Grown at Home Magazine December 2021

PLANT A COMPLETE DIET

BARBADIAN TEEN ARIELLA PRODUCING EGGS FOR HER FAMILY AND COMMUNITY YOU CAN, TOO!

FARMING AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS

COVID-19 SPECIAL IMPROVE YOUR IMMUNITY WITH WILD APÁN

4 CROPS TO PLANT BANANAS

CUCUMBERS

GINGER PEANUTS

THE HOUSEHOLDERS’ GUIDE TO HOME-GROWN FOODS

https://issuu.com/themediaplace/docs/grown_at_home_to_post_on_issuu_122420 -1

December 2020

Grown at Home magazine is a FREE digital-only publication. It is for all who are concerned about food security and for those interested in producing their own food.

Grown at Home is your guide to cultivating crops and raising livestock in your own backyard.

December 2021

Learn how to produce sufficient, nutritious food for you and your family.

4 Healthy Holiday Breakfast Menu

6 Discover the World of Agriculture

10 Plant a Complete Diet

- Vitamins: Cucumbers

- Minerals: Ginger

- Carbohydrates: Green (Unripe) Bananas

- Fats: Peanuts

- Protein: Eggs

22 12 Tips for Building A Chicken Coop

26 In The Aftermath of Volcano La Soufrière and Hurricane Elsa

ON THE COVER

In this issue of Grown at Home, we are happy to feature 17-year-old chicken farmer and business owner, Ariella Hinkson (see cover photo, centre). Read about her journey and her achievements on page 28.

28 COVER STORY: Ariella Teen Barbadian Chicken Farmer and Business Owner

33 Backyard Body Care Essentials

34 Chew Sticks: Cleaning your Teeth the Natural Way

36 COVID-19 Special: IMPROVE YOUR IMMUNITY NATURALLY with Wild Apán

38 Survival Tips and Things

41 Spiritual Food

42 Goodbye Kathy

44 The Bulletin Board

47 Behind the Scenes

DECEMBER 2021

Contributors

Publisher

Camille Alleyne

Writers

Cheryl Harewood, David Hinkson, Camille Alleyne

Design/Layout

The Media Place

Proofreading and Editing

Candace Waldron

Proofreading

Ethan Alleyne

Cover Make-up

REI Fashion Academy

Cover Photography

The Morgan Media

Publisher’s Photograph

Jordan-Lee Alleyne

Stock Photography

Compliments of Pexels and Pixabay

DISCLAIMER

Grown at Home magazine is a not-for-profit publication for general information only. It is not a substitute for seeking professional advice. This magazine does not necessarily support the products offered by our advertisers and the views shared by our writers.

Grown at Home magazine is a publication of The Media Place. Copyright © 2021 Grown at Home and The Media Place - unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.

Grown at Home magazine is a Christ-based, familyfriendly publication that disseminates wholesome and helpful information.

2 Peter 1:3 Christian Standard Bible

His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.

Plant a Complete Diet and Bring Balance to your Table

Grown at Home magazine encourages you to plant crops in your kitchen garden that will encompass all the food groups. This will enable you to prepare balanced meals, especially when there are food shortages or price hikes that hinder us from acquiring the food we need.

In this issue, we will show you how to produce cucumbers for vitamins, green bananas for carbohydrates, ginger for

HEALTHY HOLIDAY

minerals, peanuts for fats, and eggs for protein. Create your own dishes by utilizing the ingredients you grow. Here is a menu we pulled together for you using the crops featured in this magazine.

Breakfast Menu

Ginger Tea

Cucumber Water

Green Banana Porridge

* Vegetarian Omelette

Cucumber Salad

* Bajan Nut Cake

Ginger Tea: Peel and grate ginger. Boil in water for 5 minutes. Strain. Add a healthy sweetener. Enjoy.

Cucumber Water (Lemons optional): https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=rT2MnkA2zhY

Green Banana Porridge: https:// sianscooking.com/green-bananaporridge/

Cucumber Salad: https://www. deliciousmeetshealthy.com/ cucumber-salad/

* If you have a tasty recipe for Vegetarian Omelette and Bajan Nut Cake, please feel free to share them on our facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/grown.at.home. magazine/photos/a.1315598758 79033/137781031923584/

From the Publisher

We wish you all the best for the holiday season. It has been another tough year, but we hope to inspire you once again, especially with our Healthy Holiday Breakfast Menu on the opposite page. This menu encapsulates the crops we have featured thus far, in our magazines.

In each magazine issue, crops encompassing all the food groups will be highlighted for us to cultivate. Our aim is for you to have a complete diet grown in your backyard. This time around, we will look at cucumbers, ginger, bananas and peanuts. We will even talk about egg production and introduce Ariella, a teenage egg producer and business owner.

On another note, all of us are consumers in one way or another. We consume information, entertainment, food, water and products of all kinds. We are fortunate that most of the products we buy have ingredients listed on the packaging, so that we are aware of what it is we are purchasing. That means, from food and beauty products to medicines and household cleaners, we have the opportunity to investigate the contents.

In Barbados, and perhaps where you reside, there is much talk about the COVID-19 vaccines and what they contain. Research is in the reach of those of us who have access to the world wide web, so inputting even the most unfamiliar words in a word search will probably lead us to an understanding of what it means. That’s good news because it is our responsibility to know what goes into our bodies so that we can remain healthy. Our bodies are our biological homes. Without them, we die. Grown at Home also encourages us to know what we consume as food. If we grow what we eat, we can better ensure that it is good for us. Let us source healthy seeds, fertilisers and agricultural methods as we embark on our journey to food security.

It was fun to compile this issue of Grown at Home for you. I hope you enjoy it.

Wishing you, God’s richest blessings for the season!

Camille Alleyne Publisher

GOODBYE KATHY

It is a sad moment for us at Grown at Home magazine because we have to say farewell to Kathy Pilgrim. Kathy passed away suddenly in July of this year. She was intelligent, disciplined, kind-hearted and generous. All of her services to Grown at Home magazine were offered willingly and freely. We were touched by this and remain extremely grateful.

Several years ago, Kathy survived a serious heart crisis and credited the additional time she was granted to God’s grace. As a result, she expressed to me how much more aware she was of the presence of God, and how much she wanted to please Him. We admire you, Kathy, and will miss you dearly. Read more about our dear Kathy in the memorial, located on pages 42 and 43.

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ANIMAL HUSBANDRY OR LIVESTOCK FARMING

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Discover World of Agriculture

out about the different https://www.facebook. com/grown.at.home.magazine

POULTRY FARMING

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AQUACULTURE

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Food Security

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization Policy Brief. Issue 2. June

“Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.”

2006 (World Food Summit, 1996)

Real food

...is unprocessed, healthy and free of chemical additives.

When we produce our own food at home, we will have easy access to Real Food.

Plant a Complete Diet

by Camille Alleyne

Our bodies need a variety of nutrients to facilitate healthy growth and proper function. Typically, foods have been divided into five categories of nutrients and each group offers specific benefits. These categories are proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats and minerals.

Let us plant a complete diet in our backyard. That way we will have the nutrients we need at our fingertips.

Your Essential Nutrients

Proteins give energy, fight infections, and build and repair the body.

Vitamins have different purposes e.g. vitamin A for eye health, B2 and B3 for growth and development, and C as an antioxidant.

Carbohydrates provide energy and fibre.

Fats also give us energy and they help us to absorb vitamins.

Minerals can be divided into microminerals and macrominerals. Even though microminerals are needed in trace quantities, they are extremely important for good health. Both types of minerals are multifunctional and necessary for a large number of body functions. In this section, called Plant a Complete Diet, it should be noted that most foods contain myriad nutrients, but often one or two nutrients dominate.

We will show you how to produce the foods your family needs for a complete diet. The focus in this edition will be on eggs for protein, cucumbers for vitamins, ginger for minerals, bananas for carbohydrates and peanuts for fats.

Water – The Sixth Nutrient

There is, however, a sixth component that is vital to our health, and that is water. Many list this as a nutrient, though it may be more accurate to say that it performs as a catalyst, solvent and medium that:

Fibre is Essential

Fibre, another essential to healthy eating, is actually a type of carbohydrate that our bodies are unable to digest. Fibre is found in all plant-based foods and can be categorised as soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre dissolves in water. In its soluble form, the functions of fibre include the moderating of sugar and cholesterol levels. Insoluble fibre is the type with which most of us are familiar. We often call it ‘bulk’ or ‘roughage’. Insoluble fibre assists with the movement of food through the intestines, preventing constipation and aiding in digestive health.

According to Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health’s article, called The Nutrition Source, “High intake of dietary fiber has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease in a number of large studies that followed people for many years. In a Harvard study of over 40,000 male health professionals, researchers found that a high total dietary fiber intake was linked to a 40 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease.”

Take a look at the following pages and see how to cultivate four crops and one type of livestock that will help provide you with a complete diet.

1carries nutrients and waste products around the body.

2keeps the bloodstream at optimum fluidity.

3helps skin remain supple.

4regulates temperature, moistens mucous membranes, and lubricates joints.

HOW MUCH WATER DOES A GARDEN NEED?

Irrigation is measured in inches (inches per square foot). The inch represents the depth of the soil irrigated and the square foot is the surface area irrigated. Most gardens need one inch of water per square foot per week to support the healthy growth of crops.

HOW TO USE THE IRRIGATION CONVERTER?

How much exactly is one inch of water per square foot? To find the answer, use the irrigation converter below.

To use the converter, we first have to find out the volume of space that with which we are working. As said before, if the cucumbers need one inch of water per week, this represents the amount of water that will irrigate a depth of one inch over a surface area of one square foot. The cubic area in inches would therefore be 1” x 12” x 12” ie. 144 cubic inches of garden. To find out how much water to use, input 144 in the cubic inches section of the converter. The answer you will get is 0.5 imperial gallons. That would be the amount of water you give one square foot of your garden each week.

THE CONVERTER

COPY LINK: https://www. google.com/search?q=inche

s+to+gallons+convertor&rl

z=1C1AVFC_enBB850BB850 &oq=inches+to+gallons+c onvertor&aqs=chrome..69i5

7j0i13l2j0i5i13i30l4j0i8i13i3 0l3.10114j0j7&sourceid=chr ome&ie=UTF-8

HOW MUCH IS ONE INCH OF WATER?

One inch of water is 0.5 imperial gallons. https://youtu.be/Kib_ FquGP7s (CAA)

Plant a Complete Diet

Vitamins, Water and Antioxidants: Cucumbers

by Cheryl Harewood

Cucumber is a crop that is easy to grow and maintain. These plants love sun and water so they flourish in our region. Cucumbers grow on a creeping vine. It is a member of the gourd family that bears fruit, which are used as vegetables.

Scientific Classification:

Cucumus sativus

Age of Maturity:

50 to 70 days.

They could take as short as six weeks when grown in warm climates like the tropics.

Origin

The cucumber originated from South Asia but now grows in many parts of the world.

Types

Cucumber plants grow in two ways - as vining cucumbers and bush cucumbers.

• Vining cucumbers are prolific and produce a harvest in quick time. They have large leaves and grow on robust vines. These vines may get out of control so it is best to place them on a trellis or fence. When the vines are kept away from the ground, the cucumbers will be

cleaner than those running along the ground.

• Bush cucumbers are plants with small vines. These may be planted in pots and are ideal for small gardens.

Uses

Cucumbers are commonly eaten in a pickled form, especially by persons in Barbados who enjoy the country’s pudding and souse dish. They are also often used as a

stand-alone pickle or are sliced and presented as a side or vegetable dish.

How Cucumbers Grow

Cucumber is an easy-to-grow crop that grows well in our warm Caribbean soil. When choosing a planting site for cucumbers, select an area in full sun. Cucumbers also need fertile soil. The soil should be seven to eight inches deep, and it must be moist and well drained, not soggy and compacted. This may be a mixture of compost or peat.

Planting

Here are some points to consider when planting vine cucumbers:

• Create 12-inch mounds, two to three feet apart. This keeps the soil well drained.

• Plant two or three seeds at a depth of one to two inches in each mound.

• After planting, mulch the area with dry grass or wood chips.

• Set up a trellis if you have limited space and want to keep the fruit away from the moist ground. This protects it from damage. Ensure that you erect the structure as soon as the plants emerge. That way you can avoid damaging the vines.

• Make successive plantings every two weeks for continual harvests.

• Vine cucumbers can also be grown in pots vertically. It would be best to put large enough holes in the bottom of the pots for

drainage so the roots. This ensures that the roots can enter the earth below.

Maintaining

• Water consistently – at least *one inch of water (0.5 imperial gallons) per week per square foot of crop. Water more, if temperatures are extra high.

• When watering, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to avoid wetting the leaves. Keeping the foliage dry will prevent leaf diseases.

• As the seedlings appear, water more frequently until the fruit forms.

• Young plants will need to be separated when they reach four inches in height.

• When the fruit forms, give each plant one gallon of water per week.

Harvesting

• Do not allow cucumbers to get too large. Large ones taste bitter.

• Cucumbers left on the vine too long will develop tough skins and hard seeds.

• Keep picking the fruit as long as it bears. If you don’t, the plant will stop producing.

• Use a knife or clippers to cut the stem at a point that is above the fruit. Do not pull the fruit from the vine. This could cause damage.

• Check for mature cucumbers every two days in peak harvesting time.

Cucumbers are simple and easy to cultivate. It is the ‘must-have’ crop for every kitchen garden.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS

Vitamins

Vitamins are one of the main nutrients found in cucumbers. Vitamin C helps prevent diseases and protects and repairs the body; while vitamin K builds strong bones and allows the blood to move through veins without clotting.

Vitamin Content

One 11-ounce cucumber (average size) with peel contains:

Vitamin C........................ 14% of the RDI

Vitamin K ........................ 62% of the RDI

(Recommended Dietary Intake or RDI)

Taken from Healthline.com. Healthline.com is dedicated to making health and wellness information accessible, understandable and actionable, so that readers can make the best possible decisions about their health.

Water

Cucumbers contains over 90% water. Including them in our diet is a perfect way to hydrate.

Antioxidants

When we eat cucumbers with the peel and seeds, we get significant amounts of antioxidants and fibre. Antioxidants help with immunity and cancer prevention, and fibre assists with digestion.

Cucumbers are also anti-inflammatory. Research has shown that chronic inflammation is connected to heart problems, high blood sugar, cancer, muscle and joint disease, and bowel conditions.

5INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CUCUMBERS

1. Cucumbers are fruit because gourds are considered fruit. Fruit have at least one seed.

2. There are three main types of cucumbers – slicing, pickling and burpless.

3. Burpless cucumbers have thin skin and few seeds.

4. Cucumbers are difficult to store due to their high water content.

5. They can last up to a week in the crisper drawer in the refrigerator.

Plant a Complete Diet

Minerals: I

By Cheryl Harewood

t has been said that no other plant in the world has the distinctive taste and aroma of ginger. You can also call it a popular plant, which many people use as tea, spice, herb, medicine, flavour and so much more.

The rhizome of the ginger plant is the part commonly used as a spice. A rhizome is a horizontal underground root that creates shoots and other roots from its nodes.

Origin

Ginger is said to have originated in China and is found throughout tropical Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Scientific Classification

Zingiber officinale

Age of Maturity

10-12 months

USES

In Food

• In the Caribbean, ginger is a spice used for cooking and for making drinks such as sorrel. West Indians also make ginger beer as a carbonated beverage or as a fresh, natural, cold drink.

• Ginger tea is often made from fresh ginger.

• Ginger is found in the famous regional specialties of hot cross buns and Jamaican ginger cake.

• Wine made from ginger is common in some countries of the world.

As Medicine

• Ginger is a well-known home remedy for nausea and stomach pain.

• It relieves nausea following cancer treatment, according to a 2010 study to examine the effects of ginger root powder supplements on nausea in 60 children and young adults who underwent chemotherapy.

• Helps alleviate morning sickness.

• Aids in reducing gas.

• Improves digestion.

• Prevents constipation.

• Helps prevent and treat arthritis and inflammation.

• Reduces the risk of diabetes, cancer, stress and cardiovascular disease.

• Treats various types of infection.

• Has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

• Assists in recovery from colds and influenza.

• Protects the respiratory system.

• Reduces dysmenorrhea - pain before or during menstruation.

• It was found that ginger, ingested or applied, can aid in recovery from muscle injury.

Maintaining

Water well. Keep the soil moist. Do not let the soil become waterlogged. If the ground is too wet, the ginger plant will rot from the root.

Harvesting

Reap in 10-12 months. By this time, the plant should be four to five feet in height.

Use a garden fork to ease the plant out from the soil. Try not to damage the rhizome.

With your fingers, remove the soil from the ginger rhizomes. Wash off excess debris and leave in the sun to dry.

Clip off the additional roots from the rhizome.

Storing

NUTRITIONAL FACTS

According to the article, Food Value of Two Varieties of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Commonly Consumed in Nigeria, published by Hindawi International Scholarly Research Notices, the mineral analysis of ginger [white and yellow varieties] indicated their richness in minerals such as:

• Potassium

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Sodium

• Phosphorous

• Iron

• Zinc

• Copper

Potassium was found to be the most prevalent mineral.

The article explained that when we consume potassium, it increases our iron utilization. Potassium also benefits people taking diuretics to control hypertension.

How GrowsGinger

Chinese, or common ginger, is the kind you will find in the grocery store. It is one of the easiest crops to grow. The hot and humid Caribbean weather is perfect for ginger to grow.

Planting

Find a spot in your yard that is warm and in partial shade.

Plant each ginger rhizome in welldrained soil that has been fed with fertiliser.

Do not keep ginger in bags if you are storing it at room temperature. At room temperature, it should last about two to three weeks before starting to get wrinkly. The ginger can still be used after this point but it will have less moisture.

Ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for even longer. Place it, unpeeled, in a zip bag in the crisper drawer when storing in the refrigerator.

When you grow ginger in your backyard, you will have all of its nutritional and medicinal benefits at hand. It is a valuable addition to your garden.

Both sodium and potassium are required to maintain the balance of the body’s fluids and the pH of the body. They also regulate muscle and nerve irritability, control glucose absorption, and enhance normal retention of protein during growth.

6 INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT GINGER

1 The ginger root plant bears a flower.

2 The ginger plant is related to the banana and bird of paradise plants.

3 The leaves of the ginger plant are quite aromatic and flavourful and are suitable for making tea.

4 Ginger is said to be carbohydrate rich.

5 This edible root also contains fibre, protein, fat and sugar.

6 Ginger is high in antioxidants.

Plant a Complete Diet

Carbohydrates: GREEN (UNRIPE) BANANAS

In parts of the Caribbean, unripe bananas are also called ‘green bananas’ or ‘green figs’. Green bananas should be cooked. They are usually boiled to accompany recipes containing codfish and stewed liver. They may also be sliced thinly and fried as chips. This versatile fruit is sometimes used as a substitute for Irish potatoes in dishes like potato salads, shepherd’s pie and other savoury casseroles.

This starchy fruit contains a significant amount of complex, healthy carbohydrates. Being unripe, the carbohydrates have not yet converted to sugar. The complex carbohydrates contain fibre, which makes you feel fuller longer because of its slow absorption. These carbohydrates also resist rises in blood sugar and encourage the growth of healthy microbes in the digestive system. (Microbes help to prevent chronic diseases). Studies have shown that green bananas are useful in treating ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and diarrhea.

Origin

Some say Southeast Asia and others, West Africa.

Other Names

Green figs

Scientific Name

Musa

Age of Maturity

About a year

HOW BANANAS GROW

Planting

• Remove a small sucker by the root from the base of a banana plant.

• Find a location in full sun.

• Dig a hole 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep.

• Mix the soil with compost.

• Plant the sucker.

• Water until 1 inch in depth of soil is wet. Do not overwater.

Harvesting

• The banana tree can take up to a year to grow. It will take up to six months for the flower to mature into the fruit.

• Unripe bananas are ready to harvest when they are full but still dark green.

• Cut them from the bunch with a sharp knife, hand by hand, as needed.

How to prepare green bananas

Separate the bananas from each other. Cut off the ends of the bananas. Peel your green bananas by scoring them lengthways and using your fingers to pry the peel from the fruit. Be careful because liquid will ooze from the banana and stain your fingers. Watch this video to see how to peel your green bananas without staining your hands.

COPY LINK: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Euyi1tJSMcY

Have you ever tried green banana porridge?

If not, maybe it is time you do. Go to page 4 to see the Healthy Holiday Breakfast Menu. There you will find this delicious, nutritious recipe. (CAA)

NUTRITIONAL FACTS

According to Healthline, green bananas are higher in starches than ripe bananas. Unripe bananas contain mostly starch, which makes up 70–80% of their dry weight. Much of that starch is resistant starch, which is not digested in the small intestine. For that reason, it is often classified as fibre. As bananas ripen and turn yellow, they lose their starch as the starches transform into sugars.

Interestingly, ripe bananas contain only 1% starch.

The Banana Quiz

Are banana plants a) trees b) shrubs c) herbs?

Answer: c

Fats: Peanuts

Peanuts

by Cheryl Harwood

Peanuts are said to be a healthy snack option, capable of staving off hunger pangs that might develop between meals. Those who are not allergic to them can enjoy the essential nutrients found in this food. According to studies, eating peanuts regularly in moderation, can result in significant reductions in the risk of heart disease.

Peanuts are nutritious, containing healthy fats. If you plant peanuts in your backyard, they will provide you with some of the fats you need.

Origin

Peanuts are believed to have originated in South America, more than 3 500 years ago.

Other Names

Groundnuts, ground pea, earthnut, pindar nut.

Scientific Classification

Arachis hypogaea.

‘Arachis’ means the plant’s pods grow underground.

Hypogaea means underground crypt.

From its botanical name, you can already tell that peanuts grow underneath the soil in their own little

How Peanuts Grow

Peanuts grow better in warm climates. They can be planted all year round in the Caribbean. Farmers often plant peanut kernels that are specially treated, but you can purchase fresh, uncooked, raw peanuts that are still in their shell and remove the kernels (or seeds) to plant.

Planting

• Plant the kernels in loose, fertile soil.

space. That is why they are also known as groundnuts.

Age of maturity

Approximately 4 months. Grows to approximately 17 inches tall.

• When planting peanuts, you will need plenty of space. If you utilise a garden bed or field, make sure that the peanut seeds are planted two inches deep and eight inches apart, in well-drained and tilled soiled. Place two or three kernels in one hole to increase the chances for one of them to grow.

• If space is limited, you will need pots or recycled containers that are 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide for each peanut plant. Make sure your containers

have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

• The seedlings will crack the soil in about 10 days.

• At 40 days, you should be seeing yellow flowers growing on the plant. These flowers are self fertilising.

• After fertilisation, the yellow petals fall off the plant, leaving the ovary, or what is called the ‘peg’. The peg grows like a stalk, vertically, towards the earth - getting thicker and longer with time.

• At the end of the peg is the embryo. When the peg reaches the soil, it embeds the embryo into the earth, approximately two inches deep, one to two inches apart. The peanut grows underground from the embryo. It is interesting that though the peanut is formed from a flower above the ground, it is carried underground, where it matures.

Maintaining

• After you have planted the seeds successfully, you must make sure they grow well by nourishing them with organic fertilizer.

• When the plants are six inches high, till the soil to help loosen it so that the pegs penetrate easily.

• Water the plants moderately (about 1.5 to two inches of water per week which is three quarters to one imperial gallon for each square foot of surface). Rain often meets those needs, but if that does not happen, you must water them yourself. If you do not, the plant is likely to show stress from drought.

Harvesting

• Once your plants have fully matured, the peanuts will be ready for harvesting. Peanuts mature 120 – 150 days from planting. You will know when peanuts are ready because the leaves of the plant will turn yellow and start to wilt and droop. Do not wait too late for reaping because the peanuts could rot.

• Harvest when the soil is dry. This makes it easier to remove clean peanuts that are free of clumps of mud. This also prevents rot and mould.

• If you have one or two plants, loosen the plant from the soil by taking hold of each plant at the base, and gently rocking it from side to side until it can be removed easily. If you have an entire bed, it is best to use a garden fork to ease the plants from the bed. Lift the plants out and lightly shake off loose dirt.

• When harvesting, some peanuts may become detached from the plant, so do a quick search in the soil so that no nuts are left behind.

• Air dry the peanuts, for at least two weeks, by hanging them in an area that is warm and dry. If the area is humid, mould could form. If it is too hot, flavour will be altered. Once dry, carefully remove the peanuts from the plant and place them on a tray to dry them further. You may need to air dry them for another week.

• Inspect the harvest and discard nuts that have mould or insect damage.

Storing

Raw peanuts can be stored for up to 6 months. Place those which are still in their shells in airtight containers, preferably glass. Keep them in a dry environment that is cool. Shelled raw nuts can be kept in the refrigerator for up to six months.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS

Peanuts contain fats –monosaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fats. These are considered to be the beneficial fats our bodies need to work properly. Peanuts contain over five times monosaturated and polyunsaturated than saturated fats. According to Mayo Clinic, evidence shows that eating foods rich in monosaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, instead of saturated fats, improves blood cholesterol levels, which can decrease your risk of heart disease and may also help decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. Saturated fats are also present in peanuts, though in relatively small quantities. Saturated fats can increase your LDL (low-density lipoproteins) or ‘bad’ cholesterol and this can lead to heart disease. In other words, it would still be wise to watch your portions. One cup of peanuts is enough for one day.

Other nutrients found in peanuts are proteins, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins B6 and E, and a large number of minerals. Peanuts are high in calories, but despite this, experts say they do not contribute significantly to weight gain.

Raw Peanuts (1 oz.)

Nutrients Amount

Total Fat ................................................. 14 g Saturated Fat ...................................... 1.8 g Monounsaturated Fat 6.9 g Polyunsaturated Fat......................... 4.4 g Calories ...................................................161

Information is based on one ounce of peanuts. Taken from peanut-institute.com, The Peanut Institute.

5 INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT PEANUTS

1 Peanuts grow better in warm climates.

2 These nuts grow underground. Other nuts grow on trees.

3 Peanuts are considered legumes.

4 Peanut plants need less water than other nuts.

5 When farmers place the harvested plants in rows in the field for them to be dried by the wind, these rows are called windrows.

Plant a Complete Diet

Protein:

EGGS

by Camille Alleyne

If you were asked, “What are the world’s most popular foods?” chances are your list would include eggs … specifically, chicken eggs! Did you know that 25.9 billion chickens were reared in 2019, worldwide, for meat and eggs, according to Statista Research & Analysis?

If you want to experience collecting warm eggs from your backyard farm, and savour a fresh meal made with this home-grown ingredient, let us help you get your henhouse up and running. It would help if you have an experienced chicken farmer on hand to further guide you.

DO YOU WANT TO RAISE CHICKENS?

Before you begin, it is best to count the cost of raising chickens. Take the time to weigh the advantages and disadvantages to see if raising chickens is for you.

ADVANTAGES

• Chickens provide you with a nutritious food source. A hen can lay one to two eggs every two days.

• Fresh eggs contain more nutrients than stored eggs.

• Waste, such as egg shells and bird droppings, can be used as compost.

• Free-range or pasture-fed chickens will help rid your garden of pests like flies, grasshoppers, termites, centipedes, snails, slugs, worms, caterpillars, ants and moths.

• The chickens’ diet will be supplemented by grass, wild plants and insects found in your yard.

DISADVANTAGES

• Consider if you have enough time to care for your flock. Improper care can lead to illness, low egg yield, feather picking and deformed eggs.

• Extra care would be needed if your chickens get sick and injured. An epidemic can easily spread through the flock. Observe your birds, do research but have an expert on hand to offer advice and assistance when necessary.

• When you go on vacation you will need to find a reliable, competent caregiver for your chickens. This is sometimes quite difficult to do.

• Chicken excrement can attract flies and emit an offensive odour, so consistent cleaning is important. Covering their droppings with straw is not enough to maintain clean surroundings. Spot cleaning is

best and you will need to find a good fly trap to reduce flies.

• The idea of free-range chickens is wonderful but not always possible. If you have close neighbours, it could be problematic. Your freely roaming fowls may be unwelcomed.

• Your dogs may be another issue. Many chickens have succumbed to the attacks of householders’ dogs.

• Feathered friends adore greens and flowers, so if you are not careful, there goes your treasured plants and backyard farm.

• Oh, by the way, they will also eat your garden-friendly earthworms!

• On a lighter note, you may inadvertently acquire a disturbing alarm clock. Yes, you may just get a rooster when you purchase your set of hens! It is difficult to tell the gender of chickens 100% of the time.

Purchase the Chicks

Purchase your chicks from your local hatchery and keep them safe by placing them in a box or basin. Avoid using newspaper as it is not as absorbant as it seems and it can become slippery. Some recommend wood shavings while others say the baby chicks may try to eat the wood shavings. It is suggested that straw is best (not hay).

Layers generally start to produce eggs between 17 and 26 weeks. They continue for approximately two years before the number of eggs decline. On average, you can

expect two eggs every three days from each chicken. Twelve hours or more of sunlight can allow hens to lay up to two times in a day, since daylight stimulates laying.

Get your Supplies

You will need feed and water containers, straw, and a safe area for your chickens. Note that chickens need different supplies for the different stages of development. Ask a professional to guide you.

Acquire or Build a Coop

A coop provides shelter, safety and an area for the birds to sleep and lay eggs.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR BIRDS

It should take only about 20 minutes, twice a day, to care for your hens once you get used to it. The schedule can be somewhat like this:

WATER

Keep the chickens’ water clean. Place water at the chickens’ shoulder level to reduce the possibility of debris landing in the container.

It is better to keep their water container centralised – between the coop and the run is perfect – so that chickens have constant and easy access.

Position other containers around the yard. This reduces the extent to which each container can get dirty.

FEED AND CLEAN

In the mornings, let the chickens out of the coup and into the run area while you feed, water and clean. Cleaning entails the removal of droppings and wet, soiled bedding, before laying down fresh bedding in those areas. Droppings should be disposed far away from the coop or placed into a compost.

Check for and remove eggs immediately to avoid them being damaged and to prevent droppings getting onto the eggs.

In the evening, do another quick spot clean before shutting the chickens back into the coop.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

Egg is a significant source of protein, as seen in the chart below.

Once a week, remove all bedding, and give the coop a thorough clean. Use water from a hose to spray down the area. Allow it to air dry. At the end of the day, replace the straw.

MAKE IT FUN FOR THE FAMILY!

Raising chickens for eggs can be fun. If you have children, even young children, get them involved in your backyard chicken farm. It teaches responsibility, encourages food production, and is an activity the whole family can enjoy together.

DEFINITIONS

Certain terms are found on egg cartons. These terms are used in chicken farming to give consumers information about the kinds of eggs they buy. Here are some helpful definitions:

Cage-Free Hens (Free-Roaming): Allowed to roam in a room or open area, which is usually a barn or poultry house, while having unlimited access to food and water.

Free-Range Hens (Pasture-Fed): Allowed unlimited access to the outdoors, where they find food (wild plants and insects) while still having unlimited access to their own food and water.

Coop:

A cage where small animals and birds are kept. The coop is the indoor space where they go to sleep on their roost, and lay eggs in their nest boxes.

Henhouse:

A small house or hutch for hens.

Chicken Run (Run Area):

An enclosed outdoor area for chickens to get some sun and exercise. It is a place for them to sun or dust bathe, forage in grass, and scratch in dirt.

Roost:

A perch upon which the birds rest and sleep.

Nesting Box:

A cosy cubicle in which hens lay their eggs.

Here in the Caribbean, one hen can lay up to two times a day, due to the fact that 12 hours or more of sunlight stimulates laying.

sun and rain.

2.You may enclose and secure a section of your yard, solely designated for your chickens. This run area should be eight square feet per chicken, at minimum. Mesh wire may be used to enclose the area.

3.garden with non-poisonous plants, grass and flowers for the chickens to eat. When this space becomes barren from use, move your chicken coop to another area of the yard. Leave the original area to rest for about a year.

4.it whenever necessary.

5.The coop you erect within the space should be large enough for you to stand and move around freely as you clean, feed and water the birds.

6. Within the coop, it is best to allow at least three square feet per chicken. The more space they have, the better.

7.

Both the coop and chicken run must be predator proof. Dogs and rats can kill the hens, devour the eggs, and spread disease and parasites.

8.Think of elevating the floor of your coop and making it with mesh wire. This will keep the coop cleaner as the chicken droppings will not remain in the same area where you keep the chickens. Ensure that the spaces of the mesh wire are small enough to prevent the chickens’ legs and toes from slipping through.

9.You may decide to purchase a ready-made coop. If not, get one built according to the specifications that meet the needs of your birds.

10. You will need wood, screws, fencing, mesh wire and labour. Keep a lot of straw on hand.

11.With safety in mind, these birds seek out the highest areas to sleep, so place

the roosts in the hen house as high as possible. The bars of the perch should be flat, about 3-4 centimetres wide, preferably with rounded edges. Make the bars removable for cleaning.

12.Create nesting boxes, each with three sides and a lid. Place them lower than the roosts to prevent the birds from sleeping in the nesting boxes. Design your coop in such a way that you can easily open the lid from the exterior and remove the eggs whenever you want. (CAA)

DO YOU NEED HELP BUILDING YOUR CHICKEN COOP?

Contact Grown at Home at 1-246-629-4126 or email grownathomecaribbean@gmail.com. Barbados only. SOME OF THESE TIPS ARE WITH THE KIND COMPLIMENTS OF ECOCHICKS.

7INTERESTING THINGS TO KNOW

1 Eggers is another name for layers or laying hens.

2 When most of us refer to eggs, we mean chicken eggs, though eggs from fish and other birds such as duck, quail, goose, turkey, emu and ostrich are also eaten.

3 After fowl eggs, fish eggs are most popular.

4 Did you know that in countries where hive beetles exist, some beekeepers keep chickens near their hives so that the chickens eat the hive beetles? Hive beetles are detrimental to the bees.

5 Chickens are like cats - they are both cautious and curious.

6 Initially, it was thought that consuming more than three eggs a week was harmful. Experts now say that eating up to seven is safe and even healthy.

7 Collecting and utilizing home-grown eggs are emotionally satisfying. (CAA)

SPONSORED BY

IN THE AFTERMATH OF A VOLCANO AND A

A FARMER’S EXPERIENCE

by

Iwas a bit late for our interview with farmer, Ron Adrian Camacho, but we saw him patiently waiting when we arrived. He looked pensive, as if contemplating the happenings of the last two months and considering how to move forward. We could see that he had already replanted a field across the road. Ron had kindly agreed to be interviewed so that we could find

out how farmers coped in the wake of disasters.

There was not just one, but two natural occurrences, which affected Barbados within a short space of time. This made it difficult for everyone. The first incident was the explosion of the La Soufriére volcano in the neighbouring island of St Vincent in April; the second was hurricane Elsa, three months

later.

No one knew exactly what to expect when La Soufriére exploded. “Surely the wind would blow westward as it usually does and take the ash with it,” we all thought. This would have been away from Barbados. Instead, when the ash was ejected from the summit, it reached such high elevations that it was taken in the opposite direction,

Ron Camacho, lamenting over the destruction of the young melon plants

Camille Alleyne and David Alleyne

towards Barbados. Within 24 hours, the country began to experience ashfall. The ash crept across the sky, making it look like dusk, while in our northernmost parish of St Lucy, three o’clock in the afternoon appeared as midnight. A couple of days went by before the skies began to show hints of blue again. As the ashfall cleared somewhat, it left a grey sheet covering everything in sight. To avoid inhaling the particles, most of us remained indoors. Vehicles that ventured out stirred up the deposits, causing problems with visibility. I am sure, however, that farmers were out and about way before the rest of us, checking on their crops and livestock.

Guyanese born Ron works one and a quarter acre of land in Middleton, St George, and 13 acres in St David’s, Christ Church. He was quick to report that he was severely affected, “Between the ash and the hurricane, most of my squash, chives, melon and tomatoes were lost. Everything was affected.

“Over three acres of melon went down the drain. The ash burned the vine of the melon so no nutrients could reach the fruit, which meant that they couldn’t thrive. They stayed small and when you cut them, they were green. I couldn’t sell them. I even had $300 worth of melon seeds planted in trays. Those were over 1,600 seedlings! All were burnt by the ash.

“The tomatoes had to reap early without coming to full maturity, so they were small, and I only got two bags of squash from one acre. I lost orders of 200 - 300 pounds of chives – just so.

“What I had to do is use sprinklers to loosen the ash from the crops. Then I reaped what I could and put them in drums of water to wash them off. It was a lot of trouble.

“With the hurricane, in my 13 years of farming, I never see nothing like that!” lamented 40-year-old Ron.

“The tomato blossoms fell off the older plants. They were so damaged that I had to pull them out. The younger ones survived. Elsa mash up the thyme and chives.”

When Ron was asked what advice he could give to farmers who face natural disasters, he responded, “All I can say is you have to be tough. You have to be willing to work hard and when things don’t go as you expect, start again. Don’t waste time complaining, just keep going. Be persistent. In agriculture, you have to be prepared to take lots of licks. I lost a lot of money and I spent a lot to get things going again. Farming is unpredictable, you can’t stop a volcano or hurricane. You can collect water so you have enough if water supply runs short but other than that, you just have to

deal with the problems disasters bring. But I love farming. It supports me and my family,” said the father of five. “And I find joy in giving people things I grow. I am a small man with a big heart.” True to his word, he disappeared for a minute or two and when he returned, he loaded us down with mangoes, chives, tomatoes and a huge paw paw. “I am a small man with a big heart. I like to share. I like to give,” Ron repeated as we said our goodbyes. Driving away, we looked at the fields already replanted in the hope of a harvest the next time around, and we were confident that farmers, like Ron, would succeed despite calamity.

Ash-covered thyme Scallion affected by the volcanic ash

The farm after the La Soufriére volcano exploded

The remaining tomato plants after Hurricane Elsa

BARBADIAN TEEN PRODUCING EGGS FOR FOOD AND BUSINESS

Teen Barbadian Chicken Farmer and Business Owner

By Camille Alleyne

riella Hinkson was just 13 years old when she got her first set of hens. It was her parents who persuaded her to choose chickens rather than the parrot she had her eyes on. They figured that if she was going to invest her time and money into the care of an animal, she should settle for the kind that would pay for its keep. That is how it all began with this teenage business owner who now produces eggs for food and business.

The inspiration for Ariella took root in the faraway land of New Zealand where she spent three years of her younger life. Ariella was surprised and excited to see that it was the normal practice for New Zealanders to keep all kinds of animals in their backyards – both as pets and livestock. She had a special liking for birds and interacted

Awith them at every opportunity. It is not surprising that young Hinkson loves animals. After all, her mother, Dr Julie-Ann Hinkson, is a veterinarian. In 2013, Ariella and her father, Anthony Hinkson, software developer and business owner, accompanied Julie-Ann to this twin-island nation that is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. As a New Zealand Commonwealth Scholar for the Caribbean Region, Julie-Ann pursued her post-doctoral master’s degree and residency in veterinary studies with emphasis on veterinary pathology.

The First Chicks

Shortly after the Hinksons’ return to Barbados, Ariella got her first batch of chicks – six to be exact. Initially, she brooded her chicks in a basin, approximately 18 inches wide, in the garage. Bedding was used to keep them warm until the red adult feathers replaced the yellow baby feathers. Eventually, they were relocated to the backyard.

The Chicken Coop

At first, the chickens were placed in a shed at the Hinksons’ St Philip residence. The galvanised zinc fence around the backyard offered protection for the small farm. Eventually, Ariella designed a chicken coop to her own specifications. She explained, “My cousin built the coop. He made it with wheels so that I could easily move it around. I also had it made with external nest boxes – the types that are accessible from the outside of the coop. Another feature that I wanted was mesh-wire floors. That way the droppings would immediately exit the chicken coop, making it easier for me to clean.”

Believe it or not, Ariella’s dogs have never killed any of the chickens, though they have been known to eat the eggs when not laid in the nest box.

The Hens’ Diet

This young egg producer feeds her chicks commercial 18% feed, grass, spinach, and other seed and vegetable matter. Scratch grain and eggshells are also fed to the brood, with eggshells providing a good source of calcium. Of course, they still end up scratching and foraging around the yard for insects and plants.

The Routine

As early as 5 a.m., Ariella starts her day so that she can complete some farm chores before heading to the Barbados Community College, where she studies. During the COVID-19 crisis, however, her classes were facilitated online, giving her more time to manage the farm. Morning duties include letting the chickens out, watering them and collecting eggs. At lunchtime,

she tops up the feed because other birds tend to eat from the farm’s supply throughout the day. Leftovers from the Hinksons’ dinner table become the birds’ evening meal. The cleaning of the yard is left for weekends.

The Business of Eggs

Chickens generally lay after 17 weeks and Ariella’s first batch had laid five to six eggs a day. This was more than adequate for her family. What the Hinksons did not eat, she gave away. However, as the number of eggs continued to exceed the rate of consumption, this teenage farmer decided to transform her enjoyable pastime into a business venture.

Over the years, the complement of chickens has increased by three additional batches. The second batch numbered six; the third, 15;

and her last batch contained 30. Presently, the farm produces 28 to 30 eggs a day. These are sold to her community at a very competitive price.

The Joy of Chicken Farming

Each chicken on the farm is considered to be Ariella’s beloved pet. She names them, cuddles them and is presently training them to

do tricks. She admits that it is a joy to raise chickens for eggs and considers herself blessed that her chickens have never been sick.

“I do see a future in chicken farming. It is a very simple task and chickens are easy animals to farm and profit from. I do think others should try selling eggs,” Ariella commented. “My plan for the future is to eventually expand my business so when I’m studying overseas, I can hire hands to manage my business and I can still

have a reliable income.”

Ariella’s confidence and success in chicken farming are certainly inspiring. This 17-year-old Barbadian chicken farmer and business owner enjoys farming, and encourages other young people to try their hands at raising chickens and selling eggs.

Backyard Body Care Essentials

Modern populations have become accustomed to the convenience of storebought products for body and beauty care. The ease of using these products often outweighs our interest in investigating the safety of their contents. Some ingredients assist with preservation - making them last longer. Others eliminate the need for cold storage. Ingredients may even enhance the appeal of the products, making them softer, smoother, thicker, thinner, creamier, more fragrant, and so on.

The COVID-19 national lockdowns made us acutely aware that our purchasing options can suddenly become restricted, leaving us searching for substitutes.

Grown at Home magazine will help you to use this opportunity to establish a few backyard body care essentials by planting trees, shrubs, vines, flowers and fruit. Who knows, maybe we will successfully develop a new and sustainable lifestyle. Even if we do not achieve this, at the very least, we can aim at having some homegrown supplies at our fingertips.

In this issue, we take a look at chew sticks, your toothbrushing option for oral care – cleaning your teeth the natural way.

Chew Sticks Cleaning your Teeth the Natural Way

by David Hinkson

Are you thinking of going back to natural oral care?

If you venture into the toiletries section of your supermarket, there are so many varieties of toothpaste available. It can be almost overwhelming. We have some for sensitive teeth; ones that promise extra whitening; those with minty fresh flavour; and let us not forget the formulas that protect against plaque, cavities and gum disease.

Of course, long before toothpaste was invented, man devised some natural solutions to his oral hygiene using chew sticks or teeth cleaning twigs from several different kinds of plants. We are told that the earliest chew sticks date back to the ancient civilizations of Babylon, Egypt and China. This practice is still prevalent in some cultures.

Maybe you can try it!

Jamaican Chew Stick (GOUANIA LUPULOIDES)

Right here in the Caribbean, the chew stick, known as Gouania Lupuloides, is a vine normally found in woodland areas of Jamaica. It is primarily used by Rastafarians as a natural way to clean teeth.

Islandherbsandspices.com outlines how the Jamaican chew stick is used and some of the benefits derived from it. “First, you must sever a piece of the vine, then peel away the bark from it. After peeling off the bark you can then proceed to chew on the tip of the herb but be aware that it might take some time to get used to the slightly bitter taste of the chew stick. You will also notice that the tip will become frothy and exude foam but do not be alarmed as this foamy substance will do wonders for the teeth and mouth since it works in the same way that toothpaste and dental floss do.”

Generally speaking, toothbrushing twigs are chewed until one end is frayed. The frayed end is used to brush against the teeth.

Sticks

Teeth Cleaning Twigs (EG. NEEM)

Quite a large number of tree species produce teeth-cleaning twigs. However, the chemical makeup of some trees allows them to perform better than others. Many who live in the rural areas of India use neem twigs for brushing teeth on a daily basis. The neem has antibacterial properties and helps keep gums healthy. Neem trees are commonly found in several Caribbean islands so they should be easy to access and grow in your backyard.

Toothbrush Tree (SALVADOR PERSICA)

Another commonly used tree for teeth cleaning is Salvador Persica, which is found in Africa and the Middle East. It is commonly referred to as the “toothbrush tree”. This tree is a large evergreen shrub, typically 6–7 metres (20–23 ft) in height. Its fragrance is said to be similar to that of cress or mustard, its taste - warm and pungent.

It is reported that in Islamic practices, chew sticks, called miswak, are made from the toothbrush tree. The miswak is mentioned in the hadith, the

How to use CHEW STICKS

• Cut firm pieces, six inches long, from the branch.

• Strip off the bark.

• Store the sticks in paper in the refrigerator. Do not store in glass or plastic, or near the sink because they may grow mould.

• Chew the end of the stick until it turns into bristles.

• Use the bristles to brush in the same way you would a toothbrush.

• Cut off the used end.

• Use a fresh end each time.

Some points to remember:

1. Chew sticks are cost effective. There is no need for toothpaste.

2. This method is ecofriendly.

3. Using a chew stick is low maintenance.

Simply use water to keep the tip of the stick moist and soft.

4. The end may be cut afresh to ensure good hygiene.

5. The twig is replaced every few weeks to maintain sanitary conditions.

6. As with a toothbrush, ensure that your stick is not too hard, so choose a species of tree that suits you.

7. Beware of excessive scrubbing, which may cause gum damage.

Try planting and using teeth cleaning plants and see how they work for you. It is one of the body care essentials that can grow in your own backyard.

DURING COVID-19 IMPROVE YOUR IMMUNITY NATURALLY with Wild Apán

Two decades later, amid the COVID19 crisis, we are grateful that an answer had been found in the Wild Apán supplement (formerly called Shiaqga).

NOW in the CARIBBEAN!

The Wild Apán supplement has been the buzz in Bermuda in recent times. There is where numerous benefits have been documented by distributer, Eugene Young, such as: more energy, better sleeping habits, increased mental clarity, reduced blood pressure, reduced blood sugar, better digestion, allergy relief, and pain relief. Cancer patients have given testimonies of less pain, lots of energy during chemotherapy, and better health. Eugene has personally observed quicker recovery times for individuals who tested positive for COVID-19. This amazing supplement is made

from Native American Sahaptin Indian wild Tawtnúk Apán mushroom. It is considered one of the most powerful weapons in protecting our bodies from illness. This mushroom is used to modulate the immune system, leading to the activation of the body’s stem cells.

The History of the Wild Apán Mushroom

The discovery of the wild Apán mushroom is rooted in Native American culture. It all began when a tribal healer observed that sick deer would eat the mushroom and be healed. The mushroom was then brought into the community and its healing properties were observed. The Native American people then began to put small amounts in their food, and this became a way of life. Unfortunately, over time, the

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”

– Thomas A. Edison

Almost 20 years ago, there was a man who had a desire to assist his family in the event of a major worldwide epidemic. He believed that accidents and warfare could easily occur from the number of toxins found on the earth. He wanted to be prepared and knew that natural medicine would provide real answers related to the building of the immune system – an immune system that would quickly respond to some of these emergencies.

knowledge about the mushroom was not passed down to new generations because when free health care was offered to the Native Americans, much interest in natural medicine was lost.

The Formula

The formulation of the Wild Apán supplement is credited to a gentleman referred to as, Man Found Standing. His many decades of expertise with therapeutic essential oils, intense research into the Apán mushroom, involvement in the Native

and the countless testimonials of this “immune building and anti-plague” formula, led to him being adopted as a Medicine Man Practitioner. Man Found Standing was also granted permission by the Native American

community to share the supplement with the world.

When Man Found Standing started on his quest to create an immune building formula, he was already aware of the effectiveness of essential oils against viruses and bacteria. He was, however, concerned that though these essential oils kill the body’s invaders, not many created immunities. While pondering on what ingredient could be added, he was introduced to this unique mushroom. It was this that was used to create the wonder-working Wild Apán supplement.

Man Found Standing explains, “The Wild Apán product is a Native American Sacramental Medicine. It is made from wild-crafted Native American Sacred Apán mushroom and organic, essential oils such as: black cumin, lemon, cinnamon bark, peppermint and wild sacred frankincense. Each ingredient is demonstrated in scientific research to strengthen, support and modulate the immune response in different ways.” This allows Wild Apán to assist with numerous conditions.

The Apán is wild harvested at its natural peak potency and extracted with ultimate care and patience to ensure fullest therapeutic value. The highest and strictest standards at every stage ensure that every bottle is pure, unadulterated, with no ‘extra fillers’ (such as vegetable glycerin) that would dilute and lessen the therapeutic effectiveness.

How Wild Apán Works

1. Eliminates toxins, fat, faecal matter and other contaminants.

2. Builds and repairs the body by replacing unhealthy material with the required building blocks that are vital to repair.

3. Maintains the body’s chemical processes and general health through immune modulation, adult stem cell activation and the regeneration of the internal organs.

4. Destroys harmful viruses and bacteria.

Benefits of Apán

People have testified that Apán results in:

• More energy

• Better sleeping habits

• Increased mental clarity

• Reduced blood pressure

• Reduced blood sugar

• Better digestion

• Allergy relief

• Pain relief

• Relief from COVID-19

How to Get Your Supply

If you want to get a supply of Wild Apán, or if you want to become a distributor in the Caribbean or other countries, contact:

Eugene Young

1 441 599 1632.

In Barbados, you may contact Troy Inniss

1 246 237 1536.

SURVIVAL TIPS AND THINGS

SURVIVAL

THINGS

Our hurricane season runs from June to November each year. In July 2021, the Caribbean began preparing for the impact of Tropical Storm Elsa. Like the Disney character who brought with her disastrous frozen spells, her namesake was not to be underestimated.

It is important to know that Barbados rarely gets the brunt of dangerous tropical weather systems, due to our geographical position outside of the general path of hurricanes. Lately, however, these powerful storms have been too close for comfort.

Sometime during the pre-dawn hours of July 2nd, Elsa struck Barbados. Her fury lasted about 12 hours. Elsa left the island without light and water – for many, the outages lasted for two weeks, and maybe more.

On the next page, you will find a list of items and their uses. These include emergency water supplies and equipment, communication gadgets, and generators and other energy-producing devices. They are invaluable when disaster strikes.

How can we survive horrific events like hurricanes, volcanoes, tsunamis, fires, floods and other disasters?

Have emergency equipment and supplies on hand.

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT FOR WHEN DISASTER STRIKES

Water Collection Drums

If you have not yet sourced water collection drums for water harvesting, it is best to do so as soon as possible. During downfalls, you can get gallons and gallons of water from your roof. Having water on hand is extremely beneficial during water lock offs - in and out of the hurricane season.

Water Tanks

It is also a good idea to install a water tank. This allows you to store large quantities of water on an ongoing basis. That way you will have enough to use during a crisis. Water tanks come in different sizes and with different features. They can be made of fibreglass, steel or polyethylene. Some are positioned underground and others above. Some tanks are vertical, others horizontal. When shopping for your water tank, inquire about the features offered. The main thing is that it will provide you with a constant source of water when you need it most.

5 Gallon Bottles Of Drinking Water

Water purifying companies offer bottled drinking water for

commercial offices in 5-gallon quantities. It may be a good idea to stock up on a few of these for your family. This would ensure that the drinking water you consume at home is safe.

Water Filters

Why not inquire about the drinkingwater filter jug? Simply fill it up with water from your tap and when you pour … voilà … out comes clean water. Investigate the types of contaminants that these jugs filter. There are also whole house water filters comprising of pre-filters that remove solid particles, faucet filters for your taps, water softeners, and deferrizators that filter iron and other contaminants from groundwater.

Water Purification Tablets

These contain chlorine, chlorine dioxide and iodine to kill bacteria, viruses and some parasites.

Generator

Choose a generator that will give you enough energy for light, and power for important appliances. Some generators are capable of keeping your entire house running.

Walkie Talkie Radios

Do you want to keep in touch with friends and family during a disaster? Why not invest in long-distance walkie talkies. Some have a reach of up to 65 miles!

Citizen Band (CB) Radios

Learn to communicate by citizen band radio. Get yourself a system

to keep you in contact with others. Who knows when your Wi-Fi will be compromised, leaving you isolated from the outside world?

Large Appliance Battery Charger

This is a relatively small stand-alone charger/generator that is strong enough to power your refrigerator.

Battery Pack

A cell phone battery pack is useful in and out of crises. It can fit in the palm of your hand and it will keep your cell phone going, even when there is no other power available.

Hurricane Shutters

If you are designing a house, it is wise to incorporate hurricane shutters. If your house was not built with shutters, it is not too late to add them for protection.

Battery Radio

This little fellow runs on batteries such as AAs. He will keep you informed with the latest news and information during hurricanes and other natural disasters. Don’t forget to have enough backup batteries to keep him going.

Disaster can strike at little or no notice. BE PREPARED.

Spiritual Food

By Cheryl Harewood

THERE are countless instances in the Bible where food is the key issue.

The children of Israel were fed with manna as they journeyed through the wilderness. Though he suffered much, Joseph was appointed the Prime Minister of Egypt to ensure that there was food in the land when famine struck. In the New Testament, Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn stones into bread. He also later fed 3000 and 5000 persons respectivelymen, women and children - who were hungry after listening to His teachings. That we need food to live is not a matter that is up for debate. More importantly, we need spiritual food if we are to survive spiritually, mentally and physically. In other words, we need a rich diet of the Word of God.

Jesus often spoke about bread and the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, even calling Himself the Bread of Life.

In the following Scripture verses we look at the importance that God the Father and God the Son placed on spiritual food.

Joshua 1:8: (ESV)

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

John 4:34 (ESV)

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.

Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. ...”

Matthew 5:6: (ESV)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

1 Peter 2:2 (ESV)

“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.”

Matthew 4:4: (ESV)

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

John 6:67-68 (ESV)

So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

A daily dosage of the Word of God will go a long way in providing the nutrients we need for living truly spiritually, healthy lives.

Kathy.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our beautiful Kathy.

Kathy was born in Barbados, West Indies, and spent most of her years travelling the world as a Christian missionary. The last decade or so of her life was spent in California, USA.

I have known Kathy, personally, since the 1980s and was blessed to have reconnected with her late last year. When she heard about Grown at Home magazine, she was quick to volunteer her services for our Wholesome Recipes section. Her knowledge of healthy foods and food alternatives was valuable to this magazine. We were looking forward to a long relationship with her as a magazine contributor, but this was not to be. Though we miss her, we rejoice at her eternal homecoming with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Goodbye Kathy until we meet you again on the other side.

Camille Alleyne Publisher

September 30, 1964 – July 11, 2021

Rob Greenfield grewandforaged 100% of his food. See how.

https://youtu.be/ nX4kq4QfYRA

It is a pity that freight containers are scarce these days. What have freight containers got to do with farming?

“https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=gEORGIA+STATE+UN IVERSITY+AND+FREIGHT+FARMING&&view=detail&mid=7FB84

HYPERLINK:

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CBFB6D402447” Freight Farms’ Leafy Green Machine at Georgia State - Bing video

GROWN at HomeATTRIBUTIONS

Cucumber Water Recipe and Benefits, Marina Deliohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT2MnkA2zhY Jamaican Green Banana Porridge, Laura Forde’s Videos, Laura Forde https://youtu.be/620QSPsCzal Green Banana Porridge photograph, Sians Cooking. Cucumber Salad Recipe, Delicious Meets Healthy, Neli salad/https://www.deliciousmeetshealthy.com/cucumberHow Much is 1 Inch of Water When Watering the Garden, MiGardener, https://youtu.be/Kib_FquGP7s Inches to Gallon Converter

VolcanoSoufriereBarbados.–

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CHALLENGE

How can your community feed itself?

✔ Each home grows its food

✔ Grow and share

✔ Create a community food garden

✔ Form a neighbourhood food security group

✔ Share technical information

Home MagazineFOR THIS ISSUE

How to Peel and Boil Green Bananas – No More Stains (Easy Tips & Tricks) Roxy Chow Down Jamaican Recipes, Roxy Chow Down https://youtu.be/ Euyi1tJSMcY

Grew and Foraged 100% of My Food for an Entire Year! Rob Greenfield, nX4kq4QfYRAhttps://youtu.be/nX4kq4QfYRAhttps://youtu.be/ College Goes Green on Grow, AIB studios, Freight Farms’ Leafy Green Machine at Georgia State - Bing video

experiencesShareyourontheGROWN AT HOMEFacebookPage

BEHIND THE SCENES

December 2021

Almost done

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