Hmm...Time To Go Veggie!

[bicycle]

The introduction of a genetically modified potato in Europe risks the development of human diseases that fail to respond to antibiotics, it was claimed last night.

German chemical giant BASF this week won approval from the European Commission for commercial growing of a starchy potato with a gene that could resist antibiotics – useful in the fight against illnesses such as tuberculosis.

Farms in Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic may plant the potato for industrial use, with part of the tuber fed to cattle, :eek:according to BASF, which fought a 13-year battle to win approval for Amflora. But other EU member states, including Italy and Austria and anti-GM campaigners angrily attacked the move, claiming it could result in a health disaster.

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/fury-as-eu-approves-gm-potato-1915833.html

[motleyhoo]

You can google it up, but a study just recently completed by a respectable organization found that animals that eat GE food actually have permanent changes to their DNA, which they then pass on to their children. They fed two idential sets of chickens different food for 2 years. One set of chickens got organic food such as what chickens would naturally eat in the wild, and the other set got the commercial GE processed feed. After two years the DNA of set had not changed, but the DNA of the GE chickens had actually changed and was damaged.

.

[bones]

you cant trust any food bought....

try to grow+ buy local organic veg/meat.

[jiffy]

As above, simple grow ya own....still amazed how many people on here seem to give vast swaths of their very hard earned to the Corporatocracy.

Who is more ignorant the people that unknowingly eat this stuff, or the self proclaimed "awoken" that eat it!!

[yass]

So simple and yet... who all owns their own property and land to grow it on?

I have to grow in pots if anything.

[from beyond]

I've started gathering my own wild foods now....and it's all free!

[jiffy]

So simple and yet... who all owns their own property and land to grow it on?

I have to grow in pots if anything.


You have answered your own question, Pots!! you can grow potatoes in a dustbin;) You don't need acres to feed a family of 4;)

Put your name down for an allotment, if you see unused land approach the land owner, club together with neighbors if on estates.

The problem is the state has nannied the populous to such a point that they seem incapable of doing anything for themselves!!

[yass]

I've started gathering my own wild foods now....and it's all free!

That's cool... about the only thing I can recognize in the wild is wild carrot... I had a friend who was a botanist and we were out in the woods and I love learning stuff and my friend was like "what's that?" I was like "I dunno" "It's a carrot!" I dug it up and it was a white, gnarly carrot... and pretty good if you ask me. I was also shown a thing that looked like a mushroom growing out of an old rotting tree that was laying on the ground, only it was hard like a rock. I was told the Natives used to use it, ground it and kept it in a horn which was strung with a leather strap and worn around the neck. It was kept burning... like hot embers in the horn and when a fire was needed, it would come from this stuff in the horn.

I forget what it was called, but it was interesting.

[yass]

You have answered your own question, Pots!! you can grow potatoes in a dustbin;) You don't need acres to feed a family of 4;)

Put your name down for an allotment, if you see unused land approach the land owner, club together with neighbors if on estates.

The problem is the state has nannied the populous to such a point that they seem incapable of doing anything for themselves!!

well, these days around these parts, landlords, property managements, don't like their ground messed up and disturbed with a garden. So many people could be doing it, and would be doing it... if only it was cool to do so!

[mystic nomad]

So simple and yet... who all owns their own property and land to grow it on?

I have to grow in pots if anything.

Guerilla gardening! You don't have to own land (in fact no-one owns any land it belongs to Gaia) plants grow anywhere just go for a walk and plant your food in the wild places. The Earth is abundant and provides all our needs the corporations seek to remove us from this fact!
If you eat meat then get a slingshot! If not there is food everywhere!

[geezer661]

if yr doing it id hurry up. Eventually u will end up with GM seeds in the shops

[from beyond]

That's cool... about the only thing I can recognize in the wild is wild carrot... I had a friend who was a botanist and we were out in the woods and I love learning stuff and my friend was like "what's that?" I was like "I dunno" "It's a carrot!" I dug it up and it was a white, gnarly carrot... and pretty good if you ask me. I was also shown a thing that looked like a mushroom growing out of an old rotting tree that was laying on the ground, only it was hard like a rock. I was told the Natives used to use it, ground it and kept it in a horn which was strung with a leather strap and worn around the neck. It was kept burning... like hot embers in the horn and when a fire was needed, it would come from this stuff in the horn.

I forget what it was called, but it was interesting.

There is so much out their(to eat), but as you say...it's a case of knowing whats, what.I know a few plants, but I'm still learning.I will keep my eyes open for these carrots....they sound lovely...and the fungi...used for starting fires sounds interesting also....thanks!Also....if you have an area where public foot paths cut through the woodlands etc.....you could plant a few potatoes in places off the path(hidden away).

[from beyond]

Guerilla gardening! You don't have to own land (in fact no-one owns any land it belongs to Gaia) plants grow anywhere just go for a walk and plant your food in the wild places. The Earth is abundant and provides all our needs the corporations seek to remove us from this fact!
If you eat meat then get a slingshot! If not there is food everywhere!

you beat me to it!!LOL!Your very correct...:D

[yass]

if yr doing it id hurry up. Eventually u will end up with GM seeds in the shops

Well, I hope I get half of what I got in seeds planted... even an 1/8th of them. Last year I purchased many, many heirloom, organic seeds.

I got a little in the garden (where I previosly lived) and ended up with a nice crop of potatoes and, of all things, brussel sprouts. I planted other things, tomatoes and some others, but the chickens, dogs, and children got in and something happened to all those when they were developing.

In a new place this year. Will get some in the ground and hope for some success. I know one thing, there is nothing like the joy of planting and watching your own food grow up. It is spiritual and wonderful.

I also have herb seeds... very rare and special ones and hope to get some of those going.

I've been thinking lately I need to check up on the time to start the first bit, just a few that will be ahead of the game, and a few more a bit later, that will be the next few, and most the rest around the regular time.

[yass]

There is so much out their(to eat), but as you say...it's a case of knowing whats, what.I know a few plants, but I'm still learning.I will keep my eyes open for these carrots....they sound lovely...and the fungi...used for starting fires sounds interesting also....thanks!Also....if you have an area where public foot paths cut through the woodlands etc.....you could plant a few potatoes in places off the path(hidden away).

I'll tell you one thing about the wild carrots... they are easy to recognize as they have that same old carrot top as the domestic ones... that kind of lacy green at top.

Best of luck there.

As for potatoes, I've grown them twice now, the last time many years ago. They require hills, or mounds... dirt built up. So, requires quite a bit of digging and pulling up into mounds, else they won't grow properly. They need room for those roots to spread out and grow those tubers.

[geezer661]

another idea is to apply for an allotment from yr local council its v cheap

[yass]

another idea is to apply for an allotment from yr local council its v cheap

I live in the US don't think they have anything like that here. They have something like that in the UK?

[geezer661]

I live in the US don't think they have anything like that here. They have something like that in the UK?

yea it dates back to ww2 when the nazis tried to cut off our food supplies. We were told to grow our own and these things just remained after. Its basically a plot of land tht u rent off the council for the purpose of growin veg

[yass]

yea it dates back to ww2 when the nazis tried to cut off our food supplies. We were told to grow our own and these things just remained after. Its basically a plot of land tht u rent off the council for the purpose of growin veg

Nice.

[yass]

Another thing about growing in pots. You want soiless mix... why? Because soil is too heavy. So much to think about. Like starter soil in bags or some mix from one of those places that sells landscaping materials, bark mulch, sand gravel, different soils etc.

Regular soil in a pot won't drain properly, it's too heavy. It can also mold/mildew, it's an entirely different set of rules for successful growing.

You know what I really want but I'd have to get it from the UK? It's for growing potatoes. It's like these collapsible bags with a fat velcro closure flap for harvesting them. It stands erect like a garbage can and they are just totally cool!

I've lost my bookmark I think, because when I went to look up the ones I landed last year I couldn't find the bookmark. I found a good priced source too.

Oh yeah, last summer we also had onions, but we didn't plant them last summer, they were a carry over from the garden we had the year before, in a different location in the yard (at the last place I lived). We also had lettuce, tomatoes and squash.

The location sucked though, for one, it was under an apple tree, not the succulent kind, but the mock-apple type which bore an abundant amount of fruit... which bombed the garden with hundreds of the things which would damage plants and squish under your feet, etc.

[jesuitsdidit]

if yr doing it id hurry up. Eventually u will end up with GM seeds in the shops

exactly
time to save all your seeds
from tomatoes, apples, pumpkin etc etc
dry them gently then store in a packet..

[mystic nomad]

you beat me to it!!LOL!Your very correct...:D

Innit:D:D

talking of allotments.....

Just remember that before the land reformation act (don't know the date offhand, 1500 and something?) every family had 1 acre of land to support themselves. Common grazing rights (still apply) the ability to build your own dwellings (may still apply, needs to be tested!),
It was stolen by the robber Barons and so, just remember now that all landowners are basically in control of the land by using squatters rights.
It really is that simple!

I respect no fences, boundaries or tresspass signs! I respect peoples privacy, possessions and hard work but that's about it (in this context:))

Heard of the Highland clearances, the war with the Welsh, the Irish troubles???
All brought about by Robber Barons so they could produce the meat they crave!!

Actually I remember a road protest about 15 years ago, was it the widening of the A12 through London? Anyway they wanted to save an ancient tree... so set themselves up in said tree, set the tree with an address, got a letter delivered by a postman and entered into a whole different set of rules!! Far as I remember the tree was saved!!

[mystic nomad]

Oh, I forgot to mention avoid All F1 hybrids at all costs!

[from beyond]

Innit:D:D

talking of allotments.....

Just remember that before the land reformation act (don't know the date offhand, 1500 and something?) every family had 1 acre of land to support themselves. Common grazing rights (still apply) the ability to build your own dwellings (may still apply, needs to be tested!),
It was stolen by the robber Barons and so, just remember now that all landowners are basically in control of the land by using squatters rights.
It really is that simple!

I respect no fences, boundaries or tresspass signs! I respect peoples privacy, possessions and hard work but that's about it (in this context:))

Heard of the Highland clearances, the war with the Welsh, the Irish troubles???
All brought about by Robber Barons so they could produce the meat they crave!!

Actually I remember a road protest about 15 years ago, was it the widening of the A12 through London? Anyway they wanted to save an ancient tree... so set themselves up in said tree, set the tree with an address, got a letter delivered by a postman and entered into a whole different set of rules!! Far as I remember the tree was saved!!

very interesting....got me thinking now!cheers!

[yass]

Oh, I forgot to mention avoid All F1 hybrids at all costs!

I won't buy hybrids of any kind, flower or vegetable. Just not good.


Hey, here's an example of the potato bags I was talking about... three for x-amount, but these still aren't the same one's I'd run across previously, which had flaps and very wide velcro closure's near the bottom. It almost looks as if you have to cut the bottoms of these yourself... and don't know if they'd be reusable once cut? Will serve for example at any rate.

From what I can see, you get three bags, and with these, they come with the tubers to plant as well, and one comes with potato fertilizer too.

I'm going to check around ebay again, maybe THIS YEAR, they'll have something like this (they haven't previously believe me I looked)

One more thing, I grew Carob potatoes last year (they were just great), and the time previous... years ago, I grew them from the eyes I'd cut from the potatoes I got from the market... you know, the little knobby things that start sprouting when you're sack of potatoes has been around a while. Just cut around it when peeling the potato. I don't know if that's the best any more, however.

http://www.unwins.co.uk/potato-growing-bag-kit-3-varieties-and-free-fertiliser-pid1463.html

http://www.unwins.co.uk/potato-growing-bag-kit-maris-peer-second-early-pid3168.html


http://www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk/gro-sack-potato-growing-kits-cid404.html

http://www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk/growing-potatoes-in-bags-or-potato-sacks-ggid31.html

[mystic nomad]

My dear Yass,

that's the idea but I'm sure you could come up with your own simple and cheap variation.
I sometimes get hold of huge bags of compost, slit the top of the bag tip out the compost somewhere cover it with damp newspaper, old carpets, blankets etc. to stop it drying out, roll the edges of the bag down to about a quarter of the original height and fill to just under that height with a mix of compost and a few bits of wet newspaper.
Plant the spuds and every time a leaf appears chuck some more compost on and increase the height of the bag. (if you get what I mean)

Here's a suggestion, could you not get your seed potatoes from the mexicans or something, rather than the big seed houses?

Also, if you don't mind could you please fetch that thread you made about the corn and the traditional preparations using the wood ash etc. And post it into here
Survival / Local Economies / Communities (http://www.davidicke.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=46)

I've looked into it and you are correct about it all (of course;)). I think we all really need to know this info and hopefully Tracker will use it in his mega thread!

[yass]

My dear Yass,

that's the idea but I'm sure you could come up with your own simple and cheap variation.
I sometimes get hold of huge bags of compost, slit the top of the bag tip out the compost somewhere cover it with damp newspaper, old carpets, blankets etc. to stop it drying out, roll the edges of the bag down to about a quarter of the original height and fill to just under that height with a mix of compost and a few bits of wet newspaper.
Plant the spuds and every time a leaf appears chuck some more compost on and increase the height of the bag. (if you get what I mean)

Here's a suggestion, could you not get your seed potatoes from the mexicans or something, rather than the big seed houses?

Also, if you don't mind could you please fetch that thread you made about the corn and the traditional preparations using the wood ash etc. And post it into here
Survival / Local Economies / Communities (http://www.davidicke.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=46)

I've looked into it and you are correct about it all (of course;)). I think we all really need to know this info and hopefully Tracker will use it in his mega thread!

That's a novel idea Nomad! And, yes, would be more than happy to fetch the thread about the corn... especially want people to know the importance of Nixtamalization.

I haven't used it yet, but I did get one of those grain grinders like in the video... I think it cost $20 new.

I hope I get to grow some of that corn this year :rolleyes:

[yass]

Oh, now I see I've made a liar of myself... I guess I paid $40 for that grinder, not $20.

The thread is up... presto!

Green Corn Tamales; for do-it-yourselfers

http://www.davidicke.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1058694604&posted=1#post1058694604

[girlgye]

Innit:D:D

talking of allotments.....

Just remember that before the land reformation act (don't know the date offhand, 1500 and something?) every family had 1 acre of land to support themselves. Common grazing rights (still apply) the ability to build your own dwellings (may still apply, needs to be tested!),
It was stolen by the robber Barons and so, just remember now that all landowners are basically in control of the land by using squatters rights.
It really is that simple!

I respect no fences, boundaries or tresspass signs! I respect peoples privacy, possessions and hard work but that's about it (in this context:))

Heard of the Highland clearances, the war with the Welsh, the Irish troubles???
All brought about by Robber Barons so they could produce the meat they crave!!

Actually I remember a road protest about 15 years ago, was it the widening of the A12 through London? Anyway they wanted to save an ancient tree... so set themselves up in said tree, set the tree with an address, got a letter delivered by a postman and entered into a whole different set of rules!! Far as I remember the tree was saved!!

Can you quote the written source for your citation on this please. If you know of it. Thanks. :)

[from beyond]

Oh, now I see I've made a liar of myself... I guess I paid $40 for that grinder, not $20.

The thread is up... presto!

Green Corn Tamales; for do-it-yourselfers

http://www.davidicke.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1058694604&posted=1#post1058694604

tamales....damn!...hadnt had those since i left texas(in the uk now)

[yass]

tamales....damn!...hadnt had those since i left texas(in the uk now)

I have yet to get a recipe up yet but am planning on it.

I'm one heck-of-a-good tamale maker. They don't last long, though I make 2 dozens at a time, batch after batch. ;)

I've tried my hand at green corn a long time ago, and if I ever successfully grow, dry, nixtimalize, dry, and grind some green corn into masa, I will definitely make some green corn tamales. I've lots of green chili seeds and Ancho (Poblano) seeds I want to try out, heard they were authentic chilies for tamale (and other) making in Mexico.

I make the beef and red chile tamales and they are very, very, good.

I shouldn't brag...

[from beyond]

I have yet to get a recipe up yet but am planning on it.

I'm one heck-of-a-good tamale maker. They don't last long, though I make 2 dozens at a time, batch after batch. ;)

I've tried my hand at green corn a long time ago, and if I ever successfully grow, dry, nixtimalize, dry, and grind some green corn into masa, I will definitely make some green corn tamales. I've lots of green chili seeds and Ancho (Poblano) seeds I want to try out, heard they were authentic chilies for tamale (and other) making in Mexico.

I make the beef and red chile tamales and they are very, very, good.

I shouldn't brag...

man...that sounds too good!Please do, list some of your recipes when you get a chance!Also...have you ever used old tires/tyres to make a potatoe bed?

[mystic nomad]

Can you quote the written source for your citation on this please. If you know of it. Thanks. :)

Girlgye, which part in particular?

This is my trouble it's all locked up in my head, I have so much information to pass onto you guys I have been living it my entire life and not too good at trawling through tomes and legalese.

Most of the people that really know about this stuff live in the woods.

Most of my info comes passed down and from life itself!

I don't do court, they have to come get me if they want me but there too F'ing stupid to think outside their system and I'm not in it :D

I would love to contribute more to the Freeman section here but can't deal with the diversionary tactics and nitpicking. I don't F'ing need to.

Girlgye anything you want to know pm me. I will do my utmost to help:)

[from beyond]

Most of the people that really know about this stuff live in the woods.



where are they.....i need to find my way to these type of folks!LOL!:D

funnily I can see myself like this very soon....seems I'm heading this way!

[yass]

man...that sounds too good!Please do, list some of your recipes when you get a chance!Also...have you ever used old tires/tyres to make a potatoe bed?

recipe wise: I'll get something up within the next two weeks... also, with easy instructions.

No, I haven't used old tires, and honestly, I don't think my landlord would go for it (he's very particular and keeps his yard groomed!) It doesn't sound like a bad idea though.

:)

[from beyond]

No, I haven't used old tires, and honestly, I don't think my landlord would go for it (he's very particular and keeps his yard groomed!) It doesn't sound like a bad idea though.

:)

well i know what you mean....i would love to do this.....and perhaps paint each tire in a vibrant color.It would serve it's purpose(potatoes), and have an artistic look...lol

[yass]

where are they.....i need to find my way to these type of folks!LOL!:D

funnily I can see myself like this very soon....seems I'm heading this way!

hey, speaking of which, and out of experience, I'd like to mention cooking in the woods.

One rule of thumb, don't cook over an open flame, pile that wood, get it burning good and reserve a section of your campfire space for hot embers, which are what you'll want to cook over (not the fire).

Also, one time a friend was breaking down a trailer for a man who owned a tow truck and wanted the frame. I used the oven from that little terry trailer, which had to parts to it... the bottom part which would normally hold some baking pans, and the center part where you bake. I set the little oven right aside the campfire and I'd shovel those same hot red embers from the campfire into that bottom section and close it, preheat it (about 10 min. like a reg. oven, to about 205 degree Celcius or 400 degree Fahrenheit), and then I'd make biscuits (in the cooking section of the oven) and they turned out perfect and everyone, absolutely everyone loved them! Perfect thing for being out there in the woods where it can be cold and wet. (and it was served up with oatmeal, a pot of which I made over the hot embers in the campfire).

I'd shovel up fresh hot embers to add to the bottom part (shoveled into the compartment) as necessary to keep it at a temperature which I gauged, or determined, when it should be done to keep it at a hot and constant temperature for baking.

Hot food is always great but normally you're limited as to what you can make. Having a baked bread like that was very good.

I never tried making anything but biscuits in it but made several batches on several days. Different friends and family would come out there, some who could only get out there on the weekend primarily, and lots of varying kids!

I must say, it's the only place where children felt a true serenity, a peace you couldn't get inside the town (lived in at the time). It was a get away for all ages, children, teens, older adults... there was what we called the water falls behind the camp somewhat, would have a steep descent at its entrance, and it went on and on and on once you got there, and there was pool after pool after pool until you got to a deep one... and each pool cascaded water down to the next one and at the deep one water cascaded from up high... which some (very agile ones) could ascend (and then it would continue on). It was a great time, a great adventure over a long extended period of time. (Months on and off).

[mystic nomad]

where are they.....i need to find my way to these type of folks!LOL!:D

funnily I can see myself like this very soon....seems I'm heading this way!

Mate, if you go that way, you'll meet them:)
You're always welcome to come visit me but I'm a lone wolf:D

[from beyond]

Mate, if you go that way, you'll meet them:)
You're always welcome to come visit me but I'm a lone wolf:D

will take you up on that....I'm a lone wolf also...LOL!We will have to set something up!?:D

[mystic nomad]

hey, speaking of which, and out of experience, I'd like to mention cooking in the woods.

One rule of thumb, don't cook over an open flame, pile that wood, get it burning good and reserve a section for hot embers, which are what you'll want to cook over (not the fire).

Also, one time a friend was breaking down a trailer for a man who owned a tow truck and wanted the frame. I used the oven from that little terry trailer, which had to parts to it... the bottom part which would normally hold some baking pans, and the center part where you bake. I set the little oven right aside the campfire and I'd shovel those same hot embers from the campfire into that bottom section and close it, preheat it, and then I'd make biscuits (in the cooking section of the oven) and they turned out perfect and everyone, absolutely everyone loved them! Perfect thing for being out there in the woods where it can be cold and wet.

I'd shovel up fresh embers to add to the bottom part (shoveled into the compartment) as necessary to keep it at a temperature which I gauged, or determined, when it should be done to keep it at a hot and constant temperature for baking.

Hot food is always great but normally you're limited as to what you can make. Having a baked bread like that was very good.

I never tried making anything but biscuits in it but made several batches on several days. Different friends and family would come out there, some who could only get out there on the weekend, primarily, and lots of varying kids!

I must say, it's the only place where children felt a true serenity, a peace you couldn't get inside the town (lived in at the time). It was a get away for all ages, children, teens, older adults... there was what we called the water falls behind the camp somewhat, would have a steep descent at its entrance, and it went on and on and on once you got there, and there was pool after pool after pool until you got to a deep one... and each pool cascaded water down to the next one and at the deep one water cascaded from up high... which some (very agile ones) could ascend (and then it would continue one). It was a great time, a great adventure over a long extended period of time. (Months on and off).

Sounds great!

To elaborate a bit get a Dutch Oven, you know the Dutchy pot? a cast Iron pot with a cast iron lid.
Let the fire die down to embers scrape out a hole in the middle of the fire with embers still at the bottom, place your pot on these then pile the fire up the sides and on the lid. Good hearty pot roast in 20 minutes!

For a quick, portable general fire for heating water doing fry ups etc. I use the drum out of washing machines, no good if the woods damp though, can't get enough air to it! Great for tee-pees, yurts etc. as most of them have a drive shaft on the bottom that you can drive into the ground, the heat from the fire drys the ground out (slowly).

Anyone want to know how to build a cob oven?

Perhaps we should take all this fire talk to the survival forum lol.

[mystic nomad]

will take you up on that....I'm a lone wolf also...LOL!We will have to set something up!?:D

You betcha! Once it dries up a bit we'll talk:D

[yass]

Sounds great!

To elaborate a bit get a Dutch Oven, you know the Dutchy pot? a cast Iron pot with a cast iron lid.
Let the fire die down to embers scrape out a hole in the middle of the fire with embers still at the bottom, place your pot on these then pile the fire up the sides and on the lid. Good hearty pot roast in 20 minutes!

For a quick, portable general fire for heating water doing fry ups etc. I use the drum out of washing machines, no good if the woods damp though, can't get enough air to it! Great for tee-pees, yurts etc. as most of them have a drive shaft on the bottom that you can drive into the ground, the heat from the fire drys the ground out (slowly).

Anyone want to know how to build a cob oven?

Perhaps we should take all this fire talk to the survival forum lol.

Nomad, you know I've never used a Dutch oven... well, I have... stainless steel kind in a regular oven at home but not the authentic cast iron type best at camping... and thanks for the tip on how to do the heat, that would be awesome.

I also have a nifty little zip stove (and a couple spare motors if needed). It uses one AA battery which supplies power to a small fan underneath, and that baby can heat water to boiling in 90 seconds! On high, that is. Only draw back it doesn't hold weight. It will do good with the small stainless pots that came with it, rather a pot and a lid which is also a pan that can be used, with wire handles. I've used a couple other pans on it but it can be awkward but doable. I have used a skillet and made chimi-chongas in it several times.

I've made coffee by using a thermal cup (which holds a little over two good size cups of coffee) which I bought from 7-11 store. I use the insert from a coffee maker, just a basic plastic one (where you'd put the grounds), I put a filter in, and I no longer buy the paper type as I have one of those cool nylon mesh filters which can be washed and reused, I set the plastic coffee maker insert onto the wide rim of my cup, it sets just right, add a couple tblsps of coffee to it, then pour the water I've heated (on my zip stove) into the basket, which drips through the single hole at the bottom, into my cup.

I usually have to pour it in two increments, to give it time to pour down.

Then I add whatever to my coffee, pop the lid on, and then I have and ample amount of hot coffee which doesn't go cold (I'd have to abandon it) and it's all good. ;)

[shepherdess]

You may find a local farmer willing to give you loads of fertilizer bags (I think they are 1 ton bags) They are made from a kind of nitted plastic I think but they dont rot down for a very long time and farmers have to pay a fortune for disposal of them.

They would be perfect for grown spuds, and if you sift the dirt carrots too ( carrots need relatively stone free soil to stop the root branching)

Something else a lot af farmers will donate to you is old tractor tyres. They too cost a lot to get rid of but are ideal for grow pots and as they have a large lip, you can spread sand around the edges (or similar) to stop the slugs and snails.
Snails are edible, but I have yet to get the courage to munch on one.

Nettles are fab, there are millions of them about to pop up soon.
Pick the tips get about a large pot full. Wash them, put a little butter in the pot and melt it, add nettles and a lid, boil it down. Add 2-3 big potatoes cubed, chuck them in and add stock to fill the pot again. Bring to boil and simmer until potatoes are very soft. Mash or wizz the mixture, cool a bit in a mug and add some cream or milk and tip that back in the pot. stir and add seasoning.

Even my kids wolf that down and its easy. You dont need milk or cream, it can be had without it. Just dont add cold milk or cream to a hot soup or it will curdle.

[shepherdess]

Nettles are the original super food. Eons before Jamba Juice, Cliff Bars and wheatgrass shots, nettles – their full name is stinging nettles – were consumed for their whopping 40 percent protein content. (You’d have to eat a sink full of kale to get the protein in one serving of nettles.)

A handful of nettles provides more than 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, as well as a plethora of minerals that nettles absorb, spongelike, from the soil.

Stinging Nettle has a flavour similar to spinach when cooked and is rich in vitamins A, C, D, iron, potassium, manganese, and calcium

Wiki it people : its a great antihistamin etc and reduces cytokine reactions (like those that kill people after the flu jab!)

[yass]

You may find a local farmer willing to give you loads of fertilizer bags (I think they are 1 ton bags) They are made from a kind of nitted plastic I think but they dont rot down for a very long time and farmers have to pay a fortune for disposal of them.

They would be perfect for grown spuds, and if you sift the dirt carrots too ( carrots need relatively stone free soil to stop the root branching)

Something else a lot af farmers will donate to you is old tractor tyres. They too cost a lot to get rid of but are ideal for grow pots and as they have a large lip, you can spread sand around the edges (or similar) to stop the slugs and snails.
Snails are edible, but I have yet to get the courage to munch on one.

Nettles are fab, there are millions of them about to pop up soon.
Pick the tips get about a large pot full. Wash them, put a little butter in the pot and melt it, add nettles and a lid, boil it down. Add 2-3 big potatoes cubed, chuck them in and add stock to fill the pot again. Bring to boil and simmer until potatoes are very soft. Mash or wizz the mixture, cool a bit in a mug and add some cream or milk and tip that back in the pot. stir and add seasoning.

Even my kids wolf that down and its easy. You dont need milk or cream, it can be had without it. Just dont add cold milk or cream to a hot soup or it will curdle.

hmm... sounds interesting. I've read tons about nettle (beneficial) though I don't know if I'd recognize nettle if it hit me in the face...

and what did you mean about adding stock to fill the pot again.... like chicken, beef, or vegetable stock or what? Or did you mean water?

[yass]

and reduces cytokine reactions (like those that kill people after the flu jab!)

awesome, thank you, and would like to add that japanese knotweed, I read, is the very best source for reducing cytokines... had studied up on it and got a huge bag of it, dried.

[from beyond]

Nettles are the original super food. Eons before Jamba Juice, Cliff Bars and wheatgrass shots, nettles – their full name is stinging nettles – were consumed for their whopping 40 percent protein content. (You’d have to eat a sink full of kale to get the protein in one serving of nettles.)

A handful of nettles provides more than 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, as well as a plethora of minerals that nettles absorb, spongelike, from the soil.

Stinging Nettle has a flavour similar to spinach when cooked and is rich in vitamins A, C, D, iron, potassium, manganese, and calcium

Wiki it people : its a great antihistamin etc and reduces cytokine reactions (like those that kill people after the flu jab!)

gathered some this morning.....they are a truly amazing health food.....and very abundant here in the uk.Also thanks for sharing your recipe for nettles..shepherdess!!!:D

[kingkong]

Vegetarianism is illogical. Animals eat plants, if you follow it far enough down the food chain. So when you eat an animal, all you're eating is a plant.

You either eat or you don't. What you eat is irrelevant, so long as it's not bad for you.

[mystic nomad]

Vegetarianism is illogical. Animals eat plants, if you follow it far enough down the food chain. So when you eat an animal, all you're eating is a plant.

You either eat or you don't. What you eat is irrelevant, so long as it's not bad for you.

You clearly haven't thought this through!

What we are really eating is stored energy from the sun!

Why use an inefficient biological machine to achieve the same result?

May as well cut out the middle man.

If you eat meat that's fine, if not, that's fine too, but that's not what we're talking here!

Nettles are great, they see me through that bit of the year when the supplies are running low and the veg's are safe from unexpected frosts, once the dandelions start appearing I'm away.

This year I want to try and make nettle beer.

They say you should boil nettles for 5 mins to get rid of the (Formic?) acid. I don't agree if you fold them up right you can eat them raw and man can you tell there good for the circulation.
Dead nettles are good eating too especially when they're in flower.... Sweet.


Yass, I always knew you were on it! Oh and by the way you must certainly would know a nettle if it jumped up and hit you in the face:D:D:D:D

[mystic nomad]

awesome, thank you, and would like to add that japanese knotweed, I read, is the very best source for reducing cytokines... had studied up on it and got a huge bag of it, dried.

Just make sure you don't let any fibres escape into your surroundings, you'll end up with a knotweed jungle! not nice. It's good to hear they are good for something though, will have to look into it.

In the UK we are having severe problems with the spread of Japanese Knotweed, it is public enemy No1 in some areas.

[farros]

I've started gathering my own wild foods now....and it's all free!

like what? where do you live?

[pacin]

you cant trust any food bought....

try to grow+ buy local organic veg/meat.

they'll find a way to stop you from doing that. they are cunning or so I hear..
but we can always hope they won't genetically modify love hope and faith.:rolleyes:

[from beyond]

like what? where do you live?

well this morning i gathered some dandelion leaves and stems...also some young stinging neetle shoots.....and some gorse flowers.....it's enough for a nice stir fry or something.I live in Cornwall, East Looe.I'm cooking the plants now!:D

[motleyhoo]

I live in the US don't think they have anything like that here. They have something like that in the UK?

Join a CSA. You can find one here (use the tabs at the top to navigate): http://www.localharvest.org/

Another thing you can do. Every city owns plots of land that no one ever built on. You can go to City Hall or whatever and find out where these are and ask them to let you plow a garden on one. I have never seen anyone get turned down after asking. Just be very polite about it. My Grandmother had an empty city lot (Charlottesville, Va.) 3 doors down from her house, and the city let her and her friends plow a garden on it every year for years.

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