Soil & Soul

08/31/2026

08/27/2026

Making our annual Staghorn sumac lemonade for Romans Farm School Meet and greet tomorrow!!

🌿 Potential benefits of staghorn sumac berries

* Strong antioxidant activity — Staghorn sumac fruit has demonstrated substantial free-radical-scavenging activity, associated with its high polyphenol content.
* Anti-inflammatory potential — The polyphenols and tannins in sumac have biological activity that may help modulate inflammatory processes, although much of the evidence is laboratory or animal research rather than human clinical trials.
* Antimicrobial properties — Extracts from Rhus typhina fruit have shown activity against certain microorganisms in laboratory studies.
* Potential blood-sugar support — A 2025 study found Rhus typhina fruit extracts had antioxidant and enzyme-inhibiting effects and improved glucose control in a diabetic-animal model. That’s promising, but it doesn’t establish that eating sumac berries treats diabetes in humans.
* Digestive uses traditionally — Various sumac species have historically been used for diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complaints. However, traditional use shouldn’t be taken as proof of effectiveness for Rhus typhina specifically.
* Vitamin/mineral and phytochemical content — Sumac fruits contain fiber and various minerals, along with flavonoids, phenolic compounds and anthocyanins.

08/23/2026

Rosemary garlic sourdough focaccia and Pumpkin loaf!

What is your favorite focaccia flavor?

08/21/2026

I have an order for Monday pick up at 10am. If anyone else would like some sourdough goodness for Monday send me a message by tomorrow (Saturday August 22) at 12 and I’ll have it ready Monday by 10am 🙂

08/20/2026

Update:SOLD

This regular loaf just came out of the oven. I’ll be home at 3pm or after today if anyone would like it for pick up. 🥳

08/18/2026

08/17/2026

Update on our monarch caterpillars. The one on the right is slightly bigger than the one on the left. I’d say they are a couple of days away from making chrysalis.

08/16/2026

He said can we make some tea with our hibiscus flower?

Yes….yes we can

🌺 Potential medicinal uses of rose mallow

* Soothing/anti-inflammatory: The roots and leaves contain mucilage, a slippery plant compound that can soothe irritated tissues. Traditionally used for irritated skin and mucous membranes.
* Skin support: Crushed or prepared leaves/roots have traditionally been used externally as a soothing poultice for minor skin irritation.
* Respiratory soothing: The mucilage may help coat and soothe an irritated throat or cough, similar to other mucilaginous herbs such as marshmallow root.
* Digestive soothing: Traditionally used as a gentle demulcent for irritated digestive tissues.
* Mild diuretic/traditional urinary use: Some Hibiscus species have been used traditionally to increase urination, though the evidence specifically for H. moscheutos is limited.

🌿 What part is used?

The roots are traditionally the most medicinally significant, with leaves and flowers also having traditional uses. The flowers are edible, but rose mallow shouldn’t be assumed to have the same blood-pressure and antioxidant effects that are better documented for roselle tea.

08/16/2026

A Little Starter Story 🍞🤎

Someone reached out to me today asking if I had sourdough starter available.

So I fed it, got it happy and active, packaged it up, and put it on the stand for him to pick up. 🥖

And it got me thinking…

How many of you would love to start making sourdough, but just need someone to get you started?

If you’ve been wanting to begin your sourdough journey, I can help with that! 🌿

When my availability allows, I can prepare a fresh, active sourdough starter (or a dehydrated one) for you to take home and begin baking with.

Starter is $10, and it comes ready to get you going. ❤️

Sometimes you don’t need to know everything before you begin… you just need someone to help you take that first step.

So, what if this is your sign to finally start making sourdough? 🍞✨

Message me if you’d like one, and I’ll let you know when I have availability!