Parsley Origins

Parsley is native to the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe. While it has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years, parsley was used medicinally prior to being consumed as a food. The ancient Greeks held parsley to be sacred, using it to not only adorn victors of athletic contests, but also for decorating the tombs of the deceased. The practice of using parsley as a garnish actually has a long history that can be traced back to the civilization of the ancient Romans.

While it is uncertain when parsley began to be consumed as a seasoning, it seems to be sometime in the Middle Ages in Europe. Some historians credit Charlemagne with its popularization since he had it grown on his estates.

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Lettuce Origins

Lettuce is a member of the sunflower family.

Native to the eastern Mediterranean region and western Asia, lettuce has a long and distinguished history. With depictions appearing in ancient Egyptian tombs, the cultivation of lettuce is thought to date back to at least 4500 BC. The ancient Greeks and Romans held lettuce in high regard both as a food and for its therapeutic medicinal properties.

In China, where lettuce has been growing since the 5th century, lettuce represents good luck. It is served on birthdays, New Year's Day and other special occasions. Christopher Columbus introduced varieties of lettuce to North America during his second voyage in 1493. Lettuce was first planted in California, the lettuce capital of the United States, by the Spanish missionaries in the 17th century. Its popularity across the US did not become widespread until centuries later with the development of refrigeration and railway transportation.

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Thyme Origins

The name comes from the Greek thymos meaning spirit or smoke. Properties attributed to thyme by the Greeks included the giving of valor and restoring vigor. The Romans also attributed these qualities, their soldiers bathing in it before battle to gain vigor, strength and courage.

Later, in the Middle Ages, Knights would have a sprig of thyme embroidered on their scarves by their lady as a sign of their bravery.

Its use is recorded yet earlier, by the Sumerians who used it as an antiseptic. The Egyptians used it their mummification brew.

The sweet smell of thyme was enjoyed by the ancient Greeks and Romans to whom it was a compliment to "smell of thyme". It was recorded by the Greeks that it produced the best honey in Athens.

Sprigs of thyme were placed on coffins of the dead. It was thought that the spirit would then take up residence in the flowers of thyme plants.

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Chard is a tall leafy green vegetable commonly referred to as Swiss chard with a scientific name of Beta vulgaris. Chard belongs to the same family as beets and spinach and shares a similar taste. The flavor can be bitter, pungent, and slightly salty. Chard has been bred to have highly nutritious leaves. This is at the expense of the root, which is not as nutritious as the leaves. Chard is one of the healthiest vegetables available and a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

Swiss chard along with kale, mustard greens and collard greens is one of several leafy green vegetables often referred to as greens. Chard has a thick, crunchy stalk to which fan-like wide green leaves are attached. The leaves may either be smooth or curly, depending upon the variety, and feature lighter-colored ribs running throughout. The stalk, which can measure almost two feet in length, comes in a variety of colors including white, red, yellow and orange, can be known as "rainbow chard."

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One of the great things about working on the farm is there is plenty of time to reflect while you are working. This is not our traditional farm article but I thought you might be interested in things that the farm is teaching me about life. I recently had just such a learning experience where it seemed God was just speaking such powerful truth to me.

I don't know if this has ever happened to you but I have experienced several brief moments in life that I know I will carry with me forever. I am not talking about things like near death experiences or the birth of your child or your wedding day. I am talking about days that for all appearances are just another every other day. They are nothing special or at least that is what they appear to be.

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