Here in the Pacific Northwest, elderberries grow wild along roadsides and riverbanks. Most people pass them by, never realizing there’s a powerful, immune-supporting plant right there waiting to be foraged. Each season, I face the same choice: do I snip the creamy, fragrant flowers or wait for th...

Here’s something about that first bite of ice cream on a warm day that sends you right back to childhood—sticky fingers, barefoot grass, and the hum of bees nearby. Whether it’s high summer or one of those lingering sunny days of early fall, a cool treat made with real ingredients feels just righ...

When I think of gummies, I tend to think of the brightly colored red, green, and yellow gummy bears of my childhood. While they bring back nostalgic memories of traveling to California to visit family, I shudder now as an adult when I think about what they are made with… corn syrup, synthetic dye...

There are so many wonderful things that I love about fall! It is my favorite season. Not only do we get to slow down from the heat of summer, but we also get to harvest the fruits of our labors and bring them inside — and some of that harvest includes apples!    Apples have their own natural be...

I am a huge fan of elderberries, and not just because they are a natural plant here in the Pacific Northwest! They have such wonderful medicinal value and are probably the best-tasting medicinal herb — aside from maybe peppermint. These berries can be made into various products, including tea, ti...

Ice cream floats are the quintessential American summertime treat, perfect for anyone looking to cool down or satisfy their sweet tooth. Here on the farm, everyone loves ice cream, and what better way than to make memories with ice cream floats as a family, from trying out new flavor combinations...

Italian soda has had a special place in my heart since I was a teen! I worked at a pizza restaurant in high school and ran the espresso bar. When customers came in, I would make Italian sodas for them.    As much as I loved making these sodas — and of course, drinking them too — a typical Itali...

Basil is my favorite summertime herb! I love growing fresh basil and adding it to pizza or using it to make homemade pesto for pasta and grilled veggies. And that’s just the beginning! Basil is not only incredibly tasty, but it’s also full of wonderful medicinal properties.   In today’s guide, ...

Boba, also known as ‘bubble tea,’ is a really popular, trendy drink. And while boba sure is delicious, it also has a bunch of sugar, corn syrup, and junk hidden inside of it. Did you know you can easily make your own boba at home? It’s not only more affordable when you do, but it also means you g...

Simple syrups can be used in so many different ways! You can mix them into cocktails and Italian sodas, drizzle them on desserts, or mix them into salad dressings. Making your own simple syrups is a must-have skill in any homestead and herbalist kitchen.    Some of our favorite ways to use simp...