Hedemora Chickens: A Unique and Hardy Landrace
Hedemora chickens are a group of landrace fowl that originated in the Swedish districts of Hedemora and Dalarna. They are small to medium-sized birds, weighing between 3 and 5 pounds, and come in a variety of feather and skin colors. Some of them have a distinctive wooly or silky feathering, while others have smooth or feather-legged plumage.
Sugar Maple, the Sweetheart of the Forest
Silverbrook Manor is thrilled to have hundreds of sugar maple trees in our forest and around the paddocks on the property.
Daikon, one of the largest radishes in the world.
Daikon is a long, white radish that is native to East Asia. It is a popular ingredient in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine. Daikon is known for its mild flavor and crunchy texture. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled.
Hazelnut Trees
The nuts of the hazelnut tree are what we know as hazelnuts or filberts. They are a delicious and versatile nut that can be enjoyed in many ways. Hazelnuts have a rich, nutty flavor and a slightly sweet aroma. They are often used in pastries, desserts, and trail mixes.
Blackberries
Blackberries are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. They are a member of the rose family and are closely related to raspberries. Blackberries grow on thorny bushes and have a dark purple or black skin. The flesh of the blackberry is sweet and tart, with a slightly musky flavor. Blackberries have a strong aroma that is often described as being similar to raspberries or plums.
The Nose knows the sex of a fertizlized egg.
Can you sex a fertilized chicken egg by smelling it? Apparently so, according to a new study.
Mammoth Grey Sunflower
The Mammoth Grey Sunflower is a perennial plant, meaning that it lives for more than two years. It grows to be about 6 feet tall and has a spread of about 4 feet. The flowers are about 12 inches in diameter and have a sweet, nutty flavor. The seeds are also edible and can be roasted or eaten raw.
Spacemaster Cucumber
Spacemaster cucumbers can be eaten raw, pickled, or cooked. They are a popular ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Spacemaster cucumbers can also be used in stir-fries, soups, and stews.
Mammoth Dill
Mammoth dill has a strong, sweet, and slightly licorice-like flavor. The leaves are often used fresh in salads, soups, and stews. The seeds can be used to flavor pickles, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods. Mammoth dill is also a popular herb for making dill pickles.
Boston Pickling Cucumbers
Boston pickling cucumbers are a type of cucumber that is specifically bred for pickling. They are small, smooth, and have a thin skin. Boston pickling cucumbers are a good source of vitamins A and C, and they are low in calories and fat.
Romaine Lettuce, White COS
Romaine lettuce is characterized by its long, narrow leaves that are arranged in a loose head. The leaves are typically green in color, but can also be red or brown. Romaine lettuce has a mild, slightly bitter flavor.
Mongolian Sunflowers
Mongolian sunflowers (Helianthus Gondola) are a type of sunflower that is native to Mongolia. They are known for their large, bright yellow flowers and their drought tolerance. Mongolian sunflowers are a good source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that is related to beets and spinach. It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family and is native to Europe and Asia. Swiss chard is known for its bright green leaves and colorful stalks, which can be white, yellow, or red.
Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas are known for their sweet, crunchy pods. They are a member of the legume family and are related to lentils, beans, and peanuts.
Cardinal basil, Ocimum Basilicum
Cardinal basil leaves are spicier than common basil, with an anise or licorice-like flavor and a spicy aroma. Both the leaves and the reddish-purple leaflike flower bracts are edible and have the best flavor just before the plant flowers, though a bitter taste can develop as soon as the plant blooms.
“The Elixir of Life” Holy Basil, Tulsi
Sometimes called “The Elixir of Life,” holy basil has been revered as one of India’s most powerful and sacred plants for over 3,000 years. Its Sanskrit name, Tulsi, literally means “the incomparable one,” which gives you a sense of how venerated it is.
Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm
Wild bergamot is a popular honey plant and its flowers are a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant is also a good source of nectar and pollen for wildlife.
The leaves of wild bergamot have a strong, minty aroma. They can be used to make tea, infused oils, and essential oils. The tea is said to be a good remedy for colds, flu, and sore throats. The essential oil can be used to relieve pain, inflammation, and stress.
Watermelon Radish
Watermelon radishes have a mild, slightly sweet aroma that is often described as being "earthy" or "peppery." The aroma of watermelon radishes is due to the presence of various volatile compounds, including glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, and indoles. These compounds are also responsible for the bright pink color of watermelon radishes.
Sugar Maple Sapling
Boasting brilliant fall colors of yellow, orange, and red, the sugar maple is a beloved tree in America. It holds a significant place in history as well, with chemist Robert Boyle first informing Europeans about the tree in the new world that produced a sweet substance in 1663.
Wild Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Turkey tail is a medicinal mushroom that’s full of antioxidants and other compounds. Evidence shows it may help fortify your immune system, maintain healthy gut bacteria, and support the treatment of some cancers.