Featured Fruit of the Week -- Cherries (Red)

We are entering cherry season.  They are not only one of the sweetest and tastiest of the red fruits, but they are also packed with health benefits. Cherries are a great source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-complex, phytochemicals, anthocyanins, and melatonin, all of which make cherries helpful in lowering bad cholesterol, maintaining healthy skin, protecting DNA from free radicals, fighting the risks of heart disease and colon cancer, and helping to fight insomnia. They also help reduce inflammation and arthritis pain.

At market, cherries usually can be found starting in June and lasting throughout the summer. Look for cherries that are shiny and plump with no blemishes, cuts, bruises, or stale and dry stems. Sweet cherries should be firm but not hard, while sour cherries should be medium-firm. Look for cherries with the stems still intact, they will have a longer shelf life. Also, try to buy organic cherries to avoid pesticide contamination.

You should store cherries unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and wash just before eating. Let them come to room temperature; the flavor will be much better. Use your fresh cherries within 2 to 4 days. Cherries can be frozen, but you should remove the pits first (otherwise, they will take on an almond flavor from the pit). Place pitted and washed cherries in a plastic bag with all the air removed and freeze, or place cherries on a baking sheet, freeze, and then store in a plastic bag. Frozen cherries can last in the freezer up to 10 to 12 months.

5 Reasons Why Crochet is Better than Weed

Well, to be clear, I myself have not tried marijuana -- really, never have.  I've smelled others using it, but I've never had a desire to try it myself; hey, a beer or two does me in, so I've always been nervous about trying anything stronger.  But I do have friends who extol its virtues: it eases stress and relaxes you; it has health properties, etc., etc.

This morning, I really needed a stress-easer!  I thought my head was going to explode with that rush of panic that hits when you realize you didn't do something you were supposed to do.  Thankfully, I quickly discovered that I had more time than I realized, but my head was still feeling the effects of the panic, on top of having had a half cup of coffee on an empty stomach!  So, I sat down, took a deep breath, and started to knit a row on the sweater I'm making (more on that later...).  By the end of the row, I felt soooo much better.

That's what got me thinking about why knitting and crocheting really are superior forms of relaxation than the usual chemical ways people seek to ease their stress.  Specifically,

1)  It's Cheaper.

I'm told that 1 gram of the good stuff costs about $20.  Hey, for that price, you can buy 100 grams (which is about 350-400 yards, depending on the thickness of the yarn) of hand-dyed wool yarn or 300-400 grams of a fine quality manufactured yarn.  And it'll take a lot longer to use up the yarn than smoke one joint!

2)  You Know What You're Getting

One of my big fears about trying marijuana is a lack of knowledge about exactly what's in it or if it's been "laced" with anything (maybe now with legalization and regulation that's less of a concern), but have you ever heard of a yarn ingredient scandal??

3)  And, If You Don't Like It, You Can Return It

I doubt your pot source is going to be willing to take back any unused portion of your purchase, but local yarn shops usually have reasonable return policies.

4)  You Can Do It Legally in Public

In fact, Worldwide Knit In Public Day is coming up on June 18, 2016, and the Upper Northwest Knitters of DC are celebrating at Laliguras Restaurant on Connecticut Avenue, details here!  Though I guess you could say that both activities seem to still have some stigma attached to them :-).

5)  No Munchies

It's hard to eat and stitch (messy in the least), so it's actually a great way to inhibit mindless munching, which actually further reduces your costs and is better for your health ;-)

Now, arguably, the creative aspects of both could make the two activities compatible; it would be interesting to hear about experiences in which people have tried to crochet while smoking pot!

3 Critical Steps to Enjoying Fruits and Vegetables

Now, I know you're wondering what in the world this has to do with crochet, but stay with me, it's all about the crochet lifestyle and getting back to a more natural and healthy way of life.  A really important aspect of achieving the crochet lifestyle IMHO is enjoying healthy and natural foods.

My friend Helen and I started a project a few years ago about choosing and preparing fruits and vegetables in all the different colors for optimal health and nutrition.  She's the author of a fantastic children's book Eat Lots of Colors: A Colorful Look at Healthy Nutrition for Children that really gets kids off on the right foot in learning about fruits and vegetables. Well, our follow-up project has been dormant for a little while, but with summer fast approaching, it seems like a good time to revive our tips for healthy eating.

Which brings me to the 3 critical steps:

1)  Choosing Fruits and Vegetables in an Optimal Way

I know, we're all in a hurry when we go to the grocery store (or better yet the farmers' market).  So, we start grabbing whatever looks good and hope when we get home that it actually is good and that we know what to do with it!  But there is a better way, and, if we consciously slow down a bit, it'll pay off in the end.  It's important to pay attention to what's in season and to utilize all of our senses in choosing the best fruits and vegetables.  Helen and I have some great tips on how to do this with ease.

2)  Storing those Fruits and Vegetables Properly

Once you've spent the time and money to choose the best fruits and vegetables, it's a real shame when they go bad because they weren't stored properly.  We'll break it down for you to make this aspect of healthy eating a cinch!

3)  Preparing Fruits and Vegetables to Really Bring Out Their Charms

Ok, you've bought the best of the best and lovingly stored everything to keep it fresh, but now it's time to actually prepare your bounty.  Helen and I have got some tried and true recipes that will help unlock the amazing tastes and nutrients of your fruits and vegetables without a lot of time, unnecessary ingredients, or preparation.

Sounds good Phyllis, but we want some details!  Ok, then come back each Thursday for our Featured Fruit or Vegetable of the Week!