CORONA VIRUS SURVIVAL TIP BY REGROWING KITCHEN SCRAPS

RENEW YOUR HEALTH BY REGROWING YOUR GROCERIES FROM KITCHEN SCRAPS, WHILE SURVIVING THE CORONA PANDEMIC

The idea of food storage is not something many consumers are ready for. However, there may be a quick solutions that can save money and provide many health benefits. Especially for people like myself who may be spending more quality time at home and considering the option of growing my own food.

The idea of growing your own food can be an intimidating concept for many people, but it can be relatively easy and rewarding using a few tips and trick found in the comfort of your kitchen.All you need is time, commitment, patience, and a selection of kitchen scraps such as carrot tops, lettuce bottoms, pineapple heads, onion bulbs, cloves garlic, etc. You will also need essential elements such as water, exposure to sunlight, a few containers and you are ready to start your own organic garden without having to step outside.

Still Not Convinced?

Maybe you are considering taking the leap and converting to veganism to improve your overall health, or merely just curious about the process–repurposing your kitchen scraps can save time shopping, develop a deeper appreciation for nature and understanding of your food and how it benefits your health. There are also many others amazing benefits as well to consider.

These include:

• Creates a sense of accomplishment after growing your own food and eating with a purpose.
• It is eco-friendly. Reduce food waste, and minimizes the negative impact on the environment by eliminating herbicides and pesticides.
• Provides good conversation and décor.
• Contains a more significant amount of essential trace minerals.
• Ensure flavor is not compromised.
• Help to understand the environment and life principles.
• Exposes children and family to healthy food choices and hobbies, which may increase their chances to select healthier foods throughout their lives.
• Develop reconnections with skills that helped past generations sustainability and self-sufficiency.
• Reduce the risk of deadly outbreaks such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which are common amongst fruits and vegetables.

ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED?

Here are a few alternative ways to get started and recycle your everyday kitchen wastes:

Celery

Celery is practically one of the easiest vegetable to regrow. Rather than tossing your veggie scraps in the trash, place the base of the celery in a bowl filled with about 1 ½ inch of water. Position it in a sunny area or windowsill. Within a few days, you will notice visible leaves piercing their way from the center, with endless possibilities. Change water every few days to reduce odor and mold.

It is also considered a superfood, packed with valuable nutrients that help to lower inflammation, aid in supporting weight loss, help to cleanse the liver, lower cholesterol, fight infection and much more. Additional health benefits include:

• Reducing blood pressure.
• Prevent heart disease.

Lettuce

Whether you select to use romaine, butter, arugula, little gem, iceberg, or green leaf lettuce, you are in for another fun and easy veggie that can be easily regrown using its base. Just follow the same procedures outlined for the celery and once roots begin to sprout, plant your new head of lettuce in a pot filled with soil, or in the ground with ample sunlight. Within in a few short months, you’ll be ready to toss a fresh bowl of salad.

Lettuce is not only a nutritious leafy vegetable loaded with nutrient but is also an excellent source of fibers that improve your digestive system, and aid with weight loss. If you are having difficulty sleeping, consider adding more of this leafy foliage to your diet. Lettuce contains Lactucarium, which is the noticeable white fluid that secretes after you break it stems. It includes sleep-inducing properties similar to opium without the harmful side effects.

Other benefit includes:

• Low glycemic index which is excellent for individuals monitoring their blood sugar levels or in a weight management program.
• The minerals found in lettuce balances acid/alkaline in the body and help to remove unwanted toxins.
• Brightens skin tone.
• Promotes clear thinking.

Ginger

Ginger is a healthy herb/root that can be easily cultivated by finding a root that has an existing green bulb. Break the portion that includes the bulb. Submerge slightly into the soil with the bulb facing up or down in well-drained potting soil. For this herb, I recommend transplanting it outdoors in full or partially sunny area. Ginger plants take up to 10 months to mature and harvest, but the reward is well worth it.

It can be brewed, sweetened with honey, drink as a tea, or dried and used as a spice to add zesty flavor to poultry, fish, pork or beef.

Health advantages include:

• Contains potent antioxidants that may boost the immune system
• Natural pain reliever
• Reduce the risk of cancer
• Helps to improve fat loss
• Regulate glucose level

Garlic

Similar to the ginger root, garlic is more than an herb and can be grown using the same methods. All that is needed is a clove or two. Better yet, you can use as many cloves as you like to cultivate your new batch of garlic. Once separated, plant in your desired pot with ample drainage with a pH of 6.5 to 7 during the fall. By the time summer rolls around, you will be ready of a flavorful, aromatic touch to your culinary dishes.

Pros of eating garlic includes:

• Great source magnesium and vitamin B6.
• It is an allium vegetable, which means it contains sulfur-containing compounds that benefit practically all systems of the body.
• Prevent and treat colds.
• Sooth psoriasis.
• Control weight.
• Manage high blood pressure.
• Help to remove small objects from the body such as a splinter.

Pineapple

Pineapples are another quick and easy fruit that can be cultivated by simply snapping or twist the head of the fruit until it separates from its base. To begin cultivation, place top into a small bowl of water until desired roots are displayed. Plant in a full-sun area and allow 2-3 years for a fresh pineapple to appear. Yes, you read correctly, the wait time is 2-3 years. While this fruit can be mouthwatering and delicious, it also requires a great deal of patience. The good news is they do not need much care and will do fine with little water.

Health benefits to consider:

• Improves digestion by neutralizing acid into he body.
• Pineapple juice contains bromelain enzymes, which is beneficial in preventing colds and coughs and thinning the mucus in the respiratory region.
• Bromelain also reduces arthritis pain and inflammatory conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and rosacea.
• Contain magnesium, which strengthens bones, and increases healing and improve immunity.

Onion

Onions are just as simple to regrow as the previously mentioned vegetables. All you have to do is place an onion bottom into a glass, bowl until visible roots are formed or put the entire bulb into the ground or container filled with potting soil. Onion is a relatively fast-growing herb and can be harvested within a few months. As for myself, I like to use the green stems to add flavor or a little bit of color to add a touch of creativity to my meals.

The healthy benefit includes:

• Lowers the production of bad LDL cholesterol.
• Contain vitamin C, which builds the immune system, help formation of collagen that promotes healthy hair and skin.
• Improves oral health by removing bacteria that lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
• Helps with depression.

ARE YOU CONVINCED YET?

Maybe the idea of creating your very own editable arrangement may help to convince you. These arrangements are fun to create and is also a great gift idea for Vegans, someone who is ill, or merely a thoughtful gesture.

OPTIONS TO SELECT

If you feel you are ready to grow your own indoor organic garden, or create a beautiful editable arrangement,  here is a list of other easy to grow kitchen scrap to choose from:

• Avocado
• Basil
• Bok choy
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cilantro
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Mint
• Lemongrass
• Mushrooms
• Potatoes
• Collard greens

TAKEAWAY

Growing your own food using kitchen scraps provides a fun, creative way to get acquainted with the things you eat and can save money. It can also stimulate a sense of accomplishment, and assurance knowing your food is organically grown and  free from harmful chemicals.

Moreover, there are far too many other great reasons to grow your own food, and we’d love to hear your views on this subject. You can also share your personal tips and gardening tricks by adding your comments below.

Until next time..let your light shine… mind, body and spirit.

Eat your food as your medicine or you will have to eat medicine as your food.