Hops: To Eat or Not to Eat

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Are Hops Safe to Eat?

Hops are an increasingly popular vine that many home gardeners are establishing in their gardens, whether it's to make a home brew or provide a unique source of shade in the yard. Are these edible flowers more versatile than we think, and are they really safe to eat?

Medicinal Value of Hops

According to WebMD.com, hops are a useful component in treating many medical disorders. Some of the more recognizable disorders include:

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Bladder Infections
• Cramps
• Indegestion
• Insomnia
• Nerve Pain
• Tension
• Various Cancers

*Of course, with any treatment, a doctor should always be consulted first.

When Not to Eat Hops

While hops may be beneficial to some, not everyone should eat them because more research needs to be done to ensure their safety during different situations. Do not eat hops during the following:

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Depression
• 2 Weeks before Surgery

Source: Hops. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-856-HOPS.aspx?activeIngredientId=856&activeIngredientName=HOPS

Is Decorative Corn Edible?



Image: freedigitalphotos.net

Decorative corn, also called ornamental or Indian corn, is known for its multi-colored kernels. During fall its used as a decoration on tabletops, wreaths and tied to lamp posts etc. The question is, is decorative corn edible?

To Eat or Not to Eat

Decorative corn is edible because there is nothing in it that will harm you if eaten. However, decorative corn is extremely hard and pretty bland.

Does Decorative Corn Taste Good?

There are lots of differing opinions about whether or not decorative corn is worth eating or even trying. Some people say they love it while others think its too bland and starchy when cooked and makes a better decoration than side dish. I personally have never tried it.

How is Decorative Corn Used Besides Decorating?

Decorative corn can be ground into flour or popped when allowed to dry correctly. You can even try boiling it to soften the kernels and eat it on the cob but remember its going to be bland, especially if you’re used to eating sweet corn.

Are you going to give eating decorative corn a try?

How to Freeze Fresh Pumpkins from the Garden

Image: Emilie von Büttner/Wikimedia Commons

Pumpkins are for more than carving jack-o-lanterns, they’re for eating too. If you’ve grown your own pumpkins or have picked up a bunch from the local apple orchard or farmers market for eating, freeze them for later use in pies, soups and butters. Here’s how to freeze pumpkins in 7 easy steps.

Which Pumpkins are Best for Eating?

Sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins taste the best. They’re a little sweeter and less stringy than those you carve for Halloween. When planning your garden, consider planting the following to use in your favorite pumpkin recipes.

• Baby Pam
• New England Pie
• Winter Luxury
• Gurney’s 
  ® 
  Giant Magic Hybrid
• Big Max

How to Freeze Fresh Pumpkin

Step 1: Quarter pumpkins by cutting in half and then cutting each halve in half

Step 2: Scoop out seeds and save them for toasting or frying, remove strings attached to pumpkin flesh

Step 3: Place pumpkin halves skin side down in baking pan. Add about ¼” water to the pan, cover and bake for 1 hour at 300° F or until flesh is easily pierced with knife

Step 4: Uncover and let pumpkins rest until cool enough to handle

Step 5: Remove pumpkin flesh from skin and cut into 2 - 3” pieces

Step 6: Puree in food processor until smooth or freeze pieces as is depending on what pumpkin will be used for

Step 7: Let pumpkin cool before placing in freezer bags or containers. Measure precise amount of pureed pumpkin and label each bag with amount and date frozen. To freeze pieces of pumpkin, place on a cookie sheet uncovered and pop into the freezer. When frozen, remove pumpkin pieces from cookie sheet and pop into freezer bags, label and date. This method allows you to remove as much or as little pumpkin from the bag as you like and return the rest to the freezer for later use.

What are some of your favorite pumpkin recipes?