“The Lord expects us to work in order that we may obtain food. He does not propose that we shall gather the harvest unless we break the sod, till the soil, and cultivate the produce. Then God sends the rain and the sunshine and the clouds to cause vegetation to flourish. God works, and man cooperates with God. Then there is seed time and harvest.
“God has caused to grow out of the ground herbs for the use of man and if we understand the nature of these roots and herbs, and make a right use of them, there would not be a necessity of running for the doctor so frequently, and people would be in much better health than they are today.” The Place of Herbs in Rational Therapy, 144.
| Recipes | |
| Chia seeds | As Pudding: These mild seeds expand when wet. Fill a jar with 1 cup soy milk, 3 tablespoons agave syrup, 1/4 cup seeds, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor), and a pinch of salt. Cover, and shake; chill for 20 minutes. Serve cold with fruit or nuts. |
| Flax seeds | On Oatmeal: Sprinkle ground flaxseed (which comes packaged this way or grind in electric grinder) onto oatmeal with honey. |
| Hemp seeds | In Pesto: Hemp seeds taste like potent pine nuts, so they are great in a pesto. Puree a handful of the seeds with garlic, grated vegan Parmesan, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and arugula in a food processor. |
| Pumpkin seeds | On Toast: Cover a slice of toast with mashed avocado, then add a sprinkling of sea salt and the seeds. Do not toast the seeds; this reduces their nutritional content. |
| Sesame seeds | On Tofu: Marinate tofu slices in a soy-honey sauce, then coat with seeds. Bake or fry in a nonstick pan until the seeds form a crispy crust (which intensifies their nutty flavor). Frozen tofu, thawed, works best. |
| Sunflower seeds | With Spices: Mix 1/2 cup of these sweet, buttery seeds with a pinch each of salt, cumin, chili powder, and allspice or nutmeg. Dry-roast in a pan over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Toss over guacamole, tacos or salads. |