EAT FOR NUTRITION
Eat for nutrition…
As the battle against non-communicable diseases (NCD) grows, it opens up new opportunities to eat for nutrition. So far, concerns about NCDs fall on deaf ears. Thus far, COVID-19 opens up chances to learn to eat more nutritionally at home. Prior to COVID-19, it was so difficult to convince families to eat more fresh produce. Perhaps one good thing from the pandemic is people accept that eating from the backyard is a good option. It is nutritious. and may save money too.
Since the start of the pandemic, many people are turning to grow fresh produce. Growing fresh vegetables at home are good for learning to eat more nutritionally. Further to this, it helps to reduce food expenses too. Today, the average family has less discretionary income.
Tough times
It is a tough time in most countries. So, people can’t go out and spend money on food. Thus far, growing and eating your own fresh produce is meaningful. Whether it is to eat fresh produce or to save money, makes total sense. Perhaps you are a person with strong religious convictions. Possibly you believe mother nature is reminding the human race that she is in charge. Hence, now is the best time to start eating homegrown fruits and vegetables.
So far, the key to getting families to enjoy eating nutritionally is to learn more recipes. It helps to make fresh produce more exciting and tastier. Eating more vitamins and minerals helps to prevent NCD too.
One of the unexpected outcomes of COVID is many people turned to instinctually knowing the best farming practices. Regardless of their culture, or heritage, they gained knowledge to plant, grow and harvest sustainable foods.
Turning garden into money
During the pandemic, many people were out of work. Others were working fewer hours. Hence, one of the easiest ways to stretch a limited budget is to grow your own food. In fact, it saves and makes money for you. It provides the perfect opportunity to turn home grew into a side income. You can sell surplus homegrown produce. Perhaps supplying local restaurants, families and friends.
All you need is a patch of land. If the soil is not good, then you may need a crash course to improve the soil. You will need access to water and plenty of natural light. So, with your green thumb, seedlings, and cuttings you are in business. You may source seedlings from families and friends too. Otherwise, you may purchase from various nurseries around town. The tropical climate provides a golden opportunity to learn to grow a broad range of plants.
Agriculture development
Agriculture has always been key to the growth and development of human civilisation. It has been true ever since we first learned to grow food. The history of agriculture dates back many thousands of years. For example, ancient Vedic literature includes lessons on ploughing, fallowing, irrigation, and fruit and vegetable cultivation. The ancient civilisation lived in villages and made their living from the land.
Today, the internet is a wealth of information. You can learn a lot about growing fruits and vegetables on the internet. It will guide you on which fresh produce to grow in your region. For example, herbs and spices grow really fast. Hence, you may notice an abundance of home farmers growing mint, basil, and lemongrass. Eggplants, cabbages, and okra are other vegetables that grow fast in the right season. They are always in demand too. Hence, these are great cash crops.
Going organic
Go organic. Resist using chemical fertilizers or pesticides in your garden. It spoils the taste of the fresh produce. Further to this, it may introduce dangerous chemicals into the food. Admittedly, these chemicals will speed up growth. Hence, reduce harvest time. While doing that you may expose your family and customers’ poisons. Plants absorb these chemicals.
Furthermore, chemicals often have a long-term effect on the land. It renders it useless to grow to produce in later years too. These chemicals will eventually seep into nearby waterways. Thus, it enters rivers, boreholes, and oceans. It will poison livestock, pets, and sea life.
Thus far, it may be beneficial to learn how to use natural fertilisers. These may include, food scraps, guano, and animal manure to encourage growth.
Natural pesticides
Natural pesticides deter bugs from eating your leafy crops. These include crushed eggshells, salt, garlic sprays, and neem leaves. It is important we don’t spoil our pristine land for future generations with chemicals. Organic produce is enriched with natural vitamins and minerals. Hence, they are tastier and safer to eat.
You can add value to your product. Avoid growing the same product as your neighbours. Otherwise, you may create an oversupply. Hence, you may lessen the value of your hard work. You can make more money from your home garden. Transform, them into value-added products. For example, customers love buying products that take time. The same applies where special skills and expertise is required. Thus far, it may include jams, chutneys, or pickles.
Family recipes
Every family has an authentic recipe. It may be a secret to the family. Thus, they are great to produce value-added products. You may take advantage of mum’s favourite pickles or jams. Another benefit is after cooking, your garden produce lasts much longer. You may store them in sterilised and sealed jars.
