About Figgin’ Thyme — Remember when we covered thyme in culture? Now, let’s compose a cocktail with it. We’ll pair it with some fruity fig, so be sure to pour out a bit. The Egyptians embalmed the dead with thyme, but we will imbibe ourselves while alive. Libation: Fig-Thyme Cocktail Ingredients: ½ c sugar, ½ c water…

From ancient Mesopotamia — Between the Tigris and Euphrates, in ancient Sumer/modern Iraq, were some of the first libations. We find evidence of early, advanced human civilization here. These farmers grew grains like barley and wheat. Sumerians of this time believed in an afterlife called Kur, which was a dark cavern deep underground. People…

A libation collection — Welcome to the new Herby Hour series! There are so many ways to honor the abundance of our gardens. Perhaps there’s some way I could offer a gift to my readers, a libation. People across faiths have long offered libations as sacraments, a spiritual rite. One pours a few drops…

Another Mesoamerican contribution — We return to early Mesoamerican societies again with paprika — a seasoning made from dried, sweet peppers. We reviewed chilis not once but twice, so why not write about them thrice? You might say paprika is akin to cayenne powder but without the intensity. Some wonder why paprika tastes like…

a Shortform Scifi — pt. 4 — Sam recalls their fading dream. Pyramids loomed overhead, and canals intersected the architecture. Old friends enjoyed the leisure of an equitable general welfare. Eöhra housed pyramids that merely capstone much deeper facilities. Sam remembers running through those paved, porous streets, and how fond they were of home. The rushing water…

Another bee favorite — Gardeners since Ancient Greece grew lemon balm and believed it kept the bees close. With copious nectar and a lemony scent, it smells heavenly. Its genus comes from the Greek word for “honey bee.” Balm means balsam, or a sweet, oily resin. Melissa demonstrates antimicrobial activity. So, folk practitioners long…