ecobites

Making your life greener - one bite at a time.

Lemons are found in many cuisines around the world and are a definite universal fruit. A lemon is a great backyard tree as it yields so much fruit. Not enough space, lemons don't mind life as a houseplant and will be comfortable in containers as long as the container is large and the soil is well drained. Look for dwarf varieties, like the Meyer lemon, or grafted onto dwarfing rootstock. The problem with lemons is we don't eat them as a fruit, so there is always a surplus. The solution ... preserved lemons is an easy project, great to use and to give as gifts, especially wedding favors. Can also be a popular and attractive addition to a market stall.

Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas (Mexican name) are the hulled seeds found in pumpkins. Pumpkin seeds make a tasty snack that is high in protein, along with some valuable minerals such as magnesium, manganese, copper and iron. 

Subtly sweet and nutty with a malleable, chewy texture, the roasted seeds from inside your Halloween pumpkin are one of the most nutritious and flavorful seeds around. While most stores sell pumpkin seeds, it is fun and easy to make your own.

If you try recipes, like them, but can never find them again. Whether you are using recipes you've found online or you've pulled together all your family heirloom recipes, make an alphabetically indexed notebook and record your favorites. Index under the name of the recipe and list the title of the book and page number. Apart from being able to find it again, it's a handy reference when wondering 'what to cook!' Keep other books as well for the household 'vital statistics'.

Ants in your garden, no problem; ants in your house, big problem. Here is a DIY effective ant trap from the folk at organicgarden.com.

They are more of a nuisance than a true pest, even though they may disturb the soil around plant roots. Leave the tiny critters to their work in the garden, and you’ll marvel at their industriousness.