Lani Panico

asparagus

Asparagus: An Aspiring Spear

By Lani Panico / April 24, 2024 / Comments Off on Asparagus: An Aspiring Spear

Asparagus is a delicious vegetable with a layered history. How did this aspiring spear make its way from growing in the wild to appearing on our plates? The following is an excerpt from the The Seed Detective by Adam Alexander. It has been adapted for the web. “Nature gives us the key to every secret…

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Peregrine Falcons: Then and Now

By Lani Panico / April 18, 2024 / Comments Off on Peregrine Falcons: Then and Now

Peregrine falcons, while known as predators, are essential to our environment. These stunning birds have a rich history, an interesting present, and an uncertain future. The following is an excerpt from Feather Trails by Sophie A. H. Osborn. It has been adapted for the web. Who Are Peregrine Falcons? Though relatively uncommon wherever it occurs,…

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broccoli frittata

The Whole Broccoli Frittata: A Wild Boost To Your Brunch Menu

By Lani Panico / April 15, 2024 / Comments Off on The Whole Broccoli Frittata: A Wild Boost To Your Brunch Menu

Introducing…your new favorite brunch dish! This whole broccoli frittata is packed with fresh, wildcrafted flavors that are bound to help you start your day off on the right foot. The following is an excerpt from The Forager Chef’s Book of Flora by Alan Bergo. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE: Whole Broccoli Frittata…

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hedges

Hedges: A Haven for Wild Greens

By Lani Panico / April 10, 2024 / Comments Off on Hedges: A Haven for Wild Greens

Wondering where to forage for greens this spring? Look no further than hedges, which serve as natural havens for wild greens and herbs! The following is an excerpt from Hedgelands by Christopher Hart. It has been adapted for the web. Food from Hedges: Salads and Greens Let’s start by looking at all the wild foods…

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Weed Suppression: Choosing The Right Cover Crops & Living Mulches

By Lani Panico / April 5, 2024 / Comments Off on Weed Suppression: Choosing The Right Cover Crops & Living Mulches

Trying to figure out how to manage weeds in your garden beds? Use cover crops and living mulches for weed suppression while your garden flourishes! The following is an excerpt from The Ecological Farm by Helen Atthowe. It has been adapted for the web. Suppressing Weeds With Cover Crops: Getting Started Cover crops suppress weeds…

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feeding animals

A Guide to Feeding Animals On Your Farm

By Lani Panico / April 3, 2024 / Comments Off on A Guide to Feeding Animals On Your Farm

One of the most essential parts of raising livestock is feeding your animals the right foods to keep them healthy and productive. Here are some tips for feeding animals on your farm to make it a bit easier! The following is an excerpt from Barefoot Biodynamics by Jeff Poppen. It has been adapted for the web.…

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spring curry

Forager’s Spring Curry: A Wild, Seasonal Recipe

By Lani Panico / March 27, 2024 / Comments Off on Forager’s Spring Curry: A Wild, Seasonal Recipe

Nothing says “spring” like a fresh, foraged meal! Savor the flavors of the season with this mouth-watering spring curry recipe. The following is an excerpt from Forage, Harvest, Feast by Marie Viljoen. It has a been adapted for the web. Forager’s Spring Curry This boldly flavored spring stew evolved from a forager’s version of fridge…

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birds

Bring on the Birds: Attracting Birds to Your Garden

By Lani Panico / March 21, 2024 / Comments Off on Bring on the Birds: Attracting Birds to Your Garden

Birds: they’re beautiful, they sing sweet songs, AND they can help our gardens thrive. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of birds in gardens, and how you can attract more to your backyard! The following is an excerpt from The Healthy Vegetable Garden by Sally Morgan. It has been adapted for the web.…

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maple roasted nuts

Maple Roasted Nuts: A Sweet, Seasonal Treat

By Lani Panico / March 15, 2024 / Comments Off on Maple Roasted Nuts: A Sweet, Seasonal Treat

Craving something sweet? These delicious maple roasted nuts are the perfect treat to help you push through those end-of-winter blues. The following is an excerpt from Full Moon Feast by Jessica Prentice. It has been adapted for the web. The Magic of Maple: A Rich History Following the Hunger Moon, just before the first thaw…

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grey wolves

Grey Wolves: The Howling Gods

By Lani Panico / March 14, 2024 / Comments Off on Grey Wolves: The Howling Gods

Grey wolves are complicated, beautiful animals that are now absent in many parts of the world. Where did these creatures come from, and how did they get to where they are today? The following is an excerpt from Hunt for the Shadow Wolf by Derek Gow. It has been adapted for the web. Grey Wolves:…

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How to Create Your Own Forest Garden

By Lani Panico / March 14, 2024 / Comments Off on How to Create Your Own Forest Garden

A forest garden provides a beautiful, bountiful edible landscape at any scale—whether only a few dozen square feet or if you have over an acre to spare. Ready to embark on your own forest garden adventure? Check out these articles for inspiration to get started. Featured image by Dani Baker. The Seven Layers of A…

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salsa

Mushrooms & Wild Herbs Salsa: A Refreshing Spring Recipe

By Lani Panico / March 13, 2024 / Comments Off on Mushrooms & Wild Herbs Salsa: A Refreshing Spring Recipe

Spring into the season with a fresh, wildcrafted appetizer! This recipe for mushrooms and wild herbs salsa is very adaptable, giving you freedom to use ingredients you find in your own environment. The following is an excerpt from Wildcrafted Vinegars by Pascal Baudar. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE: Mushrooms & Wild Herbs…

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fieldwork

Simplify Farm Fieldwork: Stop Working So Hard

By Lani Panico / March 8, 2024 / Comments Off on Simplify Farm Fieldwork: Stop Working So Hard

Looking to simplify fieldwork on your farm? The key is to act like a tree: stop working so hard and let nature do some of the work for you.  The following is an excerpt from The Lean Micro Farm by Ben Hartman. It has been adapted for the web. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs and…

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Birch & Walnut Syrups: Beyond the Maple

By Lani Panico / March 6, 2024 / Comments Off on Birch & Walnut Syrups: Beyond the Maple

Move aside, maple! We have two new syrups to add to the table. Check out this insight on tapping, selling, and eating syrup from walnut & birch trees. The following is an excerpt from Farming the Woods by Steve Gabriel and Ken Mudge. It has been adapted for the web. Walnut Syrup Walnut (Juglans spp.)…

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wolf

In Search of the Shadow Wolf: Beginning the Hunt

By Lani Panico / February 22, 2024 / Comments Off on In Search of the Shadow Wolf: Beginning the Hunt

What ever happened to the wolves in Britain? Rewilder Derek Gow seeks to answer this question as he embarks on a quest for the shadow wolf. The following is an excerpt from Hunt for the Shadow Wolf by Derek Gow. It has been adapted for the web. Starting the Search for the Shadow Wolf When…

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mushroom beer

Candy Cap Mushroom Beer: Brewing Wild Beers

By Lani Panico / February 19, 2024 / Comments Off on Candy Cap Mushroom Beer: Brewing Wild Beers

Yes, you read that right…mushroom beer! This recipe is perfect for beginners who want to try making their own wild, homemade brews. The following is an excerpt from The New Wildcrafted Cuisine by Pascal Baudar. It has been adapted for the web. Making Wild Beers There is something primal and almost magical about making beers using…

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flower farm

Starting & Growing A Flower Farm: What to Consider

By Lani Panico / February 13, 2024 / Comments Off on Starting & Growing A Flower Farm: What to Consider

Want to start a flower farm? Most of your decisions when starting and growing a farm are interdependent, so it can be hard to know where to start. The following is an excerpt from Flower Farming for Profit by Lennie Larkin. It has been adapted for the web. Featured photo by Molly DeCoudreaux. Take Stock…

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vinegar in soup

Vinegar in Soup: The Soup-er Secret Ingredient

By Lani Panico / February 9, 2024 / Comments Off on Vinegar in Soup: The Soup-er Secret Ingredient

Move aside, chicken noodle and tomato bisque! We’re trying out some new soups with one ingredient in common: vinegar. Flavorful and unique, these recipes will have you including vinegar in soup for years to come. The following is an excerpt from Wildcrafted Vinegars by Pascal Baudar. It has been adapted for the web. Adding Vinegar in…

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layoffs

Mass Layoffs: Destructiveness and Doubt

By Lani Panico / February 9, 2024 / Comments Off on Mass Layoffs: Destructiveness and Doubt

Addressing the pressing issues affecting everyday Americans is essential—and one of our nation’s most profound challenges is the devastating impact of mass layoffs. Layoffs upend people’s lives, cause enormous stress, and lead to debilitating personal debt. The societal harm caused by mass layoffs has been known for decades. Yet, we do little to stop them.…

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Starting A Flower Farm: 7 Steps to Crop Planning

By Lani Panico / January 23, 2024 / Comments Off on Starting A Flower Farm: 7 Steps to Crop Planning

Thinking about starting your own flower farm? Before putting seeds in the ground, it’s important to plan out which crops you want to plant. The following is an excerpt from Flower Farming for Profit by Lennie Larkin. It has been adapted for the web. Crop Planning for A Flower Farm in 7 Steps Crop planning…

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simple sugars

Simple Sugars & The Sweet Side of Fermentation

By Lani Panico / January 16, 2024 / Comments Off on Simple Sugars & The Sweet Side of Fermentation

As the name suggests, simple sugars are very easy to work with — especially when used as a ferment. From tepache in Mexico to mauby/mabí in The Caribbean, fermented simple sugars are often used to create delicious beverages all around the world. The following is an excerpt from Sandor Katz’s Fermentation Journeys by Sandor Ellix…

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wintergreen

Wondrous Wintergreen: All About the Wintergreen Plant

By Lani Panico / January 15, 2024 / Comments Off on Wondrous Wintergreen: All About the Wintergreen Plant

Have you ever chewed on a piece of gum or used toothpaste and wondered where the minty taste comes from? It’s all in the wintergreen. Wintergreen, a vine that produces flavorful berries, is very easy to grow and harvest in your own garden or greenhouse. Here are some tips for growing this cold-hardy plant, along…

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ghee

Cooking With Nutrient-Dense Fats: How to Make Ghee

By Lani Panico / January 12, 2024 / Comments Off on Cooking With Nutrient-Dense Fats: How to Make Ghee

Get your ghee on! With this quick guide, you’ll learn how to make ghee and use it as an ingredient in delicious recipes (like the Citrus-Glazed Chicken one below) in no time. The following is an excerpt from The Nourishing Asian Kitchen by Sophia Nguyen Eng. It has been adapted for the web. Cooking With…

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micro-farm

Starting A Micro-Farm: Tips for Getting Smaller

By Lani Panico / January 5, 2024 / Comments Off on Starting A Micro-Farm: Tips for Getting Smaller

Want to set up your own micro-farm? These tips will help you learn how to simplify your work, increase profitability, and shape your ideas so you can create the perfect tiny farm for you. The following is an excerpt from The Lean Micro Farm by Ben Hartman. It has been adapted for the web. Unless…

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pigs

Perfect Pigs: Which Pig Breed Is Best for Your Farm?

By Lani Panico / January 3, 2024 / Comments Off on Perfect Pigs: Which Pig Breed Is Best for Your Farm?

Every farm could use a few pigs! Add a little “oink” to your life by raising your own. Don’t know where to start? Here are some tips for deciding which pig breed is best for your farm! The following is an excerpt from The New Livestock Farmer by Rebecca Thistlethwaite and Jim Dunlop. It has…

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