerlovers #seedsavers www.shop4simplepleasures.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CiTRPydpVyw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Can You Plant Pumpkin Seeds Straight From The Pumpkin?

Can You Plant Pumpkin Seeds Straight From The Pumpkin?

Ready to dive into the world of pumpkin growing?

Discover the secrets behind planting pumpkin seeds straight from the pumpkin itself!

Learn how to nurture your own pumpkin patch and watch those vibrant vines flourish.

Who knew gardening could be this rewarding?

Happy Holidays everyone! Thank you for supporting our seed company this year!  If you care to place a holiday order, you can take advantage of our biggest sale of the year. Through November 29th, take 20 percent off any order at plantgoodseed.com when checking out with discount code LATEFALLGARDEN.