Wen-Chia Tsai Parker

Teacher, Author, Illustrator, Designer and Architect

Tag Archives: food


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Fresh Homemade Apple Jam from my tree ;-)

I picked a bunch of tree ripe red apples from my garden tree.  So many of them were bruised by the wind or lightly chewed by squirrels so I decided the best way to save them was to make fresh apple jam.  The recipe is very easy, just clean and chop apples, add fresh squeezed lemon juiceI and organic sugar to taste.  I used only the juice of one lemon since my tree gives me such large juicy lemons, and about 2 tablespoons of brown organic sugarcane sugar.  Bring to a gentle boil for about 10-12 minutes mix well and store in a glass jar/ air tight container in the fridge.  Enjoy! Don’t forget to compost your apple peels and cores 😉

Apple trees can thrive in Los Angeles when the right varieties are chosen and properly planted. Because LA has a mild, Mediterranean climate with short winters, success depends on selecting low-chill varieties such as Anna, Dorsett Golden, Fuji, Gala, and Ein Shemer, which require fewer hours of cold temperatures to produce fruit. Planting is best done in early spring or late fall, choosing a sunny spot with well-draining, loamy soil, and ensuring the tree receives 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While apple trees are somewhat drought-tolerant, they do need regular irrigation and benefit from cross-pollination with compatible varieties planted nearby. In Los Angeles, both dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees are popular for home gardens due to their manageable size and productivity. With proper care and variety selection, LA gardeners can enjoy crisp, homegrown apples even in the city’s warm climate.


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Picking Summer Fruits Apples & Peaches

Apple and peach trees have rich and ancient histories, originating thousands of years ago in Asia. Apples are believed to have first been domesticated in the mountains of Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan, while peaches trace their roots to China, where they were cultivated as early as 2000 BCE. Over centuries, both fruits spread westward along trade routes and became staples in orchards across Europe and the Americas. In Southern California, the warm days and cool nights create ideal conditions for many low-chill varieties of apples and peaches to thrive. Planting these trees not only provides delicious, homegrown fruit but also supports local biodiversity, encourages sustainable gardening, and enhances backyard landscapes with their beautiful blossoms and seasonal harvests.

While it might seem natural to grow apple and peach trees from the seeds inside their fruit, doing so rarely produces the same quality or type of fruit as the parent tree. This is because both apples and peaches are genetically diverse and do not grow true to seed—the resulting trees often bear fruit that is very different in taste, texture, or quality. Instead, Home growers rely on grafting, a horticultural technique that joins a branch or bud from a desired fruit variety onto a hardy rootstock. This ensures the new tree will produce consistent, reliable fruit identical to the original cultivar. Grafting also allows for better disease resistance, improved growth, and earlier fruit production, making it the preferred method for propagating apple and peach trees.

Apples and peaches are incredibly versatile fruits with a wide range of culinary and practical uses. Apples can be enjoyed fresh, juiced, or cooked into pies, crisps, and sauces, and their firm texture makes them ideal for baking and preserving. They’re also commonly dried for snacks or fermented into cider and vinegar. Peaches, with their juicy sweetness, are perfect for eating fresh off the tree, blending into smoothies, or baking into cobblers and tarts. They can also be canned, made into jam, or grilled for a savory-sweet twist. Beyond the kitchen, both fruits are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making them nutritious staples in a healthy diet.


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Planting Basil in my Garden

I’m planting some beautiful fresh Thai basil in my garden from stems that I purchased from a farmers market. These beautiful stems are easy to root to propagate to make new plants to grow into full basil plants that can be harvested and use in all sorts of delicious food. In this video, I show how easy it is to plant basil into pots and in directly into the soil in my garden. Thai basil, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora, is a staple herb in Southeast Asian cuisines. It is easily recognizable by its striking purple stems, small and narrow bright green leaves with serrated edges, and clusters of pink-purple flowers that bloom in late summer. Cousins to the sweet basil; Thai basil has a robust, spicy-sweet flavor profile with pronounced notes of anise and licorice, making it highly prized for its ability to withstand high cooking temperatures and infuse dishes with bold, aromatic complexity. Commonly used in dishes such as Thai curries, Vietnamese phở, and stir-fries, Thai basil is valued for both its culinary versatility and its nutritional benefits, including high levels of vitamins A and K. Its sturdy leaves and stems are all edible, and the plant is often grown as an annual in temperate climates, thriving in warm, sunny conditions. This plant is very easy to grow in the warm temperatures of SoCal as long as it gets enough water. Enjoy the fragrant and beauty of Thai Basil in your garden and home cooking! #Composting, #GardenCompost, #DIYComposting, #CompostTips, #WormComposting, #Vermicomposting, #LazyComposting, #CompostBin, #OrganicGardening, #GardeningForBeginners, #HotComposting, #SustainableGardening, #EcoFriendlyGardening, #HomeGardening, #UrbanGardening, #SoilHealth #PlantNutrition, #GardenHacks, #FallGardening, #ZeroWaste, #MomLife, #GardeningWithKids, #FamilyGardening, #KidsInTheGarden, #GardeningMoms, #SustainableLiving, #EcoFriendly, #ZeroWasteLiving, #GreenParenting, #NatureLovers #rooftopgarden #guava #herbs #fruitbearingplant #fruittrees #fruitrees #greenparenting #ecofriendly #gardeningtips, #rooftopplants #reducecarbonfootprint, #rooftopplants, #ZeroWaste, #MomLife, #GardeningWithKids, #FamilyGardening, #KidsInTheGarden, #GardeningMoms, #SustainableLiving, #EcoFriendly, #ZeroWasteLiving, #GreenParenting, #NatureLovers #basil #greenlove #herbs #cookingwithlove #plants


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Making Taiwanese Pickled Cabbage Easy & Yummy & inexpensive healthy side dish DIY ;-)

Making super yummy tasty pickled cabbage side dish from NY Times cooking recipe: Especially extra tasty using the Taiwanese variety of cabbage!

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026314-yamitsuki-addictive-cabbage

Health Benefits of Eating Pickled Cabbage Nutrient-Rich and Low-Calorie Pickled cabbage is packed with essential nutrients. It is rich in vitamin C (even more than fresh cabbage), B-complex vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and folic acid It is very low in calories (about 20 calories per 100 grams), making it a great addition to weight management diets. Probiotics and Gut Health Cabbage is a natural source of probiotics—beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora. These probiotics aid digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and can help prevent or reduce digestive issues like diarrhea and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Immune System Support The combination of probiotics, vitamin C, and iron in pickled cabbage helps strengthen the immune system. Probiotics support gut health, which is closely linked to immune function, while vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant. Regular consumption may reduce the risk of infections such as the common cold and urinary tract infections. Potential Cancer Protection Cabbage contains antioxidants and plant compounds that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, including breast, colon, liver, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. The fermentation process can create additional compounds that suppress the growth of precancerous cells. Studies have shown a significant reduction in breast cancer risk among women who regularly consume pickled cabbage. Heart Health The fiber and probiotics in pickled cabbage may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, contributing to better heart health. It is also a rare plant source of vitamin K2, which may help prevent calcium deposits in arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease. Digestive and Detoxification Benefits The lactic acid produced during fermentation cleanses the digestive tract of harmful bacteria, aiding in detoxification. Both insoluble and soluble fibers in cabbage support regular bowel movements and provide fuel for beneficial gut bacteria.


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Cut your own MANGO and Papaya Yummy!

I love to prepare delicious fruits for my family; Papayas and mangos are so good to eat and good for you!  Great share with my family and I will save the seeds to try to grow them! Mango and papaya are tropical fruits packed with nutrients that offer a wide range of health benefits for the heart, skin, eyes, digestive system, and immune system.

Mango Health Benefits

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Mangoes are loaded with more than 20 vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C, K, folate, and potassium. One cup of sliced mango provides nearly 70% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which supports immunity, improves iron absorption, and helps protect cells from damage.

Supports Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in mangoes help lower cholesterol and support healthy blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Boosts Eye and Skin Health: Mangoes are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are essential for good vision and healthy skin.

Aids Digestion: Mangoes contain digestive enzymes and fiber that promote healthy digestion and regularity.

Antioxidant Protection: Mangoes are rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and may reduce cancer risk.

Weight Management: The fiber content in mangoes helps you feel full longer, supporting weight control.

Papaya Health Benefits

Nutrient Dense: Papaya is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, folate, beta-carotene, and lycopene. One small papaya can provide more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Supports Heart Health: The antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C in papaya help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Protects Vision: High beta-carotene and vitamin A content support healthy eyes and vision.

Improves Digestion: Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which aids in protein digestion, and its high fiber and water content promote regularity and gut health.

Boosts Immunity: The high vitamin C content strengthens the immune system and helps fight infections.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Effects: Papaya’s antioxidants, particularly lycopene, reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.

Both mango and papaya are low in fat, hydrating, and versatile in recipes. Including them as part of a varied diet can help support overall health and well-being.