October Review and a Peak into 2018

“Mesquite in October” seemed almost as odd as “Christmas in July”, considering June is the main month for harvesting Mesquite pods.  So I was surprised when four different venues ask me to give a Mesquite workshop this month.  When I saw how many people came out to these events and how interested they were to discover this abundant food that grows all around them, I quickly realized that the pods don't need to be hanging on the tree in order to tell people about them!  

Thankfully I had harvested plenty of pods in June so that everyone could taste them.  It was really exciting and rewarding every time someone tasted a pod, a pinch of flour or a sip of nectar and exclaimed with a surprised look, "It’s sweet!"  Yes it is and it's the best kept secret in town!  I'm more determined than ever to keep spreading the word about the edible Mesquite pods, any time of the year!  

Ripe and Immature Pods

Thanks to everyone who attended the Mesquite events at:

• Gilbert Historical Museum
• Mesquite Branch Library for its 35th Anniversary Celebration
• Arizona State Fair
• Apache Elementary 2nd graders (rescheduled in November)
• Trees Matter's 5th Annual Mesquite Pancake Breakfast (Unfortunately I was unable to attend)

I also gave an "Edible and Medicinal Weeds in the Garden" workshop this month at the Tempe Library.  Part 2 of this workshop will be scheduled in March, as well as two other "Weeds in the Garden". workshops.  I'll post the details when dates and times are confirmed.

Last weekend I went to Reevis Mountain for a three-day Oriental Acupressure course with Peter Bigfoot.  Acupressure is a profoundly effective healing art that uses the hands to reestablish the free flow of energy through the body wherever it is restricted and allow the body to regain it's ability to function properly.

As Peter taught the pressure points for each system, he illustrated how he had used them in emergency situations to help people over the years.  These were often situations he encountered while hiking in the middle of the desert, where no outside help could be obtained within a timely manner.  He often combined the use of Acupressure and a medicinal plant he found close by to make a tea which amazingly helped people to get back on their feet so they could complete the journey.  

I am convinced that everyone should learn at least some basic self-help touch points.  For example, one very simple and potentially life-saving act for someone having a heart attack is to hold the little finger until medical assistance arrives.  Did you get that?  Anyone can hold their little finger!  Typically the pain will go away with this procedure, but it’s always best to have the EMT’s or a physician check you out as soon as possible.

The Yurpee I stayed in, surprisingly roomy and plenty of headroom

Peter's invention, a combination of a Yurt and Teepee

Peter’s off-grid homestead is a wonderful place to visit.  I highly recommend you go and take a class or become an intern.  No matter why you are there, you will be included in mealtime. 

You can always expect a delicious home-cooked breakfast and dinner and a smaller lunch, all prepared with veggies from the garden. 

Before each meal, everyone gathers around and sings some songs.  Then there's a lot of conversation and story-telling during the meal which continues for a while after everyone is finished. 

When Peter says it's time to clean up, everyone helps to clear off the table, wash, dry and put the dishes away before proceeding to class or whatever is next on the agenda.  It’s such a happy time, it feels like one big happy family.  To see all that Reevis Mountain School of Self Reliance has to offer, go to https://www.reevismountain.org/

Earlier this month, a small group of us went on a plant walk with herbalist Charles W. Kane on a sky island in Tucson.  We learned about the Black Cherry tree, Coffee Berry and Madrone.  

I own all of Charles’ books so I was thrilled when his new book, “Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States” was released.  He also recently released an updated and expanded second edition of a book I’ve owned for several years, “Sonoran Desert Food Plants: Edible Uses for the Desert’s Wild Bounty”.  It’s a great resource with 58 edible plants that grow in the Sonoran desert, some of which also grow in our desert landscapes.  Learn more about Charles at https://medivetus.com/

The AZ Herb Association will hold their 2nd Annual Herb Festival on Saturday, February 24th.  Details will be posted when they are finalized.  I will be presenting a workshop for one of the sessions.  Stay tuned to find out which plant will be featured.  You will love it!

Another event I will be attending is the SW Herb Fest on Saturday May 19th.  Peter Bigfoot will be one of the speakers and will share his personal stories of healing venomous bites and stings with desert plants, among other stories.  To register, go to https://www.swherbfest.com/ 

If you're on Facebook, join The Desert Kitchen FB group to find out about the many classes, events and other info that you may be interested in, in addition to the workshops that I give.

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