Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) is a semi aquatic, tropical plant grown as a vegetable. It belongs to the member of the Convolvulaceae (Morning glory) family and the same genus as the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Its tender shoots and leaves serve for the purpose of its vegetation. Its origin is an issue of research and debate. It is found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is alsopopular in different languages. Some of its names are river spinach, water convolvulus, water morning glory,Chinese watercress, Chinese convolvulus,Chinese spinach, swamp cabbage or Hong Kong in Southeast Asia. The best part about its vegetation is that it requires little or least care. It’s a super food and widely loved by health conscious people and parents.

SEASONS AND WHERE IT GROWS

Water Spinach flourishes naturally in waterways. It has been listed on the USDA Internet site as a “Class A noxious weed”, especially in the states of Florida, California, and Hawaii, where it can be observed growing in the wild. It has been extensively cultivated in Texas for over 30 years. It is also found in Sri Lanka where it invades wetlands. This vegetable is quite famous in Taiwan where it grows well. It became a popular wartime crop during the Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II as it grew remarkably easily in many areas.
Texas lifted its ban on cultivation for personal use with no restrictions or requirements. Realizing its importance and usability as a vegetable in many cultures, also began permitting cultivation for commercial sales with the requirement of an exotic species permit.

HEALTH BENEFITS AND NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Water Spinach is ranked among world’s healthiest food. During the 1930’s and post it, the vegetable became widely loved and demanded in the market by parents as well as kids after the famous comic and cartoon Popeye. It is a rich source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are highly beneficial for skin eyes and brain. It contains abundance of water, iron, vitamin C and Vitamin A among other rich nutrients. It is also a source of calcium and fiber. Water spinach helps us keep ourselves healthy and young complemented with beautiful and radiant skin and strong teeth bones and hair. It reduces cholesterol, cures anemia, controls diabetes, treats jaundice and liver problems, increases metabolism and provides solution for constipation and indigestion, helpful for heart disease patients, prevents cancer, beneficial for eyes, rejuvenates skin and maintains healthy scalp and hair, also famous for its anti aging benefits.

MEDICINAL USE OF WATER SPINACH

It is highly effective in treating ulcers, menstrual pains, toothache, urination, nosebleed etc. It also acts as a sedative for people suffering from insomnia or sleeping difficulty. Its juice mixed with water is used as a cold compress to treat fever. Being anti-venom, it is used to promote vomiting in case of poisoning.
It treats skin diseases such as ringworm; athlete’s foot etc. helps in the prevention of skin cancer and is used in the treatment of acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Due to its healing and detoxifying properties, it helps in providing relief in case of skin itching or insect bites.

CULINARY USE OF WATER SPINACH

Water Spinach is used in a variety of ways in different cultures differing from health purpose to methods of cooking. It can be used in soup, juice.It can be fried, simply cooked or even consumed raw. It is used extensively in Burmese, Thai, Lao, Cambodian, and Malay, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Chinese cuisine, especially in rural or village areas. It is also used in salads. In Southeast Asia, it is famous as a stir fried dish and usually stir fried with chili pepper ginger or other spices. In some countries it is eaten raw with papayas and other fruits while in others it is boiled or fried with shrimp or fish. To make it tastier at times it is minced with onion, chili and lemon.

Watercress (Nasturtium Officinale) is a mineral-rich, dark green leafy vegetable grown in natural spring water. It falls within the Brassicaceae family with many health benefits.These health benefits are gotten from its rich mineral and vitamin content. Most times, the Watercress is overlooked even as it grows around slow-moving streams. You can call it a cousin of arugula, cabbage, and mustard greens. A succulent and attractive plant, which is cultivated in Central Asia, Europe, and the America. You can also grow your ownwatercress in your backyard without stress.

Season and where to grow it

Watercress can be cultivated as a perennial crop and does well in the wild especially in areas partially submerged in running water. It also survives in moderately cool climates. Mode of cultivation includes through seed, cuttings or transplants. Its flavor is best during the cool months but the flavor diminishes when it becomes excessively mature.

Health Benefits of Watercress

There are many benefits associated with the use of watercress but the major health benefits include Prevent Breast Cancer. Its consumption increases blood circulatory, prevents the reoccurrence of breast cancer, and prevents colorectal cancer. The antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid in watercress helps in reducing the glucose level in your body. Others include: Prevention of stroke, acts as antidepressant, prevention of cognitive disorder, and improve bone health and reduce osteoporosis. Aside from the health benefits, watercress has great benefit to your skin and hair.

Nutritional Constituents

Beetroot, watercress with other leafy greens have ahigh level of dietary nitrate. You can use it to prepare a soup. Studies have shown that high consumption of dietary nitrate reduces blood pressure, minimizes the amount of oxygen required during exercising while improving your athletic performance. There is lots of nutritional information not known about watercress. Generally, it contains fat, protein, carbohydrate, potassium, manganese, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K.

Medicinal value of watercress

Watercress is beneficial as a food because of its strong preventive medicine especially when eaten daily. If you consistently eat it, it will repair cellular damage, prevent thyroid imbalance and cancer while affecting your body systems. For post-menopausal women, the nutrients contained in watercress is beneficial as it reduces their risk of having osteoporosis. It is a powerful superfood not to be neglected.

Culinary Use of watercress

Watercress is used in various ways in different parts of the world. While some apply it in garnishing some cuisines, other employ it in cooking soup, preparing salads, sauces and sandwiches. Whatever be your taste, you will always something special to enjoy with your watercress.
Lest I forget; you need to visit the Nam Khan project, which is a functioning premaculture ecofarm where you can have a feel of tropical fruits. You can as well Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic, healthy restaurant packed with variety of cuisines and natural fruits, vegetable fruit smoothies-detox and salads.

What is organic compost?

Before learning process of production of organic compost, first we tell you what compost is. Compost is a process of breaking down food wastes such as peels of vegetables and fruits, egg shells, waste newspapers, leaves, straws and tea bags. This compost is organic matter and it is decomposed and then recycled and used a fertilizer. Compost is an important ingredient in the organic farming. It keeps the soil healthy and fills soil with nutrition which helps in growth of plants. Combinations of manure and dead fish did not look very effective beside a bag of fertilizer. For farmers in many areas of the world, chemical fertilizers replaced compost. The first agronomist Sir Albert Howard, went to India in 1905 and spent almost 30 years experimenting with organic gardening and farming.

A beautiful transformation:

After making compost, you need to know what you will do with them. It is an interesting process of beautiful transformation. You will find out that the old, fungus-ridden peels of vegetables, leaves and grass clippings will transform into a dark, nutritious rich earthy compost. The beauty lies is in function of compost.

Nothing is useless in the world:

Nothing is made useless in this world, not even the food scraps so next time you are planning to throw food scraps just remember that they are the diamonds for soil. For collection of these vegetable peels, make an organic compost pile for further use as a natural fertilizer. While making piles make sure that you add layers or different waste. Do not mix one with the other.

Steps to follow to produce organic compost:

You can produce organic compost by following certain steps. First of all collect the waste in a pile and after every week it is ready to use. The organic compost is ready when its color is changed into dark brown, it feels soft, it is crumbly, it has earthly smell or it is mostly smooth. In this compost you can plant seeds in second step. Put the soft compost in a pot, mix it with soil and plant seeds. Instead of planting seeds, you can plant those plants that have roots, they are more appropriate for potting mixture. Keep nourishing it with the compost you have made. Just sprinkle it a little over every day with a shovel.

Benefits of organic compost:

If you have more space, then instead of pot you can directly pour it into the garden. It is good for soil as well as for environment. It also keeps you safe from the harm side effects of greenhouse process. For the safety of environment and to keep yourself healthy, promote the trend of organic farming.

Origin of potatoes:

As known to us, potatoes are vegetables. However, potatoes can also fill our belly without other foods. Hence, more and more people see potatoes as one kind of staple food. Potato belongs to the kingdom plantae and it has two categories. One is that it is the plant itself and the other is the edible tuber. The cultivation of potatoes was introduced for the very first time in second half of 16th century in Europe. The crown nation which introduced potato was Spanish.

The scientific name of potato is Solanum Tubersoum and it is used as staple food in many Asian countries. A staple food is an edible that is most widely used and an important part of meal.

Nutritional Value of potatoes:

The interesting fact about potato is that it is the fourth largest food crop after maize, wheat and rice. Potatoes are rich in nutritious. Potatoes are cholesterol free and nearly half one’s daily value of vitamin C. Potatoes have more potassium than a banana. They are starch resistant and a good source of Vitamin B6, fiber, magnesium and serve as antioxidants.

Suitable seasons for the growth of potatoes:

Potatoes are grown through the summer in cool northern regions and grown in fall, winter and spring in warm winter southern regions. Potatoes require a cool but frost-free growing season of 75 to 135 or more days. China, India, Iran , Bangladesh, Turkey, Japan and Pakistan are a few of south Asian countries where potatoes grow in abundance.

Health benefits of potatoes:

If we talk about potato as a medicine it create wonders to human health. Potatoes provide immediate relief from burns. Many people in Asian countries take raw potato juice for stomach disorders and for weight loss. One of the incredible benefits of potato is that it stimulates brain function. Potatoes reduce the risk of cardiac arrest. They also help in prevention of scurvy and formation of kidney stones. Potatoes are good in fighting against cancer and facilitates digestion.

Dishes of potatoes:

Potatoes are good in taste especially when cooked with cheese or fried. Potatoes with a low starch content and high moisture include red and white potatoes. These potatoes are most often boiled or roasted and used in potato salad because of their creamy texture. In India Potato chips mixed with cashew and dried grapes is very popular. A type of potato salad made with carrots, peas, ham, various sausages, pickled fish, boiled eggs, with olive oil or mayonnaise is the favorite of kids. The most common recipe of potato is finger chips in which potatoes are sliced, then salt is sprinkled over them and later on fried in oil. This is the most favorite dish of all tastes of children and adults.

Introduction of planting process:

Planting is an interesting process of putting seed in the ground or in the pot so that it can grow into a plant and later on big tree. Planting is done generally for forestry, land reclamation, landscaping or simple for the fulfillment of hobby. It is also known as afforestation, an opposite of deforestation. The most common type of planting is open field planting. Open-field planting refers to the form of sowing used historically in the agricultural context whereby fields are prepared generically and left open, as the name suggests, before being sown directly with seed. The seed is frequently left uncovered at the surface of the soil before germinating and therefore exposed to the prevailing climate and conditions like storms etc.

Love of Planting is eternal:

As someone said “the love of gardening is a seed, once sown that never dies”. So the happiness one gets after planting is never ending. The process involves sowing seeds over an area of land where the damage has been done by human activities such as damaged by fire, epidemic or by some natural calamities.

Steps of planting:

Following steps are taken to plant a tree;

1. 1. Dig a shallow, broad planting hole.
   2. Drop the seed into the soil
   3. Cover with soil and water
   4. Make sure it gets plenty of sunshine
   5. Watch it closely for a couple of weeks
   6. The plant start growing within weeks

Atmospheric benefits of planting:

Planting has a lot of benefits for atmosphere as well as for human health. When you plant trees, they combat the hazardous effects of climate change. Trees clean the atmosphere and provide oxygen. Trees keep the streets and cities cool and mitigates the effects of urban housing. Trees save water and conserve energy. They also help in preventing water pollution. Planting also helps in preventing soil erosion and shield us from ultra violet rays of sun. UV rays of sun can cause skin cancer. Trees heals the patients as natural atmosphere has a soothing effect on brain and body.

Health benefits of planting:

Plantation of various flowers, plants, vegetables and tress also mark the season. Trees give us fruits and food of different varieties in different seasons depending upon the climate. Indoor plants have certain health benefits such as they provide cleaner air, lowers the risk for illness, boot up the mood, enhance concentration and memory. Other than that there are culinary benefits of planting herbs or kitchen gardening. Planting at home gives healthy fresh food as well as rich herbs that are helpful in the cure of many diseases.

Persil, in latin it is known as Petroselinum sativum and scientifically it is called Petroselinum crispum. All over the world Persil is used as a herb, a spice or a vegetable. Persil is grown as a garden vegetable. It has triangular shaped bright green leaves. This herb is also known as devils oatmeal, parsley, Petroselinum and much more.

Uses of Persil:

Persil is used in different meals to add flavor and smell. It compliments many sauces and dishes due to its distinguished flavor. In the present times, the use of Persil is not just in the cuisine, it has also found a significant place in the medicine world.

Medical Uses:

Persil is known to have healing properties. It is used as an antiseptic, calcium solvent, nervine, tonic and anti-rheumatic. In the medical world Persil has found its place in the cases of conjunctivitis which is inflammation of the eyelids. To cure this fresh juice of Persil can be used.

Disease prevention:

Researchers have found that Persil has some properties that can help prevent cancer, consuming this herb can improve the immune system and so it is a remedy for tumors and thyroid. This herb is also used as a remedy for a bladder infection. It can also be used to lower the blood pressure to prevent kidney problems. This is not it! Persil can be used to heal stings and insect bites. It also relaxes muscle spasm.

Cold and flu

Common diseases like cold and flu can be cured using Persil as researched by Nelson Coon in his book “using plants for healing,” he also mentioned that Persil could be used for fever and coughs.

Dried or fresh?

Persil is used in both dried and fresh form. Fresh Persil has a shorter life span compared to dried parsley which can be kept until a year. Dried Persil is often used in Italian dishes.

Popular dishes with Persil:

Persil is used for marinating steak. It adds a unique flavor to the meal. Persil is also used in making a sauce for steak. It can be used to add color and flavor to soups and salads. Popular dishes that have Persil include:

• Mini Open Faced Steak Sandwiches on Garlic Bread with Aged Provolone and Parsley Oil
• Green Beans With Walnut-Parsley Sauce
• Roast Beef With Spicy Parsley Tomato Sauce

And much more.
Persil has found its place in the cuisines all around the world in the form of herbs. People should make a place in their everyday meals for its cure and prevention properties.

The plant name is Peas or pea and it’s a crop of winter leguminous vegetables that is not stressful to the earth, but it is beneficial to the soil, since it is rich in nitrogen-fixing root nodes and is useful in desert lands of the platoon and the fruits are the horns containing small beads spherical shape. It is a favorite food for everybody and it is easy to digest.

Their seeds are used fresh or dry. Peas prefer the slanted atmosphere of cold throughout the growing season where it bears cold.

Where it is found:

Known since ancient times, has appeared in the inscriptions and drawings of ancient Egyptians, and peas is a vegetable rich in protein, which is dried and ready for use in the winter.

Treatment of seeds before planting:

When planting pea for the first time in a new land are treated with seeds Streptococcus by placing the seed in a pot and then tenders with water and then sprinkle the two nodes with flipping just before planting.

Medicinal use :

• Pancreatic cancer of the stomach
• Enhance the immunity of the body
• Preventing “constipation” green peas are rich in fiber, which promotes digestion and protects against the suffering of “constipation”.
• Relieves arthritis
• Strengthens bones
• Protects against weight gain
• Protect against bronchitis
• Peas are rich in vitamins C and E and antioxidants, as well as their anti-inflammatory properties, all of which help prevent bronchitis.

The damage of peas:

Among the damages of peas is increase the sugar in the blood and therefore not suitable for diabetes patients because it is unable to control the sugar in the blood, so peas are not considered useful foods for diabetes because it can lead to the coma of sugar.

In which it is used:

Much kind of cooking foods, it can be done with salsa, salad, and vegetables soup.

Where do you plant? And planting dates?

It prefers to be plant in sand earth. Peas planting dates at the beginning of October until December, after that it will not be good to pant peas.

Peanuts also known as groundnut or goober is a type of legume crop because of the edible seeds present in it. The scientific name of peanut is Arachis hypogaea and it belongs to kingdom plantae. It is widely grown in the tropics and subtropics, being important to both small and large commercial producers. It is classified as both a grain legum and, because of its high oil content, an oil crop.

Suitable seasons and regions for the growth of peanuts:

Peanuts are grown in warm climates of Asia, Africa, Australia, North America and South America. Main Asian peanut producing countries are Pakistan, India, China, Nepal and Bangladesh. Peanuts are planted after the last frost in April through May, when soil temperatures reach 65°—70°F. Farmers plant specially grown peanut kernels from the previous year’s crop about two inches deep, approximately one to two inches apart in row.

March 15, National Peanut Lovers Day:

Peanuts are similar in taste and nutritional profile to tree nuts such as walnuts and almonds, and are often served in similar ways in Western cuisines. Nuts in the peanuts don’t show that they are nuts. These are tasty legumes grown underground. National peanut lovers day is celebrated on March 15 every year to honor this world famous food.

Nutritional Profile of Peanuts:

Peanuts are rich source of protein and contain healthy nutrients, minerals, antioxidents and vitamins. There are certain amino acids in peanuts that are very beneficial for the growth and development of human beings. Doctors are of the view that people who eat about a handful (20g) of any type of nuts—tree nuts, like hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans and almonds, and peanuts, which are legumes—a day had nearly 30% lower heart disease rates compared to people who didn’t eat nuts. A handful of peanuts every day helps in growing rich hair, energizes brain, maintains body temperature and also helps in containing heart stroke.

Peanut butter:

These days there are so many brands of peanut butter to choose from, it can be hard to pick a favorite. But to actually be called “peanut butter,” the jar must contain 90 percent peanuts. This applies to traditional and natural peanut butter. The other ingredients in some jars may include oil, sugar or salt.

Culinary uses of peanuts:

They are delicious in taste and also healthy in eating. Apart from eating after roasting in sand and salt, they are also coated with liquid serum of sugar and eaten as sweet in many Asian countries.

Peanut oil; a gluten-free solution:

Peanut oil is often used in cooking, because it has a mild flavor and a relatively high smoke point. Due to its high monounsaturated content, it is considered healthier than saturated oils. Boiled peanuts are a popular snack in the southern United States, as well as in India, China, and West Africa. In the US South, boiled peanuts are often prepared in briny water, and sold in streetside stands. Other than this, peanuts are also roasted and its flour is very useful and used as gluten-free solution.

A fantastic array of greens, pleasant to the eyes is usually created whenever the pea (Pisum sativum) plant clusters around a point in the garden. The fruits are the horns containing small beads spherical shape. It is a nutritious food for everybody, and it is easy to digest. Their seeds are used fresh or dry.

Season and Cultivation

The origin of peas can be traced to the Mediterranean basin and the Near East. It completes its life cycle within a year. Peas are wet-season crops cultivated in various parts of the world and can be planted from winter to beginning of summer; this depends on the particular place it is being planted. The optimum soil temperature for growing peas is 13 to 18 °C (55 to 64 °F).

Nutritional Information

Although peas are starchy, they contain fiber, protein, vitamin A, B6, C and K in high proportions. They also provide phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and lutein. A thoroughly dried pea is just about 25% protein and 25 % sugar.

Medicinal Use

Peas are of immense medicinal use. Their application ranges from curing pancreatic cancer of the stomach to enhancing the immunity of the body. Peas also prevent “constipation.” Green peas are rich in fiber, which promotes digestion and protects against the suffering of “constipation.” They relieve arthritis, strengthen bones and protects against weight gain. Peas are rich in vitamins which safeguard against bronchitis.

Other Uses

It is great to know that peas can be used to reduce weight in those who are obese. It also has specific chemicals that are anti-aging. Furthermore, peas prevent wrinkles and fix nitrogen into the soil, thereby making it eco-friendly.

Culinary Uses

The green pea is one of the earliest crops grown by humans and has become food since time immemorial. Fresh peas are largely consumed as a vegetable. Split, and sun-dried peas are great for making soups. Also, yellow-colored split peas are usually used in making dhal curries. Field peas, on the other hand, when roasted can be made into a crunchy snack. You can try the creamed pea soup and leek and see how delicious pea can be.

At the Namkhan village, guests will get to enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh peas. Our Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic restaurants will offer as much as possible from the farm. Our cuisines include salads, micro greens, and salads juices, vegetable fruit smoothies, some Spanish tapas, or tortillas.

The Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a popular treat worldwide. The fruit has over 500 different species that serve all kinds of purposes across the world. This sweet fruit is often associated with breakfast and dessert but the passion fruit is more than just a sweet treat, it also has a lot of health benefits.

Season and where it grows

The passion fruit grows usually grows in tropical environments, as long as they are warm most of the year. The fruit is mostly grown in South American countries like Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, but many tropical regions can grow passion fruit.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

The passion fruit, while being wildly popular for desserts, is full of nutrients. The passion fruit has significant portions of vitamin C, riboflavin, and dietary fiber, amongst other nutrients. The passion fruit can help boost immunity, maintain eye health, aid digestion, and fiber in the fruit can even lower blood pressure and improve circulation!

Medicinal Uses for the Passion Fruit

The passion fruit can be a helpful medicine in many different ways. The fruit itself provides several benefits ranging from aiding digestion and reducing inflammation to maintaining healthy skin and hair. The fruit, vine, and flower all contain the alkaline, harman, which acts as a natural sedative and can fight insomnia. The fruit and other parts of the plant are best used for their antioxidants and their juicy, sweet taste!

Products from the Passion Fruit

Passion fruit oil is taken from the seeds and often is used to help reduce wrinkles and keep skin looking healthy. The seeds also prevent hemorrhoids and relieve constipation. When used in tea, passion fruit can help to reduce insomnia. The pulp is sometimes used as a type of stimulant.

Culinary Use

The passion fruit is a popular dessert item, usually used as a topping on ice cream and cakes. Many South American countries use the passion fruit for its sweet juice and countries like South Africa and Sri Lanka use the juice to flavor popular beverages. In Australia and Peru the fruit is often used for desserts like cheesecake, and in Peru it is used in dishes like ceviche as well. In places like the Philippines the whole fruit is sold in markets but many varieties are best enjoyed when juiced.

“Sweet like sugar, everybody likes pawpaw” or so goes the nursery rhyme. Of a fact, many people, if not all, like papaya, perhaps for the luscious, mouthwatering juice it gives when eaten. Alternatively, maybe because of its medicinal benefits. Besides, it is quite affordable to buy. Papaya is a small tree plucked when still unripe and kept in the dark to ripen. When it matures, the flesh is sweet and juicy and tastes like watermelon. Pawpaw is a succulent fruit of a large plant of the family Caricaceae that is considered a tree, though its trunk looks like spreading palms, up to 8 m tall, is more of a shrub than a tree.

Season and Cultivation of Papaya

Pawpaws are fruits that grow on trees and are believed to originate from the tropical regions of North and South America. Its scientific name is Carica papaya. Pawpaws grow best in areas that are very hot and thrives in most kinds of soil, but better cultivated on loamy soil.Pawpaws can be planted at any time of the year, but preferably in late summer.

Nutritional facts of Papaya

Unripe pawpaw is used in some parts of the world as a vegetable. Nevertheless, it must be cooked when used green. There are diverse ways people eat pawpaw, and this includes its juice, which is often blended with other natural fruit juices because of its appealing taste. Aside this, it is as well excellent for making salads, salsa, and, can be consumed alone. Pawpaw contains a high percentage of vitamin C which is superb in preventing infections.

Medicinal Uses of Papaya

Papaya is very useful as a therapeutic fruit. For instance, Pawpaw helps in improving digestion. It contains papain, an enzyme that hastens metabolism by hydrolyzing proteins and also washes the digestive tract. Papayas are as well helpful for people who are seeking natural ways of weight control. They are efficient for destroying intestinal bacteria, thereby preventing infections related to them. A blend of mint papaya roots can be applied to the teeth and gums to obtain succor from tooth pain. Also, papaya is efficient in curing cancers – breast, pancreatic, and some others. The fruit is now renowned and has been used in many medicines for its anticancer powers. Papayas can be effective enlivening agents; this makes it very important in skin care.

Similarly, the seeds of pawpaws help in maintaining a healthy heart. With three potent antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, pawpaws are of immense help in averting complications such as heart artery constriction and myocardial infarction.

Products made from pawpaw

Products obtainable from papaya include meat tenderizers, skin care products, cooking additives amongst others.

Culinary uses

Pawpaw is quite an efficient cookery item. Take, for example, some people eat pawpaw fruit raw, after peeling off the skin and removing the seeds. The unripe green fruit can be taken when cooked, mostly in curries, salads, and stews, using the raw and cooked ones as well.
In Thailand meals, papaya can be made into Thai salads, for instance, som tam. It could also be worked into Thailand curries when it is yet to be ripe. As kaeng som when still not fully ripe. In Indonesian cookery, unripe pawpaw fruits and tender leaves are cooked and used as ingredients of lalab salad, while the flower nodes are blended with unripe tomatoes as Minahasan pawpaw flower vegetable soup.
In Brazil, the green pawpaw fruits are usually used in confectioneries and as preservatives. Asians use pawpaw seeds as a replacement for black pepper.

A plant species of the species of marjoram that follows the oral species .

The essential oil of the common oregano plant contains the thogon compound in its composition.

Treatment of seeds before planting:

The land of the nursery is chosen close to a source of water that is not salty and is free of weeds and pathogenic or insect pathogens.
The acres of sustainable land need an area of 1 / 2-1 / carat from the arboretum.

The treatment of seeds before planting is treated with a fungicide such as toxin at 3 g / 1 kg of seeds, with 5% adhesive as a 5% adhesive.

Where it is found:

Its native country is the south-eastern country of the Mediterranean basin,
It is also grown in Germany, The beginning of the use of medicinal oregano herb to the turtles that were eating snakes, where it was noted that after eating the snakes are eating this herb to protect itself from poisoning, and then began to use this herb as an anti-poison,

Medicinal use:

• Treatment of poor digestion.
• Found for extract of oregano herb antioxidant effects.
• Some studies of experimental animals have found resistance to gout in oregano.
• Treatment of polycystic ovaries.
• Oregano herb can help in the symptoms of menopause in menopause.

The damage of oreganos:

Studies conducted on oregano have shown that its extract is completely safe when ingested by 5 grams per kilogram of body weight. Its use for two months did not affect the functions of the liver, kidneys and blood, but it has some damages and side effects, including: the use of oregano for long periods may cause cancer. Applying fresh oregano leaves on the eye or skin causes irritation. Eating oregano frequently causes sleepiness.

In which it is used:

And is used as a spice in many types of foods . Its leaves, flowers and oil are also used as medicine

Where do you plant? And planting dates?

It is found in most types of land (yellow and light black) to be good drainage and free of pathogens.

The best seed plant is at the end of October, and the seedlings are ready for cultivation on the ground on 1 February of the following year.

The whole species derived from the division of ancient plants are grown from October until the end of November.

The brain is cultured in October and November.

Countless researchers have been done to explore the benefits of Moringa. All these researchers have pointed toward the fact that using this plant in your daily life can make you healthier and help in improving your nutrient levels.

Where it grows

Moringa trees were originally found in the northern parts of India. Today they are commonly found throughout Asia and Africa. There are different ways to grow these trees. These ways include using a cutting from the tree to plant, using seeds and transporting the tree from one place to another.

Nutrition values:

Moringa leaves are used in western countries as dietary supplements. These supplements are sold in the form of capsules. Pods of Moringa are generally very high in vitamin C. Moringa can prove to be a very vital source of vitamins and minerals in the developing countries.

Antioxidant:

Moringa can be used as an antioxidant. The free radicals in our body are responsible for using diseases of the heart and type 2 diabetes. The antioxidants in moringa prevent this from happening by acting against the free radicals.
The Quercetin found in moringa leaves helps in lowering the blood pressure.
Moringa leaves can also be used to increase shelf life of many meat products by reducing oxidation

Help with Inflammation:

The natural response of body towards any injury is inflammation. This inflammation can be dangerous if it doesn’t go away in time. Different herbs, fruits, and spices are known to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Moringa leaves have isothiocyanates which give it anti-inflammatory properties

Culinary use:

Moringa is not a very popular culinary vegetable, but it is used in some regions to make soup and curries. The leaves and flowers of Moringa are featured in some recipes. The drumsticks of moringa are cut in small lengths to make curry and soup. The juice of the drumstick is also extracted for it has a very high nutritional value. The dishes made with Moringa include

• South Indian sambar
• Kaeng som which is a Thai dish
• Clear broth and soups

Other uses:

The seed cake obtained as a byproduct of pressing moringa seeds can be used to purify water and make it fit for consumption. Moringa contains dimeric cationic proteins; these proteins absorb the colloidal charges thereby removing impurities from water.

Conclusion:

Moringa leaves and pods have countless benefits, and these can be exploited in everyday life to make living standard better and to help fight various diseases.

The soothing aromatic herb Mint (Mentha) is of the plants of the mint family. This potent breath freshener is an herb that has been used for centuries for medicinal properties. They have many species and varieties and are found in are found in Asia, Europe, Africa and North America.

Season and Cultivation

Mint can grow in various conditions, but they develop best near lakes, rivers, and in moist areas where there is shade. Also, mint is a perennial plant so, can grow all year round, but generally abundant in spring and summer. They are fast growing and can be invasive, so they should be appropriately managed when mixed with other vegetation so they will not overrun them. Peppermint is the most widely cultivated mint for commercial purposes.

Products in which it is used

Everybody has taken mint one way or the other. From toothpaste to chewing gums to fresh breathers, mint is used as a based element for many products. You will also find it in candies and inhalers. The essential oil extracted from mint is a potent antiseptic and can also be found in cosmetics and some perfumes. The oil is also used for aromatherapy due to its soothing effects and fragrance. Besides, it is used in making natural pesticides.

Nutritional Information

Mint like other herbs contains a wide range of nutrients and health benefits. It has nutrients like protein, carbohydrate, fat, and fiber. It also has small amounts of minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins like vitamin C and A.

Medicinal Uses

Mint has a high antioxidant capacity and can relieve allergy symptoms. It can also be used instead of artificial flavors in cooking to help reduce sodium intake. Mint contains menthol, so it is suitable for relieving common colds such as a sore throat. Moreover, peppermint oil can help to ease abdominal pain..

Culinary Uses

Mint leaves are best for cooking when fresh; however, they can be used either fresh or dried. They have a fresh, warm, sweet flavor and smell with a cool aftertaste. You can use it in jellies, teas, beverages, syrups, ice-creams, and candies. Do you have some fresh mint in your garden? Try out fava mint pesto, one of the yummy foods made with this cool plant.
At the Namkhan village, guests will get to enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh herbs like mint. Our Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic restaurants will offer as much as possible from the farm. Our cuisines include salads, micro greens, and salads juices, vegetable fruit smoothies, some Spanish tapas, or tortillas.

Mango is arguably a sweet fruit, one that commands attention from all. Everyone loves to pick up ripe mango fruits to devour owing to its tasty edible flesh. Mangifera indica, as the scientific name goes, bears fruit whose flowers are yellow, and as big as an apple.

Season and Where It Grows

Mango is a tropical fruit and the best climates to grow mangoes are the tropics, with steamy hot weathers and cool, dry winters. Growing some types of Thai mangoes, such as ‘nam doc mai’ and ‘khaew sawei’may involve seed excavation before planting.

Nutritional Information

Besides the massive tropical aroma, mangos have a pack of nutrients, and its consumption gives a pleasant sensorial experience. The protean mango can be gotten at any time of the year and invoke sweet sensations to a balanced diet.

Additionally, Mangoes are rich in nutrients; they have more than 20 different vitamins and minerals.

Medicinal Uses of Mango

Matured leaves of mango can fix ailing gums and teeth. In this case, the leaves are plucked, boiled and used in scrubbing the teeth. It is an excellent mouthwash and an alternative to conventional toothpaste.
Besides, mango leaves assists in lessening the blood pressure since they have hypotensive qualities. They assist in fortifying the blood vessels and correcting the anomalies of varicose veins. What more, Mango fruit is undisputably refreshing, plus, the juice is medicinal tonic and can reduce the risk of stroke.

Nutritional facts on Mango

Mango is an excellent source of iron and vitamins A, B, and C. Mango fruit has citric, tartaric and malic acids which are useful vitamin reserves.

Culinary Usage of Mango

Mango is also a food source. It can be eaten raw or blended into mango-ade. Furthermore, mango makes yummy ice cream. When peeled, cut and dished with cream, it tastes just like peaches. Mango can as well be processed into can foods and used like jam.
In India and Cambodia, tender and succulent leaves are used in preparing local dishes like “kasui.” It is also used in making tea. Also, a blend of mango leaves and some honey can be used in drinking tea, and even restore lost voices.

Nothing compares to a scenic landscape offered by lush vegetation composed of Malaysia grass. Little wonder its widespread use throughout Asia. Amazingly enough, Malaysia grass, also, comes with low maintenance costs and this makes it the choice for outdoor plants. Scientifically termed, axonopus compresses, Malay grass has Asian roots

Season and Cultivation

Malaysia grass is native to Southeast Asia. It thrives best in fertile soils, wet ground, and moderately humid climate. It can be propagated by either planting the seeds or by vegetative means. In Asia, the grass blossoms most in the Southwest monsoon which runs from late May to September.

Nutritional Information

Malaysian grass has low caloric content. A 330-g serving of Malaysian grass has only 184 calories. It gives space for consumption of other high-calory foods. It also contains carbohydrates and proteins in appreciable amounts.
Amazingly, Malaysian grass has zero fat, vitamins and minerals. As a result of this, the calorie content of this grass is maintained at minimum levels. Moreover, in spite of the limited amounts of fat, the Malaysian grass compensates with a rich flavor.

Medicinal Use

Malaysian grass has in recent times become a plant of particular interest to clinicians both in Asia and even in other continents. It is known to regulates blood sugar levels as it has hypoglycemic impacts on diabetic patients. Also, in most parts of Asia, Malaysian grass is used in maintaining a healthy immune system which helps in disease prevention. Besides, it relieves oral complications and heals bleeding gums. It does this by using flavonoids present in the grass. It also cures mouth odor. It treats skin disorders as it is a potent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent. It lowers body cholesterol levels and reduces the chances of heart disorders.

Culinary Uses

Malaysian grass is a pivotal ingredient to Southeast Asian cooking just as basil is to Italian dishes. In culinary use, they are too rough to eat, so they are cut and ground and combined with fish or poultry soup or stir-fries. Alternatively, it can be sun-dried and ground into powder. Malaysian grass is famous for its savory, lemon aroma.
The Nam Khan project, is a functioning premaculture ecofarm, our Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic,healthy restaurant is trying to offer as much as possible from the farm. Guests would get to enjoy natural fruits, salads, micro greens and salad juices, vegetable fruit smoothies-detox, some Spanish tapas- tortillas and more.

Usually, the first image that forms in one’s mind after hearing the word ‘lime’ is its sharp, bitter, acidic taste. However, lime is more than the sour taste, and there are many reasons why lime should be a constant in your household as you would learn in the article. One of the beauties of this fruit is its variety. There are different types of limes, from the more popular Kaffir lime ( Citrus Hystrix ).

Nutritional Benefits of Lime

The juice extracted from lime when mixed with water, forms ‘lime water’, which is incredibly beneficial to our general health. There are many reasons to add lime juice to your everyday drinking water. Lime is a rich source of vitamin C, and so is used for the prevention and cure of scurvy. The disease is characterized by lip cracks, ulcers in the mouth and swollen, bleeding gums.
Lime also helps rejuvenate the skin while protecting it against infections, treats respiratory, urinary and heart-related disorders, assists in weight loss, treat piles, cholera and also aids in digestion.
So if you’re looking for a natural solution for any of the above ailments, all you need is one or two cups of lime water each day. And the good news is, it’s cheap!

Culinary Usage

The benefits of lime also cut into the culinary world. Its primary function is to add flavor to food. Despite its acidity, lime is a delicious seasoning, used for various dishes. It adds exotic taste to rather bland cooking. The green outer peel is peeled off, to make lime zest, or the juice merely is extracted. Lime juice and zest are particularly necessary for fruit salad preparation because it slows down the oxidation process of the fruits. The leaves are the most used part of Asian cuisine. It is used to add flavor to various dishes including chicken, reduce odor while steaming snail, and in Cambodia, the fruit is candied for eating. A good example is the zesty lime dressing which is excellent with cold chicken salad, with Asian greens

Lime Season and Cultivation

Limes thrive best in seasonal climates and are available all year round, but its peak season runs through the summer months, from March to August. Limes are grown on trees that flourish in tropical and subtropical climates.

Other Uses of Lime

In addition to those already stated, lime juice is used to make cosmetics, as the fruit has positive effects on the skin and body. The fruit is also used to make perfumes, as a result of its sweet smelling fragrance. It can equally be used as a cleansing agent, due to its high acidity. In Asia, it is believed to cure head lice. Lime is a significant source of essential oils and beverages globally.
NamKhan Eco-farm supports organic agriculture. Our Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic, healthy restaurant is trying to offer as much as possible from the farm. Guests would get to enjoy natural fruits, salads, micro greens and salad juices, vegetable fruit smoothies-detox, some Spanish tapas- tortillas and more.

Asides being the plant on which the color ‘lavender’ is based, almost everyone is familiar with the sweet smelling fragrance of lavender (Lavandula), a plant of the mint family. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant, a culinary herb or to produce essential oils. From the occasional headache to the epidemics, lavender is known for its protective abilities. It is one of the numerous herbs that have the ability to make us feel better and experience a more quality life.

Season and Cultivation

Lavender can be found in Africa, the Mediterranean regions, Europe, Australia and some parts of the United States. The best place to cultivate lavender is in dry, gravelly or sandy soil with access to sunlight and good air circulation. Most types do not require fertilizers to grow. They are adventurous plants that can quickly grow beyond their natural range and can become invasive.

Products in which it is used

Lavender is mostly used for its fragrance. The plant is grown commercially for the production of essential oils which is used in cosmetics, perfumes, and balms. Extracts from lavender are also used as fragrances in bath products or as a natural mosquito repellent. Lavender buds (flowers) are used as a flavor in cooking, baking, desserts and to make lavender sugar. Its leaves are used to flavor vegetables and meat and can be used to make tea.

Nutritional Information

Lavender contains vitamin A, C, calcium, and iron. It is low in calories but has high amounts of compounds such as antioxidants. That means it can help detoxify the body. It also contains caffeic acid known to reduce tumor growth or the risk of cancer.

Medicinal Use

Due to its calming effects, lavenders can combat stress and insomnia when taken as tea. Also, lavenders in capsule form are a safer alternative to conventional treatments of anxiety. Besides, you can add it to bathwater to relieve tired muscles. Lavender is also used in skin care to combat chronic conditions like eczema and acne. Moreover, it is used as an antiseptic to prevent infections.

Culinary Use

There are many ways to use the lavender in the kitchen. It is low in calorie and free of cholesterol which makes it a healthy food. It can be used in salads dressing, as a spice for cultural dishes, sauces, beverages or mixed with honey. Do you want to try out a lavender recipe? Check out the lavender-cheese cake.
At the Namkhan Village guests will get to enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh herbs such as lavender. Our Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic restaurants will offer as much as possible from the farm. Our cuisines include salads, micro greens, and salads juices, vegetable fruit smoothies, some Spanish tapas, or tortillas.

The horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, syn. Cochlearia armoracia) is a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family. This root vegetable is usually used as a spice and is related to mustard, wasabi, broccoli, and cabbage. It is thought that the horseradish originated in south eastern Europe and western Asia. Information about this interesting root vegetable is available from the Horseradish Information Council.

Health Benefits of Horseradish

The powerful and pungent taste of the horseradish is connected to a vast range to benefits. The healthy properties of this vegetable root are mostly due to its high nutrient and mineral content. This includes dietary fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese, as well as its organic chemical composition of enzymes and oils.
Horseradish has been associated with health benefits like weight loss, lowering blood pressure, improved breathing and strengthening bones. The horseradish is also known to be beneficiary to the immune and digestive systems and to promote heart health and prevent cancer.

Horseradish sauce

The distinctive pungent taste of horseradish sauce comes from grated horseradish root and vinegar. Some recipes see the vegetable root grated and combined with lime, garlic or mayonnaise. The original horseradish sauce is a very popular condiment in various countries, most notably the United Kingdom and Poland. It is served with the traditional Sunday roast beef, and is also used in sandwiches and salads.

Home-made Horseradish sauce

Particularly when consumed from a store-bought sauce, pay attention to the sodium and sugar content of the recipe. Although horseradish is usually consumed in small amounts, the sodium and sugar calories of processed foods should be taken into consideration, particularly for people who have health concerns. This is why one could consider preparing one’s own home-made horseradish sauce.

The Nam Khan Project, is a fully-fledged and functioning Permaculture eco farm, which features a wide range of plants, fruits, herbs and spices. Our fresh, organic and vitamin-rich produce serves as the base ingredients for our own restaurant. Visit us to taste the difference!

Lexical meaning of Harvesting:

The lexical meaning of harvest is autumn, the name of season, harvest time or the month of August. Harvesting is the process of cutting out the crop after it is ready to use. “The harvest” came to also mean the activity of reaping, gathering, and storing grain and other grown products during the autumn, and also the grain and other grown products themselves. “Harvest” was also verbified: “To harvest” means to reap, gather, and store the harvest (or the crop). Harvesting is the most labor-intensive activity of the growing season on smaller farms with minimal mechanization however, on large mechanized farms, harvesting utilizes the most expensive and sophisticated farm machinery, such as the combine harvester. Heavy machinery reduces the labor work of man.

Harvesting: last stage to collect ripe crops:

In Asian countries men and women work in the fields to gather the ripe crop. Harvesting is the last point of agriculture mechanism. It all starts with making the land arable, then seeding and at the third stage appropriate care of land is taken such as enough water, moister and oxygen is provided. After that when the crop is ripe it is harvested and transported for storage.

Seasons of Harvesting:

In Asian countries, seasons of sowing and harvesting vary from country to country. For instance in Pakistan, winter crops are sown in October, November and December and are harvested in March and April. However, summer crops such as sugarcane are sown in February. Similarly March, April and May are the harvesting seasons for cotton, June and July for rice and July and August for maize crops.

Vaisakhi: The harvesting Festival:

In many Asian countries, harvesting festivals are observed. In Indian and Pakistan festival of Vaisakhi is observed which is celebrated on April 13 and 14 every year. It marks the news year and beginning of harvesting season. Every year, when the wheat crop is ready to be harvested, men and women enjoy in fields on the occasion of Vaisakhi and harvesting of wheat kicks off.

Vegetable harvesting:

Crop harvesting is different than the harvesting of vegetables. The quality of vegetables does not improve after harvest so it is important to gather crops at proper maturity. At this point vegetables are at their peak for flavor and nutrition. This is not always when a vegetable is at its largest stage.
The ripe time varies with certain vegetables. Tomatoes may be left on the vine until fully ripened or taken off when partially ripened and placed on a windowsill to mature. Other crops such as winter squash and watermelon are not ready until after they are fully developed.

Galangal (Alpinia galanga) otherwise referred to as Siamese ginger, is a rhizome which belongs to the family of ginger known as Zingiberaceae (zingy) and is a native plant of China. It is mainly admired for its spicy flavor which makes it the darling of great chefs. Though similar to ginger, galangal has a smoother and paler skin and its inside ranges from yellow to pink. It also has a more astringent and stronger flavor. It was introduced to England and Northern Europe in the 13th century.

Season and where it grows

Galangal is mostly planted on ridges, though can also grow on ordinary soils. It is cultivated through setts (small rhizomes) which have one or two buds. It is best planted in spring to prevent exposure to frost. They are tenderer when young and usually possess white skin instead of brown skin but become brownish when mature. They are harvested almost at any time of the year.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

Galangal contains some carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fiber, sodium, and fat. It hardly contains vitamins and other essential minerals. However, its value lies in the astringent flavor it possesses.

Medicinal use of galangal

Galangal has a lot of use in traditional or alternative medicine. It is used for relieving the symptoms of motion sickness and early morning sickness, chronic bronchitis and cough, throat inflammation and bad breath, pain and relief of fever.
In the Middle East, it is used in managing pains and arthritis while in traditional Chinese medicine, it is employed in handling vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset and hiccups.

Products from galangal

Galangal can be made into galangal powder, teas and extracts, galangal tablets, galangal pastes and creams, as well as galangal essential oils. They are better preserved when converted into these finished products and are used for different purposes.

Culinary use of galangal

Galangal is used for cooking various dishes and cuisines in different parts of the world. It is mostly used in several preparations in Thailand and other parts of Asia. It can be added to Panang, Green Curry, Hot and Sour prawn soup, and other dishes.
Would you love to have a treat of galangal and other highly relished spices? You can get the best green foods nature can offer when you pay a visit to the premaculture ecofarm where tropical fruits and other vegetables are grown. Our Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic, healthy restaurant is home to various organic foods you might need while on vacation.

Do fish have cheeks? The answer is no.

Fish cheek plant (Houttuynia cordata) has a strong fish aroma, which is why it is so named. This Vietnamese edible plant is also known as ‘fish mint,’ ‘fish herb’ or ‘fish leaf.’ The ornamental variety is known as a chameleon plant. It is native to Japan, Southeast Asia, and Southern China. Fish plant is used in cooking cultural dishes and soups. Aside from its culinary use, it is medicinal and known to relieve a variety of ailments.

Season and Cultivation

The fish cheek plant is a perennial plant that grows well in soil that is moist or wet in shady places. They do not need too much sunlight and can also be cultivated in a greenhouse with a filtered shade. The fish cheek plant can also be grown indoors allyear long submerged in water, which is a great example of permaculture. Also, it can be invasive and is best planted separately from other plants in the garden or put in a container first so that it will not spread like a weed.

Nutritional Information

The fish mint is one of the herbs with numerous health benefits. It derives its therapeutic effect from ketones and aldehydes in it which are also the reason for its foul smell.

Medicinal Uses

The fish mint has healing powers and was first discovered by the Chinese as a treatment for pneumonia. It is used as a remedy for ailments such as stomach aches, swellings, and indigestion. The leaves made into a paste and applied topically to relieve itching, rashes, and insect bites. When dried and brewed, the fish herb can also be used for detoxification and to prevent hypertension. Its detoxification potency earned it the name “dokudami” (stop poison) in ancient China.

Culinary Uses

Fish Cheek plant is a leaf vegetable and is a common ingredient in Vietnam and other parts of South East Asia. It is used to garnish homemade dishes of fish, soup, and grilled meat. The fish herb can also be written raw in salads, noodles, and fresh home-made spring rolls. Would you like to try out a tasty fish cheek recipe? The Fish Mint Chimichurri is a delicious dish made with this one of a kind plant.
At the Namkhan village, guests will get to enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh herbs like the fish cheek plant. Our Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic restaurants will offer as much as possible from the farm. Our cuisines include salads, micro greens, and salads juices, vegetable fruit smoothies, some Spanish tapas, or tortillas.

Eggplant also known as’aubergine’ by the British English & ‘Brinjal’ by South Asians and South Africans is actually a fruit which is related to the Tomato, Bell Peppers and Potato. It has a pleasant bitter taste because of the presence of high nicotine content in comparison to other vegetables. You will have to consume 20 to 40 pounds of eggplants to equate the nicotine in 1 cigarette. Scientists call it Solanum Melongena.

EGGPLANT – THE NAME& ITS PRODUCTION

Back in 1700’s these fruits were smaller and looked yellow or white, just like goose eggs or hen eggs and therefore they were called ‘EGGPLANTS’. Today, they are available in different varieties but commonly found to be long, oval shaped and purple. It is cultivated in warmer areas such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China and Philippines. Europe was introduced to this fruit in the 8th century.

Nutritional Information of Eggplants

Eggplants have 92% water, high contents of fiber but is only 35 calorie per cup which makes it a superfood. Its real nutrition lies in its color and pigmentation. It is a good source of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Potassium, manganese, copper, . It’s main specialty the antioxidant known as nasunin due to its dark colored pigmentation. In India, it is called as poor man’s meat since it is available in large quantities and rich in nutrients.

Health Benefits of Eggplants

Nasunin, the antioxidants help protects the lipids in brain cell membranes from damage. Lipids are responsible for protecting the cell from free radicals, letting nutrients in and wastes out.
Eggplants being a great source of fiber helps in digestion because fiber is essential for regular bowel movement. Fiber also helps in reducing cholesterol that can block arteries and veins
Manganese, is a natural oxidant which is present in eggplants that can improve immunity to fight against cancer.
Phenolic compounds that makes the color of eggplants purple and the presence of potassium helps in improving bone health.

How to Enjoy Eggplants

Have you heard of the Baba Ghanoush?Baba Ghanoush is a Mediterranean dip made out of roasted eggplants and olive oil. It is not only delicious, it makes you feel healthier.

Eggplants can be used along with aloe juice & honey to keep skin hydrated and soft. Also, the antioxidant contents help as anti-aging agent. Applying minced eggplant onto the scalp will help nourish the scalp and keep the hair looking healthy.

Although, it has many health benefits, Eggplants belong to the night shade family and is called ‘mad apple’ or ‘crazy apple’ centuries ago because it was believed to make people insane but here is a proverb from Japan
“The happiest omen for a New Year is first Mount Fuji, then the falcon, and lastly eggplant.”

Have you ever seen a flower blossoming like an outburst of flame, and bringing forth a lovely but ephemeral fruit that looks like a bright pink bud of a rose? Well, that is what the dragon fruit, commonly known as pitya, looks like. It is gotten from diverse cactus types; with its tender stem producing the peculiarly tasty fruit. The flavor is moderately sweet, tasting like a mix of kiwifruit with pear, and it has a rough feel. Its scientific name is Hylocereus undatus.

Season and Cultivation

In Thailand, dragon fruit’s season spans March through November, and they may sell at slightly higher prices outside periods .Dragon fruit plants are grown in Asian nations like Vietnam, Philippines, and Malaysia. It thrives well on dry and arid land with little rainfall.

Nutritional Information on Dragonfruit

Dragon fruit is quite affordable, pleasant and interesting to eat. It contains lots of phytonutrients. It also has copious antioxidants, which are vitamin C-laden (totaling 10 percent of the daily recommended intake), complex unsaturated (beneficial) fatty acids, and many other B vitamins for carbohydrate digestion, and also carotene and protein.
The Nam Khan project, is a functioning premaculture ecofarm where we are planting diversity of tropical fruits. Also, our Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic,healthy restaurant is trying to offer as much as possible from the farm. Guests would get to enjoy natural fruits, salads, micro greens and salad juices, vegetable fruit smoothies-detox, some Spanish tapas- tortillas and more.

Medicinal Use of Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit assists in reducing the glucose level in the blood. This is of particular importance to people with type 2 diabetes. Besides, the sugar present in dragon fruit assists in regulating the amount of sugar in the blood for diabetes patients. Also, dragon fruit averts the development of cancerous cells. It also contains a high amount of in minerals and fibers which assists in digestion, eliminates toxic ingredients thereby precluding the chances of colon cancer.
Moreover, dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C, minerals and pytoalbumin in high proportions, and can rid the body of free radicals due to its anti-oxidant qualities. Dragon fruit assists in checking blood cholesterol level. It also contains flavonoids that help in curtailing heart diseases. It is clear that dragon fruit has innumerable health benefits.

Culinary Uses of Dragon Fruit

In contemporary Southeast Asia, dragon fruit is used in producing fruit juice. In Chinese cookery, it is being used in making fruit salads. Some parts of Japan also use dragon fruit to brew tasty drinks and desserts, while some others snack on it just as it is.

Coriander(Coriandrum sativum) is also known as Chinese parsley and Cilantro at some places is an annual herb which belongs to the family of Apiaceae. The word coriander comes from the Old French word’Coriandre’ which in turn has been taken from the Latin ‘Coriandrum’. All the parts of this plant are edible, but mostly its green leaves and the dried seeds are used in cooking to enhance the taste as well as the aesthetic appeal of the dish.

Season and where it grows:

Coriander is one of the most undemanding and humble herbs. A sunny location and well – drained soil is its only requirement. It is grown in regions of Southern Europe and northern Africa to southwestern Asia. It thrives well in cool weather spring and fall. They grow well with slightly dry conditions and does not require too much fertilizer.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information:

Coriander can rightly be called a wonder herb due to its antioxidant,analgesic,antiseptic aphrodisiac and fungicidal properties.

It is a rich source of dietary fiber, manganese,iron and magnesium. It is also a wonderful source of Vitamin C,Vitamin K and protein. Coriander juice mixed with a pinch of turmeric is effective remedy for pimples, blackheads and dry skin.

Medicinal Use of Coriander:

Coriander lowers bad cholesterol(LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL) levels. It helps in diabetes by stimulating insulin secretion and lower blood sugar levels. It even promotes liver functions and bowel movements. The presence of Vitamin K in it helps in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Its antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties protect from lung cavity cancer and also make it useful against Arthritis.

Products from Coriander:

Coriander is used in cooking because of its sweet and spicy aroma and health benefits. Coriander seeds are dried and crushed to form a powder and used as an important spice. Recent researches have revealed that coriander oils have impressive inflammatory properties and high antioxidant levels.

Culinary Use Of Coriander:

Coriander leaves are used in making various types of chutney. Coriander seeds are powdered and used in curries,confectionary, stews , sausages and cakes.It is one of the essential spices in Indian and south Asian cooking.

Chinese cabbage (Brassica Pekinensis) is a delightful vegetable native to China. Though there are several varieties of cabbage, the Napa species stands out and is highly nutritious. It is the large-headed cabbage that has firmly packed, pale green leaves. It has a distinct flavor and crunchy leaves and makes up your sandwich and salads. It was introduced to the Netherlands a century ago from China

Season and where it grows

The Chinese cabbage can be grown any time of the year because it is an all-year-round plant but has its peak in the summer months. It is usually planted with seeds. The plant does well in fertile soils that hold enough water but not wet. To get the best result for early winter or mid-winter, planting should be commenced in late August through October. It can also be planted in January to reduce exposure to cold and ice. It’s ready for harvest between 60 and 90 days, when the heads are firm.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

The Chinese cabbage is rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B6, and B12. It also contains Riboflavin, pantothenic acid, bethaine, niacin, choline, folate and thiamine. In addition, it has minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, selenium, copper and sodium. Also present in the plant are protein, carbohydrate, dietary fibers, and fats and fatty acids. This is why the vegetable is highly valued.

Medicinal use of Chinese cabbage

Chinese cabbage enjoys a place in local medical practice. Its benefits to health include regulating blood pressure, fighting anemia and fatigue, improving skin health, boosting the immune system, antibacterial effects, strengthening your eyes, aiding digestion, and a source of antioxidants to keep radicals out of your blood. This wonder plant can actually keep you healthy all year round.

Products from Chinese cabbage

Chinese cabbage is eaten raw and can as well be used for preparing dishes, salads, and soups. Chinese cabbage is a good source of vitamins, minerals, traces of proteins and carbohydrate needed for the day to day functioning of your body.

Use of Chinese cabbage in cookery

The Napa cabbage is used for preparing different dishes and recipes in different parts of the world. In Ireland for instance, the Bacon and Cabbage is a delicacy and it includes unsliced back bacon with boiled cabbage and potato. The eastern Chinese enjoy the Lion’s Head from the Huaiyang cuisine. Other parts of the world have their own special ways of preparing the vegetable.
If you are keen on enjoying natural vegetables and fruits, it’s time to visit the Nam Khan project with a fully functioning premaculture ecofarm where tropical fruits are grown. Our Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic, healthy restaurant has the healthiest collections of fruits, salads and cuisines you would ever need.

Have you ever wondered why people say as “as cool as a cucumber’’?

Cucumber is a climbing vines plant species of gourds that includes zucchini, watermelon and other types of summer squash. With the scientific name, Cucumis Savitus, this edible fruit is refreshing, delicious and medicinal. Cucumbers are mostly made of water which makes them very beneficial to our health especially during summer.

Nutritional Information

Cucumbers contain essential nutrients that are important for the human body. Its flesh is rich in, vitamin C, vitamin A, and folic acid. Also, the hard skin is rich in fiber and several minerals, such as potassium and magnesium. Above all, they contain silica, a trace mineral that helps strengthen our body tissues. Cucumbers are known to heal several skin diseases, sunburn and under eye swelling. Cucumbers cultivated organically are the best.

Medicinal Use

Like other fruits, cucumber has many health benefits. It is known to rid the body of toxins and especially useful in preventing diabetes. The cucumber regulates body temperature, as well as eliminate eye bulge. Also, the cucumber helps to grow and strengthen the hair.

Season and Cultivation

There are several types and varieties of Cucumber. It has its origin in South Asia but can be found on most continents. It yields better in warm regions, and therefore it should be grown in moderately warm temperature. Cucumbers can be cultivated in greenhouses as well as polyhouse as well as the hydroponic system.

Products in Which Cucumber is used

Cucumbers are commonly used in salads and smoothies. Besides, due to its soothing and anti-aging properties, cucumbers are used in beauty products as a healthy alternative to chemicals. You will find it many facial mask recipes and other hair and beauty products. Oils extracted from cucumber seeds are used in making medicinal oils.

Culinary Use

Cucumbers are widely used in salads, smoothies, sandwiches, pickles, and appetizers. A yummy example is cucumber and pineapple salad which is a mixture of cucumber, pineapple, onion, garlic with a dash of chili to spice it up.

At the Namkhan village, guests will get to enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh cucumbers. Our Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic restaurants will offer as much as possible from the farm. Our cuisines include salads, micro greens, and salads juices, vegetable fruit smoothies, some Spanish tapas, or tortillas.