RIPE: Zine 01 // Wholly Veggie

A PEEK INSIDE THE SECRET LIFE OF VEGGIES FROM SEED TO TABLE

TASTY WEIRDOS

Imagine: potatoes so creamy you don’t need butter. A squash so packed with flavor, it doesn’t require maple syrup to make it delicious. It’s how things should be. The problem? Far too often, farmers are asked to select for yield, shelf life and uniformity at the expense of good food,

nutrition and our environment. Our friends at Row-7 are reimagining food from the ground up by asking the question; what if we started with what’s delicious? They are a seed company grounded in the notion that deliciousness might just change the world. Creating vegetables that might just look a little odd, but taste how they should. Built by chefs, farmers and breeders striving to make ingredients taste better before they ever hit a plate. Not only do they taste good, every

1. MAIZE ‘CHOICE

A unique yellow dent x red flint F1 maize hybrid designed for eaters, not industry. Breeder Keith Williams works to honor and explore the diverse genetics of traditional maize while also applying modern breeding practices to improve crop reliability.

2. MIDNIGHT ROMA

TOMATO

A deep purple-red paste tomato packed with phytonutrients. In the rows, it will stop you in your tracks. In the kitchen, this purple wonder shines for its quick cook time and memorable flavor.

3. SWEET PRINCE TOMATO

A basic-looking tomato that tastes anything but, combining uniform abundance in the field with sweet and vibrant flavor. Very versatile in the kitchen—if you can resist eating them raw.

4. TETRA SQUASH

A zero-waste squash. This multipurpose delicata was bred for flavor four ways: immature fruit, young stems, blossoms and mature squash.

5. BEAUREGARDE SNOW

PEA

Bred to bring more flavor (and more purple) to purple peas, these high-anthocyanin, wavy-podded snow peas hold their vibrant color when cooked. Wait for small peas to develop in the pod to reach full flavor potential.

6. PATCHWORK PEPPER

A striped snacking pepper that interweaves vibrant flavors, colors, and legacies across Capsicum history. Juicy and crisp, with notes of green apple, citrus and caramel. Stripes are a guide to optimal harvest; pick regularly when stripes are visible on an orange to red background.

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single one of the seeds they sell is Certified organic, non-GMO, unpatented and produced in the U.S. Check out some of their unique and sometimes strange creations above and be sure to grow some Beauregarde Snow Peas to taste them for yourself. row7seeds.com

Ron pictured in his garden in South Los Angeles.

Photo credit: Vogue.com

Ron Finley gardens cooler than you ��

The Garden Gangster shares his secret to making gardening a beautiful experience: A dope garden playlist.

Most widely known as the “Gangsta Gardener”, Ron Finley inadvertently started a horti-cultural revolution when he transformed the barren parkway in front of his South Central L.A. home into an edible oasis. Ron unexpectedly became one of L.A.’s most widely known activists.

While he’s growing healthy food for an area where there was none, Ron has a list of favorite tracks that serve as the soundtrack to his quest. Wanna make your gardening as soulful and fertile as Ron’s? Play these songs for yourself or your plants or both.

1 // Risin’ to the Top by Keni Burke 2 // About Me

by T. Markakis 3 // Crossroads-DJ Spinna Remix

by Alison Crockett 4 // Anything that Monique

Bingham makes 5 // Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim (The Whole Album) 6 // Steal

My Joy-Reel People Vocal Mix by Zo! 7 // Little

B’s Poem by Doug Carn 8 // Final Call-Kenny Dope

House Mix by Kenny Dope, Raheem Devaughn 9 // Where

Love Lives by Alison Limerick 10 // Body Move-Main Mix by Sean McCabe & Groove Assassin

A dope garden playlist

Photo credit: Vogue.com

Music is a very big aspect of my life. Of my inspirations. When I’m in the garden music adds another element. I spend a lot of time in the Garden by myself. The music, the butterflies, the hummingbirds, the beauty and the plant. Give me solace. You should allow the garden to seduce you. So that you can feel, smell, see and taste the transformation that it brings. So stop what you’re doing right now, and go out and Plant Some! - Ron

Finley

A cute little flower

Photo credit: Ron Finley Project

Unearth the Green Goodness of Grounding with Bare Feet!

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s becoming increasingly important to find ways to reconnect with nature and restore balance to our lives. One simple yet powerful practice that accomplishes this is grounding, also known as earthing. Grounding involves the act

of placing your bare feet directly on the earth, allowing you to tap into a multitude of benefits that positively impact your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Let’s delve into the wonders of grounding and explore the top five benefits it offers.

Enhanced Mental Clarity: Grounding is known to clear away mental fog and boost cognitive function. When we connect with the earth’s energy, we experience improved mental clarity, enhanced focus, and increased attention span.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Grounding acts as a natural stress reliever. By establishing a connection with the earth, we can significantly reduce stress levels and alleviate anxiety. This practice helps to balance cortisol, the stress hormone, while simultaneously increasing the production of endorphins, which promote feelings of relaxation and calmness.

Improved Sleep Quality: Grounding before bedtime can have a remarkable impact on the quality of your sleep. By synchronizing with the earth’s natural electromagnetic energy, grounding helps regulate your body’s internal clock, leading to more restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Alleviated Pain and Inflammation: Walking barefoot on natural surfaces has been found to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation throughout the body. Grounding helps to modulate pain signals, providing relief for conditions such as arthritis, muscle soreness, and migraines.

Boosted Immune System: Grounding strengthens the immune system by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress within the body. This, in turn, enhances your body’s resilience and ability to ward off illnesses and infections.

By incorporating grounding into your daily routine, you can experience its remarkable benefits. Simply take a leisurely barefoot walk on grass, sand, or soil, sit on the ground during breaks,

or engage in gardening activities with your bare hands. Reconnecting with the earth’s energy will infuse your life with a sense of rootedness and vitality.

BUT IF YOU MUST....

Vans partnered with artist and designer Nicole McLaughlin to create the ultimate upcycled gardening shoe, inspired by vintage garden totes. www.vans.ca/en-ca/vault-by-vans-x-nicole-mclaughlin

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• crudité: (kroo-dee-teh) raw vegetables

crudité: (kroo-dee-teh) raw vegetables (sliced or whole), arranged neatly on a platter or board, and typically served with a sauce for dipping.

(sliced or whole), arranged neatly on a platter or board, and typically served with a sauce for dipping.

• crudité: (kroo-dee-teh) raw vegetables (sliced or whole), arranged neatly on a platter or board, and typically served with a sauce for dipping.

• crudité: (kroo-dee-teh) raw vegetables (sliced or whole), arranged neatly on a platter or board, and typically served with a sauce for dipping.

I know what you’re thinking. Especially coming out of the dark pandemic era that we’ve all just endured. “What about GERMS?!?!!.

But hear me out: You’re at a summer soirée with a few friends and are gathered around a veggie and dip platter. We assume that everyone in attendance has at one point been told not to double dip. It’s a practice that for most of us, was vilified in childhood. A swift hand slap and foul look from a parent and we were onto adulthood; a state of being that did not include double dipping. Now, back to the party. Your buddy Chuck (who’s a good guy), reaches in to dip a carrot, bites and then reaches back to dip again. The second dip happens almost in slow motion. The look of disbelief on everyone’s face is met with a quick response from Chuck: “What... It’s a good dip!” And he’s right. It is a GOOD DIP. And dip is joy. And if the last three years have taught us anything, it’s that depriving ourselves of joy blows hard. So dip those veggies as many times as you need to folks. Germs and all. Thanks Chuck.

bring a store-bought platter

Okay, we’ve all been there. So busy in the comings and goings of life that the thought of cutting up a platter of vegetables feels like the 10th circle of hell. This might be unique to me... but in the interest of painting a picture... picture this: You’ve just run out of coffee pods earlier that day, your 7-year-old has been home sick for 3 days and your patience is hanging on by the thinnest thread ever known to man. And that’s when you get it. The text from your sister-in-law with a request to bring a credité platter to Saturday’s family gathering.

You’ve got two options: You can buy a pre-cut grocery store platter or cut the damn thing up yourself. Since I was in this exact scenario just last week, I can take you through my line of thinking; My sisterin-laws food isn’t particularly good, but neither is mine, so who am I to judge. The bar’s been set low. But what about my own bar? Do I not expect more of myself than a store-bought veggie platter with slightly softened carrot sticks and oversized cauliflower florets? That’s when I realized that this wasn’t merely a question of how to crudité, this was a question of selfrespect. Do with that what you will.

cut the celery sticks thin

There’s something to be said for a rustic presentation. Leaving the stems on one of or two of the celery sticks and foregoing a cut lengthwise won’t make you look lazy. It will make you look authentic. Herein lies the paradox of crudité; Just because the presentation looks rustic, doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means quite the opposite. And besides, the full girth of a celery stick is the perfect vehicle for a load of dip.

season the veggies

No, there’s no such thing as too much flavor. I don’t care what you’ve been told. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with some cut-up vegetables and a bowl of dip. Guests are actually grateful for the brief respite from the endless parade of irresistible baked goods and blowout charcuterie boards.

But why stop there? Sometimes we are our own barriers to growth in this life. Pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone is the only way in which we level up. And yes, I’m still talking about crudité. So try spicing it up. See what happens when you add a sprinkle of flaky salt for crunch. Or black sesame seeds for a visual treat. Or perhaps a sprinkle of paprika for a kiss of heat. Just know there’s no going back...

This one’s a no brainer. Or so you would think. Look, I’m fun, free and ready to get down with most dips. I’ll get down with a savoury hummus, I’ll pack away a nice muhammara. I’ll even oblitrate your seven layer dips or nacho dips. But the plethora of dips is far too vibrant and delicious to consider using onion soup mix. I understand the crunch for time as in the aforementioned DON’T. But if you’re considering a Lipton Onion Soup mix, you’d be better off just arriving empty-handed or not at all. Cold, hard facts.

Lipton Onion Soup mix

EAT YOUR VEGGIES; OR AT LEAST EAT ON VEGGIES.

We sat down with sisters and haustes with the mostes, Hanna Ray Flores & Lea Raymond to talk about their company Hauste and the best ways to get more veggies on the table.

What inspired you to start Hauste:

Our inspo behind Hauste is definitely our parents. We grew up watching our mom press linen napkins for a Sunday night gathering, create gorgeous florals for the centerpiece, and pull out her Swedish china on a random Tuesday, just because. Our dad would always be right behind her showing off his grill skills, running to the grocery store for last minute items, and ensuring the flow of the night ran smoothly. Together, they formed the ultimate hosting dream team, creating magical dinner parties that left a lasting impact on us throughout our childhood and still to this day.

As we entered our twenties, we realized that hosting dinner parties like it was a part-time job wasn’t the norm for our generation. We want Hauste to be a platform for people to feel inspired to create those magical moments for themselves, but also feel like they have someone in their corner helping them through it (insert us, your co-haustes!).

What do you think is different about how you and your friends entertain today vs. your parents?

When it comes to how we entertain today compared to our parents, there are definitely some noticeable differences mixed with a touch of nostalgia. We strive to achieve that warm, inviting feeling of bringing people together, just like our mom did (& still does!). Our brand, Hauste, aims to tap into that nostalgic spirit and inspire others to #BringBackTheDinnerParty.

One thing that sets us apart is our more relaxed and impromptu approach to hosting. While our parents may have focused on formalities and etiquette, we prioritize creating an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and can truly enjoy themselves. That means embracing a more laid-back vibe, allowing for impromptu moments, and encouraging meaningful connections. We value authenticity and want our events to reflect our own personalities and styles, whether it’s through DIY decor or customized elements that make each gathering feel special.

Technology also plays a big role in how we entertain today. With social media and digital platforms, we have new ways to invite guests, curate playlists, and even document our experiences. It’s amazing how technology has expanded our reach, allowing us to connect with a wider community and gather inspiration from different sources. We can discover new recipes, explore unique ideas, and stay organized all at the touch of a button. But amidst all the modern conveniences, the core desire remains the same: to bring people together, share good food, and create lasting memories. That’s something that will never change, no matter the era. So, we’re blending the best of both worlds, embracing the present while cherishing the traditions that have always made hosting so special.

Photo by Susan Yee.

Entertaining challenge: What are some inspired ways that you could bring veggies or a veggie theme into your summer hosting décor?

When it comes to incorporating veggies and a veggie theme into our summer hosting décor, we have some inspired ideas up our sleeves! First off, we’re absolutely obsessed with the look of fresh produce as part of the tablescape. It adds a touch of natural beauty and gives off that effortless yet fruitful vibe we adore. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option, so it’s a win-win! Picture a centerpiece overflowing with vibrant tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and colorful peppers. It not only looks stunning but also sets the tone for a fresh and wholesome gathering.

And let’s talk about grilled veggies! With summer just around the corner, they are going to be an absolute staple in our dishes. Not only are grilled vegetables incredibly delicious, but they also add a delightful smoky flavor to any meal. Imagine a colorful platter of charred zucchini, juicy corn on the cob, and

perfectly grilled asparagus. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. We love incorporating grilled veggies into our appetizers, main courses, and even as a standalone side dish. They bring that summer essence to the table and showcase the versatility and beauty of vegetables in a mouthwatering way.

A table set with lettuce wares from the Dodie Thayer for Tory Burch collection.

Photo: Noa Griffel

1. Rotary Hero Giant Food Stool 2. Cauliflower Candle by Gohar World 3. 1980s Vintage Potato Tureen Serving Pieces at Charish 4. Lettuce Ware Cup & Saucer, Set Of 2 at Tory Burch

Drink ‘yo veggies!

As proud Canadians and veggielovers, naturally we’re chuffed that the tomato-based Caesar is a Canadianfounded cocktail. So it made sense to speak with someone who has disrupted this industry for their tips on how to make the perfect Caesar and give a twist on the classic toppings. Walter Craft Founder, Aaron Harowitz grew up slinging cocktails in university which put him through school, but noticing the long list of sugars and additives in the average cocktail, he saw an opportunity to disrupt his favorite Canadian drink: the Caesar. What was his solve to this pickle?

A craft Caesar mix made with real whole ingredients, sustainably sourced clam juice, artisanal hot sauces, and an option for vegans (he uses dulse, an edible seaweed). His latest innovation? Dill Pickle Caesar mix. A customer-favourite with pickle juice and dill seasoning.

WITH AARON HAROWITZ, CEO OF WALTER CRAFT CAESAR

SKIPPING THE PREP

Veggies that are normally boiled should still be boiled before grilling! Use the grill to finish your vegetables and really impart those smoky flavours.

OVERCOOKING

Watch your veggies closely and take them off the grill just a little before ready. Then let them sit in a covered bowl so that the steam can break them down... this will keep them crunchy and prevent them from getting pooched.

OVERSEASONING

Seasonings on the grill can actually burn under extreme heat. Add your seasoning after and treat it like a finishing.

FORGETTING THE SAUCE

Grilled foods can have a really loud flavour that can be hard on the palette. Finish your veggies with a squeeze of acid or make a sauce! If you’re serving a dry vegetable... we have a problem. Make a beautiful herbaceous sauce with herbs, chillies, pickles, lemon... this will take your dish to the next level.

Vegetables for dessert?! What is this, the Upside Down? Look y’all, veggies deserve to be dessert too. They deserve sweetness and sugar. They deserve to be devoured like cake.

AI or Human?

We asked AI to write a haiku about vegetables. Then we asked a human. Can you tell which is which? Does it even matter? It’s only a matter of time before we merge, right? Maybe we won’t even need to each vegetables when we’re transhuman. Saddest. Day. Ever.

Green leafy delight, Nourishing my hungry soul, Vegetables, love.

Out of mere seeds, You give us magical strengh, Popeye was so right.

VS.