We Need to Get Grounded . . .

I read a number of e-mails and comments weekly regarding homesteading and healthy diets.  It seems smoothies are all the rage and coconuts are replacing corn, olives and cows as a source of oil and milk.  Obviously exotic fruit and nuts are wonderful treats, but unless someone is planning to homestead in the tropics, we should be looking for great sources of vitamins and minerals a little closer to home.

Don't get me wrong, enjoy those pomegranates and coconut recipes while we can, but be sure to know about the local produce and what can actually be maintained in the local growing zone.  For all of us homesteaders, this is going to be valuable information, not only for ourselves and family, but for those who aren't yet aware of the potential need to be self sufficient.

This week since winter is here, we are all looking for extra Vitamin C to ward off the common cold.  An orange, which if you're homesteading in Florida, Arizona, or California, will be accessible and contains 82.7 mg. of Vitamin C.  Meanwhile the rest of us can enjoy the fruit that trucked in, but local sources of Vitamin C for those of us in growing zone 7 or less actually contain more Vitamin C than oranges.  Red bell peppers, broccoli, kale, strawberries, and cauliflower actually contain quite a bit more Vitamin C per serving and fewer calories.

Definitely, we should enjoy the variety of foods available, but we can also rest assured that our gracious Creator has made healthy diet and a good supply of Vitamins in many sources that thrive in varying temperatures.