Almost everyone knows the value of Extra Virgin Olive Oil when it comes to your health; is low in ‘bad’ saturated fats, and is high in the antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids that our bodies need.  What you may not know is while Extra Virgin Olive Oil is wonderful when used for things such as salad dressings and toppings that are not heated beyond its smoke point; it’s not the best oil for cooking and sautéing.  Fortunately, there is a great healthy oil that fits this need so you can continue to cook those things you love.  It is grapeseed oil.

Grapeseed oil is a very heart healthy oil in that it has a higher concentration of antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin E as well as lower levels of saturated fat, and has even been known to raise HDL and lower LDL cholesterol levels!  When cooking with this oil you will note that it has a higher smoke point so you can cook away!  The taste is a little bit different but that’s not to say that it is not good.  Most people describe the taste as “nutty and mild”.  You can also use grapeseed oil for salad dressings as well.  Stock up and enjoy!

If you have ever watched someone eat food made with fresh ingredients for the first time you would know how special it is to cook with these ingredients. I realize recently that I have always taken the way I was taught to cook for granted by watching a young man who had been brought up on canned and/or fast foods sit and eat a freshly cooked meal with ingredients right out of an organic garden, accompanied by a simple salad made with freshly picked lettuces and assorted greens.  This young man savored every bite as if he had just tasted heaven.

Here is someone that has lived in the US all of his life and is just now tasting real food for the first time and all I could think of is what a shame it has taken us so long to realize the value in providing good fresh foods to everyone in our country. Maybe now that our first lady has made a commitment to an organic garden on the White House lawn we will have others follow her lead and start community gardens all over America in and out of urban areas to bring really good foods to the tables of all who want it.  Now that is a dream!

Gardening enthusiasts are always keen to try out new things. However, the novice gardener usually starts with a few flowering or ornamental plants and after getting some success, shifts to other areas like vegetable or herb gardening. You will find growing vegetables and herbs in your garden or raised beds and pots will give you a great deal of pleasure.

There is a variety of herbs you can grow in planters and raised beds.  This allows you to grow your own even if pressed for space.  Some of the best herbs that are sometimes better contained in planters, window boxes or raised beds are mint, coriander and rosemary.  The herbs will thrive and easily satisfy the requirements of the gardener and/or the cook!  You will get so much satisfaction cooking with and eating something you have produced. 

Planters can be fun as well as easy to manage because you can move them wherever there is adequate light and mix and match as you please.  Because planters and raised beds are movable and flexible enough to experiment with and to plant many different varieties of plants, herbs and vegetables, they are a must for any serious gardener and great for the beginner.