#bay leaf farming

[farmerstrend]

Bay Leaf Farming In Kenya: A Complete Cultivation Guide

Bay leaf, scientifically known as Laurus nobilis, is a fragrant and versatile herb widely used in culinary applications and traditional medicine. It’s an evergreen shrub or tree that can grow up to 30 feet in height. Its glossy leaves are the primary product of interest, possessing a distinctive aromatic flavor. In recent years, bay leaf farming has gained popularity in Kenya due to its economic…

[50000bears]

I didn't get the job I interviewed for last week but at least my compost bin is thriving and my indigo rose tomatoes are growing

[quitealotofsodapop]

I want to ask what the Monkie Kid crew relationship with animals is? I know Sandy loves/is loved by cats, and there is a funny theory that I seen that Wukong is just an animal magnet. But what are your thoughts on this?

Wukong has Disney Princess-level animal magnetism. But especially towards Horses. Sun Wukong is barred from most derbies/tracks cus if he walks in, all the race horses will immediately trot over happily cus "The Bimawen is here!!" And he'll happily jump the fence to give every horse a petting. And yeah almost all wild animals (save apex predators) just feel happy around him.

("Havok in Heaven" 1961)

Macaque, despite his foreboding aura, often ends up swarmed by younger/baby animals. He pretends not to know why. It's cause he has shameless mom instincts. Even if he was considered an Outsider to the original Monkey demon troop, he was adored by the infants he cared for. Those said infants are now grown immortal monkeys who see him as their many-times great-grandmother. If Sun Wukong is the honorary "Grandfather/Yeye/Waigong Sun" (as said in JttW) to all monkey demons, then Macaque is "Grandmother/Nainai/Zumu Liu'er". A similar effect occurs in rabbits (decendants of the wild moon rabbits he knew when he lived with Chang'e).

Sandy ofc loves cats and has similar Disney Princess-energy towards wild animals as seen in "To Catch a Leaf". Also tarantulas - you know why.

Pigsy claims to hate animals, but he folds if a cat or dog even headbutts him. Makes a million excuses why he doesnt run off the alley cats the hang out outside the restaurant. ("They're good for pest control.", "Leftovers gotta go somewhere.", "Tang you're petting one right now." Etc).

Tang loves animals like cats, but its a 50/50 if they'll even indulge him. I hc that he's a little scared of dogs and large birds (cicada instincts), but will pet a friendly good boi if they make a good first impression. Thinks pet bugs are really neat and underrated (Pigsy has banned him from getting any).

MK loves dogs. He is pure dog loving energy. Will look at an immortal celestial warhound and ask "Who's a good boy?" and he'll most likely get a tail wagging. Also thinks turtles are mega cool.

Mei I hc wasn't allowed pets in the Long/Dragon household, so she can be over-enthusiastic when meeting new critters, and gets sad when they scurry off startled. Wukong has been teaching her some of his old Bimawen tactics though, since she really loves horses (literal horse girl energy) and was def the little girl who asked for a pony every birthday.

Red Son is def a lizard/bird parent. I love the hc that his fave animals are chickens, and could def see him having a loose hen in the palace (wearing hygenic birdy pants ofc). He also seems like he'd vibe with desert/hot climate reptiles who see him as a heat lamp. Towards cattle and big farm animals tho? His territorial bull instincts flare up and starts picking fights.

Nezha likes snakes. Don't look too deep into it. (They remind him of Ao Bing). Thinks cats and dogs are overrated.

Bai He. Cats cats cats! She loves them in all their forms. Big, small, fluffy, sphinx! Like Mei she can be over-enthusiastic, and often gets scratched/bitten by street animals she tries to befriend. Big cats seem to like her for some reason.

+Bonus au character: Chenxiang loves birds. Especially water birds. They remind him of his very early childhood when ducks, geese, and crane would follow him and his mother while lotus harvesting. Will not stand for goose slander. Will get swarmed by flocks of birds if left alone in a public park.

[when-november-ends]

Hello 🤍 I have 2 questions but do feel free to ignore them if you aren't up for answering them !! /gen

First one - I found a random horseshoe in my garden (we have no farms or horses nearby so it's kinda ??? Lmao) but I want to make a protection ward. It is a very rusted horseshoe though, and I wonder if that will affect its correspondences/properties. Do you think it will be an issue?

And second, I want to do a self-love spell on my sister but I'm weirdly worried about it ending up as a romantic spell unintentionally. I planned to do a candle spell with herbs and crystals etc and a bay leaf with something like "my sister loves herself" (with more detail ofc). Would that be enough to ensure that it doesn't have any weird romantic effects? Do you have any better spells for self-love with other people?

Thank you in advance and I appreciate any help 💞 I do hope you have a wonderful day/night 💫

hi!💓

thank you for trusting me with this question and i hope i can help!^^

first of all, really cool that you found the horseshoe! it might be pretty old if there aren't any farms near you👀

the rust shouldn't affect your spell negatively, but i would advise to cleanse it before you make it into a protection ward. if you don't like the rust aesthetically, submerge it in some distilled vinegar for 24-36h and then clean it off with some steel wool :)

about your second question:

i'm always kinda iffy about doing spells on someone without their permission, so i suggest you ask your sister if it's okay. if you're in the broom closet you could just ask her if she would like some help from you to learn to love herself.

and no, i don't think there's any risk of it turning into a romantic love spell. the most important part of your magic is the intention behind it, and if you focus your thoughts on what you WANT to happen, there shouldn't be any issues!

hope i could help and let me know if you have any other questions! you have a wonderful day/night too! <3

[lorinplayspalia]

Your Order is Served Quest Checklist

A friend suggested I make checklists for this quest line. Keep in mind that you might not craft a gold star dish on the first try, so you may need to collect much more than what the recipe calls for. (It took me at least 4 tries to make a gold star Oysters Akwinduu.)

If cooking is difficult to you because of lag or server congestion, you can always have a friend help you. (I will even help if you are on the NA server, just lmk.) You will need to start the cooking so you get the dish, but it will use whoever is using the station's ingredients, so plan accordingly.

In addition to the ingredients, you will need 2 mixing stations, 2 ovens, 2 prep stations, and 1 stove.

[ ] Gold Star Oysters Akwinduu 1 Oyster Meat 5 Salt 1 Spicy Pepper 1 Tomato 1 Onion 1 Wild Garlic 1 Heat Root 1 Butter 1 Chapaa Meat

[ ] Gold Star Muujin Bahari 1 Butter 2 Wheat 2 Corn 3 Salt 1 Chapaa Meat 1 Mushroom 1 Spicy Pepper 1 Onion 2 Spice Sprouts 1 Wild Garlic 3 Muujin Meat 3 Plant Fiber 3 Cooking Oil 1 Vinegar 1 Egg

[ ] Gold Star Petit Fives 2 Sugar 2 Butter 1 Egg 1 Flour 2 Sweet Leaf 1 Milk 1 Fruit 1 Corn Raw materials list & where to get each item under the cut.

1 Oyster Meat - From unopened oysters found on the beaches of Bahari Bay, simply open the oyster like you would a zeki capsule.

8 Salt - Purchased from Zeki's General Store for 10 Gold. In total: 80 gold.

2 Spicy Pepper - The seeds can be purchased from Zeki's General Store for 170 gold. They are harvested after the first 6 days of growth, and then every 3 days for a total of 4 harvests.

1 Tomato - The seeds can be purchased from Zeki's General Store for 80 gold. They are harvested after the first 4 days, then every 2 days for a total of 3 harvests.

2 Onion - Onions can be purchased from the Daiya Family Farm for 120 gold each, so 240 gold. The seeds can be purchased from Zeki's General Store for 20 gold (total: 40). They are harvested after 4 days of growth.

2 Wild Garlic - Foraged from Kilima Valley and Bahari Bay. May also be purchased from Zeki's General Store for 30 gold (60 gold total).

1 Heat Root - Foraged from Bahari Bay cliffs.

4 Butter - Purchased from Zeki's General Store for 40 gold, for a total of 160 gold.

2 Chapaa Meat - Hunted from Chapaa or purchased from Zeki's General Store for 26 gold, for a total of 52 gold.

2 Wheat - The seeds can be purchased from Zeki's General Store for 25 Gold (total: 50 gold). It is harvested after 4 days. Additionally, you can purchase it from the Daiya Family Farm for 130 gold, or 260 gold.

3 Corn - The seeds can be purchased from Zeki's General Store for 30 gold (90 total) and are harvested after 5 days of growth. Additionally, you can purchase corn directly from the Daiya Family Farm for 160 gold (total: 480 gold).

1 Mushroom - It can be any mushroom, so I recommend the mushrooms foraged from Kilima Valley.

2 Spice Sprouts - Purchased from Zeki's General Store for 30 Gold (60 gold total), or foraged from Mirror Fields or Leafhopper Hills in Kilima Valley.

3 Muujin Meat - Obtained by hunting Muujin. A tip I have for hunting them: Go to the cliffs above Statue Garden and chop the trees. Muujin will run into trees, so chopping the tree will "release" them so to speak.

3 Plant Fiber - Obtained from chopping trees or bushes.

3 Cooking Oil - Purchased from Zeki's General Store for 20 gold, or a total of 60 gold.)

1 Vinegar - Purchased from Zeki's General Store for 200 Gold.

2 Egg - Purchased from Zeki's General Store for 24 gold, for a total of 48 gold.

2 Sugar - Purchased from Zeki's General Store for 20 gold, or a total of 40 gold.

1 Flour - Purchased from Zeki's General store for 10 gold.

2 Sweet Leaf - Foraged from Bahari Bay.

1 Milk - Purchased from Zeki's General Store for 30 gold.

1 Fruit - This can be Blueberry or Apple. To get blueberries: You will receive 5 blueberry bush seeds from completing Badruu's friendship level 3 quest. The blueberries are harvested 4 times. To get Apples: One seed is received after completing Nai'o's friendship level 3 quest. Another is received for completing Zeki's level 3 friendship quest. Apple trees can be harvested 4 times.

As always, let me know if I have forgotten something.

[the-badger-mole]

So, this isn't my original thought. I think it was in a TikTok, but honestly, I don't remember. There is this idea that humans are a plague on the earth and nature would be better without us. That is not true. As humans- as inhabitants of this planet and as members of the natural order/animal kingdom/what have you, we are as necessary to the planet as the ants and the antelopes. Indigenous peoples all over the planet learned how to thrive with their environments and even make improvements. The example that immediately springs to mind is how indigenous groups in America kept wildfires at bay by periodically setting controlled fires to clear underbrush and leaf litter. The problem isn't humans in and of ourselves. The problem is colonialism and white supremacy.

A few hundred years ago (and honestly, more like a couple thousand years because I think an argument could be made that this mess began with the Romans), powerful white people decided that the world was theirs to conquer and spread their 'wisdom'. They decided that they knew better than the they conquered how to be good stewards of the land around them. Practices like the controlled burns were stopped, slave trade brought farming practices that weren't necessarily compatible with the new lands, and the toll on the humans made to work in unsustainable conditions was ignored, and that essentially lead to the world we currently inhabit.

I can't take seriously anyone who says that 'people' are the reason why the world is in it's current state (blizzards with a body count; catastrophic flood in the middle east; whole sections of countries burning to ash). It's not humans as a whole that are the problem. We are a part of the environment. We have a place in the natural order. The problem is with a relatively small, but powerful portion of our population upholding systems that keep them in privilege in power, but are overall unsustainable to the planet.

Now, I hate when posts like this point out a problem, but don't give any suggested solutions, but the truth is, I don't know what to do with this revelation. The best I can tell you is to pay attention to your local politics. If you have any voice in your government, use it as best you can. In the US, that means vote in your even your smallest elections. Fight racism where you find it, and more importantly learn to see racism in policies that don't specifically mention race. Things like food desserts, lack of green spaces in urban areas, and the current housing crisis has deep roots in racism. The thing to remember is that when you fight for the most vulnerable among you, you fight for yourself. As humans we are just as important to our ecosystems as any other creature.

[savyir-genesizz-the-wizard]

Destiny 2 OCs:

---------------------------------------------

Cogito-4 (he/him)

(main oc)

an exo arclock

was a Pole as a human (speaks the language quite well; author of a dictionary and many papers on the culture and remaining architecture)

only uses arc (very rarely solar); would never embrace the Darkness

rezzed some time after the end of the Great Hunt on the Reef (knew a bit Eliksnii language)

malfunctioning left leg (loses control over it for a second if he puts too much weight on it); levitates using light

grew up in the Last City (student of a Warlock named Štefan Ryba), didn't leave it until the Twilight Gap

missed a lot of big conflicts; prefers a role of researcher over fighter

worked on planets and other objects distant from Earth

returned to Earth during the Red War and worked as a gunsmith of the Farm

currently works as a Vanguard's Operative on Nessus and a geologist

he's excellent at fixing or assembling guns (great memory and motor skills) but he can't create one from scratch

bad jumpship pilot

likes City food

doesn't enjoy spending too much time with other Warlocks

talks a lot

really wants to help everyone, even if he says he just wants to be left alone (and never is)

warlock deputy vanguard (against his will)

Dun-Dun (he/him)

Cogito-4's ghost

used to work as a librarian in Cryptarchy Archives

when he went searching for his guardian, his friend and their guardian died. After learning that, he didn't allow Cogito to leave the City for many years

terrified of fights (and rezzing during fights)

pretty good in social situations

rarely leaves his guardian

teached Cogito how to swear

Taş (he/him)

awoken void titan

fireteam died in Throne World in SotSeraph

used to be a Hunter up until this point because of group pressure

very low self-esteem

ghost: Yürek (e/em/eir)

(Štefan) Ryba (they/them)

human arclock >> (allegedly) Taken (MiA)

lived in the Dark Ages; kept as a Warlord's slave, freed by Saladin

Cogito-4's mentor

very optimistic, never fully serious

(alleged part:)

was 'taken' around the start of the Reef Wars

stuck in the Ascendant Realm

Toland is making fun of them but they couldn't care less

false prophet turned not-so false prophet

ghost (allegedly Taken): Kvet (one/one's)

Kobzar-13 (he/him)

exo solar titan

diversity win - this Titan is hopelessly devoted to another Titan instead of a Warlock

used to travel the Solar system since the Sunbreakers left the City, in search for Golden Age tech until the battle at the Burning Lake and when he returned to guard the Earth

made it his life mission to learn how to play every instrument he finds cool (some can be hard if you are an exo)

head mods that look like a mustache (movable!)

ghost: Perebendya (he/him)

Enebish (he/it)

human void titan (ex-Stoneborn Order)

risen in the Dark Age (a bit younger than the Drifter)

object of Kobzar's adoration

looks intimidating (doesn't emote much) but he's very friendly and helpful

pets random cats

almost died during the Red War but was saved by Kobzar

(they live together now and guard the Walls)

ghost: Tovshuur (it/its)

Krewetka (or Shrimp) (it/its)

ghost who lost its guardian (in SotSeraph)

hangs around in bars and yells at people

Kayetan Snakecharmer (he/him)

awoken solar hunter

races in SRL (mid tier, never last but never first)

clueless himbim

ghost: Starsky (they/them)

Fig (she/her)

Young Light titan

never seen without her helmet

just follows Shaw Han around

surprisingly good at not dying a horrible death!

ghost: Ghost-ghost (he/she)

Fireteam "Trouble" (real Hunter Freudian trio):

(Ksawery Lew Franc Rajmund) Wawrzyniec "Wawrzyn" Swoboda (he/him)

human void hunter

couldn't decide on one name, people call him just Wawrzyn nowadays (means just 'bay leaf' basically)

lost an arm in the Hellmouth

used to be a Gunslinger but he physically can't use solar anymore since then

gets into trouble all the time

ghost: Chrząszcz (or just "Beatle") (he/them)

Enikő-13 (she/her)

exo solar hunter

always broke

lives in the Last City

her back hurts and her ghost can't fix it

"not great" at Crucible but plays it regularly anyway (has some genuine fans)

ghost: Sárgaréz (she/her)

Nocolot (or Nyctibius) (she/her)

awoken solar and arc hunter

very tall

complains a lot

probably has very complicated and interesting private life but never talks about it

ghost: Waqra (he/him)

Bragis (the Cursed) (he/it/they)

eliksnii ex-Wolf baron

currently lives in the City with the House of Light

warrior turned potter

Ibroldys (the Most Beloved) (she/her)

eliksnii Light's splicer

works with Guardians and Caiatl's Cabal on Vanguard's missions

Bragis'es daughter; takes care of him

praises the Traveler as a god

"It is what it is"

Obrypiks (the Pestilence of the Three Shipwrecks Pass) (she/her)

eliksnii ex-Devil Vandal

didn't join the House of Salvation because she hates authority

a nuisance at best

horrible little fucker

(Traveler forbid women do anything)

Karlun (the Brightest Star/ Plague Claw) (he/him)

Scorn

probably a bit more sapient than he should be

would like to escape the Witness but is stuck in the Savathûn's Throne World

Bragis'es son

Grau'amun (she/her)

ulurant ex-Red Legionist

mechanic

born without part of her right arm

all her friends are dead :(

(I'll write here more once I bring myself to write more chapters of that fic she's in)

[edgewaterfarmcsa]

CSA WEEK 2

   P i c k l i s t

strawberries - garlic scapes - basil  - lettuce - broccolini - hakurai turnips - cucumbers - plants!

I did not intend to go right into week 2 with a weather charged sob story, but here we are. The heat followed by the rain did not demolish crops, but it certainly did not help. Watching the storm roll through and hit the fields was tough on the heart.  First and foremost, let’s talk about strawberries and rain. The two quarts you are receiving today are a part of an effort to clean off the current fruit and make way for the next flush. It is likely that your 2 quarts of berries may not be the sparkly shiny gems we all lust for, but they will absolutely serve a delicious purpose if eaten today or tomorrow, or, use them to make a jammy sauce to complement every biscuit in sight, ahem strawberry shortcakes (see pro tips). Because of the past week’s precipitation, this round of berries will not hold. But the later varieties should (weather dependent, lol).

Another unfortunate arrival this week are all the pests.  I am not entirely certain why they all decided to show up at the sametime, but I've been squashing countless horn worms in the tomato greenhouses and the wire worms are really starting to show their face and make trails in our radishes and our (legendary 2024) hakurai turnip patch. And don’t even get me started on the deer. Daily cute love notes I like to send to Ray have been replaced by deer eating lettuce photos, deer eating strawberries photos, and deer eating cucumber photos.  Not an easy time to farm, but a hell of a great time to be a pest. Some would say, it's buck wild.

MEANWHILE, in the Pick Your Own Strawberry patch, the berries are still showing up, and people are still so pumped to pick.  It’s awesome to hear from Anne and Jen about all the CSAers that have made their way down River Road this week to get in on the action. I do hope to see yall out there as it is certainly the season for stained red fingers/ a belly full of berries/ late night strawberry jamming/ etc.

PYO HOURS: 8am-noon WEATHER & CROP PERMITTING!

FIXED PRICES: CASH AND CHECK ONLY

1 quart: $7/ medium picking box: $25/ large picking tray: $44

FARMY FOODIE PRO-TIPS: 

Yall, get ready, and let me introduce you to new neighbor Mitchell! 

Somehow by the grace of something, Edgewater has been blessed by a neighbor that not only knows how to cook, but also has stacks and stacks of tested recipes.  We connected a few months ago when he popped into the greenhouses.  At that time, much of what you are currently eating from the farm existed in seed packs, waiting to be sewed.  Since then these seeds have sprouted into food and Mitchell is here to tell us how to eat it best.  Thank heavens for resident chef Mitchell Davis, as a result we all get to try new things and prep this bounty in new ways! I AM JAZZED.  If you too are jazzed, I highly recommend subscribing for free to his weekly newsletter Kitchen Sense,

Pickled Garlic Scapes recipe by mitchell!

Similar in flavor to kosher dill pickles because of their strong garlic flavor, these lacto-fermented garlic scape pickles require little effort beyond patience. They will last in the refrigerator for over a year. (I just shared some two-year old ones with Jenny and they were still delicious.) Eat

them as is or slice them to add to salads (egg, tuna, chicken, potato), or relish, or anywhere you might think to add pickles or capers.

I’m not giving amounts for this recipe because this is more of a technique (one you can use with just about any vegetable). Adjust the amounts accordingly, adding more brine in the same proportion as you need to submerge your scapes. Use kosher salt or pickling salt, not table salt,

the iodine in which will cause the pickles to discolor Kosher salt

Hot water

Garlic Scapes

Other aromatics, such as bay leaf, dill seeds or flowering dill, yellow mustard seeds (optional)As for most lacto-fermented foods, your goal is to create a brine that is a 2.5 to 3% saline solution. That means for every 1000 milliliters of water, 25 to 30 grams of salt, or about 2 teaspoons of kosher salt per cup. Place 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons kosher salt in a mixing

bowl and add 1 quart (4 cups) hot water. Stir to dissolve the salt. Let sit to come back to room temperature, stirring occasionally to make sure no salt crystals remain at the bottom of the bowl.

Meanwhile, prepare the garlic scapes. Rinse the scapes and cut into 2-inch lengths just up until the bud, which you should discard. Tightly pack the cut scapes into clean canning jars, using the shoulder of the jar to wedge the scapes in. I like to use pint jars. If using aromatics, add a bay

leaf, ½ teaspoon of dill or mustard seeds, and/or some flowering dill to each jar. Once the brine is cool, fill each jar until the scapes are completely submerged. Cover the jars loosely and let sit at room temperature, out of the sun, for 5 to 7 days to ferment until your desired level of tartness. The timing will depend on the temperature of your room. Open the jars once a day to

release any gas that builds up. As the fermentation takes place, the liquid will turn cloudy, and the scapes will darken and sink. Taste them to check if they are done. When satisfied with their flavor, seal the jars and refrigerate until needed. You can strain the brine and repack the scapes

if you like a cleaner look, but it isn’t necessary.

—Cookbook author and food writer Mitchell Davis recently moved from New York City to the

Upper Valley, just down the road from Edgewater Farm. For more recipes, subscribe for free to

his weekly newsletter Kitchen Sense at www.kitchensense.substack.com

Here it is, everyone's summertime favorite: fresh, sweet strawberries atop a flaky, buttery biscuit — topped with whipped cream, of course!

PREP 25 min/ BAKE 10 to 12 mins/ TOTAL 1 hr 35 mins YIELD 9 biscuits

Berries

2 quarts (1336g) strawberries, trimmed of their leaves

1/2 cup (99g) granulated sugar

2 teaspoons lemon juice, fresh preferred

Biscuits

3 1/2 cups (420g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

1 teaspoon table salt

1 tablespoon (11g) baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup (36g) buttermilk powder

3 tablespoons (35g) granulated sugar

8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter or 1/2 cup (92g) vegetable shortening, cold

2 teaspoons King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract

1 large egg

1 cup (227g) milk*

2 teaspoons milk, optional; for topping

2 teaspoons granulated sugar, optional; for topping

*Or substitute 1 cup buttermilk (227g) for the buttermilk powder and milk

Topping

1 cup (227g) whipping cream

Instructions

To prepare the fruit: Mash 2 cups of the strawberries. Slice the remaining strawberries, and mix all of the berries with the sugar and lemon juice. Let rest 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet, or line it with parchment.

To make the biscuits: Whisk together the dry ingredients, and work in the cold butter or shortening until the mixture is crumbly.

Whisk the vanilla and egg with the milk, then add all at once to the dry ingredients and stir until the liquid is absorbed.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead four or five times, just until it holds together. Pat the dough out until it's about 1/2" to 3/4" thick, and cut it into 2 1/2" to 3" circles.

Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with milk for a shiny surface, and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. Remove them from the oven and cool for 15 minutes before serving.

To assemble the shortcakes: Whip the cream until soft peaks form.

Just before serving, split open the biscuits, spoon half the berries and whipped cream on the bottom half, top with remaining biscuit halves, and spoon on the remaining berries and cream.

Tips from our Bakers

For highest-rising biscuits, use a sharp biscuit cutter, rather than a drinking glass. A sharp cutter cuts the edges cleanly, rather than mashing them together; a sharp cut allows the biscuits to rise higher.

[farmerstrend]

The Current State of Bayleaf Farming in Kenya

Bayleaf farming, also known as bay laurel or Laurus nobilis cultivation, has steadily gained traction in Kenya over the past decade. This aromatic herb, primarily used for its flavorful leaves in culinary applications, has seen an increase in both local and international demand. As of 2024, Kenya has emerged as a significant player in the bayleaf market within East Africa, with the industry…

[justinm7th]

assignment 3 - family fridge project

although initially I truly didn't think my project had much inspiration personally attached to it apart from the childhood drawing, I made connections to my own experiences I as progressed creating the work; I spent a large portion of my childhood at my grandfather's farm and I made a litany of core experiences there. The farm itself is composed of a (tedious) outer fence with an opening, bridging into a walkway to a utility shed or the main barn. An outhouse sits to the right of the barn with an extra bundle of firewood, and two hale bays made from dead palm leaf and yarn sit across the ranch.

[laresearchette]

Saturday, March 30, 2024 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

CRAVE TV BOBBY & BILL (Season 2)

DISNEY + STAR SPERMWORLD

NETFLIX CANADA BAD MOMS HOME AGAIN

CURLING (TSN/TSN3) 9:00am: LGT World Men's Curling Championship: Czechia vs. Canada (TSN) 2:00pm: LGT World Men's Curling Championship: Germany vs. Canada

NHL HOCKEY (SN) 12:30pm: Red Wings vs. Panthers (SN360/SNWest) 4:00pm: Ducks vs. Oilers (CBC/SNOntario/SNPacific) 7:00pm: Leafs vs. Sabres (CityTV/SNWest) 7:00pm: Sens vs. Jets (APTN/SNEast) 7:00pm: Hurricanes vs. Habs (CBC/SN) 10:00pm: Kings vs. Flames

MLB BASEBALL (SN/SN1) 4:00pm: Jays vs. Rays (SN Now) 7:00pm: Yankees vs. Astros

MLS SOCCER (TSN3) 7:30pm: DC United vs. CF Montreal

AN AUTUMN ROMANCE (CTV) 8:00pm: A woman tries to save a small, historic hotel from developers, but she soon realizes that the man she's falling for is behind the hotel's development plans.

AN EASTER BLOOM (W Network) 8:00pm: A young gardener enters an Easter floral competition to save her family farm. Along the way, she meets a local pastor who helps restore her lost hope.

LEARNING TO LOVE (Super Channel Heart & Home) 8:00pm: Harry struggles to connect with his two daughters when they lose their faith after losing their mom. When they are faced with the prospect of a new nanny, they are pleasantly surprised by Steph, who floods their hearts with warmth and positivity.

COPSHOP (Crave) 9:00pm: On the run from a lethal assassin, a wily con artist devises a scheme to hide out inside a small-town police station. However, when the hit man turns up at the precinct, an unsuspecting rookie cop finds herself caught in the crosshairs.

SAW X (Starz Canada) 9:00pm: Armed with a newfound purpose, infamous serial killer John Kramer uses deranged and ingenious traps to turn the tables on con artists who defraud the most vulnerable.

JOHNNY CASH: THE REDEMPTION OF AN AMERICAN ICON (Super Channel Fuse) 9:00pm: Depression and drug addiction leave Johnny Cash stumbling at the height of his career, but he rediscovers his faith. Featuring never-before-heard conversations with the Man in Black and interviews with country music stars.

NWSL SOCCER (TSN5) 10:00pm: Bay FC vs. Houston Dash

THE NUN (CTV) 12:35am: Vatican officials send a priest and a novitiate to investigate the suicide of a young nun in Romania. They soon find themselves in a fight for their lives when they encounter a demonic force that takes the shape of a nun.

[chemicalsectorupdates]

Exploring Emerging Applications: Bay Leaf Beyond Culinary Uses

The global bay leaf market is estimated to driven by increasing health benefits Bay leaves are the aromatic leaves of the bay laurel tree and are one of the most versatile herbs used in cooking. Used either fresh or dried form, bay leaves add a pungent, woody and earthy flavor to soups, braises, stews, rice dishes and more. Beyond culinary uses, bay leaves contain powerful antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties making it beneficial for the immune system. Bay leaves help in digestion, lower blood sugar levels and reduce nerve and muscle pain.

The global bay leaf market is estimated to be valued at US$ 887.4 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.1% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030. Key Takeaways Key players operating in the bay leaf market are House of Spices (India) Inc., Mars Incorporated, Goya Foods, Olam International, McCormick & Company Incorporated, Frontier Natural Products Co-op Inc., Anatoli Spices, Pacific Spice Company Inc., Zizira, Alpina Organic Company, Mountain Rose Inc., The Spice Hunter Inc. The global demand for bay leaves is growing due to increasing demand for ethnic cuisines across western countries as well as rising health consciousness. Bay leaves find wide applications in Indian, Turkish and Mediterranean cooking where they add flavors to meat, seafood and rice dishes. Market Trends -Popularity of Mediterranean diet: The health benefits associated with bay leaves and Mediterranean diets are driving their inclusion in western cuisine. This is a major trend in the market. -Demand for organic bay leaves: Consumers are increasingly preferring organic alternatives due to awareness about chemical pesticides. Many companies have added organic bay leaves to their product portfolio. Market Opportunities -Scope in online retail: Online channels provide opportunities for new product launches as well as direct reach to consumers. Major players are focusing on strengthening their online presence. -Product innovation and new applications: Companies are developing new formats like powdered bay leaves as well as product blends featuring bay leaves to increase applications in cooking. This will augment future demand. Impact of COVID-19 on Bay Leaf Market The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the growth of the bay leaf market, specifically in 2020 and 2021. During the peak of the pandemic when lockdowns were imposed worldwide, the supply chain and logistics were massively disrupted. Farmers faced difficulties in harvesting and transportation of bay leaves from farms to processing units. This led to a decline in the production and supply of bay leaves. Similarly, restrictions on travel and temporary closure of restaurants hugely affected the demand for bay leaves from the food industry. Geographical Regions with High Bay Leaf Market Concentration In terms of value, the Middle Eastern region holds the largest share of the global bay leaf market. Countries like Turkey, Syria and Egypt are the major producers and exporters of high-quality bay leaves. They contribute to over 30% of the worldwide production. The Mediterranean climate and soil conditions in these nations provide an ideal environment for bay leaf cultivation. Fastest Growing Region in the Bay Leaf Market North America is poised to be the fastest growing region in the bay leaf market during the forecast period. With growing health awareness and popularity of Mediterranean cuisine in the US and Canada, the consumption of bay leaves as a seasoning is increasing rapidly. Besides, the growing South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic population in North America boosts the demand for ethnically spiced foods featuring bay leaves. Moreover, the presence of key players and availability of innovative product formats suitable for the busy Western lifestyle are also driving the market growth. The easy availability through online retail channels is further propelling the market expansion.

[makaibari]

From Leaf to Cup: The Fascinating Journey of Tea Production

Welcome to Makaibari Tea Estate, where every cup of tea tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and excellence. Join us on a journey through the intricate process of transforming Makaibari tea leaves into the finest Darjeeling brews, from the lush fields of our estate to your cup of steaming goodness.

Harvesting the Freshest Leaves

Harvesting tea leaves is similar to picking leaves from any other plant. It requires skill, especially for prized teas like Bai Mu Dan or Silver Tips Imperial. To gather these high-quality tea leaves, the top three leaves of the tea plant are carefully plucked because they are the sweetest and most nutritious. First, the top three leaves are identified, and then the stem of the tea plant is held a few millimeters below the third leaf. They are gently pulled upward until a small pop sound is heard, and the leaf is separated. Although this method of harvesting takes a lot of time, it results in excellent-quality tea.

Embracing Biodynamic Practices

Our commitment to sustainability and quality extends to our cultivation methods. Through biodynamic farming techniques, we nurture the soil and protect the ecosystem, allowing our Makaibari tea bushes to thrive and produce leaves of exceptional quality. By harnessing the natural rhythms of the earth and aligning our farming practices with cosmic influences, we cultivate teas that are not only delicious but also environmentally responsible.

Withering: Enhancing Aroma and Flavour

After harvesting, the Makaibari tea leaves undergo the withering process, where they are spread out to wilt naturally. This step allows moisture to evaporate from the leaves, intensifying their flavour and aroma while preparing them for the next processing stage. At Makaibari, we believe in the power of nature to enhance the quality of our teas and withering is where this journey begins.

Harnessing the Power of Sun and Air

Darjeeling's unique climate plays a crucial role in the withering process. Our Makaibari tea leaves bask in the gentle rays of the sun and are caressed by the cool mountain breeze, imparting a distinct character to our teas. The combination of sunlight and fresh air allows the leaves to undergo natural chemical changes, resulting in vibrant, aromatic teas and full of flavour.

Oxidation: Unveiling Depth and Complexity

Once withered, the Makaibari tea leaves undergo controlled oxidation, a crucial step in developing the complex flavours that define Darjeeling teas. During this process, enzymes within the leaves interact with oxygen, gradually transforming their chemical composition and creating layers of depth and richness. At Makaibari, our skilled artisans carefully monitor the oxidation process, ensuring that each batch of tea achieves the perfect balance of flavours.

Mastering the Art of Fermentation

Fermentation is where the magic truly happens. Our artisans carefully control temperature and humidity levels to facilitate the oxidation process, allowing the Makaibari tea leaves to develop their unique flavour profiles. This delicate art requires precision and expertise, as even slight variations in conditions can impact the final taste of the tea. At Makaibari, we take pride in our mastery of fermentation, producing teas that are nuanced, vibrant, and full of character.

Drying and Sorting

After oxidation, the Makaibari tea leaves are gently dried to halt the fermentation process and preserve their freshness. This final step ensures that our teas retain their vibrant flavours and aromas, ready to be enjoyed by tea lovers around the world. At Makaibari, we use traditional drying methods such as sun drying or indoor drying, depending on the specific characteristics of each tea.

Handcrafted with Care

Once dried, the Makaibari tea leaves undergo meticulous sorting by our skilled artisans. Each leaf is carefully inspected and graded based on size, shape, and quality, ensuring that only the finest leaves make it into our final blends. This hands-on approach to tea production ensures consistency and excellence in every cup, reflecting our dedication to crafting teas of the highest caliber.

Moonlight Plucking Under Darjeeling's Sky

At Makaibari, we begin our tea production process with moonlight plucking, a time-honoured tradition unique to Darjeeling. As the moon casts its ethereal glow over our tea gardens, skilled pluckers carefully select the freshest leaves, ensuring optimal flavour and aroma. This method, practiced during specific phases of the lunar cycle, allows us to capture the essence of the Makaibari tea leaves at their peak, resulting in teas of unparalleled quality.

From leaf to cup, the journey of tea production at Makaibari Tea Estate is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and tradition. With each sip of our Darjeeling brews, you embark on a sensory adventure that celebrates the rich heritage and natural beauty of our beloved estate. Join us in experiencing the magic of Makaibari, where every cup tells a story of passion, craftsmanship, and unparalleled quality.

Published On = https://makaibari.in/blogs/news/from-leaf-to-cup-the-fascinating-journey-of-tea-production

[apoorvaguru]

TOP 10 SPICES COMPANIES IN THE WORLD

INTRODUCTION:

  Spices and herbs are defined as plant derived substances that add flavor to any dish. Spices come from the plant parts such as: roots, rhizomes, stems, leaves, barks, flower, fruits and seeds. It is something that adds interest to the dish.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES OF SPICES:

  Spices exhibit essences of the following:

Bitter- Ajwain, turmeric, bay leaf, thyme.  

Salty-fine Sea salt, garlic salt, seasoned salt, chipotle salt.

Sour-amchur, tamarind, hibiscus, lemon peel(dried).

Sweet- honey, allspice, nutmeg.

Umami- tomato flakes, mushroom powder, soy sauce powder.

WHY SPICES ARE IMPORTANT:

  Spices not only improve the taste of food but also a good source of vitamin b and c, iron, calcium, and other antioxidants.

WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF SPICES:

  Spices are primarily used as food flavoring or to create variety. They are also used to perfume cosmetics and incense. At various time, many spices are used in herbal medicine.

WHY SPICE IS A TASTE:

  Capsaicin, released as a spray when you bite into foods that contain it, triggers heat receptors in the skin, tricking the nervous system into thinking you’re overheating.

HOW DO YOU CLASSIFY SPICES:

Hot spices: Capsicum, black and white pepper, ginger.

Mild spices: Paprika, coriander.

Aromatic spices: Allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, nutmeg.

Herbs: Basil, bay leaves, thyme, marjoram.

Aromatic vegetables: Onion, garlic.

WHAT IS THE TOP 10 SPICES COMPANIES:

Kikkoman corporation

Kerry group PLC

Olam international

Cargill incorporated.

Sensient technologies corporation

House floods group Inc

Dohler group SE

Baron spices Inc

Prymat Sp.zo.o.

10)SHS Group (British spices and pepper)

KIKKOMAN CORPORATION:

 The Kikkoman is a Japanese food manufacturer. The main product and service include soy sauce, food seasoning and flavorings, sake, juice and other beverages, pharmaceuticals, and restaurant management services.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTS:

SOY SAUCE: Kikkoman soy sauce is a renowned product that adheres to the traditional method of natural brewing, resulting in distinctive and nuanced flavor. The process commences with an extended soaking of soybeans in water, followed by high temperature streaming, and then they are blended with crushed roasted wheat. The salt plays a role as preservative, ensuring the longevity and stability of the soy sauce. Next a genus of the aspergillus fungus is added to the mixture and left for three days to create shoyu koji, the base for soy sauce. The base is then transferred to a tank and mixed with saline solution, which creates a mash known as Moromi. Several months of aging follow, when various organic processes occur lactic acid, alcoholic and organic acid fermentation take place to create a unique flavor. Then Moromi is pressed through layers of fabric for around 10 hours to extract the raw product. Then it is left for 3 to 4 days, pasteurized using steam, which stops the enzymic activity. The final product is ready for inspecting and bottling.  

SOYMILK: soymilk is made through use of carefully selected soybeans cultivated in the nature and ensure product freshness.

TOMATO JUICE AND KETCHUP: Their gunma plant has been dedicated the production of tomato seasonings, while Nagano plant focuses on the beverages. The new tomato ketchup was launched LYCOPENE RICH.

KERRY GROUP PLC

 It is a public food company headquartered in Ireland. Kerry was founded in 1972 in Listowel, county in Kerry. The group operates across two business:

Taste and nutrition.

Kerry diary Ireland.

           PRODUCTS:    

            Food ingredients and flavors

BRANDS INCLUDE:

Big train

Island oasis

Davinci gourmet

Golden dipt

Ravi fruit

3)OLAM INTERNATIONAL:   

        This is a major food and agri-business company, supplying food and raw materials worldwide founded in Nigeria (1989). Its value chain includes farming, organization, processing and distribution operation. Olam is among the world’s largest suppliers of coco beans and products, coffee, cotton and rice.

4)CARGILL INCORPORATED:

It is a private American global food corporation based in Minnetonka, Minnesota and incorporated in Wilmington, Delaware, founded in 1865.it is largest privately held company in US.

PRODUCTS: Agricultural services, crop and livestock, food, health and pharmaceutical, industrial and financial risk management, raw materials.

COUNTRIES OF OPERATION: Africa, indo pacific, Oceania, south Asia -India, Pakistan, Europe, Latin America, middle east, north America.

5)SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES

It is a global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors and fragrances based in Wisconsin. Their products are used in many foods and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, home and personal care products, printing and imaging products, computer imaging and industrial colors.

Founded: Sensient was founded in 1882 as meadow springs distilling company.

Subdivision includes:

1) Sensient flavors and fragrances group

2)Sensient color group.

 PRODUCTS: Colors, Flavors and Fragrances.

6)HOUSE FOOD GROUP lnc

 It is one of the Japan largest food manufacturers and brands. It began in 1913 in Osaka as urakami shoten and began selling curry in 1926. Founded by sei Suke urakami. It is well known for Japanese curry brands, Vermont curry and java curry. It is also a major manufacturer of spices such as wasabi, shichimi, yuzu kosho, and black pepper.

SUBSIDIARY: Its subsidiary House Foods America Corporation is the largest provider of tofu products in the United States.

Products: Spices, seasonings, retort pouched food, health food

In addition, house foods manufacture mixes and roux.

7)DOHLER GROUP SE:

   Dohler or Doehler is a global producer, marketer and provider of technology based natural ingredients i.e., food additives, for the food and beverage industries. Their product line ranges from flavors, colors, cereal ingredients, dairy ingredients, fruit & vegetable ingredients.

Founded:      1838

Founder:       Lorenz Dohler

SUBSIDIARY (LOCAL):

Darmstadt (Germany)

Dahlenburg (Germany)

Denizli (Turkey)

Dubai, (United Arab Emirates)

PRODUCTS:

Flavor’s, colors and ingredients for health

Flavor’s

Emulsions

Flavor extracts.

Colored emulsions

Color extracts and concentrates.

         Ingredients and ingredient systems

fruit preparations.

Milk and soy bases.

Tea and coffee bases

Malt and grain bases

Sweeteners and acidifiers

Vegetable Fruits

Concentrates

purees

Concentrated puree

Special concentrates

Grain concentrates (oats)

8)BARON SPICES lnc:

              As a leading wholesale spice company, we provide high-quality bulk spices and seasonings to food distributors, chain restaurants, specialty restaurants, catering companies, prepared food manufacturers, dairies, bakeries, and other food-based businesses. We also supply our products to meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetable companies.

High Quality Spices and Seasonings

What makes Baron Spices stand out is the quality of our products. Only the freshest and purest ingredients are taken to our spice company’s state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled production facility. where we do all milling, mixing, blending, and packaging. We have a strict quality assurance program in place for every phase of the business—from sourcing, product development, production, packaging, and shipping. We implement HACCP guidelines, so you are assured that every product that comes out of our facility is of premium quality.

PRODUCTS:

Bulk Spices, Herbs, and Dehydrated Vegetables

Seasonings, Rubs, and Marinades

Extracts, Flavor’s, and Food Colors

Salt-Free Blends

Sauces, Gravy, and Soup Mixes

Baron is committed to customer service and satisfaction. We value long term customer relationship.

     9)PRYMAT SP. ZO. O:

Prymat sp. z o. o. (formerly Prima) is a Polish company established in 1983, specializing in the production of spices and fruit and vegetable processing.

MANUFACTURING PLANTS:

Poland

Germany

Hungary

Czech Republic

PRODUCTS: Spices

Also available in other countries.

10)SHS GROUP (BRITISH PEPPER AND SPICES):

Established in 1975, the SHS Group is a dynamic brand and service provider within the Fast-Moving Consumer he British Pepper & Spice is a manufacturer of a herbs and spices in the UK. The company specializes in processing, packing and marketing of herbs, spices, and seasonings selling to virtually all of the UK's retail and wholesale distribution food service companies as well as food manufacturers. The company provides much more than simply recognizing the importance of an efficient ordering and delivery service. The team sets out to provide a service to all customers, incorporating a desire for genuine partnership across areas as diverse as new product development, supply chain management, and marketing initiatives.

PRODUCTS:

Wet range – sauces and pastes

Dry range-herbs, spices, seasonings, curry powder, drink garnishes.

CONCLUSION: 

Spices and herb have a crucial role in humankind. The delightful flavor of spices makes them indispensable in the preparation of palatable food. Enjoy spices and herbs! Not only they add flavor and aroma to foods without adding salt, calories or fat, but they have exciting health benefits of their own.

[autistic-cooking-creature]

I made some vegan vegetable soup the other day, just from my head, no recipe, and it is legitimately the most delicious thing I have ever eaten in my life. I feel like I have an obligation to share it somewhere, so here is my best attempt at putting it to a recipe:

Ingrediants:

2 leeks (the white and about half of the greens)

1/2 large white onion

5 cloves fresh garlic

1 bag morningstar farms grillers crumble (this bag specifically) its closer to seitan than soycurls/tofu and absorbs the broth really well

About 2 cups sliced mushrooms

About 6-7 medium red potatoes

4-5 cups water

Stock seasoning (i made my own with nutritional yeast, salt, thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, bay leaf, dill, chili powder, oregano, and allspice)

1 can full-fat coconut milk

1/3 cup flour

5 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 cup plant milk (i used almond)

Crispy fried onion for topping

Directions:

Clean and chop your leek, onion, and garlic

Saute with a healthy amount of olive oil until onions are translucent and leeks are soft in a soup pot

Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth, then set aside to prepare the soup base

Saute the grillers crumble and mushroom in your soup pot in olive oil until the mushrooms are cooked through and the grillers crumble is browned and starting to stick to the bottom of the pan

Add 4-5 cups of water to cover the crumble and mushrooms

Add in your stock seasonings and stir well

Bring the soup to a boil while you chop your potatoes in roughly 1 inch cubes

Add the potatoes to the soup and boil until soft

Once the potatoes are soft, add in your blended leek/onion mixture and your can of coconut milk and stir thoroughly

Continue to boil the soup while you prepare a white roux in a seperate small pot

Heat the 5 tablespoons of olive oil, then add in the 1/3 cup flour slowly, whisking after you add flour each time until it is smooth. Once all the flour is combined, cook while whisking for another 2-3 minutes. Then add in your plant milk slowly, whisking continously to prevent lumps

Once all the milk has been incorporated to the roux and it takes on a thick, almost pudding consistency, pour into the soup and stir until it is completely incorportated

Serve with a topping of crispy fried onions and enjoy!

[realtorjamier]

Best Places Around the Area to See Fall Foliage!

Autumn’s natural glory will soon be ablaze with color, making it a great time to plan your leaf-peeping. Mid-October is generally the best time to start seeking out fall foliage, and the colors can continue well into November. For an animated map showing the progression of color across the U.S., check out this online illustration from The Farmer’s Almanac.

So where should you go locally to experience autumn at its finest? Here we offer some of the best spots in the DMV for photographing fall scenery – whether it’s for dynamic social media posts, placing your pictures in a frame, or just taking snapshots with your mind.

Tidal Basin

Washington, D.C.

Spanning 107 acres, but just 10 feet deep, the Tidal Basin is well known for its lovely cherry blossoms in the spring, but in the fall these same trees turn a beautiful orange and gold! Enjoy a stroll around an easy two-mile loop.

Theodore Roosevelt Island

George Washington Memorial Parkway Arlington, VA

A two-mile path follows the island’s shore, moving into the swamp and tidal inlet where nature frames views of Washington, D.C. Buy the book “Finding Solace at Theodore Roosevelt Island” by Melanie Choukas-Bradley for an even more meaningful meander.

State Arboretum of Virginia

Blandy Experimental Farm Boyce, VA

Virginia’s State Arboretum spans 172 acres of tree and shrub collections dating back to the early 1930s. You can also experience the glorious golden 300 tree Ginkgo grove every fall.

Georgetown’s Cobblestone neighborhoods

Georgetown, D.C.

Georgetown is renowned for federalist architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic brick and frame row houses, some of which date to the mid-1700s. It’s also an origination point for the historic C & O Canal, a National Park which runs 184.5 miles into Cumberland, Md. Enjoy a fall stroll and consider taking a guided tour.

Rock Creek Park

Washington, D.C.

Created in 1890, Rock Creek Park is the oldest urban park in the National Park Service. Its 1,754 acres generally follows the Potomac River tributary of Rock Creek and includes a golf course, equestrian trails, an amphitheater, and picnic and playground facilities. It also includes Peirce Mill, a water-powered grist mill built in the 1820s.

Seneca Creek State Park

Gaithersburg, MD

More than 50 miles of trails wind through a variety of habitat, including the 90-acre Clopper Lake. A restored 19th-century cabin adds charm to your fall photographs.

Great Falls Park

McLean, VA

Three overlooks within a short walk front the Great Falls Park Virginia Visitor Center allow for spectacular scenery. Two of the overlooks are handicap and stroller accessible.

Great Falls Park

Potomac, MD

Visit the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center on the Maryland side of Great Falls Park, located at mile 14.3 along the C&O Canal towpath in Montgomery County, Md.  

Shenandoah National Park

Luray, VA

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Va., the park stretches 105 miles from the northern entrance in Front Royal to the southern entrance near Waynesboro. Skyline Drive is the main road running the span of the park – a scenic byway that can get especially busy during peak leaf-peeping times. 

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry, WV

Almost Heaven, but just a hop, skip, and a jump from the D.C. Metro area, Harpers Ferry is a time capsule nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers come together and continue eastward to the Chesapeake Bay as the Potomac river. Unfortunately, this fall’s rockslide stabilization project will make the travel to Harpers Ferry a bit tricky, so check your options online or through your favorite phone app.

South Mountain State Park

Boonsboro, MD

This 40-mile park weaves along South Mountain Ridge. Visitors can walk the same paths as the Civil War soldiers who fought at the 1862 Battle of South Mountain, climbing to enjoy breathtaking views. 

Rappahannock River Heritage Trail

Fredericksburg, VA

This paved pathway makes for an easy walk, but don’t let the pavement fool you – beautiful views of the Rappahannock River, Old Mill Park, and several historic mills are seen throughout the trail.