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A Berry similar in size and colour of the Blueberry, the acai berry contains a large single seed in the middle of a fleshy pulp. Acai Berry is a Native to the Amazon Rainforest. A member of the Arecaceae family, the Acai Berry is Botanically recognised as Euterpe oleracea. The berry is born on Palm Trees in a similar way to Bananas.
Saving seeds from the plants we grow is a good way of regrowing your favourite vegetables without the need of continually buying new seed. There are many types of vegetable seeds that can be collected. Plants must be open pollinated and not from a previous Hybrid as there is no guarantee of the quality of the plant you grow. In most cases a hybrid will revert back to either of its parents often with much less vigour.
Olive Oil is obtained from the fruit of Olea europaea of the Oleaceae family. Commonly known as The Olive Tree. One of the healthiest oils available it is perhaps the world’s most popular oil used commonly in cooking. In addition it is also used in Cosmetics and Soaps as well as in Pharmaceutical products. Olive trees are native to areas around the Mediterranean with Spain being the world’s largest producer of Olive Oil. It estimated to be close to 800,000 Olive trees in cultivation around the world with at least 90% coming from areas around the Mediterranean.
Linseed (or Flax as it is often known) is of the family Linaceae with the Botanical name of Linum usitatissimum. Archaeological digs have discovered flax fibres believed to be from around the year around 34,000BC. Historically Flax was cultivated around Ethiopia and Ancient Egypt. Flax grows to between one and one and a half metres. Averaging around 1.2 metres in height. The seed capsules, born of light blue flowers contain the apple seed like seeds of the Linseed. Each seed is approximately 7 mm long.
Lemon Essential Oil is expressed from the fresh skin of the Citrus limonum from the Rutaceae Family, also known as Citrus Limon. Lemon trees grow up to 6 metres in height. The fruit is born from slightly pink flowers. The fruit is bright green ripening to its brilliant colour of yellow. Lemon oil is very versatile. It can be used as a food additive and in perfume. It also has many inte al and exte al healing and preventative uses. The fruit is a rich source of vitamin C amongst others.
A member of the Lythraceae family and Botanically named Punica granatum, the pomegranate is a deciduous tree growing to around 7 to 8 metres. The pomegranate is a native to areas around Southwest Asia. It has been grown for its fruit for centuries. Today it can be found growing today in many areas around the world including India, Turkey, Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia. It is still commonly grown in Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Pomegranate has been mentioned in mythological stories and has found a solid foundation in Greece and Italy.
Strawberries are amongst the most popular fruits in the world. They have been eaten for centuries and have been known for their health benefits. Strawberries are very nutritious containing many valuable nutrients. They are a rich source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Strawberries are high in carbohydrates and dietary fibre. They also contain protein. Strawberries are a viable source of Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, iodine and Folate.
Lavender Essential Oil is derived from the flowers, of the Lavandula angustifolia, from the Lamiaceae family, previously known as Lavandula officinalis. It is still recognised as officinalis by some horticulturalists. The Lavender Shrub grows to around one metre. It is an extremely popular garden shrub grown near entrances and windows for its aroma. All Aromatherapy oils can be considered prized and popular; however, Lavender oil would have to be at the top of the list in popularity.
Peas are a common vegetable grown in many home gardens around the world. Botanically recognised as Pisum sativum. Varieties include “macrocarpon” (Snow peas or Snap peas) and “hortense” (Podded peas) from the family Fabaceae. Peas originated in areas around Turkey and Western Asia. Peas grow best in cooler climates where temperatures are below 25 degrees Celsius. Down to as low as 15 degrees Celsius. Plants will also grow well at temperatures below this but their growth will be slower and flowers and pods will be more susceptible to frost.
Lettuce is botanically recognised as Lactuca satvia from the family Asteraceae. It is perhaps, the world’s most popular green leaf salad vegetable. The milky solution that oozes from the crispy base end of lettuce was the rise of both the botanical (Latin) name for lettuce as well as the common name. “lac” is the Latin term for Milk.
The tomato is recognised, as a vegetable though should be correctly termed a berry fruit in true botanical classification. A member of the Solanaceae family and botanically named Solanum lycopersicum (syn. Lycopersicon esculentum) the tomato is closely related to Potatoes, Deadly nightshade and Nicotinia.
A native of South West Asia and from the Amaranthaceae family, what we commonly recognise as Spinach is botanically classified as Spinacia oleracea. Spinach is a native of South Western Asia and is now cultivated around the world. Spinach is an annual plant but can be treated as a Biennial in perfect growing conditions.
Oryza sativa of the Poaceae family, is the Botanical name for what could be considered the most commonly consumed grains in the world. It is included in the diets in many Countries and of many cultures around the world. It is especially popular in South East Asia where it is consumed on an almost daily basis. As far as production goes, Rice is likely second only to Maize, more commonly known as Corn.
Toxins Build up in our body on a daily basis. Naturally occurring toxins, free radicals, synthetic chemicals, alcohol, cigarettes, prescription drugs, depleted body secretions and hormones all add up to load our bodies with toxins that can stress not only our inte al systems but also our skin, hair and nails. Undergoing a Detox program three or four times a year can provide a great deal of benefit to our skin. Detox programs can assist with flushing many toxins from our system but they are not a license to live a toxic lifestyle with a “Detox” back up.
Blueberries are known botanically as Vaccinium of which there are several species. Blueberries belong to the Ericaceae family. The Cranberry and Bilberry are also from the Vaccinium Genus. The blueberry is a Perennial with dark blue berries. Blueberries are Native to North America and Northern and Eastern Europe. They require extremes in cold temperatures to set fruit resulting in their lacking in popularity in Australia, though they can be seen in colder southern parts of Australia.
Persea gratissima, better known as Avocado is a Tree from the plant family, Lauraceae. The tree and its fruit are both commonly referred to as Avocado. It Fruit has also been commonly named Alligator Pear and Butter Pear. The Avocado is native to Mexico and parts of South America. The fruit is classified as a Berry and is treated as a vegetable in most culinary dishes. It will grow in some cooler climates but Avocado is typically most prolific in Tropical climates.
The cultivation of Asparagus has a long history dating back to at least 2000 years when the Egyptians grew it for its health and medicinal properties. It also has connections to Ancient Rome and Greece. Asparagus is from the genus Asparagus and species A. officinalis. Asparagus is a unique plant from the plant family Asparagaceae.
Cancer is a serious disease, especially in children. Disease related statistics place childhood cancer as the leading cause of death in children from Birth to 15 years old. Accidents do cause more deaths than cancer, but cancer is the most common childhood disease resulting in death. It is estimated Childhood cancer is the cause of around 10% of Deaths in children under the age of 15. Survival rates for Childhood cancer have increased to greater than 75% over the last 25 years.
The plant family, Convolvulaceae, holds the lineage for the Ipomoea batatas more commonly known as Sweet Potato. The edible tubers come in a range of coloured cultivars with the most recognised being the traditional Orange. Colours also include white, orange, and purple. A mildly distant relative of the traditional potato. Some areas recognise the potato as a Yam but a true yam is more distinct in appearance than a Sweet Potato. It has also been called Sweet Orange Potato in some Countries.