BY DONNA WESTFALL
Crescent City, California isn’t known as an agricultural mecca. Known primarily for it’s redwood trees, rain and fishing industry, an area dominated by jobs in government and Pelican Bay Maximum Security Prison. But, it can become more agricultural.
In last week’s Transition US meeting, Larry Goldberg out of Humboldt County, spoke about the 200 fruit trees that were donated and subsequently planted in low income apartment complexes. Not all trees were planted and they have a surplus I asked if they could be donated and planted in Crescent City.
Fruits, vegetables and herbs all play a part in maintaining good health. Tumeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant in the ginger family. It grows in Southeast India where the temperatures range between 68 and 86 degrees with lots of rainfall. Crescent City has historically had a lot of rainfall, but few days of temperatures in excess of 68 degrees. However, turmeric can be propagated in a green house. WHY CONSUME TUMERIC? One active ingredient in it is curcumin. Curcumin may treat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, allergies, arthritis and other chronic illnesses. Tumeric is a known anti-inflammatory. Turmeric is sometimes used as an agent to impart a rich, custard-like yellow color. It is used in canned beverages and baked products, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, yellow cakes, orange juice, biscuits, popcorn color, cereals, sauces, gelatins, etc. It is a significant ingredient in most commercial curry powders.
