This is just a small sampling of what was harvested from our school garden this afternoon. Okra, tomatoes (some need to ripen a bit more), jalapeños, “coolapenos” (no heat), sweet mint, sage, lemon oregano, lavender, rosemary, basil, and bee balm. Another quart of salsa was delivered to Mrs. Benham’s 5th grade class and cherry tomatoes to Mrs. Hale’s first grade class yesterday. Our plan was to have cooking and nutrition activities with each class, however COVID-19 procedures and precautions have prevented that. Recipes will be shared later so that students can make the dishes and snacks they have tasted at school. The goals of our grant were to encourage healthier eating habits for health benefits, educate families about where their food comes from, and promote activity through gardening and other outdoor activities. Upcoming recipes that some classes will taste-test next include:
Lavender Mint Lemonade
Bee Balm Tea
Caprese Salad
Pasta with herb infused olive oil
On a side note, harvesting the herbs smelled absolutely fabulous!
DID YOU KNOW?
FUN FACT!
Bee Balm tea was used by the Oswego and other indigenous tribes that were native to the New England region. It was consumed medicinally and ceremonially by the tribe and the colonists learned about it through their interaction with them. Bee Balm Tea, also known as Oswego Tea or Monarda, was also a popular type of tea used to replace tea coming from England that was thrown into the harbor to protest high taxes. You probably know this historical event as the Boston Tea Party.