April 10th 2020
Some thoughts on today’s world.
Viruses such as Covid – 19 don’t just mysteriously materialise from nothing – human’s have a hand in its emergence somewhere along the line.
Whatever we think about cause does in some way depend on our ‘world view’.
Is it that the endangered Pangolin illegally trafficked carried the virus?
Is it that the virus escaped from the research facility near the market in Wuhan?
Is it one country’s plan to destroy others economic power (or other conspiratorial theories)?
Is it that the warming of the climate triggered an epigenetic change in similar viruses?
Is it that ‘Gaia’ has simply had enough of the damage human’s have inflicted on her wellbeing?
Whatever the trigger, this time of having our freedom curtailed in some way, our way of life changed, does give us time to reflect, hopefully on how we contribute to the wellbeing of the whole of the Natural World.
Knowing the plants that grow around us, how to sustainably gather those plants, how to best prepare them has never been more important. That weedy patch in your back yards likely contains more nourishment that any vegetable you buy from the supermarket.
The enormous range of nutrients and other phytochemicals in the following ‘pesto’ is a reminder of just how easy this can be;
Autumn Herb and Wild Weed Pesto
The secret here is to only have 1-2 leaves of stronger tasting plants and more of others.
Yesterday I picked a few leaves of Dandelion, Rocket, Baby Silver beet, Puha, Parsley, French sorrel, Chickweed, Basil, Chives, Garlic chives, Beetroot leaves, Kale leaves, Nasturtium leaves, Mint leaves, young Celery stalk and a few Calendula flowers;
2-3 leaves of Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Yarrow, Wild Mallow, Fennel, Evening Primrose leaves, young Horseradish leaf.
These are chopped and added to a blender with ½ cup of lightly toasted Sunflower seeds or Sesame seeds and 2-3 cloves of Garlic. I add 1/4c vinegar to ¾ olive oil and blend until smooth. My neighbour’s young children loved it as do all course participants that visit here.
It is hard to believe how such a mix could taste so good, as well as being totally nourishing. Eat with cheese, on salads, as a dip with carrots or crackers, with fritters or fish. Used as a spread in place of butter or avocado.
Stay well, the impact on the planet of this reduction in movement around the world, reduction in the use of Earth’s resources, might just allow us to survive as a species.
Thought for today
“How can we be well if we cause suffering to other life forms?”
isla burgess 