GROWER & MARKET NOTES

Yes, it’s COLD outside today, but the sudden appearance of these makes my heart happy.

Not everyone is a fan of dandelions. My pastor recently shared a story of how a neighbor once protested when he sprayed the ones in his yard.

My heart was not on his side in that situation.

Most beekeepers recognize that dandelions are the absolute perfect food for honeybees. They contain all the protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals a hive needs to survive, so much so that if there were no other food sources the honeybees would survive just fine. This beekeeper thinks God is very wise to provide such a rich food source late winter/early spring when food reserves are often low.

Dandelions are every bit as good for humans as honeybees. Every part of the plant, from the flower to the leaves and even the root, are both edible and medicinal with each part of the plant having different properties and uses. Potential benefits of dandelion include:

1. Providing antioxidants – Antioxidants work to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. The human body produces free radicals naturally, but they cause harm by accelerating aging or the progression of certain diseases. Dandelions contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.  Carotenoids such as beta-carotene play a vital role in reducing cell damage. The flower of the dandelion is also full of flavonoids and polyphenols, which are other types of antioxidants.

2. Reducing cholesterol – Dandelions contain bioactive compounds that may help lower a person’s cholesterol. Research  has shown that dandelion may be able to help reduce blood lipids. This can include lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides.

3. Regulating blood sugar – In 2016, some  research suggested that dandelion’s antihyperglycemic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties may help treat type 2 diabetes.

4. Reducing inflammation – In one 2014 study, researchers found that chemicals present in dandelions had some positive effects on reducing inflammatory responses.

5. Lowering blood pressure – There is little research to support the use of dandelion for lowering blood pressure however, dandelion leaves are a good source of potassium. There is clinical evidence that shows that potassium can help reduce blood pressure.

6. Aiding weight loss – Researchers believe that compounds found in the dandelion plant may promote improved carbohydrate metabolism and fat absorption.

7. Reducing cancer risk – Some limited, but positive, research has indicated that dandelion may help reduce the growth of certain types of cancer. So far, studies have looked at dandelion’s impact on cancer growth in test tubes and found that it may help with slowing the growth of certain cancers.

8. Boosting the immune system – There is growing evidence that suggests that dandelions can help boost the immune system. Researchers have found that dandelions show both antiviral and antibacterial properties. For example, one 2014 study  found that dandelions help limit the growth of hepatitis B in both human and animal cells in test tubes.

9. Aiding digestion – Some people use dandelion as a traditional remedy for constipation and other digestion issues. One study investigating the effect of dandelions on digestion found that certain chemical compounds present in dandelions improved gastric emptying. It saw a reduction in the resistance of food moving to the animal subject’s small intestines.

10. Keeping skin healthy – Dandelion may help protect the skin from sun damage. Ultraviolet (UV) light causes considerable damage to the skin and contributes to skin aging. A 2015 study  on skin cells in a test tube found that dandelion could reduce the impact of one type of damaging UV light.

11. Promoting liver health – Research shows that dandelion may be able to help prevent and treat some liver diseases. This includes acetaminophen-induced liver injury (AILI), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and alcohol-related liver damage.

Dandelions have been harvested and used for centuries, everything from jelly (made from the blooms) to leaves in salad to root tonics. Today there are many online tutorials, including videos for how to make and use various parts of the plant. So knowing all this don’t it make sense that we at least leave the dandelions for the bees if we don’t use them ourselves?

After conferring with our growers and their projected harvest schedules we will be extending our bi-weekly order schedule through March.

MOUNT MORIAH FARMS: Hello everyone! We are so happy to be back!!! A lot has changed again within our farm but we are happy to have our products available for sale. We had a wonderful kidding season in which the females dominated! Five doelings and one buckling born! Our goat herd has grown and we are enjoying watching the babies hopping about! I wanted to do a product shoutout… Remington (our 7 months old) had super dry spots on his legs for several months, I had been using my breastmilk soap on him as well as our lotion but they were still there! One day I decided to rub some of the Heel-It-All balm on his legs and within TWO days his legs were smooth! My neighbor also reached out to me saying he has super dry skin and needed something to give him some relief… he used it and has had wonderful results as well! It is a solid form of lotion that stays on longer then lotion does because of the beeswax!!! The blend of essential oils in it helps repair skin damages like burns and scars! 

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!