May 22, 2008

I volunteer in the greenhouse program at a children's agency and lead a class each week.  Many of the classes have to do with introducing the kids to new foods - like beets, edamame, red carrots, whole grain bread, soymilk, and other wonders of the vegetable kingdom.  It's gratifying to see how much they enjoy these natural and wholesome treats!

I also conduct simple experiments with them.  The latest experiment I found on line and tried it out.  The experiment involved microwaving radish seeds for varying amounts of time and then seeing which ones germinated.  Well, and this is the wierd part of the wierd science - the radish seeds that had been microwaved for 20 seconds germinated faster than the seeds that had not been microwaved and grew faster and greener.  Those that were microwaved for 30 seconds germinated at the same time as the non-microwaved seeds.  Huh.  Who knew?  Questions abound - would the 20 second radishes fulfill their early promise and grow into bigger radishes?  Would the nutritional profile be the same?  Would I create the radish that took over the world?  Hmmm.  All I can say is that it certainly piques my interest and this winter I may try more microwaving/germinating experiments with leftover seed.  Then maybe field trials...I jest but it does make me wonder...

Time to go trim the ends off the asparagus!  If you haven't ordered your asparagus yet you still have about two weeks before this treat is off the market for the year.  Don't delay!  E-mail me at reverencegardens@gmail.com or call at 1-847-445-6642!  This delicacy has been going fast and the reviews have been excellent!