It is dry here. So dry. By this time of year, we could have expected several serious bouts of rain, and at least a stirring of growth in the brown earth. Instead we get the vaguest of clouds and downpours of thirty seconds that barely darken the sidewalk. On a walk last weekend in the … Read More »
edible wild plants
Gone Gleaning
Leket (or the verb Likut) is the Biblical Hebrew word for gleaning. Leket Israel is a non-profit that collects produce and food that would otherwise go to waste from farms, restaurants, stores and caterers, and distributes it to those in need. The organization contacted me recently in connection with a new project they have initiated– … Read More »
House Blend Herb Tea
On these roasting summer days, one can never drink enough, and I try to keep a pitcher of chilled herb tea in the fridge at all times. Very auspiciously, the path leading to my front door is lined with herbs – starting with rosemary, followed by zaatar (Syrian marjoram), lemon verbena, thyme, zuta levana (white … Read More »
Fig Season
Again, the figs are here. It seems like I’ve been waiting so long. To squeeze and rend their skins, gauge the sweetness in the filaments of flesh, and pop the delicate seeds between my teeth. They will consume my attention throughout their brief season. Ron has draped netting over our fig trees – the birds … Read More »
Cactus Spirit
I recently returned from a very eventful visit to the United States, which included, among family visits and presentations, a meeting with the wonderful environmentalist, writer and local foods pioneer, Gary Paul Nabhan. Several years ago, I read his seminal book, “Coming Home to Eat”, and his description of a visit to extended family in … Read More »