Let’s Talk About Herbs
By Mara Dobyns
What did one avocado say to the other as it was walking away? “Wait, come back, I said you’re the good kind of fat!” Now that I have your attention, let’s talk about herbs.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with local growers Wilmer and Naomi Martin of Martin’s Produce,
and honestly, they are as sweet and helpful as their fresh grown fruit.
I set out to discover the price difference between growing your own herbs versus buying them. Wilmer estimated it to be about a fifty percent difference in price. Wow! In addition to being cheaper, Wilmer mentioned the added benefits of knowing where they come from, controlling their growing conditions, knowing if they’re sprayed and well taken care of, and of course their quality. If herbs are an important part of your diet these factors should be too.
Herbs contain unique anti-oxidants, essential oils, vitamins, phytosterols and many other plant derived substances that help protect and equip our body to fight against germs and toxins, all the while boosting our immune system. Herbs are actually medicinal in smaller, much healthier doses. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy those benefits?
Going more in depth we discover that there is an herb for just about everything. Oregano is known to help soothe stomach muscles, mint can ease hiccups, ginger is a known anti-nausea remedy, garlic can be used as a natural antiseptic, fennel is capable of reducing bad breath and body odor, thyme can relax respi- ratory muscles, turmeric is an anti-cancer herb, black pepper can help relieve indigestion, cinnamon can aid in lowering blood pressure, and cayenne can actually help stop a heart attack.
I cannot stress enough how much better natural remedies can be for you now and in the long run. Whether you grow your own or buy locally you won’t be unsatisfied with the added health benefits of herbs.
Basil, cilantro, lavender, and rosemary are a few of the best sellers at Martin’s Produce. Wilmer noted that although these are the best sellers, his favorite is still curry for its full-bodied flavor. So whether you’re in the market for good health or just good food, remember that they can be one in the same.
Now is the time to start prepping those gardens if you plan on homegrown herbs. If not make sure to support our local growers by purchasing your produce locally. Martin’s Produce plans to open in April for the season.
Martin’s Produce is located at 721-425 Capezzoli Lane (Off A-3/Buntingville Rd.) approximately 1 1/2 miles from Standish, 395 N • 6 1/2 miles from Janesville/395 S.
Phone: 530-254-6503 or 530-260-1438
