Sharing is Caring

Last week we picked up a Thai Chili Plant for free on Craigslist and planted it in the backyard.  The plant had a lot of chilis on it, and we didn't want them to go to waste so we picked them, and also picked a bunch of the lemons on our tree.  Since we couldn't use all this produce, we decided to put it out on the driveway to share with the neighborhood.

All of the produce was gone within a few hours.  We were glad to share with our neighbors, and I assume they were happy to get some fresh, free produce.  

Often, especially in summer, gardens can produce more of a given item than can be used by one person or family.  If you are in this situation consider sharing with your neighbors, they might have some produce to share with you as well. :)

Happy weekend to everyone!

First Contest Prize Package

Congratulations again to Beverly for her winning guess of 142 (correct answer was 162) in the lemon counting contest from February 18.  I'm planning to do similar contests in the future so keep an eye out for those.  To help entice you to join future contests, here's a peek into Beverly's prize package.

To the Victor Go the Spoils 

Prize package contents:

Masticate

• Silent Spring by Rachel Carson.  This book was first published in 1962 and is credited by many with starting the modern environmental movement.  If you haven't already read it I highly recommend it.  It's a fairly quick read, and is incredibly relevant for being publish 50 years ago.
• Mexico 21 de Septiembre coffee beans from San Diego roaster Cafe Moto.  These beans are from the Oaxaca region of Mexico and are certified free trade and organic.  Additionally, Cafe Moto is a solar-powered local business.
• Izola bamboo toothbrushes.  Mentioned in a prior post, these toothbrushes are compostable and made from natural materials.  They also include motivational phrases, hopefully they are useful to Beverly and her significant other, both of whom are in the midst of rigorous studies.  (Close-up included at right.)
• Two lemons.  Last but not least, two lemons from our soon-to-be-prize-winning lemon tree.  Although I'm not organic certified yet, I vouch for the pesticide and herbicide conditions under which these lemons were produced.  I will also vouch for the wonderful lemon bars they are capable of being made into.

Have a great weekend and keep a look out for tomorrow's post which will include my first YouTube video and a wonderful, and super simple, recipe you can use this weekend.

Local Produce and a Guessing Game Contest

Although I plan to post about local produce in the future, I couldn't resist sharing these photos.  If you're not already familiar this is Eva, the namesake of this blog, and she's a big fan of the ultra-local food movement (only eating produce grown within 100 feet of your kitchen).

This basket of lemons is from the tree in our backyard and as you can see Eva is pumped about having so many yellow things to play with and/or eat.  There's about an equivalent amount still left on the tree.

Guessing game: How many lemons are in the basket?

Person closest to the correct number will receive a package in the mail with some super sweet surprises, including at least one of the pictured lemons.  Put your guess in the comments section to participate, or send me an email if you're shy.



Contest ends Friday, 2/24 so add your guess now if you want to play.

Cheers!