Devonviolet Acres

[CntryBoy777]

Star Anise, Anise, Cinnamon, Cloves, and Ginger

 

[Mini Horses]

I started a thread couple days ago about Beautyberry. Have some here and looked up identity. Farmers used to crush leaves and put them partly under horses harness to ward off flies, mosquitos, etc. Tested, they do have bug deterrent properties.

https://garden.org/ideas/view/wildflowers/147/All-About-American-Beautyberry/

 

[Devonviolet]

Farmers used to crush leaves and put them partly under horses harness to ward off flies, mosquitos, etc. Tested, they do have bug deterrent properties.

Thanks Mini. I found something similar the other day, before we went out to pick them. But, I didn't find the link you posted. I will definitely bookmark it.

I made sure to save some of the leaves, and washed them, as the were pretty dusty. I have them outside, air drying on one of our two large frying frames, that we work over when separating Elderberry and Beautyberry berries.

I'm planning to make both a tincture and some oii, that I can use in an insect repellant spray. Tomorrow, I will coursely chop the leaves & put them in two different jars. One with vodka and one with Grapeseed oil.

 

[Devonviolet]

Star Anise, Anise, Cinnamon, Cloves, and Ginger

Cool! I have everything in the house to make it! The Star Anise is the whole pods, though. Can I put it in my coffee grinder (style), electric herb grinder? Am I correct to think it should be ground to a powder?

 

[CntryBoy777]

Yes it is ground to powder, but I have no idea as to the amounts of each....

 

[Bruce]

Yes it is ground to powder, but I have no idea as to the amounts of each....

But isn't that the beauty of cooking for yourself? Adjust the ingredients to you personal taste! Just start with each mixing in the order listed.

....lemon juice can be subbed for the vinegar

It isn't vinegar in general that causes the migraine but balsamic in particular. I have no idea why. But that means there are plenty of other vinegars that @Devonviolet could use if some "vinegar flavor" is desired.

 

[CntryBoy777]

But isn't that the beauty of cooking for yourself? Adjust the ingredients to you personal taste! Just start with each mixing in the order listed.


It isn't vinegar in general that causes the migraine but balsamic in particular. I have no idea why. But that means there are plenty of other vinegars that @Devonviolet could use if some "vinegar flavor" is desired.

That is interesting Bruce.....I wonder if the being aged in oak barrels has something to do with it?

 

[Bruce]

Well I now know a lot more about balsamic vinegar that I did a couple of minutes ago because Fred MADE me go look I'd bet dinner anywhere that I've never had traditional balsamic.

"Traditional balsamic contains naturally occurring sulphites; none should be added."

This could be the reason it is a migraine trigger. I ASSUME the "non traditional" balsamic we find cheap in the grocery store has added sulfites as a preservative.

The traditional stuff is aged MINIMALLY 12 years and as many as 25 in an annual "move to the next smaller barrel" process. Made only in 2 specific regions in Italy and sold only in 100 ml (3.4 oz) bottles starting around $50.

"Traditional balsamic offers a mellow tartness rather than a strong acidity."

"Use: Traditional balsamic is not a cooking ingredient — heating it will kill its distinctive bouquet — and it would be wasted as an ingredient in a salad dressing. Instead, use it where it can shine. Try putting a few drops on fresh berries, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or creamy desserts like panna cotta, zabaglione, or vanilla ice cream."

Nope I've never had that.

http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/05/everything-you-need-to-know-guide-to-balsamic-vinegar.html

 

[CntryBoy777]

Yea....yea...just blame me for helping ya become more Knowledgeable....

 

[Devonviolet]

It isn't vinegar in general that causes the migraine but balsamic in particular.

That is interesting Bruce.....I wonder if the being aged in oak barrels has something

You are so right CntryBoy. I can't use Balsamic vinegar, for the same reason I can't drink wine (they cause me to have migraines).

I recently learned that wine makers burn the insides of wine barrels with sulphur. Apparently it works as a preservative and prevents the wine from turning to vinegar.

Traditional balsamic contains naturally occurring sulphites; none should be added."

This could be the reason it is a migraine trigger. I ASSUME the "non traditional" balsamic we find cheap in the grocery store has added sulfites as a preservative.

That is probably true. But, I'm pretty sure the traditional Balsamic vinegar is made in wood barrels, much like wine, with the sulphur burned interior.