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March Gardening: Vegetable Seeds to Start NOW on the East Coast

3/19/2022

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If you're like most people, you're probably looking forward to the warm weather and spending time outside in your garden. Well, it's time to start planning what you'll be planting! In this blog post, we will discuss which vegetable seeds you should be starting on the East Coast in March.
March is the perfect time to start planting vegetable seeds on the East Coast. The weather is starting to warm up and the days are getting longer, so your plants will have plenty of time to grow. Some of the best vegetables to plant in March include peas, spinach, radishes, and turnips. I recommend using heirloom seeds for organic gardening because they are not genetically modified and produce the juiciest, best tasting crops I've ever tasted.
Peas should be started indoors about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. Spinach can be started indoors or outdoors, but it's best to start it indoors if you want a head start on the growing season. Radishes and turnips can be direct-seeded into your garden (which means you don't have to start them indoors first).
They can be grown under a grow light or on a sunny windowsill. You'll want to transplant them outside when they are about four inches tall. I recommend using seed starter trays which you can easily buy on Amazon. They provide the right amount of humidity and it's just less of a hassle than gathering all of the materials.
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If you start your vegetable seeds indoors, you'll need to harden them off before planting them outside. Hardening off just means getting your plants acclimated to the outdoors. Do this by placing them outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors over the course of a week or two.
Other vegetables you can start in April include lettuce, cabbage, and broccoli. They should be started indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date.
By starting your vegetable seeds indoors, you'll be able to get a head start on the growing season. This is especially beneficial if you live in an area with a short growing season.
Do you have any tips for starting vegetable seeds indoors? Share them with us in the comments below!

Read about Hydroponic Gardening 
seed starter trays
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Where to Buy Freeze Dried Food to Keep on Hand for Emergencies

3/19/2022

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Where to buy freeze dried food?


There are many places to buy freeze-dried food. You can find it in stores that sell camping and hiking gear, as well as some grocery stores. You can also purchase it online from a variety of retailers. When purchasing freeze dried food, be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure that you are getting a product that is of high quality and that will provide you with the nutrition you need. We recommend The Survival Prep Store because they offer a money-back guarantee and their foods are of the highest quality.
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How to Start a DIY Hydroponic Garden: The Best Systems and Benefits

3/6/2022

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Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. The plants are grown in water and receive their nutrients from the water solution. This is a great way to garden if you live in an area with poor soil quality or if you want to grow vegetables year-round. In this blog post, we will discuss the best systems to use for your DIY hydroponic garden and the benefits of hydroponic gardening!


When starting a hydroponic garden, you have several different system options to choose from. The most common hydroponic systems are the wicking system, the nutrient film technique (NFT), and the ebb and flow system. Each of these systems has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the one that will work best for your needs.


The wicking system is the most common hydroponic system and is also the simplest to set up. This system uses a growing medium, such as perlite or coco coir, that holds moisture and nutrients. The plants are grown in holes in the growing medium and their roots hang down into a reservoir of water and nutrients. The wicking action of the growing medium draws the moisture and nutrients up to the plants' roots. This system is a great choice for beginners, as it is easy to set up and requires minimal maintenance.


The nutrient film technique is a more advanced hydroponic system that uses a thin film of water to provide nutrients to the plants. This system is ideal for growing larger plants, as it can support taller plants without becoming too heavy. The downside to this system is that it can be difficult to maintain a consistent level of moisture and nutrients in the film.


The ebb and flow system is another advanced hydroponic system that uses a timer to flood the plants' roots with water and nutrients. This system is ideal for larger gardens, as it can accommodate a large number of plants. The downside to this system is that it can be difficult to keep the nutrient solution at the correct pH level.


Hydroponics is a great way to garden no matter where you live. If you have poor soil quality or want to grow vegetables year-round, hydroponic gardening is the solution for you! In this blog post, we discussed the best systems to use for your DIY hydroponic garden and the benefits of hydroponic gardening. So, what are you waiting for? Start building your very own hydroponic garden today!


If you're curious about hydroponics and want to start a DIY hydroponic garden of your own, check out our website or give us a call! We would be happy to help you get started!
Best Hydroponic Systems on Amazon
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Canning Tomatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

3/6/2022

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If you're like me, then you love canning tomatoes in the summer. It's a great way to preserve the deliciousness of summer for later in the year. Not to mention, canning tomatoes is a great way to save money on groceries! In this step-by-step guide, we will teach you how to can tomatoes like a pro!




First, you will need to gather your supplies. You will need: canning jars, lids, a pot for boiling the jars, a large pot for boiling the tomatoes, a strainer, and of course, fresh tomatoes! I recommend the  Ball Wide Mouth Canning Jars.
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Next, wash your canning jars and lids in hot soapy water. Then, sterilize the jars by boiling them in a pot of water for ten minutes.


Now, it's time to can the tomatoes! Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Then, cut your fresh tomatoes in half and add them to the boiling water. Boil the tomatoes for two minutes.


After two minutes, remove the tomatoes from the pot with a slotted spoon and place them in a strainer. Allow the water to drain off of the tomatoes.


Now, it's time to fill your canning jars with the tomatoes. Fill each jar to within an inch of the top. Then, add two tablespoons of lemon juice to each jar. This will help to preserve the tomatoes.


Now, it's time to seal the jars! Place the lids on top of the jars and screw them in place. Then, place the jars in a pot of boiling water and boil for ten minutes.


After ten minutes, remove the jars from the pot and allow them to cool. Once they have cooled, you can store them in your pantry for later use! Enjoy!
Ball Wide Mouth Canning Jars
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Everything You Need to Know About Canning: Supplies, Foods, and Benefits

3/6/2022

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If you're looking for a way to preserve your food, canning is a great option. Canned food can last for years, and it's a great way to stock up on healthy foods for the winter. In this blog post, we'll discuss everything you need to know about canning: supplies, foods, and benefits. We'll also provide some tips for beginners who are just starting out. So whether you're new to canning or you've been doing it for years, this blog post has something for you!


Supplies:


The first thing you'll need is a canning pot. This is a special pot that's designed for canning food. You can find canning pots at most hardware stores or online. Make sure to get a pot that's the right size for your needs.


You'll also need canning jars, lids, and rings. Canning jars come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the size that's right for you. Canning lids and rings can be found at most hardware stores or online.


Lastly, you'll need a canning funnel. This is used to fill the jars with food without making a mess. Canning funnels can be found at most hardware stores or online.


Foods:


There are a variety of foods that can be canned, but some are better for beginners than others. Tomatoes, fruits, and pickles are all great options for beginners. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can try canning meat or vegetables.


Benefits:


There are a number of benefits to canning food. Canned food lasts for years, so you can stock up on healthy foods for the winter. Canned food is also a great way to preserve your harvest. And lastly, canned food is often cheaper than fresh or frozen food. So if you're looking for a way to save money on food, canning is a great option.


Tips for Beginners:


If you're new to canning, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure to read the instructions carefully. Canning can be dangerous if not done properly. Second, start with simpler recipes. Tomatoes, fruits, and pickles are all great options for beginners. And lastly, practice makes perfect! The more you can, the better you'll get at it.


So there you have it: everything you need to know about canning! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced canner, this blog post has something for you. So get out there and start canning! Your food will thank you.


Do you have any canning tips or recipes to share? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!


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Doomsday Prepper Guide: How to Prepare for the Worst

2/27/2022

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The world is a scary place. Every day, it seems like there is something new to worry about. Natural disasters, economic instability, and global conflict are just a few of the potential dangers that we face. If you're concerned about the future of our planet and want to do something to prepare for the worst, then you need to read this doomsday prepper guide! In this blog post, we will discuss how to get started on your doomsday prepping journey. We'll cover everything from food storage to self-defense tactics. So don't wait – start preparing for doomsday today!
One of the most important aspects of doomsday prepping is having a long-term food supply. If the world comes to an end, you're going to need to have enough food to last you and your family for months or even years. That's why it's important to stock up on shelf stable foods that have a long shelf life. canned goods, dried fruits and vegetables, and freeze-dried foods are all great options for your doomsday food supply. And don't forget to include a manual can opener in your supplies – you'll need it if the power goes out!
Another key element of doomsday prepping is water storage. If there is a major disaster, the water supply may be disrupted or contaminated. That's why it's important to have a stockpile of clean drinking water. You can store water in bottles, jugs, and even 55-gallon drums. Just make sure to rotate your supplies regularly so that you always have fresh water on hand.
In addition to food and water, you'll also need to stock up on other essential supplies. such as first-aid kits, flashlights, and emergency radios. And don't forget about self-defense tactics! If the world comes to an end, you may have to defend yourself against looters and other criminals. So make sure you know how to use a gun or knife properly.
The bottom line is that doomsday prepping is not a foolproof plan. There's no guarantee that anything will happen. But by preparing for the worst, you can rest assured that you and your family will be as safe as possible if disaster does strike. So don't wait – start prepping today!
doomsday prepper guide food storage shelf stable food long term water storage first aid kits flashlights emergency radios self defense tactics canned goods dried fruits and vegetables freeze dried foods manual can opener bottled water gun knife.
What to do if people start looting.
If people start looting in the event of a doomsday scenario, it's important to have a plan in place. Your first line of defense should be your weapon of choice – whether that's a gun, knife, or something else. Make sure you know how to use your weapon properly, and always keep it within reach.
If you're not comfortable with using weapons, there are other self-defense tactics you can use. Try yelling at the looters to scare them away, or throwing objects at them. And if all else fails, remember that violence is not always the answer. You may be able to negotiate with the looters and get them to leave peacefully.
The main thing is to stay calm and think logically. If you do that, you'll be able to defend yourself – no matter what the situation is.
What to do if the power goes out. If the power goes out, it's important to stay calm and think logically. The first thing you should do is check your fuse box or circuit breaker to see if the power outage is localized. If it is, then there's no need to panic – just wait for the power to come back on.
However, if the power outage is widespread, then you need to start preparing for doomsday. That means gathering supplies like food and water, and making sure you have a way to defend yourself. And don't forget about your electronics! If the power is out for an extended period of time, your devices will eventually die. So make sure you have a backup plan in place. Do you have any suggestions? Drop them below.
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How do I create a unique username?

6/1/2021

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If
When it comes to choosing a good username for a business, brand, social media, or Instagram you have to be clever. You want to leave a lasting impression on people that is memorable and catchy. Unfortunately, with so many people using social media it seems like all of the good usernames are already taken. Just taking a glance at Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Reddit, you can see that there are literally billions of usernames that have already been claimed. So you'll have to be a little creative when it comes to picking out a username. 
Popular words in usernames:
babe
sunkissed
lover
smitten
lively
pleasant

golden
queen
beach

What is the best username generator?

cool usernames
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When I pick out names I normally go to a word generating website such as Word Counter.
This website allows you to generate over 500 random words, verbs, nouns, or adjectives that you can then string together to form a creative user name. Even if you can't find a full username here at least it can provide you with one portion of your username.
"colossal _____"
"next _____"
"thirsty _____"
"angry  _____"
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It all depends on what type of username you're looking for. When paired with nouns (below) you can see how you could pair the two together to make a unique username or even a brand or business name. 
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How do I make a catchy Brand Name?


When it comes to developing a catchy brand name you'll want to make it both unique, easy to say, easy to spell (for your website), and something catchy. Start up business need the best possible advantage because there are now over 300 million companies in the world and you're in competition for the attention of their consumers. You should choose a name that's captivating and AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE. This goes for usernames, brands, websites, blogs, the shorter the better - always. 
Here are five great business name generators to play around with.
  • Namelix
  • Buzztime
  • Fantasy Name Generators
  • Business Name Generator
  • Kopywriting Kourse
But the best website I found for business names is Names4Brands.

Picking out a brand name will be frustrating at times, especially if you come up with a good idea and it's already taken. The best thing to do is just keep an open mind and keep brainstorming. Remember, don't rush into picking out a brand name because once you choose it and your website is built and the link building begins you won't be able to change it unless you rebrand. 

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Funny Username Ideas

​1. in_jail_out_soon
2. desperate_enuf
3. herpes_free_since_03
4. kiss-my-axe
5. king_0f_dairy_queen
6. dildo_swaggins
7. shaquille_oatmeal
8. ask_yo_girl_about_me
9. hanging_with_my_gnomies
10. big_mamas_house
11. hugs_for_drugs
12. bill_nye_the_russian_spy
13. hoosier_daddy
14. intelligent_zombie
15. hugo_balls
16. stinky_pinky
17. fast_and_the_curious
18. bad_karma
19. tea_baggins
20. average_student
21. protect_ya_neck
22. sloppy_wet
23. matthew_high_damage
24. imma_rage_quit
25. xbox_sign_out
26. magic_fetus
27. butt_smasher
28. mama_karma
29. google_was_my_idea
30. i_was_a_mistake
31. sold_mom_for_rp
32. dusty_bawls
33. zero_deaths
34. better_than_you
35. do_not_leave_me
36. date_me
37. uncommon_name
38. name_not_important
39. image_not_uploaded
40. i_boop_ur_nose
41. unfriend_now
42. im_watching_you
43. whos_ur_buddha
44. cute_as_ducks
45. prince_charming
46. godfather_part_4
47. oprah_wind_fury
48. google_me_now
49. thot_patrol
50. suck_my_popsicle
51. my_name_is_in_use
52. pig_benis
53. i_love_my_mommy
54. period_blood
55. heisenberg_blue
56. ben_dover
57. ass_ass_in
58. i_killed_cupid
59. ben_aflek_is_an_ok_actor
60. fresh_out_the_oven
61. monkey_see
62. hello_im_creepy
63. cowabunga_dude
64. dangerous_with_rocks
65. raised_by_wolves
66. an_innocent_child
67. sofa_king_cool
68. oliver_clothes_off
69. take_your_pants_off
70. cereal_killer
71. strike_u_r_out
72. behind_you
73. my_name_is
74. been_there_done_that
75. no_child_support
76. black_knight
77. sleeping_beauty
78. who_am_i
79. hakuna_matata
80. how_you_doing
81. mother_of_dragons
82. epic_fail
83. tin_foil_hat
84. yes_u_suck
85. casanova
86. say_my_name
87. sinking_swimmer
88. banana_hammock
89. crazy_cat_lady
90. me_for_president
91. cowgirl_up
92. real_name_hidden
93. anonymouse
94. not_james_bond
95. itchy_and_scratchy
96. dumbest_man_alive
97. bros_before_hoes
98. laugh_till_u_pee
99. hairy_poppins
100. rambo_was_real
101. regina_phalange
102. fedora_the_explorer
103. i_can_see_your_pixels
104. unfinished_sentenc
105. a_collection_of_cells
106. OP_rah
107. well_endowed
108. my_anaconda_does
109. hey_you
110. pluralizes_everythings
111. test_name_please_ignore
112. yellow_snowman
113. joe_not_exotic
114. all_goodnames_r_gone
115. tinfoil_hat
116. def_not_an_athelete
117. magicschoolbus_dropout
118. I_YELLALOT
119. a_distraction
120. lactose_the_intolerant
121. man_eats_pants
122. twentyfourhour_pharmacy
123. applebottom_jeans
124. babushka
125. baecon_witheggs
126. coolshirt_bra
127. kentucky_cried_fricken
128. kim_chi
129. saint_broseph
130. chin_chillin
131. bigfoot_is_real
132. santas_number1_elf
133. horn_of_unicorn
134. ineed_2P
135. abducted_by_aliens
136. nacho_cheesefries
137. victimized_by_regina
138. avo_cuddle
139. avocadorable
140. harmless_potato
141. panini_not_meanie
142. fartn_roses
143. red_monkey_butt
144. master_chief
145. free_hugz
146. ima_robot
147. tiger_queen
148. pixie_dust
149. chop_suey
150. igot_the_juice
151. moms_spaghetti
152. chris_p_bacon
153. Lt_Dans_Legs
154. courtesy_flush
155. hogwarts_dropout
156. spongebobs_pineapple
157. gary_thesnail
158. no_this_is_patrick
159. count_swagula
160. sweet_pete
161. pnut
162. snax
163. colonel_mustards_rope
164. fartoolong
165. rawr_means_iloveyou
166. having_things_todo
167. heres_wonderwall
168. UFO_believer
169. its_a_political_statement
170. basic_vegan
171. average_forum_user
172. basic_teen
173. omnipotent_being
174. ROFLOL_god
175. love_and_poprocks
176. bread_pitt
177. rejected_bachelor_contestant
178. LOWERCASE_GUY
179. joan_of_arks_angel
180. instaprincess
181. drooling_on_you
182. not_good_name
183. billies_eyelash
184. born_confused
185. sargeant_saltnpepper
186. no_one_cares
187. cool_story_bro
188. chalamet_my_bae
189. peter_parkers_puberty
190. severus_vape
191. granger_danger
192. ariana_grandes_sweatshirt
193. morgan_freemans_voice
194. elfish_presley
195. wustache_max
196. julius_seizure
197. one_ton_soup
198. love_me_knot
199. buzzed_lightyear
200. hotgirl_bummer
201. tea_baggin
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How to Build a Raised Garden Bed

6/1/2021

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I have not always enjoyed gardening.  As a matter of fact, growing up, my parents always had a huge garden and flower beds.  I remember having Saturdays as “chore” day.  Getting up early to pull weeds, mow the lawn, house clean … it seemed to take over from first day light to sundown.  No time to do much else.  Now that I’m grown with a family of 6 I am finding it therapeutic and fun.  Did I just say fun?  Never thought I would hear myself say that.
A few years ago my husband and I built a brand new home.  We loved being able to plan the landscape and make it our own. When it came to figuring out where to place the garden and flower beds, I felt almost anxious, in the excited way.  With the excitement of planting our garden, we found that the ground was way to “rocky” and the soil was awful.  We added extra soil, dug out so many rocks, even broke several blades on our tiller.  We managed to plant some vegetables and were proud of what we had accomplished.  When time came to harvest, we didn’t get as much produce as I would have liked.
With some research and some ideas that I had seen from family, neighbors and friends.  We figured It would be best to do garden boxes.  While researching I found so many different kinds. We decided that we would find some that would best benefit our yard and what we were going to plant. The majority of boxes we found were made using a simple 4x8 raised beds.  My neighbor did this one and they said it works very well.
I have come to realize that raised garden beds are a better way to grow plants and vegetables at home. These different models make it easy to start your own gardening. Garden beds keep weeds away from your soil, prevent soil compaction, provide good drainage and act as a defense against pests.

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I found several kits online to purchase to make the 4x8 box.  I found a few raised garden beds ranging in prices starting from $30 to $100 and could possibly go higher in price depending on if you made them yourself.  Walmart had some options with some variations in sizes that ranged from $26 to $150.
We started out with the garden boxes and have loved them.  Easy to maintain and different ways in planting produce.  I found several ideas of how to plant using the boxes on HomeDepot.com and have gotten ideas from our local Gardner.
I not only wanted garden boxes, but also wanted some fresh herbs as well.  When I found this one, I fell in love with the design.


I found this 3 Tier Wood Raised Bed, Elevated Flowers Vegetable Planter.  $119 at Amazon. (See Below)  This garden bed planter, you can grow 3 different plants or try different planting methods at the same time. No painting needed, non-toxic guaranteed raised bed is made of 100% fir wood, ensuring safe, durable and worry-free use.
Material: Wood
Drainage Holes: No
Natural Wood Grain Color Variation  (No item has the same grain color, finish, or wood knots due to natural factors.)
If you are handy with building or know of someone that is, you could build using materials from Home Depot or Lowes. This would be beautiful on a patio or in a smaller space.  The possibilities of herbs and flowers would work beautifully.
Overall
  • 21.9'' H x 49'' W x 49'' D
Interior
  • 21.9'' x 49'' x 49''
Overall Product Weight
  • 30.36 lb.
Boards: 0.6" thick


I know there are so many different options out there; to ground garden boxes, to raised garden boxes to above ground garden boxes.  Everyone I have spoken with has their own liking and opinion.  I think gardening is a great talent and tool to have.  Especially now days with the world being so unknown, I am grateful to have had parents who taught me to work hard and be able to grow a garden.
Good luck!  I would love to hear and see what you have done!
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How To Peel and Store Ginger

5/28/2021

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The intense aroma and warmth fresh ginger adds to dishes is irreplaceable. The heat found in ginger is attributed to a chemical it contains called gingerol, which is closely related to the capsaicin found in hot peppers and the piperine in black pepper, but is much milder than the two. This mild heat, combined with floral and citrusy aromas, is what makes ginger such a versatile ingredient, just as vital in desserts such as gingersnaps and pumpkin pie as it is in savory dishes like Vietnamese-style chicken meatballs and tingling chili crisp.
When purchasing fresh ginger look for firm pieces, with taught tan skin, and minimal dry spots. If the ginger is looking shriveled, dried out, or has soft spots, it’s a sign the ginger is past its prime and won’t have good texture or flavor. Larger pieces tend to be less dried out because they have had fewer segments snapped off; the more that are snapped off, the more openings there are for moisture to escape. Some fresh ginger has a blue or green tinge on the flesh, which can be caused by long-term cold-storage or simply is an attribute of the particular varietal you picked up. In either case, it’s perfectly safe and doesn’t result in any significant changes to flavor once cooked.
Ginger is often called a root, but it is actually a rhizome, which means it is an underground stem that sends shoots and roots laterally in all directions. This is why ginger often looks so gnarly and knobby, making it tough to know where to get started when prepping it. Here are some tips on how to prep and store ginger, so you can easily incorporate it into your daily cooking.
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Ginger Knife Skills: Peeling and Cutting
Although the skin on ginger is edible, it lacks flavor and, depending on how you plan to further process the ginger, can also lend an unpleasant texture to a dish. If I'm going to purée or blend my ginger (more on that below), then I don’t bother peeling it, because the blender will break the skin down completely, making it unnoticeable. If I'm cutting ginger into slices, matchsticks, or a fine dice, then it pays to take an extra moment to peel away the skin.
I find the easiest way to peel ginger is to start with a vegetable peeler to remove the majority of the skin. I then switch to a spoon, which is good for scraping away any remaining skin trapped within the grooves and nooks of the knob.
Each finger of ginger has tough fibers running lengthwise through it, so the key to getting tender pieces is to always cut across the grain, just as you would for carving a steak. Because one piece of ginger can have several fingers branching out in different directions, I like to start by separating each to make sure I’m always cutting each segment against the grain.
Once I’ve divided the knob of peeled ginger into individual fingers, I cut crosswise for slices. If a recipe calls for matchsticks, I then stack the slices and cut across again to yield thin and tender matchsticks. It can be tempting to cut ginger lengthwise for long matchsticks, but they’ll have those long fibers running lengthwise through them, resulting in a texture that’s stringy and tough. If for aesthetic reasons you prefer longer matchsticks, it’s better to cut diagonally across the finger, like slicing a baguette, which allows you to have long pieces that are still cut against the grain.
Bulk Prep: Purée and Freeze

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If you’re anything like me, then you know what it feels like to regularly move through mountains of ginger. I use ginger frequently, so I don’t have time for peeling and fussy knife cuts—instead, I prefer to blend it into a purée and freeze it in bulk. Because the blender will be doing most of the work, I save time by leaving the peel on. However, it is still important to thinly slice the ginger against the grain. Even a high-end blender like the Ninja Personal Blender will struggle to break down tough fibers.
After slicing the ginger crosswise, I blend it into a smooth purée with just enough water to get things moving. I finally freeze the ginger purée flat in zip top bags. Any time I need ginger I just have to crack off a piece—since the ginger is frozen flat, it quickly melts back into a purée. The purée is perfect for instant ginger tea, for adding some kick to your morning smoothie, and for stirring into braises.
Need Only a Little: Peel, Freeze Whole, and Grate as NeededAn unpeeled knob of ginger can hold up pretty well in the fridge for a couple weeks, but if you use it only occasionally you’re better off storing it in the freezer. After peeling a knob of ginger, I wrap it tightly in plastic and store it in the freezer whole. I then use a microplane to grate if from frozen for delicate flakes of ginger snow, which easily work their way into cocktails and sauces. Because you’ve already gotten the fussy peeling out of the way, you can quickly add a punch of ginger to any dish.


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Long Term Food Supply Checklist

5/28/2021

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Best Emergency Food SupplyIn the event of an emergency the first thing that comes to mind is checking on your loved ones and making sure everyone is safe. Family tends to gather together and shelter in place until the situation begins to pass. Tragedy can strike in different ways, for instance, if the electricity was to go out all of the perishable food would be ruined within hours unless you had a generator. Gas powered generators are reliable but the newest generators rely on solar power and natural gas.  Having a supply of food on hand can sustain a family in the event of an emergency, and it's important to choose food items that can be stored safely and are easily accessible. Purchase a ready-made supply of food to keep on hand from a company specializing in non-perishable emergency food, or pull together your own inventory using the list provided. If you need help to access the printable list offered here, check out these helpful tips.


Long Term Food Supply ChecklistEmergency preparedness expert Dr. Francis Edwards says there is more to gathering emergency food supplies than just buying a large quantity of canned goods. "Think about what you ordinarily eat and drink. I want to eat and drink what I eat and drink every day. Think about the psychological aspect - what do you reach for when you're stressed? You want comfort food."
Robert Siciliano, personal and home security specialist with Best Home Security Companies and best-selling author, agrees with the need to include comfort foods in a food list for an emergency preparedness kit. According to Siciliano, "FEMA recommends the following items when selecting emergency food supplies."
  • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and a can opener
  • Protein or fruit bars
  • Dry cereal or granola
  • Peanut butter
  • Dried fruit
  • Nuts
  • Crackers
  • Canned juices
  • Non-perishable pasteurized milk
  • Food for infants
"Have a supply for a minimum of three days to three weeks," adds Siciliano. "Some prepare for an entire year."
What to Buy for an Emergency Food SupplyDr. Edwards emphasizes the need for other life-sustaining supplies that should be kept with emergency food. "Discuss medication needs with your doctor. Always have a 30-day supply of medications. Your community will bring in food and water in an emergency, but nobody is going to bring your medications." Add non-prescription medication and vitamin supplements to your food supply for easy access in an emergency.
Siciliano asserts the importance of an ample emergency water supply to accompany the food supply. "Buy pre-packaged bottled water and store it under beds." He also suggests having rain barrels for collecting rainwater. "Place the barrel at the base of your home's gutter."
Keep a supply of food on hand for any pets within the home as well.
Purchase Ready-Made Emergency KitsSiciliano endorses three options for purchasing ready-made emergency preparedness food supplies.
#1 The Survival Prep Store: This company provides prepackaged, dehydrated meals that only need water to prepare. The long shelf life of these foods (up to 25 years) makes this a great option for long-term emergency preparedness.
#2 Valley Food Storage: Freeze dried foods and meals are available in a variety of quantities, and they offer gluten-free and dairy-free options as well. Free shipping is available on order of $150 or more.
#3 Costco: Membership warehouse Costco offers a rotating stock of emergency food kits and individual items alongside their other emergency-preparedness supplies.
Emergency Food Supply CheapInstead of buying a ready-made kit, you can also choose to piece together your own kit using foods that are specifically designed to have a long shelf-life. As an editor for The Sustainable Survivalist, I was sent samples from The Survival Prep Store, a company that makes dehydrated meals designed for emergency preparedness and for other scenarios such as camping trips. The food I reviewed was incredibly easy to prepare, had a long shelf life, was easy to store, and tasted good. Survival Prep Store's food boasts a 25-year shelf life in pouches and a 25-year shelf life in cans, which makes it ideal for long-term food supplies.
How to Store Emergency Food SuppliesStore your emergency food in a place where it is accessible. A cool, dry area is best. "Buy a large trash bin on wheels and use that as a storage bin," advises Dr. Edwards. "It's easy to move." Siciliano adds, "Store food in a place above what might get flooded and away from pests or animals."
Dr. Edwards says some food should be stored in the family car, and parents should consider creating an emergency food kit that each child can store at school.
Rotate your food supply to make sure the items you have on hand haven't expired. Pay attention to expiration dates and check periodically to ensure all items are still intact in their packages.
Be PreparedHaving shelf-stable food available in an emergency can keep a bad situation from turning into a catastrophic one. Whether you piece together an inventory or purchase a ready-made, full food supply kit, knowing that there is food available in an emergency can bring comfort to everyone in your household.
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