Blogs & Updates
There are numerous articles and discussions about sustainability and sustainable farming nowadays. Let's begin by understanding what sustainability means, and then delve into the practices of sustainable farming and supporting sustainable businesses as global citizens.
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or sustain something over time, without depleting or damaging the resources on which it depends. In the context of the environment, sustainability means using resources in a way that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainability involves balancing social, economic, and environmental considerations to ensure that development and progress are sustainable in the long term. This can include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity, conserving natural resources such as water and land, and promoting social equity and economic prosperity.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important as the world's population grows, and as the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation become more severe. Many individuals, businesses, and governments are working to promote sustainability through initiatives such as renewable energy development, waste reduction, sustainable agriculture, and green building practices.
Heray Spice Joins Chicago Fair Trade Organization to Further Its Mission of Ethical Trade and Sustainable Livelihoods
Chicago Fair Trade Organization (CFTO) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote fair trade principles in the Chicago area and beyond. Founded in 2006, CFTO has grown to include more than 70 business, institutional, and individual members who share a commitment to ethical trade, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. The organization works to raise public awareness about fair trade and advocate for policies that promote fair and sustainable trade practices. Through its various initiatives and programs, CFTO strives to create a more just and equitable global economy, where all workers and producers are treated fairly and have the opportunity to thrive.
Heray Spice, a local Chicago business with a social mission to support farmers with better wages and provide chefs with high-quality spices directly sourced from Afghanistan, is proud to announce its membership with the Chicago Fair Trade Organization.
Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce that is typically made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. While this classic recipe is delicious on its own, it can also be a great base for experimenting with different flavor combinations. One such variation is saffron and basil pesto, which adds a unique and delicious twist to the traditional recipe.
Saffron and basil pesto is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic pesto recipe. Here is a recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves of garlic
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
To make saffron tea, you will need:
Saffron threads
Water
Honey (optional)
Milk (optional)
Instructions:
Bring a cup of water to a boil (if you use milk, bring that to a boil instead)
Add a pinch of saffron threads to the water.
Reduce heat and let the saffron steep for 5-10 minutes.
Strain the tea and sweeten with honey if desired.
Enjoy your saffron tea hot.
Note: The quantity of saffron used can be adjusted to taste. A pinch of saffron (7-12) threads is enough to infuse a mild flavor and color to the tea. If you prefer a stronger flavor and color, you can add more saffron.
Saffron is considered one of the most expensive spices in the world due to its unique flavor, aroma, and color, as well as the labor-intensive process of harvesting it.
Rarity: Saffron is derived from the stigmas of the crocus flower, which only blooms for a few weeks each year. This limited window of time, along with the fact that each flower only produces a small number of stigmas, means that the yield of saffron is relatively low.
As you might heard there is a new AI tool out there called ChatGPT by OpenAI.
This new tool answers you pretty much any question that you have. Let's say like Google, but a more sophisticated and human like responding. The chat feels like you are asking a question from a human and talking with a person on the other side.
Today I took some time and asked few qustions about saffron.
Mohammad: Tell me in few paragraphs about saffron?
OpenAI:
Saffron is a spice derived from the crocus flower, specifically from the stigmas of the flower. It is highly valued for its unique flavor and color, and has been used for centuries in cooking and traditional medicine.
Saffron is native to Greece and is now primarily grown in Iran, Afghanistan, Italy, and India. The stigmas, or threads, must be carefully hand-picked from the flowers, making saffron one of the most labor-intensive and expensive spices in the world.
In cooking, saffron is used to add a distinct flavor and yellow-orange color to dishes such as paella, risotto, and bouillabaisse. It is also a common ingredient in traditional dishes from countries such as India, Greece, and Italy.
Saffron has also been used in traditional medicine for centuries, with potential benefits including reducing anxiety and depression, improving digestion, and acting as an anti-inflammatory. It has also been used to help with menstrual cramps and as an aphrodisiac. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.