Shake It Up a Bit
by Kymisha Montgomery, CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator
Over the past year, I have been visiting gardens all over the Cincinnati area. With each visit, I’m introduced to some new-to-me crops by gardeners from around the world who grow right here in Cincinnati. I’ve listened to interesting stories from their homelands, how they grow certain crops, and the importance of having those crops available here in America. I’ve learned some medicinal uses and other benefits of these international crops.
As we gardeners in the U.S. start thinking about what seeds we plan to buy, thumbing through all of the fabulous 2024 seed catalogs, I challenge you to shake it up a bit!
When I started to research my options, I needed to know what will grow here in zone 6. I began to read books and search seed providers for what I found to be interesting. When I was introduced to Niki Jabbour’s book Veggie Garden Remix, my mind wouldn’t stop racing. Keeping these new options and candid conversations close to me, I started to explore outside of the box.
Have you heard of Callaloo or Amaranth? Most likely you’ve heard of one or the other, but guess what? They’re the same! As crops pass along from country to country, the name typically changes. Callaloo tastes similar to spinach, and some of its health benefits include that it is rich in protein, reduces inflammation, and aids in digestion. This crop is made into delicious nutritious meals in places such as Africa, the Caribbean, and China. With so many varieties to explore, I suggest learning more about it in Veggie Garden Remix and buying seeds from True Love Seeds.
I’ve seen Perilla growing in many gardens but never knew that they were edible. This member of the mint family has a flavor somewhere between basil and mint. Peak season is also similar, from May to July. Harvest when it is bright, free of wilting and blemishes. Wrapping meats to add to a BBQ, in salads, or adding it to your kimchi ferment are some ways to use this crop. Find this seed at Eden Brothers in Asheville, NC.
Did you know that ground cherries—specifically the Aunt Molly variety—were an endangered heirloom? Popular amongst the Pennsylvania Dutch communities, this small fruit is like a tiny package of vanilla-meets-pineapple-meets-strawberry flavor. I promise it all makes sense once you taste them! I’ve had ground cherries over salads and prepared as jam and ice cream. You can find the seeds for this tasty crop at Seed Savers Exchange.
Will you try something new this upcoming season? Let’s shake things up a bit!