roma tomatoes http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for roma tomatoes Copyright 2008 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:23:41 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/roma+tomatoes Go Meditarrenean With Greek Salad http://www.artwoo.com/article/go-meditarrenean-with-greek-salad http://www.artwoo.com/article/go-meditarrenean-with-greek-salad#comments Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:59:57 +0000 greek salad recipesgreek salad recipered wine vinegarfreshly ground black peppervine ripe tomatoeskalamata olivesteaspoon sea salt http://www.artwoo.com/article/go-meditarrenean-with-greek-salad s.

GREEK SALAD RECIPE

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1=BD tablespoons lemon juice 1 clove garlic: minced (crushed) =BD teaspoon dried oregano =BC =BC teaspoon , and extra for garnish 3 tomatoes: cut into wedges =BC red onion: sliced into rings =BD cucumber: sliced into thick half-moons =BD green pepper (capsicum): julienned 4 oz (120g) feta cheese: cut into small cubes 16

PLACE the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and oregano in a small jar with a screw-top lid and shake to combine. PLACE the salad ingredients in a large bowl. POUR the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine just before serving. Garnish with a little freshly ground black pepper.

MEDITERRANEAN GREEK SALAD

INGREDIENTS

3 cucumbers, seeded and sliced 1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese 1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced 3 cups diced roma tomatoes 1/3 cup diced oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved 1/2 red onion, sliced

DIRECTIONS

1.In a large salad bowl, toss together the cucumbers, feta cheese, olives, roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons reserved sun-dried tomato oil, and red onion. Chill until serving.

GREEK SALAD

3 , cut into chunks 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 European seedless cucumber, cut into bite-size chunks 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chunked 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chunked 1 cubanelle pepper, seeded and chunked 1 cup Kalamata black olives Several sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley, about 1/2 cup 2 (1/4 pound) slices imported Greek feta 1/4 cup (a couple of glugs) extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons (3 splashes) 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed in palm of your hand Coarse salt and black pepper Pita breads

Combine vegetables, olives, and parsley in a large bowl. Rest sliced feta on the top of salad. Combine oil, vinegar, and oregano in a small plastic container with a lid. Shake vigorously to combine oil and vinegar and pour over salad and cheese.

Season with salt and pepper and let the salad marinate until ready to serve. Serve salad with pita bread blistered and warmed on a hot griddle or grill pan.

Natasha's Greek Salad

1 bunch leaf lettuce 2 cucumbers 4 large tomatoes 1 small yellow onion

Garnish:

Greek black olives feta cheese

Dressing:

1 part red wine vinegar 1 part olive oil crushed garlic salt and pepper to taste 2 pinches sugar

Chop lettuce and onion finely. Chop tomatoes and cucumbers coarsely (about 1/2). Combine and garnish to taste. One of the simplest items we prepare, this salad draws many compliments. Use real Greek olives packed in brine. Low Jeremy maintains http://Salad-Making.ArticlesForReprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. ]]> Go Meditarrenean With Greek Salad http://www.artwoo.com/article/go-meditarrenean-with-greek-salad http://www.artwoo.com/article/go-meditarrenean-with-greek-salad#comments Sun, 11 Feb 2007 04:27:02 +0000 sun dried tomatoesgreek salad recipekalamata olivesred onionroma tomatoesvirgin olive oilextra virgin olive oil http://www.artwoo.com/article/go-meditarrenean-with-greek-salad Greek salad recipes.

GREEK SALAD RECIPE

3 tablespoons extra 1 tablespoons lemon juice 1 clove garlic: minced (crushed) teaspoon dried oregano teaspoon sea salt teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and extra for garnish 3 tomatoes: cut into wedges : sliced into rings cucumber: sliced into thick half-moons green pepper (capsicum): julienned 4 oz (120g) feta cheese: cut into small cubes 16

PLACE the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and oregano in a small jar with a screw-top lid and shake to combine. PLACE the salad ingredients in a large bowl. POUR the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine just before serving. Garnish with a little freshly ground black pepper.

MEDITERRANEAN GREEK SALAD

INGREDIENTS

3 cucumbers, seeded and sliced 1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese 1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced 3 cups diced 1/3 cup diced oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved 1/2 red onion, sliced

DIRECTIONS

1.In a large salad bowl, toss together the cucumbers, feta cheese, olives, roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons reserved sun-dried tomato oil, and red onion. Chill until serving.

GREEK SALAD

3 vine ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 European seedless cucumber, cut into bite-size chunks 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chunked 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chunked 1 cubanelle pepper, seeded and chunked 1 cup Kalamata black olives Several sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley, about 1/2 cup 2 (1/4 pound) slices imported Greek feta 1/4 cup (a couple of glugs) extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons (3 splashes) red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed in palm of your hand Coarse salt and black pepper Pita breads

Combine vegetables, olives, and parsley in a large bowl. Rest sliced feta on the top of salad. Combine oil, vinegar, and oregano in a small plastic container with a lid. Shake vigorously to combine oil and vinegar and pour over salad and cheese.

Season with salt and pepper and let the salad marinate until ready to serve. Serve salad with pita bread blistered and warmed on a hot griddle or grill pan.

Natasha's Greek Salad

1 bunch leaf lettuce 2 cucumbers 4 large tomatoes 1 small yellow onion

Garnish:

Greek black olives feta cheese

Dressing:

1 part red wine vinegar 1 part olive oil crushed garlic salt and pepper to taste 2 pinches sugar

Chop lettuce and onion finely. Chop tomatoes and cucumbers coarsely (about 1/2). Combine and garnish to taste. One of the simplest items we prepare, this salad draws many compliments. Use real Greek olives packed in brine. Low Jeremy maintains http://Salad-Making.ArticlesForReprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. ]]> Growing Tomatoes in Containers and Pots - 4 Top Tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/growing-tomatoes-in-containers-and-pots-4-top-tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/growing-tomatoes-in-containers-and-pots-4-top-tips#comments Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:08:19 +0000 tomato plantspatio containersinch potsgrowing tomatoessupport canescherry tomatocherry tomatoes http://www.artwoo.com/article/growing-tomatoes-in-containers-and-pots-4-top-tips growing tomatoes in and pots this year with some success. I also have my beloved plot with tomatoes growing in the ground. I know the ones in the ground will work fine -- they have done for thirty years. But growing my tomatoes in containers is anew departure for me.

The comparison between the pot grown tomato and those in the ground.

I grew 2 varieties this year moneymaker and an Italian variety. I cannot remember the name but they came free with a magazine. I sowed the seeds in March 2008 and grew them on in my conservatory in 6 . As Always I grew too many and gave 20 away. I planted them out as 2 -- 3 foot high plants in early June and a month later picked the first tomatoes. As I speak in late august I still have many fruits to pick so it has been a good year. The plants grown in containers have had similar results but I have noticed 2 differences.

Firstly the moneymaker tomatoes were slightly smaller than the ones grown on my plot.

Secondly there were not quite as many in the containers.

Other than that the results were very similar. The taste is uniformly excellent and the texture and colour very appetizing. For the container grown tomatoes I did treat them differently and with a bit more care.

1. Make sure you put tomato plants in a really big pot.

I like the root systems to have plenty of room and not become pot bound. You also need a big container to have enough depth for the . I use standard clay terracotta pots but any wide and deep container will work fine.

2. Water your tomatoes even if it rains.

We have had a dreadful summer in the UK this year and it has rained constantly. I still found that the pot grown tomato plants were wilting a bit if I didn't check them for watering. The plants in the veg plot did not need this. The reason for this is that the leaves of the tomato plants deflect much of the water away from the pot. Very little water gets to the root of the plants. This is why I check them daily.

3. Be ruthless with pinching out side shoots on the tomato plants.

I only pinch out once or twice a season when growing tomatoes in the ground because they seem to do fine. I have learned this through trial and error. The moneymaker plants in pots were pinched out once a week to ensure that the fruits I did get were big enough and juicy enough. I never bother pinching out cherry tomatoes. They take care of themselves and always give plenty of harvest.

4. Remove excess foliage once you have the tomato fruits.

I have always done this to tomatoes and do not know where I picked this tip up. Once you have all the tomatoes set on the plant remove any leaves that are hiding the fruit from the sun. I prefer the tomatoes to ripen on the plant and this helps speed up the ripening process. Removing the leaves also gives you slightly bigger tomatoes.

If you have missed this tomato season then I encourage you to plan ahead for your tomato growing in 2009. Grow some in pots and containers as well as in the ground. They are a lot of fun and be grown on any sunny spot you have.You can grow plants in containers very easily and without a large garden. Tomatoes are particularly suitable for growing in containers. For more gardening tips you can visit www.your-gardening-tips.com]]> Cool Summer Soup Recipes - A Food Processor And http://www.artwoo.com/article/cool-summer-soup-recipes-a-food-processor-and http://www.artwoo.com/article/cool-summer-soup-recipes-a-food-processor-and#comments Mon, 17 Apr 2006 11:50:06 +0000 roma tomatoesfood processorhothand blenderrecipesweatherthai basil http://www.artwoo.com/article/cool-summer-soup-recipes-a-food-processor-and hot . Nobody likes to cook in the heat of summer. A really hot meal on a hot day is almost as unpopular. It could be that a cool, easy to prepare summer soup is just what you need.

Below are 3 for soups that can be made in your or blender. If you have the ingredients on hand, none of them take more than 10 minutes to make. They are all delicious, nutritious, and really refreshing on a hot day. While the recipes all suggest you use a food processor, you can get very good results by using a blender or too.

These are all very simple recipes, so don't be shy to modify them and get a taste that your whole family can enjoy.

Here are the recipes.

Summer Vegetarian soup This is great tasting soup with a touch of Italy included. It is super easy to make and very healthy. It is particularly good on a hot summer day

an avocado - skin and pit removed of course 4 - they may not be quite juicy enough (see below) Basil to taste ( is really good in this) 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Process How easy is this soup? Simply throw everything into your food processor and mix until it is smooth. If you find that it is more like a smoothie than soup, simply add more liquid (or swap one of the Roma tomatoes for another more juicy variety). Pour into bowls, garnish as you wish (minced chives are nice) and enjoy.

Sensational Salsa and Black Bean

This soup is a very simple soup that takes just a few minutes to prepare. It can be served hot or cold, but always benefits from being heated. Roughly 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 2 normal sized cans of black beans (any brand is OK, but try for low salt) 1 1/2 cups soup stock (Just use chicken, beef, or vegetable bullion) 1 cup of your favorite salsa (chunky makes a heartier soup) 1 teaspoon cumin (best to use fresh ground in the soup and you can sprinkle seeds on top too) 1/4 cup of sour cream 1-2 green onions chopped fine

Process: Put the beans, salsa, cumin, and soup stock into a food processor (a blender is OK too). Puree the mixture until it is creamy in texture. Pour the mixture into a mid-sized pot and heat on low-medium until it is completely hot. This allows the flavours to merge. If you are going to serve it cold, move it to the fridge to cool off till it is time to eat. To eat it hot, simply serve into bowls and garnish with the onions and some of the sour cream.

MANGO SOUP

Mangos are simply divine. They are great as a fruit, mixed into drinks, added to salads. They also make a really good cool summer soup which is explained below.

Ingredients:

1 large RIPE mango (it will be soft, no squishy, to touch) 2 cups chicken soup stock (make your own or use bullion if you must) 1 TBSP lemon grass (available in most Asian markets, it looks like long greenish reeds when you buy it) 1 TBSP ginger - Freshly chopped is best Ground chili peppers to taste 1 cup yogurt (2% plain is best) 2 TBSP cilantro (chinese parsley) chopped fine

Process: Chop mango and put in food processor. Mix briefly and then put in the ginger, lemon grass, chili and 1/2 cup of soup stock. Mix again till everything becomes very smooth. Move the soup into another bowl (be sure it is large enough) and mix in first the rest of the stock, and then the yogurt. This is best served cold, so put in fridge till you are ready to eat. Then put into bowls and serve with the cilantro as the garnish.

As the temperature starts to go up give these soups a try. They are all very simple and will add a new delicious and healthy dimension to your summer diet. Lynne Birch writes on home decor and kitchen appliances at http://www.my-kitchen-appliance.com Recent and updated food processor reviews now online at http://www.my-kitchen-appliance.com/food_processor.html ]]> For A Thriving Tomato Garden http://www.artwoo.com/article/for-a-thriving-tomato-garden http://www.artwoo.com/article/for-a-thriving-tomato-garden#comments Thu, 01 Feb 2007 04:27:19 +0000 tomato vinetomato gardensweet tomatoestomato vinestomato plantingtomato patchtomato plants http://www.artwoo.com/article/for-a-thriving-tomato-garden tomato garden.

Your Tomato Garden Materials and Tools

If you want a thriving , you will need compost to fertilize your soil. You know of course that the top soil has nutrients that were byproducts of natural decay. These nutrients make any plant thrive and your tomatoes are no different. The compost replaces the depleted top soil.

You must also have a garden fork to rake the compost over your garden plot, you must have a tiller to loosen up the soil, you must have some material to support your s, and you must have some rope or twine to tie or affix your tomato vine to its support.

Specific Conditions

First of all, you should be careful about watering your tomato garden. Your soil must not retain too much water and it must be drained of excess moisture. The soil must also be basic with around 6 to 6.8 pH level.

Next, plant your tomatoes during seasons most conducive to their healthy growth. In countries with cold weather, it is best to plant tomatoes after the season of snow. In hot climates on the other hand, a drop in the location's temperature after the wet season or fall will be most suitable.

Third, a healthy dose of sunlight is a definite requirement for red, . Your tomatoes need from 6 to 8 hours of sun exposure everyday to flourish. It is best to plant your tomatoes in a greenhouse where they are protected from the elements yet receive ample sunlight.

Procedures

First, you must prepare the tomato vine transplants. You must expose these tomato younglings gradually to outdoor conditions.

A little bit of sun everyday should suffice. Do not drown them with water.

When your have grown enough to survive on their own, prepare the soil by mixing in the compost. The testing of the soil's pH must then be accomplished and adjusted if need be.

To transplant, I often remove lower leaves and plant deeper. Tomatoes will root in along the stem. Give the plants some warm water to help ease integration. As the roots develop, protect the stem by improvising a collar, construct your support and firmly attach your to their support with some twine.

The tomato fruits will be ready for harvesting six to eight weeks after planting. It is said that tomatoes harvested straight from the vines taste best. If some tomatoes are still green after the 6 to 8-week time period, you can pick them, too, so you can make some pickled or fried green tomatoes. Mark Sheppler is a handyman and home improvement writer.

When not working in the house he enjoys Gardening around the house. http://www.gardentalkonline.com ]]> Why Should I Eat Tomatoes http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-should-i-eat-tomatoes http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-should-i-eat-tomatoes#comments Wed, 06 Sep 2006 12:27:07 +0000 tomatoesbiological substanceshuman organismtomato consumptionnightshade familylotvitamin e http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-should-i-eat-tomatoes Tomatoes are made out of water and vital . The tomato is a plant belonging to the Solanaceae or , native to Central and South America, from Mexico to Peru. Because tomatoes are low in calories, they are considered an excellent and nutritional type of food for people that wish to follow a weight-loss plan. Having high vitamin C levels that help the body increase naturally its immune system, tomatoes have evolved to become one of the most loved vegetables used in meal preparation worldwide.

In fact, the daily consumption of two tomatoes provides the with 2/3 of the needed vitamin C. Moreover, since tomatoes have in abundance folic acid, which is considered necessary by experts in the reconstruction and recovery of human body cells, they are one of the healthier snacks a patient could eat. Specifically, those that receive any kind of medication treatment, drink a of alcohol, or eat a lot of meat, and also pregnant women or the elderly, need to consume folic acid and thus it is considered essential to eat a lot of tomatoes.

This andquot;miracle plantandquot; contains also , which is helps fertility and assists in maintaining a balanced sex life. In addition, it is a great recourse of different vitamins from the vitamin B group, which help the human metabolism function smoothly and develops a strong neural system. It also contains selenium, which belongs to the chemical substances that prevent certain types of cancer, while it plays a very important role for the human immune system. The amount of potassium found in tomatoes protects the human heart and the magnesium it contains helps the organism overcome the symptoms of stress and muscular cramps. Tomatoes are also an excellent source of iron, copper and manganese.

Recent studies have concluded that the regular and adequate can actually reduce the risk of developing cancer by 40 percent. This plant's fruit mainly protects the human organism against prostate, lung and stomach type of cancers. In an study conducted in the United States, which included a sample of 14,000 Americans and over 3,000 Norwegians, scientists have discovered that smokers who eat tomatoes or carrots frequently (more than fourteen times a month) had lower chances of developing lung cancer in comparison to the people that did not select to eat these kind of vegetables.

Moreover, nutrition experts support that people should eat both raw and cooked tomatoes. Some ingredients found in the tomatoes become available only through heat and by adding olive oil. Thus, tomato-based sauces are an excellent resource of additional nutritional benefits. Thus, add tomatoes to your daily diet and increase the balance in your life while enjoying a tasteful and full of aroma vegetable. Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://letstalkaboutfood.com/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://inutritioncentral.com/ and http://ecookingcentral.com/ ]]> 5 Great Ways To Lower Blood Pressure Using 1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/5-great-ways-to-lower-blood-pressure-using-1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/5-great-ways-to-lower-blood-pressure-using-1#comments Tue, 11 Apr 2006 08:00:09 +0000 tomatoeslycomatotomato pureeblood pressurelycopeneheart diseaseldl cholesterol http://www.artwoo.com/article/5-great-ways-to-lower-blood-pressure-using-1 lycopene today? If you ate a green salad with fresh chopped , then you not only got a healthy dose of this powerful antioxidant, but you have also taken significant action toward lowering your . A recent double-blind study conducted in Israel has confirmed what hearth-healthy Italians have enjoyed for centuries - tomatoes (and tomato sauce) lower blood pressure and the risk of .

Dr. Esther Paran, head of the hypertension division of Soroka Medical Center, led up the Israeli study. It involved patients who were already being treated for hypertension, but were not responding well to the medications. Dr. Paran had patients take a supplement of tomato extract. The results were a significant drop in blood pressure after just four weeks.

Tomatoes are so effective at lowering blood pressure because they contain lycopene. This potent antioxidant is even the focus of some hybrid tomatoes grown by the Israeli company, , in order to have higher concentrations of lycopene in each piece of fruit. Other antioxidants found in tomatoes make this one super-food in the prevention of heart disease. It can even help keep from oxidizing which makes it stick to the arteries and narrow the passage way causing blood pressure to increase.

Even during the peak growing season it can be difficult to consume four whole tomatoes each day, which is the recommended amount for having a positive impact on blood pressure. Here are some ways to get the benefits of tomatoes without having to eat them straight off the vine.

1. Make Chili. Using , which is a concentrated form of tomatoes, as the base for your chili utilizes the antioxidants without the bulk of a whole tomato. Add some ultra-lean and high protein ground bison and kidney beans with minced garlic and onions, and cayenne pepper and you have a heart-healthy main course and a full day's allowance of tomato.

2. Since using olive oil with the tomatoes enhances the curative quality, make your pasta sauce red with tomatoes, tomato paste and olive oil to sauté the garlic and onion. Tomato paste used in making sauce contains more than 10 times the nutrients of a single tomato.

3. Have a fresh salad as a side dish to either of these entrees and cut one whole tomato on top. You'll get one-quarter of you tomato intake right there.

4. Drink tomato juice. It is better to make your own fresh juice so that you can control the sodium. Store bought juices can be high in sugar and sodium-based preservatives. If you have a juicer, you can make some incredible veggie juices to suit your own tastes by adding carrots, celery and some low-sodium seasonings.

5. Take a tomato supplement. If you just can't stomach tomatoes, then a 200 mg supplement provides the equivalent of more than the recommended four tomatoes.

Adding tomatoes to your diet can reduce systolic blood pressure by 10 points and diastolic pressure by 4 points as was evident in the Israel study. Whatever way you slice it, tomatoes will keep strengthen your immune system and lower blood pressure. About The Author: Frank Mangano is an active member of his community who works diligently providing assistance to senior citizens and probing as a health advocate to discover new and innovative ways to promote well being. Find out how you can maintain healthy blood pressure at: http://www.thesilentkillerexposed.com ]]> Growing Heirloom Tomatoes http://www.artwoo.com/article/growing-heirloom-tomatoes http://www.artwoo.com/article/growing-heirloom-tomatoes#comments Tue, 29 Jan 2008 07:35:00 +0000 heirloom tomatoesdistinctive shapeplant plantshybrid varietiesshapes sizesaluminum foilflavors http://www.artwoo.com/article/growing-heirloom-tomatoes Heirloom tomatoes =96 also known as heritage tomatoes =96 are some of the many older varieties from which seeds have been saved over the years and passed from one generation to the next. Most tomatoes purchased today in supermarkets or grocery stores are hybrids which have been bred to produce higher yields, uniformity of shape and color, shipping durability and longer shelf life, rather than flavor.

Heirloom tomatoes are prized firstly for their amazing flavor. In addition to their outstanding flavor they frequently have a and come in a range of colors from purples to orange to green and more. Many heritage tomatoes are every bit as hardy as the .

Heirloom tomatoes have become increasingly popular and more readily available in recent years. These tomatoes, in particular, bring as much to the garden as they do to the plate and they can't be beaten for their outstanding flavor and the beauty they add to recipes and dishes with their many shapes, sizes, and colors.

These plants have become more popular with gardeners due to their excellent flavor and wide diversity of shapes, colors, and sizes. Previously, these tomatoes often were bred for flavor, rather than resistance to diseases and pests, the vagaries of weather or the rigors of transport. Today, heirloom tomatoes are considered worthy garden varieties that have stood the test of time.

They are highly prized by cooks and are wonderful to use because of their variety of colors, unusual appearance and strong . They are much tastier than hybrid varieties and can readily be reproduced true to type.

When young, the plants can be susceptible to cutworms which will cut the plant off at the top of the soil. This can be avoided by placing a collar made from around the base of the plant. Plants within this category of tomato generally ripen early in the season and are often have a short fruiting season. Most hybrid tomatoes, if regrown from collected seed, will not be the same as the original hybrid plant. This tends to ensure the grower's dependency on seed distributors for future crops. As with many plants, tomato cultivars can be acclimatized over several growing seasons to thrive in a particular geographical location through selection and seed saving.

Save some seeds to plant next year if you can beat the birds to them. Starting seeds directly where you want the tomatoes to grow will produce plants but your yield will be limited. You will get better results by starting your seeds in trays indoors. If using grow lights keep the plants within 6" of the lights. Once the seedlings send out a second set of leaves, it will be time to transplant them from the starting tray to individual pots. Gently loosen the soil in the starting tray and separate individual plants. Fill the pots loosely with moistened starting mix and use a dibber to make a hole in the mix. Gently firm the soil around the seedling and moisten lightly. If you start your seeds very early, you may need to transplant some of your biggest plants again as they will outgrow their pots.

When it looks like it is time to plant your seedlings outside, you will need to harden the plants by moving the pots outside into the shade during the day. Bring them inside at night. After a week or so your heirloom tomato plants should be ready to plant in the garden. Once planted out, water regularly and support them as they grow with stakes or tomato cages. Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains the Grow Great Tomatoes website http://growgreattomatoes.com/ to assist anyone who wants to get started growing tomatoes and other vegetables. ]]> How To Grow Tomatoes In Your Vegetable Garden http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-grow-tomatoes-in-your-vegetable-garden http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-grow-tomatoes-in-your-vegetable-garden#comments Thu, 18 Jan 2007 08:27:11 +0000 varieties of tomatoesjuicy tomatoesroma tomatoesplanting tomatoestomato seedplace containersseeds http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-grow-tomatoes-in-your-vegetable-garden juicy tomatoes is part of what makes vegetable gardening so enjoyable. Whether purchasing plants from your local nursery or starting tomatoes from seed, there are a few basic steps to follow to ensure that you harvest an abundant crop at the end of the growing season. There are many different to choose from, depending on whether you will be cooking, canning, slicing, or eating miniature or grape-like varieties right off the vine. Sweet 100ís are very abundant, and are good for salads as well as eating fresh from the garden. are good for making salsa, because the peels are not as tough as others so you donít need to peel the skins off. Romas are also known as the classic paste and sauce tomato. There are Early Girls, Early Boys, Big Boys, Big Mamas, Sweet Baby Girls, Beefsteaks, French Rose hybrids, Big Rainbow, specialty tomatoes and many more. So start by choosing the kind of tomato you would like to grow.

from

Tomatoes grown from seed will require six to eight weeks before they can be planted in the garden. Purchase individual containers or flats, starter soil or mixture, and the seeds of your choice. Fill each container with soil, pressing it tightly to remove air and to avoid settling problems after watering. Typically, seed companies print instructions for planting right on the package. Each variety is a little different so follow instructions carefully. Prepare a label identifying the type of tomato and the date started. You can make your own from Popsicle sticks or purchase them at the store or garden center.

Insert your label in the pot and mist with water. in a sunny window and keep seeds moist by placing a plastic bag over them. Small greenhouse containers are also available at your local nursery. Watch for seeds to germinate and remove plastic when plants emerge. Wean out weaker looking seedlings to give strong ones more room to grow. Keep moist by misting or watering tomatoes when needed. When plants have a second pair of leaves it is time to transplant these seedlings to your garden or a large pot in which they are to grow.

It is a good idea to harden off or acclimatize a plant to outdoor conditions before planting by setting it out in direct sun during the day and bringing it in at night. After a few days, the tomato plant will have adapted to the new surroundings and can be transplanted in the desired location. Place plants directly outdoors after the threat of frost in a shady location, out of the wind and protected from heavy rains.

Purchasing Started Plants

If you prefer to purchase plants from your garden center or greenhouse, select dark green plants that are stocky in size and that do not have any fruit. The fruit will stunt the plant growth and the total yield will be reduced. Tomatoes are one of the few plants that will tolerate being planted deeper than they sit in the pot. So a taller plant can be placed a little deeper if preferred. As mentioned, harden off the plant before moving it to a final location.

Preparing Garden Soil For Tomato Plants The soil should be deep, loamy, and well-drained for the best harvest. Tomatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. The term pH balance refers to acidity or the alkalinity of your soil from a numerical scale of 1.0 to 14.0. The neutral point on the pH scale is 7.0. Higher than 6.5 indicates alkaline soil, lower than that indicates acidic soil.



Test kits are available at garden centers or through local horticultural organizations. To raise the soilís pH, work agriculture lime into the soil. Use sulfur to lower the pH of alkaline soil. Using fertilizers and compost amendments will also change the soilís pH over time. Adding decomposed organic compost will improve any soil structure. You can purchase or make your own compost. Once you have cultivated your garden area and prepared the soil, it is ready for the plantings.

Planting The Tomatoes

Inspect all of the transplants, looking for insects, wilting or blight. Plant only healthy plants. Tomatoes prefer full sun, so choose an area with at least six to eight hours of sun per day. Practice crop rotation in your vegetable gardening by planting tomatoes and other vegetables in a different spot every year. Tomatoes prefer to be planted by chives, parsley, marigolds, nasturtiums, garlic bulbs, and carrots. Avoid planting tomatoes by potatoes or members of the cabbage family.

For large healthy tomatoes, give them plenty of room to grow. Space plants twenty-four inches between rows and leave twenty-four inches between plants. With your shovel or spade, make holes slightly larger than the plants. Tap gently on the bottom of the individual container, loosening the soil and gently removing from the pot. Tomatoes are susceptible to cutworms, but placing a 3-4 inch nail next to each stem before planting or wrapping strips of newspaper around the bottom of the stems will help prevent these pests. A paper cup surrounding the stem also works well.

Place tomato plant in hole and back fill with soil until it is well compacted. Place a rack or cage around each individual plant to help support future growth. Water around the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage. Do not over water or soak the seedlings as this can promote disease and rot. Water early in the day to discourage blight.

Using a rake, spread organic mulch, such as weed-free straw, over plants at least two inches deep. These is an effective way to prevent weeds, preserve water and keep the soil warm, thus reducing the maintenance required for vegetable gardening. Fertilize the plants throughout the growing season with compost or organic matter. Water when needed and inspect leaves periodically for the signs of tomato blight and insects. If blight is discovered, remove any infected leaves and destroy them. Treat plant with a fungicide. Be sure to remove all debris from your garden in the fall, as blight can survive on the dried tomatoes over the winter.

Most tomatoes take 100-days to bear fruit, so follow these easy directions and get ready to harvest the fruits of your labors and enjoy that first BLT of the season.

Items Needed For Growing Tomatoes:

- Tomato seeds or plants - Containers or flats - A small greenhouse kit or plastic bags - Starter soil or mixture - Marking pen - Popsicle sticks or labels - Rake - Spade and shovel - Water, sun, adequate soil and patience Dave Truman offers helpful advice about vegetable gardening on the Vegetable Gardeners website. For more helpful tips and to receive your free guides to composting, mulching and pest control, visit http://www.vegetablegardeners.com ]]> Lycopene, One Of The Most Potent Carotenoid Antioxidants http://www.artwoo.com/article/lycopene-one-of-the-most-potent-carotenoid-antioxidants http://www.artwoo.com/article/lycopene-one-of-the-most-potent-carotenoid-antioxidants#comments Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:27:13 +0000 lycopenesinglet oxygenprostate cancertomato productstomatoesfruits and vegetablesantioxidants http://www.artwoo.com/article/lycopene-one-of-the-most-potent-carotenoid-antioxidants Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid pigment, a phytochemical found in and other red fruits. Lycopene is the most common carotenoid in the human body and is one of the most potent carotenoid . Its name is derived from the tomato's species classification, Solanum lycopersicum.

that are high in lycopene include not only tomatoes, but watermelon, pink grapefruit, papaya, and rosehip. Almost all lycopene in the American diet comes from tomato-containing foods.

Unlike other fruits and vegetables, where nutritional content such as vitamin C is diminished upon cooking, processing of tomatoes increases the concentration of bioavailable lycopene. Lycopene in tomato paste is four times more bioavailable than in fresh tomatoes. Thus processed such as tomato juice, soup, sauce, and ketchup contain the highest concentrations of bioavailable lycopene.

Because lycopene is so insoluble in water and is so tightly bound to vegetable fiber, the bioavailablity of lycopene is increased by food processing. For example cooking and crushing tomatoes (as in the canning process) and serving in oil-rich dishes (such as spaghetti sauce or pizza) greatly increases assimilation from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

Lycopene is the most powerful carotenoid quencher of . Singlet oxygen from ultraviolet light is a primary cause of skin aging.

There is evidence that frequent intake of such products is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer (especially ), diabetes, osteoporosis, and even male infertility. Lycopene may also be related to a reduced risk of oesophageal, colon, and mouth cancer.

Due to its ubiquity, lycopene has been licensed for use as a food coloring.

Lycopene is not water-soluble and instantly stains any sufficiently porous material, including most plastics. While a tomato stain can be fairly easily removed from fabric provided the stain is fresh, discolored plastic defies all efforts to drive out the lycopene with hot water, soap, or detergent. Bleach will destroy lycopene, however.

Plastics are especially susceptible to staining if heated, scratched, oiled, or pitted by acids such as those found in tomatoes. Exploring the many benefits of the powerful antioxidant known as licopene. http://licopene.info/index.html ]]> Lycopene And Flavoniods http://www.artwoo.com/article/lycopene-and-flavoniods http://www.artwoo.com/article/lycopene-and-flavoniods#comments Sat, 29 Jul 2006 04:27:11 +0000 lycopenetomatoesonionsshallotstomato juicefood coloringbeneficial nutrients http://www.artwoo.com/article/lycopene-and-flavoniods onions and in your diet.

Onions and tomatoes are among the most commonly used vegetables in many parts of the world today. We use them because they taste good and give good consistency to our food. We use them as sauces and salsas, chutneys and pickles, and important ingredients in our main dishes, but are you aware of the that lie hidden in these foods?

- have you had your tomato today?

What is Lycopene? Lycopene is found in tomatoes and other red fruit. It is a bright red carotenoid and is a powerful antioxidant.

How does it help you? Antioxidants are very useful to the body as they repair damaged cells and aid the immune system.

Lycopene has also been licensed as a . It is not water-soluble which also makes it useful for non-food items. It is especially effective on plastic, only bleach destroys Lycopene dye on this medium.

Lycopene is found mainly in tomatoes, but can also be found in rosehip, guava, pink grapefruit and watermelon. It depends in what form you take tomatoes as to the amount of Lycopene your body will be able to absorb. Cooking tomatoes enables you to absorb more than if they are raw. For example a raw tomato will give you 8mg but one serving of 22.9 mg. Spaghetti sauce will give you 20mg per serving. Heat is the factor that enables the Lycopene in tomatoes to be absorbed into your body.

Onions are good for your diet because- they contain many chemicals that can help the immune system and aid the body fight against disease. Research has shown that different varieties are more potent than others. For example (a small variety in the onion family), western yellow and New York Bold are higher in phenolic and flavoniod content. This means they have a higher concentrate of anti toxins. It was generally found that stronger onions have the most flavoniods

It is not surprising that onions are the 2nd largest crop grown throughout the world today. They are fairly easy to grow and can be grown in a wide variety of climates. They can even be grown in containers for home use. In cold weather you can grow early spring onions and shallots when the weather gets warm you can let the onions mature into full sized onions for pungent flavorings and delicious chutneys. Their value has been known since ancient times. They have been and still are an important addition to every cook's kitchen.

So next time you are ready to enjoy your favorite meal do not forget the Salsa. Or if you do not want the Mexican look try some good old fashioned ketchup or some tart little pickled onions. However you eat these versatile vegetables you can be sure that you will be improving your health and vitality when you do so. Zach Thompson is a Glyconutrients Consultant. His clients range from pro athletes and actresses, to cancer patients and children with Learning Disabilities. Learn more at http://www.nutritionalreview.com/79.php ]]> Guild Plays Key Role in Supporting Work of St. John Hospital and Medical Center http://www.artwoo.com/article/guild-plays-key-role-in-supporting-work-of-st-john-hospital-and-medical-center http://www.artwoo.com/article/guild-plays-key-role-in-supporting-work-of-st-john-hospital-and-medical-center#comments Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:22:21 +0000 southeast michigan residentssupport patient carest john hospital and medical centersterling heights michigankevin pollackpatient care programswhole nine yards http://www.artwoo.com/article/guild-plays-key-role-in-supporting-work-of-st-john-hospital-and-medical-center
Through partnerships, coalitions, and program development and support, St John Health's innovative programs increase access to health care services for of all economic backgrounds. St. John Health provided more than $100 million in uncompensated care in the past year. The health care provider carries out its mission with the support of thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsorships.

For instance, the St. John Guild plays an important role in the development and expansion of health care services offered to the community by . The volunteer organization, established in 1948, raises money to help programs and services. Over the years, the Guild has raised millions of dollars for the hospital. Its major fundraising event is the annual Guild Dinner.

This past year, the 47th Annual Guild Dinner was held to benefit the continuing work of St. John by welcoming approximately 1,000 patrons. The evening, held at Penna's in Sterling Heights, Michigan, kicked off with cocktails and was followed by a sumptuous meal.

As chairman of the Entertainment Committee Board, Soave Real Estate Group's Dan Roma worked with a local talent agency to select comedian and actor for the 2007 event. "Mr. Pollack has a great show and will have broad appeal to our diverse audience," Roma said. Pollack is best known for his movie roles in "A Few Good Men," "" and "Grumpy Old Men." He has also appeared on the CBS legal drama, "Shark," starring James Wood and Jeri Ryan.

The event, held annually in June raised funds to benefit Detroit's St. John Hospital and Medical Center. Each year, the all-volunteer St. John Guild hosts the event as part of their effort to support the hospital. Roma joined the Guild Board four years ago, after a personal trauma drew his attention to the hospital's consummate level of service. "Both my children were born at St. John -- even I was born at St. John," remembered Roma. "However, my active involvement with the Guild didn't begin until my son was hospitalized in 2003. At three years old, he caught influenza and had to be placed in isolation for an extended period. The amazing care he received spurred my need to become part of the organization."

"The Guild is a significant provider of funds for St. John," Roma continued. "The hospital petitions us whenever they have a need. The Guild then works to fulfill their request. Recently, for example, the Guild purchased a machine to supplement the hospital's groundbreaking work in cardiac research and a software system for patient tracking through the Emergency Department."

June 4, 2008, marks the 48th Annual Guild Dinner. Mr. Anthony Soave will be receiving the Philanthropic Services Award, Dr. Joseph Beals will be honored with the Physician of the Year Award and the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award is Mr. Don Mattes. The proceeds of this year's dinner will provide funds for the St. John Hospital and Medical Center Lymphoma Care Center. This year's entertainment headliner will be provided by comedian, television and movie personality, Greg Hahn.

Soave Enterprises is a diversified management and investment company founded by Detroit businessman Anthony L. Soave that provides strategic planning, financial and other management resources to its affiliated business ventures in the real estate, automotive retailing, beer distribution, scrap metal, industrial services and transportation industries, among others.

For more information on Anthony Soave and Soave Enterprises, please visit http://www.soave.com.Soave Enterprises diversified management and investment company founded by Detroit businessman Anthony Soave that provides strategic planning, financial and other management resources to its affiliated business ventures in the real estate, automotive retailing, beer distribution, scrap metal, industrial services and transportation industries, among others. For more information on Tony Soave and Soave Enterprises, please visit the website.]]> Leisurely Breakfasts With Breakfast Bar Stools http://www.artwoo.com/article/leisurely-breakfasts-with-breakfast-bar-stools http://www.artwoo.com/article/leisurely-breakfasts-with-breakfast-bar-stools#comments Mon, 28 May 2007 23:19:55 +0000 breakfast bar stoolsbreakfast bar stoolmany different waysmisnomercolor schemeoptbreakfast area http://www.artwoo.com/article/leisurely-breakfasts-with-breakfast-bar-stools opt for a more casual setting, like a bar atmosphere, by simply utilizing bar stools in a .

s, as they have been christened, are simply bar stools used in a different way. They are designed to fit a particular kitchen set-up. Breakfast bar stools are often taller and skinnier, and built to swivel. They are made to fit perfectly next to a kitchen counter. They are perfect for limited space. Even better, they look great and are very easy to keep clean, depending on the upholstery.

Eggs for Breakfast, Eggshell for Breakfast Bar Stools Breakfast bar stools come in a variety of styles and sizes to fit your needs. To find good breakfast bar stools, all you need to do is look around. If you have a specific in your kitchen, you can get breakfast bar stools that blend in flawlessly. Or, you can opt for a basic primary color that will look good in any color scheme. The latter is a very practical choice and allows you to redecorate your kitchen at whim, without having to buy key furniture. You can even get customized breakfast bar stools built if you have something more specific in mind.

Breakfast Bar Stools' Functionality The term breakfast bar stool is a . Breakfast bar stools are not only used during breakfast. Because of their versatility, breakfast bar stools can be used in so , at different times. You can use them while fixing a quick snack alone or with friends, or when having a cup of coffee or tea. You can eat lunch and dinner on them. You can even use them as work space or a homework space for schoolchildren.

Breakfast bar stools are both stylish and functional. They are extremely usable and at the same time, decorative. They look great with and on any kitchen counter. This is why most people decorating or redecorating their kitchens choose them.

Breakfast Bar Stools and the Modern Family Incidentally, there is an unexpected benefit to sitting on breakfast bar stools. A big kitchen table and chairs set can sometimes provide more space than a family needs. Not breakfast bar stools. They are perfect for the modern family. The stools are built high enough for children to reach the counter. Just imagine your little ones coming home after a long day from school. With breakfast bar stools, they can easily eat snacks and make their homework on the kitchen counter.

Similarly, breakfast bar stools are cozy enough to foster friendships. You can have friends over for coffee or tea at your new bar, with your stylish breakfast bar stools. Your friends will surely appreciate their beauty, stylishness, and versatile functionality.

Indeed, breakfast bar stools are the perfect mergers of function and style. Breakfast need not be a hurried, harried, and drab affair. With breakfast bar stools, you now have more reason to relish your food bite upon bite. Make your kitchen an even cozier spot with http://www.simplybarstools.co.uk/ breakfast bar stools! Choose from a wide range of bar stools, from a http://www.simplybarstools.co.uk/roma-gas-lift-bar-stool-p-568.html gas lift bar stool to http://www.simplybarstools.co.uk/leather-bar-stools-c-13.html Italian bar stools made of leather, when you visit our site today! ]]> Preventing Deer From Eating Your Tomato Plants http://www.artwoo.com/article/preventing-deer-from-eating-your-tomato-plants http://www.artwoo.com/article/preventing-deer-from-eating-your-tomato-plants#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:43:19 +0000 deer fencingdeer repellentstomato plantsdogs and childrenanimals and plantsgranular productsspray products http://www.artwoo.com/article/preventing-deer-from-eating-your-tomato-plants
When this is the case you will want to prevent these deer from eating not only your but anything that is in your garden.

You will not be successful in preventing that deer from coming into your garden and eating dinner unless you have the right products to stop them. There are several products on the market that may interest you with a variety of and even you will be able to shop and make the best choice in keeping deer out of your tomatoes and your garden.

When trying to keep the deer away from your property you want a safe and effective method to keep the deer away. You will be able to find a product that will not only keep the deer away from your garden but is safe and easy to use. There are many different sprays on the market that will allow you to create a safe zone for your garden. Spraying these products around the perimeter of your garden will keep the deer from having your tomatoes for dinner. When you are using most are safe for humans, other animals, and plants so you will be able to keep your garden and family safe. These sprays are designed to scare the deer away through taste and smell. With bitter tastes and smells that tell the deer predator's are near by the deer are sure to leave your garden alone.

There are also concentrate mixtures and that can be just as safe and just as effective. You can find one that will allow you to keep the deer away yet let the play safely on your property. Some of these products deter more than one animal from coming on your property so make sure the product you choose is exactly what you need. Another thing to be concerned about when you are choosing a product to keep the deer away is the amount of times you will have to reapply the product. This may cut into your time and your budget so checking the frequency of application is important to make sure you get the most effectiveness out of the product.

There are also fences available that will deter deer away from your garden. These fences can provide safe and effective protection against the deer entering your property or certain space. They are easy to use and can be a great benefit in also keeping out other large animals. You can see that you have many options when it comes to deterring deer away from your garden. Whether you need the protection of a fence or a liquid fence you can find what you are looking for. When you want to create a safe perimeter around your property you can with the variety of products that are available. When you find the right product for your deer problem you will be able to enjoy your harvest of tomatoes and vegetables without sharing.Michael BrownAnimal Deterrent and RepellentDeer Repellent and Deterrent]]> The Basics Of Italian Cooking http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-basics-of-italian-cooking http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-basics-of-italian-cooking#comments Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:30:02 +0000 parmigiano reggiano cheesedishes pastaegg pastagreat italian cookingcanned tomatoesextra virgin olive oilporcini mushrooms http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-basics-of-italian-cooking
Having the proper ingredients is the key to what makes Italian cooking what it is. Olive oil is an essential to Italian cooking. Not only is it used as a cooking oil, it is also used to flavor dishes. is recommended. Tomatoes are another key ingredient. When available you should use fresh tomatoes over canned ones. However can be used. When using canned tomatoes the whole peeled tomatoes are preferred over crushed or chopped. Garlic is used, but use it sparingly to lightly flavor dishes. Pasta imported from Italy is the best for your Italian dishes. If your recipe calls for s, then use homemade egg pasta or buy it dried in nest form. When making risottos finding the proper rice for it is essential. Arborio is recommended although Carnaroli or Vialone Nano can also be used. These types of rice are what give risotto their creamy texture. Dried are also essential in Italian cooking. This ingredient is great in pastas, risottos, sauces, and stews because of their terrific flavor. is another essential ingredient because of its impeccable flavor. This cheese can be grated or served on the table as a hard cheese.

Knowing how to cook pasta is what makes . Be sure to follow the directions on the package. Always make sure the pasta is cooked in enough water. It is recommended that you use four quarts of water for eight ounces of pasta. Cover the pot and bring water to full boil before adding pasta. You can leave the pot uncovered while cooking the pasta, and only use a pasta fork to stir the pasta. Start testing the pasta for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overcooking. It is done when there is only a speck of white left in the center of the pasta. Drain the pasta, but do NOT rinse. Return the pasta to a warm pot or skillet with sauce in it. You can add salt to the water for pasta if you would like. Salt does add flavor. However if pasta is being paired with sauce it is not necessary to add salt.

Italian cooking of meats is done over the stove. Brown the meat in olive oil or butter with wine. Loosen scrapings from pan. If using wine remember that alcohol evaporates so lower heat on the pan and simmer meat until tender.

A great Italian meal comes in several courses. The first course is usually a soup, pasta, or risotto. The second course is a meat. The meat can be chicken or fish and is served with a vegetable and followed by a salad. The dessert course is usually a fruit. Once in a while a sweet treat is offered. These tips will help you make a delicious Italian cooked meal. Paula Radmall is an cooking enthusiast as well as an author and editor for http://www.cookwithease.com . Paula enjoys the cooking and teaching about the fun and art of cooking and baking. ]]> True Paella From Spain http://www.artwoo.com/article/true-paella-from-spain http://www.artwoo.com/article/true-paella-from-spain#comments Fri, 28 Dec 2007 15:20:00 +0000 garlic cloveslb shrimpseafood paellafish stockchopped tomatoesgrained ricelarge crowd http://www.artwoo.com/article/true-paella-from-spain
It is important to make the right rice for Paella. Short that is cooked slowly is the traditional basic for Paella. The other ingredients can be a combination of all sorts of things, but the rice must be the same. Whole grain or wild rice may be used, but the key is that it cannot be quick cook or minute rice, since the rice must cook slowly to absorb all of the flavors of the dish. When cooking Paella, you know it is done when the stock is all absorbed, but the rice is neither soggy nor dry.

Paella is the perfect dish for a , even if you have unexpected guests. You can increase the dish by increasing the rice, and almost any ingredients you obtain will work to make a good Paella.

That is part of the magic of Paella: it can be made with any interesting variety of ingredients, as long as you have the right kind of rice and good stock. The stock, imbued with saffron (azafran in Spanish), gives the dish its unique flavor and coloring that is the signature of good Paella.

Here is a recipe for the traditional : Ingredients: 4 cups of rice, 8 cups of , 8 large langoustino, 8 mussels, 1/2 lb. shrimp, 8 oz. peas (fresh or frozen), 2 skinned and , 2 , thinly sliced, and 3 strands of crumbled saffron, and olive oil for sauteing. (If you want to make it easy on yourself to peel the tomatoes, dip them in boiling water for seconds, then run cold water over them. The skin will come off the tomatoes easily.

Saute the garlic in olive oil; add tomatoes, peas, shrimp and saffron. Cook until the garlic is just golden but be careful not to burn it. (That can happen quickly, so stir and watch.) Add the rice and the stock and let the dish simmer for 20 minutes or until rice has absorbed liquid and is a moist but not soggy consistency. Quickly poach the seafood ingredients and add to the dish just before serving. Focusing on the topic of Spain, Jack Blacksmith works normally for http://www.alicante-spain.com . His articles on paella are published on http://www.alicante-spain.com/spain-tips/paella.html and other online publications. ]]> True Paella From Spain http://www.artwoo.com/article/true-paella-from-spain http://www.artwoo.com/article/true-paella-from-spain#comments Fri, 09 Mar 2007 10:27:09 +0000 seafood paellagarlic clovesdishfish stocktomatoesazafransaffron http://www.artwoo.com/article/true-paella-from-spain
It is important to make the right rice for Paella. Short grained rice that is cooked slowly is the traditional basic for Paella. The other ingredients can be a combination of all sorts of things, but the rice must be the same. Whole grain or wild rice may be used, but the key is that it cannot be quick cook or minute rice, since the rice must cook slowly to absorb all of the flavors of the . When cooking Paella, you know it is done when the stock is all absorbed, but the rice is neither soggy nor dry.

Paella is the perfect dish for a large crowd, even if you have unexpected guests. You can increase the dish by increasing the rice, and almost any ingredients you obtain will work to make a good Paella.

That is part of the magic of Paella: it can be made with any interesting variety of ingredients, as long as you have the right kind of rice and good stock. The stock, imbued with ( in Spanish), gives the dish its unique flavor and coloring that is the signature of good Paella.

Here is a recipe for the traditional : Ingredients: 4 cups of rice, 8 cups of , 8 large langoustino, 8 mussels, 1/2 lb. shrimp, 8 oz. peas (fresh or frozen), 2 skinned and chopped , 2 , thinly sliced, and 3 strands of crumbled saffron, and olive oil for sauteing. (If you want to make it easy on yourself to peel the tomatoes, dip them in boiling water for seconds, then run cold water over them. The skin will come off the tomatoes easily.

Saute the garlic in olive oil; add tomatoes, peas, shrimp and saffron. Cook until the garlic is just golden but be careful not to burn it. (That can happen quickly, so stir and watch.) Add the rice and the stock and let the dish simmer for 20 minutes or until rice has absorbed liquid and is a moist but not soggy consistency. Quickly poach the seafood ingredients and add to the dish just before serving. Focusing on the topic of Spain, Jack Blacksmith works normally for http://www.alicante-spain.com . His articles on paella are published on http://www.alicante-spain.com/spain-tips/paella.html and other online publications. ]]> All About Italy's Spicy Marinara Sauce http://www.artwoo.com/article/all-about-italys-spicy-marinara-sauce http://www.artwoo.com/article/all-about-italys-spicy-marinara-sauce#comments Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:40:00 +0000 marinara sauceground coriandersauce marinaramozzarella cheese sticksmarjoramminced onionlycopene http://www.artwoo.com/article/all-about-italys-spicy-marinara-sauce Marinara sauce is a popular Italian red sauce. This meatless sauce can be easily and quickly made from tomatoes, onions and herbs. You might find this sauce a little spicier than other red tomato sauces. This is because it has large amounts of garlic, oregano, basil, and even chili pepper. Its simplicity and easy-to-make feature allows it to be used in many great Italian dishes.

Besides its traditional use of highlighting the mild taste of pasta such as linguini or ziti, marinara is also a popular dipping sauce for finger foods like fried and calzones. This sauce can be used by you to add a little zest to meat dishes such as chicken, veal parmigiano, pork steaks, and grilled seafood. You can also use it to replace mustard or mayonnaise in a burger or a chicken filet sandwich and perhaps relish the food more.

Despite being easy to make, there are currently hundreds of types of marinara in the market. The popularity of the sauce may be due to recent research, which revealed that cooked tomatoes are rich in , an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Origins of Marinara Sauce

Marinara is derived from the Italian word marinaro meaning "of the sea" and marinara sauce loosely translates into "the sauce of the sailors". It originated with sailors in Naples in the 16th century, after the introduction of tomato by the Spaniards. In those days of no refrigeration it was in great demand among the cooks on the ships for two reasons. Firstly, because the absence of meat and high acid content of the tomatoes would not spoil the sauce, and secondly, because it was easy to prepare.

Preparation of marinara sauce

Ingredients

6 pounds ripe Italian-type tomatoes 1 cup very finely 1/2 cup very finely minced celery 1 cup very finely minced carrots 1/2 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon sugar

Seasonings - Added according to taste

Ground white pepper Dried Dried basil Dried oregano Salt

Drop tomatoes into boiling water, a few at a time. Let the water return to a boil, then remove the tomatoes and drain. Peel and chop.

Cook the onion, celery, and carrots in the olive oil, in a large covered saucepan, over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring a few times. Uncover and stir, over the heat, for 5 to 10 minutes more, or until the vegetables are very soft and lightly gold.

Add the tomatoes, sugar and pepper and simmer gently, covered, for 15 minutes.

Puree the sauce through the medium disc of food mill. Add the optional seasoning and cook at a bare simmer until a desirable consistency is reached, about 20 minutes, stirring often. Add salt to taste. You can add a little hot sauce to give it a kick as well.

If you prefer a smooth sauce, work the sauce through the fine disc of a food mill.

Cool the marinara and refrigerate it. It will keep, refrigerated, for about a week, or for several months if frozen. Chris McCarthy has several interests and hobbies, including cooking. Visit his website http://www.insanechicken.com/ InsaneChicken's Hot Sauce Store for a wide variety of http://www.insanechicken.com/hot_sauce.html hot sauce. ]]> Gardening -- Tips and Techniques http://www.artwoo.com/article/gardening-tips-and-techniques http://www.artwoo.com/article/gardening-tips-and-techniques#comments Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:15:40 +0000 flower bulbsfruit gardeningweather conditionswindow silltest of timefertilizergardener http://www.artwoo.com/article/gardening-tips-and-techniques test of time as a hobby. It is not only enjoyable but fruitful as well in more ways than one because plants actually bear fruits. You can grow your own flower and vegetables and even fruit. Gardening is a hobby which is easy and gives you exercise and exposure to sunlight as well.

If You Want To Grow Tomatoes

If you are starting out and want to grow tomatoes, remember that are easy plants to grow. As there are more than 25,000 varieties available, you will be able to find a variety which will be suitable for your soil and . Tomatoes can he used a large number of recipes and can be used raw or cooked. It is a delight to watch tomatoes growing in your garden as you get to see tomatoes going from green to red before your eyes.

There are two ways to grow tomatoes. You can either buy the immature plants and plant them, or you can grow them from seeds. Just remember that if you are growing them from seed, you need to plant the seeds at least six to eight weeks before the last expected frost.

If you are growing them in your garden, you will need to prepare the soil, dig the holes an the plant the baby plants or the seeds. Even baby plants will need sunlight and warmth, so make sure that the location is such that it gets the sunlight. If you are a or terrace , you need to see that the fledgling plants get the warmth and water that they require

If You Want To Grow Flowers

Planting is fast, easy, and nearly foolproof. Even if you have no gardening experience you should be able to complete this with few to no problems. The first step is for you to prepare the planting bed. Then you use , and plant the bulbs into holes.

There are lots of resources available on gardening, whether it is books or internet sites. You can get all the information you need for your gardening needs. Once you get into gardening you will meet other people with the same hobby and as your network grows you will get more tips and techniques to help hone your gardening skills.

How To Find Gardening Help

You will need gardening help whether you are a new at this hobby or a professional gardener. Sometimes you may just need a little organic gardening help, at other times you may need the help of a seasoned expert who can show you what you can. In any case, it is necessary to know where you can access the organic gardening help whenever you need it.

Finding The Information You Need

There are many resources that you will be able to access when you need gardening help. There are innumerable books on gardening available at your nearest library or book store and books will always be there for you to look up. They are among the really good sources of information for organic gardening help.

Among the really good and best selling gardening books are Gardening Basics for Canadians for Dummies by Liz Primeau, Canadian Gardening by Steven A. Frownie and The National Gardening Association. With the aid of these books, you will find out which are the best plants to grow for the area and climate that you live in, make sure that you are using ecologically friendly products, make your gardens really beautiful, whether you have an open landscaped garden or other types which the books will tell you about

The internet is an extremely friendly and informative resource which will help you with your gardening skills. Through the internet you can find any possible information that you are looking for in terms of gardening help. In no time at all you will be able to find solutions to any problems you may face with your gardening or any help that you may require with regard to organic gardening.

If you want to get even more savvy about gardening, there are courses and seminars that you can attend which will provide you with gardening help. As you will be able to ask questions one on one, you will be able to get professional guidance and help. You will also meet people with similar interests and while networking, you will find out even more gardening information which will be of help to you.

Gardening is not just a hobby which is rewarding and interesting, but it also helps you do your bit for the environment. You can use organic gardening to grow flowers, fruits and vegetables which will be of aesthetic value and also perhaps you can literally enjoy the fruits of your labor by eating the fruits and vegetables. Organic gardening may seem to be taking up a great deal of time, but it is not that difficult to do and the rewards are worth the time and labor that you put in.Find more infoabout gardening tips and techniques here]]> Health Benefits Of Tomato Consumption http://www.artwoo.com/article/health-benefits-of-tomato-consumption http://www.artwoo.com/article/health-benefits-of-tomato-consumption#comments Sun, 13 Aug 2006 00:27:11 +0000 high homocysteine levelsasthma symptomslycopeneeasy bruisingcommon coldsbleeding gumspotassium http://www.artwoo.com/article/health-benefits-of-tomato-consumption
Nutrition. The tomato is a treasure of nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, , folic acid and more. Tomatoes contribute more nutrients to the diet than any other fruit or vegetable.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C has long been known to prevent scurvy - a condition that is characterized by and soreness in the joints. People who experience may want to try including more tomatoes in their diet. Vitamin C is also known to function as an antioxidant in the human body. Studies have shown that it may prevent certain degenerative diseases and . Vitamin C is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. This anti-inflammatory activity reduces the development of . A large preliminary study has shown that young children with asthma experience significantly less wheezing if they eat a diet rich in tomatoes.

Vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for immune functions, maintenance of the skin and tissue lining and vision.

Potassium. Potassium is an essential nutrient that is important for normal health maintenance and growth. It is required for movement of nutrients across the cells in the body. A deficiency of potassium would lead to muscle weakness, apathy, cramps and more.

Folic acid. Eating a diet containing folic acid, beta-carotene, and vitamin C effectively lowers homocysteine levels. As tomatoes contain all three of these nutrients, they are especially recommended for people with .

. Tomato's have a characteristic red color. This is due to the presence of lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid and one of the most powerful antioxidants amongst its kind. Antioxidants help to ward off the damaging effects of free radicals that result in heart disease. They can also attack and intercept foreign material that can lead to cancers and other chronic diseases. Growing scientific evidence associates high intake of lycopene-rich tomato products with reduced risk of cancers of the lung, breast, prostate, cervix and digestive tract. Lycopene also may help to prevent macular degenerative disease which is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of sixty five.

Summary. To sum it up, the consumption of tomatoes lowers the risk of cancer, heart disease, degenerative disease of the eye, osteoporosis and diabetes among other things. It also reduces the chances of asthma and lowers homocysteine levels. No wonder it is the second most widely consumed fruit/vegetable in North America. M. Williams handles many websites relating to natural home remedies such as http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com, which has lot of information on home based natural cures and remedies. Tomatoes are one of those vegetables which help us fight various diseases. ]]>