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Figuring out that I had a nightshade intolerance was a long process for me. Growing up, some food allergies were known, but sensitivities or intolerances (aside from lactose intolerance) were not commonly known, or understood.  So without being able to take a test, how did I finally realize it was the nightshade family of vegetables…

For years I suffered from digestive discomfort or unexplained symptoms after eating. It took me a long time to realize the culprit was nightshade vegetables. My diet featured them prominently, and my body did not like it. Sound familiar? You may, like me, have a nightshade intolerance.  Nightshade vegetables belong to the Solanaceae family and…

So you’ve decided you want to plant a garden? Great! Welcome to one of the most rewarding hobbies ever! Be careful, it might just take over your life and become a lifestyle. Not scared off? Good. But getting started can feel complicated. The big question hovering over you: “When is the best time to start…

When I started canning, I knew one big name: Ball. It was on so many of my jars, and I had come to trust the company. So when I started looking for a book, I decided to get all 3 of the Ball canning books I found! But the most useful by far has been…

I only had 3 cucumber plants this year. But even then I still found myself with what felt like an overwhelming abundance at times. Now don’t get me wrong, I love to just eat sliced cucumbers as a snack. Maybe with a little salt. But nobody can eat 5 pounds of them! So I started…

Canning is a great way to preserve fruits, vegetables, and other foods so you can enjoy them throughout the year. It’s a process of sealing food in jars using heat and pressure to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and potential spoilage. With the right canning equipment, you can store your own harvest and save…

Refrigerator pickles are a delightful, easy-to-make staple for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor to their meals. They get their name because there’s no canning process involved – instead, these homemade pickles happily marinate in your fridge, ready to consume within a day or two. Making your very own sweet refrigerator pickles is…

Raise your hand if canning—even just water bath canning has you terrified. Yeah, me, too. Until just recently. But my grandma got me a canner for my birthday last year, and I decided it’s time to overcome my fear of canning one baby step at a time! I really do like to break my goals…