Plants & Gardens Blog
Edible Plants & Recipes
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Dissect a Pumpkin (Activity)
When plant scientists want to learn more about something, they open it up and examine it. Dissect a pumpkin to learn more about the botanical role of fruit parts. Read Dissect a Pumpkin (Activity)
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Eat Local: Late Season Tomato Tips and Easy Salsa Recipe
Most tomato plants actually produce well into September or even October. Maximize your late tomato harvest with a few tips, and use your bounty in this delicious and easy salsa recipe. Read Eat Local: Late Season Tomato Tips and Easy Salsa Recipe
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Four Delicious Salsas Created in the Children’s Garden
Junior Botanist and Plant Investigator participants competed in a salsa making contest. What were their secret ingredients? Read Four Delicious Salsas Created in the Children’s Garden
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Weed of the Month: Stinging Nettle
Beware! Stinging nettle lives up to its name. This common weed's tiny, needlelike hairs contain irritating compounds. Woe to those who touch it. Read Weed of the Month: Stinging Nettle
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Eat Local: Quick Pickling Primer for Fruit or Vegetables
Quick pickling is easy and doesn't require any special equipment. One basic recipe can work for a whole host of options, from caraway pickled strawberries to French breakfast radishes with cilantro. Read Eat Local: Quick Pickling Primer for Fruit or Vegetables
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Eat Local: How to Shop for and Prepare Persimmons
Persimmons are in season now. Learn how to tell when they're ripe, and try this recipe for honey-roasted spiced persimmons on toast. Read Eat Local: How to Shop for and Prepare Persimmons
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Eat Local: Sweet Potato versus Yam—a Primer with a Pie Recipe
Sweet potatoes and yams aren't even in the same plant family, and they have important culinary differences, too. Only sweet potatoes can be used in this delicious pie recipe. Read Eat Local: Sweet Potato versus Yam—a Primer with a Pie Recipe
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Eat Local: Wild Rocket and Lettuce Soup
Wild rocket is a mustard-family cousin of arugula that grows like a weed. It has pretty flowers and peppery leaves, both of which can be used in this tasty soup. Read Eat Local: Wild Rocket and Lettuce Soup
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Eat Local: Plum and Almond Torte
Plums are in season in August! Try them along with almonds—fellow members of the Prunus genus—in this wonderful torte. Read Eat Local: Plum and Almond Torte
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Weed of the Month: Purslane
Purslane runs up to $10 a pound at the farmers' market, but you're likely to find it growing as a garden weed. Its peppery, succulent leaves are nutritious and great in dishes like tzatziki. Read Weed of the Month: Purslane
