Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) have been in the news lately, and I think it is a great thing! Don't get me wrong, I am totally opposed to GMO's but I think the fact that people are becoming more aware and interested in the ingredients in foods that they are eating is a great thing, and a conversation that I welcome.

So let's start the conversation. I will start at the very basics, so jump ahead if you already know this.

What are GMO's? 

GMO's are Genetically Modified Organisms. Okay, well what is that? GMO's are organisms, or products, that have been altered by scientists. Basically scientist find organisms that have desired traits (such as pest resistance), and take the DNA that contains that trait and splice the DNA into a different organisms. The hope is that the altered organism will then exhibit those traits. For example: Currently when you bite, or cut, into an apple it starts to brown. That can be less appealing. So scientists take a gene that can suppress the enzyme that causes the browning, and insert it into the DNA of the apple. Then presto, you have an apple that does not brown (technically it will still eventually brown, but much slower than a Non-GMO apple). Seems like a great idea to me!  But wait. Are we SURE?

I think the answer to that is...

The GMO industry and their fancy scientist will tell you that it is completely safe. That they have tested the GMO's and they prove to be as safe as the unaltered product. Huh. Well, that sounds fair. People much smarter than I are saying it is all good. So why do I still have reservations. Unfortunately there is a ton of  misleading information that has been put out (from both sides of the debate).  This makes the research process even more difficult. If you are interested in all the science behind the debate, there are a couple sites that will go deep into the topic. On the pro-GMO side there is the Grocery Manufacturer Association or the Non-GMO Project for the Con side of the issue.  I hope you can make sense of all the crazy allegations and mud throwing. I cannot. However, this has made the answer to the question of "Are we sure GMO's are safe?" really easy for me. No! Maybe one day there will be adequate testing, retesting, and long term studies showing GMO's are safe, but until that day...

I know for me and my family the answer is...No!

Image courtesy of Mister GC at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Greenhouse

The greenhouse is getting a face-lift. It is very exciting! Two years ago when we put the greenhouse cover over it, I chose plastic that was not UV rated. So, it did not hold up. Nothing like learning the hard way.

Now I have done all my research and are going to purchase the appropriate plastic early next month.

To prepare my husband had to remove all the plastic from the greenhouse, and then will reinforce some of the beams.  Sure looks odd.

Free Ranging Again

I cannot believe that we have already opened up the coop for the chickens. 

Seems like last year it was May before they were able to get outside. They are just loving it!  

Today I threw out a little extra feed and it was even more exciting. They have a bucket full of feed in their coop, but acted like they had not seen food in years. 

Too Cute.  

Maple Syrup Season

This is one of my favorite times of year. It is maple syrup season!! The first 3 days were very slow, but yesterday, today, and tomorrow are all set to be amazing. For those of you who have never tapped maple trees, it is such an amazing experience.

The trees to most of the work, but once all the sap is collected, the torch is passed and it becomes a lot of work for us. The sap gets boiled, boiled and more  boiled.  For every 10 gallon of sap we get it only becomes about a quart of syrup.  There is a lot of cooking, and in the end, the most scrumptious sweetness. It is divine. It always amazes me that such wonderful nectar can come from the trees.

Hope you are able to get some pure maple syrup this year. I know I am looking forward to my first plate of waffles.

Water Kefir

Water Kefir Grains

I am a big fan of kefir. We have a small glass every morning. We had been buying a non-GMO kefir that has fruit in it to cut the tang of the kefir. However, not only is the kefir expensive, there is some debate on the verification of Non-GMO status. Once I moved past feeling very betrayed, I decided I would make it myself. We had done milk kefir in the past, but finding organic milk, or raw milk, was very difficult in my area. So I decided to try Water kefir. 

Water kefir is a probiotic beverage made with water kefir grains. Although it is called grains it really is not a grain, and is gluten free. The kefir can be grown in sugar water, juice, or coconut water.  Like yogurt, Water kefir contains bacteria that are very beneficial for the gut, in addition Water kefir also has yeast which is also very beneficial. 

I ordered a starter grain from Cultures for Health. 

Finished Lemonade (dark color is
due to turbinado sugar)

When I received my kefir, I immediately started re-hydrating the grains (per the provided instructions). After re-hydrating for 4 days, I was ready to start the first fermentation. I had run out of our organic sugar so I used organic turbinado sugar instead. This ended up being a great alternative. I made the sugar water, let it cool and added to my kefir grains.  I then waited a couple days and then strained the kefir out, saving them for later. I added a bit of lemon juice to the water, and put into the fridge. I then used the grains to start another batch.  

Once the kefir water cooled I poured a glass of my lemonade kefir.  I love it. I cannot taste the kefir at all. Just a nice glass of lemonade, but teaming with fermented bacteria. 

This time, I did not choose to do a 2nd ferment which would have produced a "carbonated" soda type drink. I will try that later. 

I strongly recommend checking out Water kefir. An easy way to add healthy bacteria into your system. For more information check out Cultures For Health they offer great videos and recipes.