Benefits of Wheats Grass

Reasons you should incorporate Wheatgrass in your life...

Wheatgrass Juice is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll available today. However, to get the full benefit, the chlorophyll must come fresh from a living plant.Wheatgrass juice is an effective healer because it contains all minerals known to man, and vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, l and K, you name it!1 ounce of juice equals 2 pounds of produce nutritionally,Wheatgrass is gluten-free because it’s cut before the grain forms.

Having issues with skin disease ,scars, or fun facts thatll help your exterior body?

• Chlorophyll contains enzymes and super- oxide dismutase, a copper-containing protein found in mature red blood cells. This enzyme decomposes superoxide radicals in the body into a more manageable form, thereby helping to slow down the aging process.
• Liquid chlorophyll has the ability to get into the tissue, where it can actually refine and renew them.
• Wheatgrass juice can dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs from breathing acid gasses. The effect of carbon monoxide is minimized since chlorophyll increases hemoglobin production.
• Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body and can be used as a body deodorant.
• Drink wheatgrass juice for skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis.
• Massage 6 ounces into the scalp and cover with shower cap for 15 minutes to help eliminate dandruff.

Need or want to improve body function from the inside?

•  Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.
• Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.
•  Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.
•  Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.
• reduces high blood pressure and enhances the capillaries.
• Wheatgrass juice can remove heavy metals from the body.
• By taking wheatgrass juice, one may feel an increase in strength and endurance, renewed health and spirituality, and experience an overall sense of well-being.

Fall Recipe:

Looking for something to warm for the upcoming autumn chill??

Here is a fantastic fall recipe that is great for the whole family!


Chicken Pot Pie 
  Takes about 1 hr and 10 min. to make    Servings: 8 (or it depends on how you cut it)

You will need:

• 1  lb of boneless of cubed skinless, and boneless chicken breasts 
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/3 cup all- purpose flour
• 1/3 cup chopped onion                     
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2/3 cups of milk 
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth 
• 1/4 tsp. celery seed
• 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 2(9 inch) unbaked pie crusts

Directions: 

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees

   

    2. In a large sauce pan over medium heat, combine chicken, celery, peas and carrots. Add water so that it  completely covers the veges and chicken and boil for 15 minutes. Then remove from heat, drain, and set aside to cool. 

    3. In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in the butter until soft. Stir in flour, pepper, salt and celery seed. Slowly stir in milk and chicken broth. Simmer over medium-low heat until starts to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.

    4. In the bottom of the pie crust, place the chicken mixture. Pour the hot liquid mixture over. cover and seal the top and sides of the pie crust. Cut off any excess dough.

Make small slits on the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.

    5. Finally, bake pies in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until pie is golden brown. 

   6. Enjoy!!( caution: wait 10 minutes before serving)

~Written by: Areza, G&N Intern 2015

For the Love of a Goat

                  Goats are very curios and extremely intelligent animals. They can be great company to farmers, since they are loyal, social and loving. Not only are they used for food purposes such as  milk and cheese, but they can also be used to pull around small carts and loads to help you on your travels. Their manure can be very beneficial in the fertilizing process. They also have no problem in clearing any weeds from your lawn, just be extra careful with leaving them in your lawn or grassy area for too long because they WILL eat EVERYTHING!!

Written by: Areza G&N Intern 

Raw food vs Cooked food

Find out how to prepare your veggies to get the maximum nutrition out of them.Some produce is most nutritious the "Raw" way, (which is any food that hasn't been heated above 115 degrees) while other need the heat to bring out there best.Here are some example of some veggies, each paired up with a quick recipe...

 1.Asparagus -(cooked)

  Steaming this it till bright green and tender ignites its cancer fighting potential. this low calorie stalk is rich in glutathione, a detoxifying compound that can help destroy carcinogens.

Recipe: under a steamer of boiling water, steam the asparagus for 3-6 minutes until easily pierced with a knife.take out, squeeze over lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper and salt.enjoy!

2.Beets -(Raw)

 You lose 25% of their Folate .Folate is commonly knows as B-12 which plays a main role of cell repair for production of red blood cells, metabolism, and prevents obesity and various cancers in the body.

Recipe: Shredded beet salad: http://www.health.com/health/recipe/0,,50400000124813,00.html You can also add turnips! (for a vegan version exclude the yogurt)

3.Broccoli -(Raw)

   Heating broccoli, deactivated the enzyme in it, "Myrosinase" . that enzyme cleanses the liver from carcinogens. Carcinogen is a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.

Recipe: Clean the broccoli, chop off the florets and eat it with http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/yogurt-dill-dipping-sauce instead of ranch. or a hummus recipe! http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/easy-hummus-with-tahini .

4:Mushrooms -(Cooked) Heating mushrooms. Sauteing ,grilling ,baking ,steaming ,any way possible. It bring out the muscle-building potassium and protein you need. 

Recipe: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/portobello-burgers 

5:Onion -(Raw)

They’re anti-allergic, anti-histaminic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant,you'd deactivate most of this by cooking them.

Recipe: (super easy) 2 ripe avocados, sliced1/4 c thinly sliced white (or red) onion,a sprinkle of olive oil (about 1 tbsp) , juice of 2 small limes...Compile the avocado and onion. Sprinkle with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

6:Spinach -(Cooked) Cooked spinach will let your body  absorb all of its calcium,iron, and magnesium immediately.

Recipe: Spinach sauce (for spaghetti) 10 oz of spinach, half a package of queso fresco,clove of raw garlic, olive oil (2 tbs)and salt and pepper to taste . Welt down the spinach  in a little bit boiling water. when thats done. in a food processor, throw in the everything and pulse until the sauce is thick but smooth.serve over any pasta and enjoy hot.

7: Red bell peppers -(Raw)

Their high in vitamin c,it breaks down when heated above 375 degrees. so safer to eat raw in my opinion. 

Recipe:You can eat these sliced with the dips under the broccoli recipes.

8. Tomatoes- (Cooked)

tomatoes include lycopene which prevents cancer and other chronic diseases, this vitamin becomes more intensified when they are cooked and a little oil is added.

Recipe: snack/appetizer... http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/roasted-tomato-bruschetta-recipe.html 

Up-cycling

Why spend a lot of money and time on shopping for new clothes when you can up-cycle your old clothes. You can add you own flavor to your creation

There is nothing wrong with donating your clothes, but you also save money when you have to buy new clothes for the new school  year. You're letting out your inner fashionista. But clothes is not the only thing that can be up-cycled,furniture can be renewed. 

  Give your old forks a new use. Hooks are always used around the house.

 Your cat might need a new bed, use a suitcase, and a pillow to create a wonderful new bed with out wasting a dime.

You dont have to spend millions at retail stores to get the elegant chic look that you crave; with only watching a few tutorials from any DIY website you will get inspired and become a pro in no time. 

Written by Jackie

Field Trip #2: Growing Power

Growing Power is a non profit organization that tries to educate communities on the importance of good tasting, fresh, and chemical free food. The only way to have a healthy community is to eat the right foods that you know are not contaminated with chemicals that are bad for your body. They not only sell fresh produce but they also raise healthy, virus free fish, that would probably be hard to find any where else.

                                         Left to Right: Rosalyn, Jacqueline ,Madeline, Areza, Samantha

Aquaponics: They not only sell fresh produce but they also raise healthy,virus free fish, that would probably be hard to find any where else!

We volunteered to help with projects that needed to be done such as weeding and moving compost.

We were also able to see the goats and chickens here!

-Written by: Areza, G&N Intern 2015

Children's Activities Have Started Once Again!

We had a wonderful time learning, planting and painting with the kids this past Saturday at Pete's Community Farm! They did a great job making signs to mark each plant and vegetable in the garden. 

Children's activities will continue throughout the summer, every other Saturday, from 10-11:30 am. Please  join us for some free educational and environmental fun! Or, join us during the week to spend time in the garden relaxing and enjoying the sun. Check out the pictures from Saturday, as well as our weekly open hours, below!

Stop by during any of the times listed above!

We had lots of help to plant all the bell peppers, hot peppers and strawberries.

What masterpieces! Now all can name which plants are growing in the garden.

Madelines International cooking classes

   On June 4th ,11th, and 18th our Garden and Nutrition intern Madeline gave a cooking class based on different cultures around the world. We made Vietnamese, Chinese, Mediterranean, American, and Peruvian food. Some vegan,some vegetarian, and others recipes with meat (used for only an optional choice).

 Madeline's second cooking class,

 In process of making the vegetarian burger patties from scratch with her .

A healthy burger choice packed with quinoa,black beans,kale sandwiched in between cucumber slices in stead of your average beef patty in a bun. Partnered with a three bean Mediterranean salad, replacing the fries.

                                          

       Madelines first cooking class

 First cooking class, Madeline mad fresh Vietnamese spring rolls made with raw vegetable and 3 dipping sauces.Next we cooked some vermicelli noodles dressed with spring onions ,ginger, and soy sauce. Also made a Chinese-Peruvian hybrid of fried rice.

- Written by Madeline, G&N Intern

Kompost Kids

Kompost Kids is a nonprofit organization which outreaches to help the public how to make compost, which eventually turns into dirt for the plants and by doing this act, it also helps the environment. The compost is known as "waste", but it's really food that has been used and just broken down as it slowly becomes into dirt. How exciting! Not as exciting of how it smells, because it honestly smells bad, but hey, that's the beauty of nature. You will get used to the smell, like I did.

Kompost Kids is also a safe environment where children and families can interact with each other, as they educate themselves to learn how to keep our earth clean, for example; reduce, reuse, and recycle. But other than that, I enjoyed myself when I went to Kompost Kids, because it was in the outdoors and I learned more about compost. That's also another thing, many people don't know about compost. So I think Kompost Kids is a great educational place to start. So personally, I think it would be a good opportunity to go to Kompost Kids so you can educate yourself and educate others.

-Written by Samatha, G&N Intern

ROOFTOP FARMERS MARKET OPEN!

Welcome! It’s the perfect time of the year to enjoy Core El Centro’s Rooftop farmers market’s comfortable atmosphere and have a blast with vendors, locals, family, or friends!

Open every Monday night 4:00pm-8:00pm through October 13^th the roof top market enables people to relax openly, appreciate food, and share delicious recipes or preparation tips with our farmers!(We even host cooking demonstrations throughout the season as well!)

We offer people the opportunity to take the time to enjoy the garden as a whole, search through the variety of goods and services at the market, eat a snack, read a book, converse with friends or folks around, and enjoy the great view!!

Most importantly, we believe the rooftop farmers market to be an important element towards our mission at Core/El Centro which is to give the opportunity for the community to seek locally grown nutritious food and live a more prosperous and healthy lifestyle. We also believe our farmers market to be a place where people can learn from one another, share new ideas, and take time to appreciate the world around us. Our farmer’s market utilizes the beautiful rooftop space we have to celebrate food, healing herbs, community gifts, and more!

We now have an exciting and new Roof top Farmers Market Rewards Program and the purpose of the program is to thank community members for their use of the market! As a member of the rewards program, an individual will receive one stamp on their Edible Skyline: A Rooftop Revolution card for attending the market and making a purchase. Also there will be a secret “code word” that will be included in our Facebook page in our Newsletter which offers the chance to receive a second stamp on your card!

*Once an individual accumulates 10 stamps, they can exchange the card for a $5 voucher to use towards CORE/El Centro produce.*

Plus receive one raffle ticket per week to be entered in a drawing in June, August and October.
Raffle ticket prizes include:
(Food processor---> Raffle Drawing June 29th)
(Chocolate and Cheese basket---> Raffle Drawing August 31st)
(Mystery Prize---> Raffle Drawing October 13th).

(Also thanks to a generous sponsorship from United Healthcare we will match EBT/SNAP purchases up to $20/week and we accept EBT/SNAP, credit, and debit cards!)

Rooftop Open Hours

Core El Centro welcomes everyone to come and visit the Rooftop garden. There is a lot  to see, like the growing strawberries and the chamomile that is literately everywhere. The Rooftop is open Monday during the farmers market thru Saturday at noon. There is always someone in the Rooftop working on the garden.
There is always sometime new in the rooftop; plants are always sprouting.

Rooftop Hours    

The rooftop is open 6 days a week.

Monday- 4:00-8:00 pm

Tuesday- 9:00-11:00 am

Wednesday- 9:00-12 pm

Thursday- 4:00-6:00 pm

Friday-5:00-7:00 pm

Saturday-10:00-12:00 pm

The rooftop is alive with vivid colors and 50 shades of green. The aura of the rooftop will give you the peace and quiet you been looking for. With a great view of the city you will fall in love with the rooftop. Come and bring your friends there is always something growing in the garden.

Core El Centro Rooftop Garden is located @ 130 S. Bruce St, 5th floor 

  Rooftop? 

Rooftop.

Written by Jackie (Garden Intern)

City Livin' 

Did you think you would ever find chickens in the city? As of July of 2011, you can own chickens in Milwaukee! We are grateful for the chickens that reside at Pete's Community Garden and the life they bring to the area. Below are some helpful tips when caring for chickens!

When choosing a breed, take into account Milwaukee's chilly winters. Some cold climate breeds include: 

• Plymouth Rocks
• Wyandottes
• Chanteclers
• Orpingtons
• Langshans
• Sussexes

Plymouth and Wyandottes are also great egg laying breeds as well. Owning chickens will provide you with the freshest eggs possible. Fresh eggs have a stronger taste and a more orange colored yolk.

Your chickens must have a place to live! Chicken coups must be large enough to give each chicken at least 16 square feet and must cleaned often. Also, be sure to secure the chickens inside the coup at night so that they are protected from predators.

Chickens will eat just about anything. I know they thought some of the things we planted tasted pretty good. In addition to the complete organic feed we give them, they really enjoy fruits and vegetables. It is also very important to make sure they have enough water. Especially when the summer weather gets hot!

Have any further questions about chicken permits or care? Visit the Milwaukee page at http://city.milwaukee.gov/chicken#.VY2pYUbSoTA, the My Pet Chicken guide at http://www.mypetchicken.com/backyard-chickens/chicken-care/guide-toc.aspx or stop by the garden during our open hours and we'll be happy to answer them. 

Early Harvest

May is the perfect time to start planting seed but it is also time of harvesting some leafy greens. Your joking right? Not Necessarily!

Started the season fairly early with the use of a cold frame. We sowed arugula seeds was in late February to early-March and have we have already harvested the arugula twice this year.

Using a cold frame you can start sowing seeds earlier in the year and have the advantage of harvesting early. Or extend the end of the season by a few weeks in November. Similarly you can also cover some plant, like Kale, over the winter in a cold frame for it to seed in the spring of next year. Either way it becomes a great tool to have.

Here is a link on how we built our own cold frame from scrap parts and some hardware:
How to Build a Cool Frame

P.S. To use it for overwintering plants, make sure to take into consideration of the height of the plants.

Weather Station on CORE's Rooftop

     Figure 1 shows that the data we collected from our weather station correlates with what was collected at Michelle International Airport’s data. There is a small dissimilarity in temperature but too small of a difference.

     In general when looking at temperature, 5 floors makes little difference to no difference compared to ground level.

     During the summer months it seems that the rooftop was windy but we didn’t know now much. The highest wind speed we got to this year was 15.2 miles per hour and an average high of 11.3 miles per hour during the year. We grow some very tough produce on the roof with that kind of speed!

month/year	Nov 2013			Dec 2013			Jan 2014			Feb 2014
	max	min	average	max	min	average	max	min	average	max	min	average
Outdoor Temp. (F)	46.9	11.7	26.7	51.8	-5.8	23.3	48.7	-14.8	15.7	52.2	-2.9	18.6
Wind (m/h)	7.6	0.0	2.7	13.0	0.0	3.3	15.2	0.0	4.0	13.6	0.0	3.7
Windchill (F)	44.8	7.9	25.748	50.4	-9.4	21.21	48.7	-38.4	11.902	52.2	-10.5	15.688

month/year	March 2014			April 2014			May 2014			June 2014
	max	min	average	max	min	average	max	min	average	max	min	average
Outdoor Temp. (F)	61.0	2.8	30.7	75.6	23.4	44.4	88.3	37.8	56.3	88.7	51.8	63.7
Wind (m/h)	13.0	0.0	3.5	15.2	0.0	3.4	13.6	0.0	3.0	10.7	0.0	2.5
Windchill (F)	61	-0.9	28.503	75.6	20.5	42.639	88	29.5	55.412	88.7	43.7	63.365

month/year	July 2014			Aug 2014			Sept 2014			Oct 2014
	max	min	average	max	min	average	max	min	average	max	min	average
Outdoor Temp. (F)	91.0	54.3	69.7	91.2	55.8	70.2	87.6	44.8	66.3	70.2	34.9	51.2
Wind (m/h)	11.4	0.0	2.7	9.2	0.0	2.4	9.8	0.0	2.2	15.2	0.0	2.9
Windchill (F)	91	54.3	69.414	91.2	55.8	69.979	87.6	36	66.022	70.2	32	50.22

Figure 1 Source: wunderground.com