Saturday, April 30, 2011

2011 Florida Black-Eyed Pea Season

I look forward to fresh picked black-eyed peas, they taste so different than dried or canned. There is a creaminess about them that can't be matched. They are already growing in the fields of D and D Farms in Palm City (near Stuart) Florida but they are still too green to pick.

Last season I eagerly grabbed handfulls of green pods, passing over the brown, dried out looking ones.  I picked three pounds of beans in less than an hour. I was quite proud of myself. When I got home my pride quickly changed to frustration as I discovered I had picked the beans too soon. It was close to impossible to open the pods and get to the beans. It took me three hours to get enough beans for a dinner for two. Well maybe it took a little less time but it certainly felt like three hours.

So this year I am waiting for the pods to turn brown and dry before I pick them, even if it means I have to wait an extra week or two.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Earth Day 2011 South Florida Style

There are only two days left until 2011 Earth Day on Friday April 22.

How are you going to celebrate?

April 22 Events of Interest
The Green Energy Council's celebration in downtown West Palm Beach at Centennial Park,9 a.m. to 5 p.m., FREE http://www.greenenergycouncil.com/

Miami, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. FREE http://www.fairchildgarden.org/Events/?date=2011-04&eventid=569

Sat April 23 events of interest
Orlando, Central Florida Earth Day, many hosts, Lake Eola Park, East Side, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. FREE

Tampa Earth Day, hosted by University of South Florida (USF) and Tampa Sierra Club, USF Botanical Gardens, 12210 USF Pine Drive, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. FREE