I finally got my first taste of raw pistachios. If I can remember vaguely from my childhood, lotus nuts have a similar taste. It’s very fresh and crunchy. But these little green nuts have to be my new favorites!

Once you peel off the skin you’ll see the hard shell. That part is really hard to crack open. Note: some people find the skin to cause an allergic reaction like sumac sap. Lucky for me I am not allergic to many plants or fruits.

This nut might as well be called a “Super Nut” because it’s pack with nutrients. One of which is arginine, an amino acid that plays an important role in the cardiovascular system.

And the green color of this nut provides lutein, which is good for eyes and skin.

Pistachios do contain fat, but the fat is mainly monounsaturated and is similar to that found in olive oil.

Pistachios are rich in phytosterols, which are directly associated with lowering cholesterol levels. And may prevent certain types of cancer.

Other ways of enjoying raw pistachios would be to toss them into a green salad. Or enjoy them as it because they are really that good.

Another interesting thing about this little nut is that the skin skin has a similar scent to green mangoes. I took a little taste of it and it was a bitter, so not something to try eating.

More photos of the tree and fruits from my last visit can be seen here.

Just when I thought autumn was coming around, the sun is still shining brightly in California. And that means more chances for me to wear my favorite summer hat (by OLD NAVY).

At first it looks like another straw hat. But the paper yarn is actually soft, flexible, comfy, light and sturdy. Therefore a perfect material to knit hats or even bags. The material can also be used to make fabrics.

So what exactly is paper yarn? Paper yarn is made of a natural product called “abaca” or Manila hemp. This is also the same product used to make Manila rope found at your local hardware store.

This material comes from the banana family which is native to the Philippines. It is also grown in Ecuador and Costa Rica. A majority of it still comes from the Philippines.

The abaca plant takes about three years to mature. When the flower stalk emerges from the top center it’s time to cut it down at the roots. The leaves are removed and only the stem part (leaf sheath) is collected for the fiber.

OJI FIBER a Japanese company has found a way to process it efficiently. As mentioned from their company info, “It’s not only stronger, lighter and less fuzzier but also has better touch than conventional hemp.”

Here are some of the benefits of the yarn as noted by OJI Fibers.

Abaca Grows quickly

Abaca plant absorbs lots of carbon dioxide.

Biodegradable

Doesn’t emit poisonous gas when incinerated.

Check out how it’s made with this great flow chart illustrated by OJI FIBERS.

When the pomegranates are ready to harvest, it means fall is almost here. And I look forward to autumn with the crisp cool air.

These pomegranate might not look as pretty as the supermarket variety, but don’t let that fool you. Because these are one of the best pomegranate you’ll ever taste.

This particular variety, called Ambrosia has a very soft outer skin that makes it easy to break apart. And the seeds are very sweet. Not only are they sweet, but it’s also a little nutty in flavor.

Pomegranate have many health benefits since they have very high antioxidant levels. Besides being made into concentrated juices, pomegranate have also found their way to skincare lines.

Food wise, it’s commonly used in salads. The seeds, which are called arils come in a variety of color. From deep purple, ruby red, to a soft pink. The one I have here is light pink and jewel like. The juice reminds me of sugar cane.

Another autumn joy is when the pineapple guavas ripen next month. I am already thinking of homemade jams! Definitely one of life’s simple treats.

The benefits of yogurt includes building stronger bones, enhances immunity, lowers blood pressure, and may even have anticancer and weight-loss effects.

The benefits of yogurt has mainly to do with the probiotics. From children to adults, to the elderly can all benefit from having more probiotic in their diet.

Probiotics are also known as “good bacteria” or “friendly bacteria”. They are similar to healthy bacteria naturally found in the human gut. Most probiotics come from two groups of bacteria, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. And each of which includes different species, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Probiotics are good to take especially after you’ve been given a dose of antibiotics. As antibiotics can kill off the “good bacteria” naturally found in human gut.

As for probiotics and children, make sure they get enough as it helps prevent the common cold. A study was conducted at Srinakhariwirot University, Thailand last year and the results are as follow:

“Children in the probiotics group had significantly lower risk of fever, cough, rhinorrhea, school absence and school absence related to common cold compared to children in the placebo group.”

And the British Journal of Medicine also shows that heat-killed Lactobacillus pentosus had a reduced incidence of the common cold, compared to those on placebo. Probiotics are also helpful in preventing upper respiratory tract infections.

Besides yogurt, probiotics are also found in kefir, miso, soy drinks, and of course pickled cabbages (Sauerkraut), pickled cucumbers. Even dark chocolate contains probiotics. And of course, probiotics are also available as dietary supplements.

Note: Watch out for yogurt that contain too much sugar or syrup. For the most healthiest yogurt, it’s best to try homemade yogurt. Ever since I started eating more yogurt, I found that it also helps ease PMS cramps.

The last time I made a knitting needle case I didn’t have much needles. And they were mostly straight needles.  Since then I’ve become a fan of circular knitting needles and have accumulated lots of them.

I wanted to make a new organizer that has room for all types of knitting needles. Especially one that won’t bend the plastic cords of the circular needles. So I came up with this design. It’s more like a binder or folder. This way it will slide right into the bookshelf.

It holds at least 10 circular needles of various lengths. Along with a few straight needles and double pointed needles. This is the left side of the organizer.  There’s a place to slide a few of my favorite knitting magazines too. 

This is the right side which has room for straight needles.  I also made a zippered pouch in the center for such extras like tapestry needles, yarn labels, and anything else I didn’t want to get lost.

This is what it looks like when closed.  It’s held together with a button and elastic.

Materials: (I tried to find what I had in my crafting “stash” before going out to buy more stuff.)

1/2 - 1 yard of Cotton fabric

light foam for inside padding of needles

cardboard for outside padding

zipper for pouch

Since this was my first project, it’s not nearly as perfect. I am already thinking of ways to improve on this one. But in the meantime I think it will do the job nicely.

It definitely didn’t cost much to do it yourself. Probably less than $10. For ideas, check out Yarn.com collection of knitting needle cases.

Just wanted to share this photo of the friendly turtle living in the pond from the S.F. Conservatory of Flowers.

The red ear slider appear to be sleeping. Then it heard us talking and stretched it’s neck out to see what’s happening. Looks like a friendly turtle to me.

The red ear sliders are the most popular pet turtle in the United States. Once a native only to southern U.S., it has spread to other parts of the country due to pet releases. In California it is consider to be an invasive creature as it out competes the native western pond turtle.

This is a very short (30 seconds) video clip of the pond room at the S.F. conservatory. Towards the end of the video you’ll notice the giant fans. The place was very warm.

I made this earring a long time ago. It’s made with pink quartz and some tiny turquoise beads. I couldn’t find the missing pair, so now one of them is being used as a stitch marker.

Normally I would use simple plastic stitch markers. But I thought these made my knitting a little more fun and pretty too.

These stitch holders work really well as I can even release the clasp with one hand. The French style clasp also work well because they don’t snag on the yarn.

As for the W.I.P., it’s suppose to be a Christmas gift. I know it’s not even autumn yet but I am getting a head start!

It’s being knit with Cascade superwash wool in persimmon. The funny part about this yarn is that titled “persimmon”. I guess they were describing a ripe orange reddish persimmon fruit. But it’s really RED! There’s even another yarn titled “really red.” Guess that’s what I get for ordering yarn online. Anyway at least it’s a cheerful color.

Available at Jimmy Beans Wool - “Truly a machine-wash and machine-dry yarn, the 220 Superwash from Cascade is 220 yards of the softest Peruvian Highland wool for all your “washable” projects.”

It’s September and summer will be coming to an end. To enjoy the last few summer days I love drinking cold brew coffee.

Cold brew also means no turning up extra heat in the house. I use a French Press to make cold brew coffee. Bodum makes a nice press too.

Why drink cold brew? Because it gives you a super smooth cup of coffee! It’s less acidic and and easier on your stomach. It has less caffeine and it’s less bitter then drip coffee.

Cold brew has been gaining popularity with the Toddy. But you don’t have to use any special gadget to make cold brew.   People from around the world have been brewing their coffee without the use of an electric coffee maker.

Instructions:
The ratio can vary so try experimenting the way you like it. For now I normally use 1 cup of ground coffee to 2 cups of water. 

Some suggest you can use any kind of ground coffee.  While others prefer fresh coarse ground coffee. At the moment I am using a medium roast organic coffee from Ikea.

It’s simply a matter of soaking the ground coffee from 12-24 hours. Then filter out grounds and what’s left is concentrated coffee. I like to store this in a glass container in the fridge. It should be good for up to 2 weeks.

And when you are ready to drink, just add some ice. Or mix a few tbs of the coffee extract to water. And if you prefer, add sugar and cream. Lately I’ve been adding a few tbs of the extract to small bowl of vanilla ice cream. It makes a perfect rich coffee dessert.

If you don’t have a French press you can still soak the ground coffee overnight. Then use a nice clean mesh cloth or filter. Even the paper coffee filters would be fine. Then squeeze out the coffee concentrate.

Side note:  If you have a garden, don’t toss out the coffee grounds.  Instead use it as compost!

This is my new favorite variety of sweet potato, The Oriental Beauty. A version that originates from Japan. It really is a beauty, with the purple skin. The potato itself is also firmer and doesn’t get as soft as the other variety.

These Oriental Beauty Sweet Potato were grown in California by AV Thomas Produce. Sweet potatoes are most unlikely to be contaminated with pesticides. But always best to scrub and peel the skin before eating.

When I want a piece of cake, I end up with sweet potatoes. Not because I don’t like cake, it’s just that I usually have sweet potatoes (or yams) around.

There was even a time when I used to eat raw sweet potatoes. But that was a long time ago. These days it’s usually steamed, baked and sometimes fried.

Sweet potatoes and yams are a super food, packed with Vitamin A and beta carotene.

Dr. Cordell’s list on the benefits of eating sweet potatoes:

-One cup of cooked sweet potatoes provides 1,922 mcg_RAE of beta carotene (Vitamin A). It would take 16 cups of broccoli to provide the same amount.

-Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin E, and they are virtually fat-free, which makes them a real Vitamin E standout. Most Vitamin E rich foods, such as vegetable oils, nuts and avocados, contain a hefty dose of fat.

-Sweet potatoes provide many other essential nutrients including Vitamin B6, potassium and iron.

-Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber which helps to promote a healthy digestive tract. Sweet potatoes have more fiber than oatmeal.

-Sweet potatoes are a complex carbohydrate which means they digest more slowly than white potatoes and therefore will not cause your blood sugar to spike.

So are these yams or sweet potatoes?  I mostly refer to them as yams because it’s what I’m used to calling them.  According to Earth Bound Farms, the names are used interchangeably.

“In the US today, the terms “yam” and “sweet potato” aroften used interchangeably to refer to a range of tubers with pointy ends, ruddy skin and delectably sweet flesh. - Earth Bound Farms

“there are two varieties grown in the United States. They are best known as “soft”and “firm”. Those farmed up North, mostly “firm”, tend to be drier, more mealy, and yellow in flesh. Southerners indulge in the second type, “soft”, which is higher in sugar, moister, and has a bright orange flesh color. Most often it is the “soft” type which we refer to as a yam.” -  M. Christian of CNN