03/04/2022
Seed Saving
This post hopes to explore the impact of seed saving, heirloom plants and foods on African American culture.
Saving seeds strengthens cultivars by reinforcing positive characteristics from drought resistance, cold hardiness, fruit color to abundance or shape) over time. Benefits of seed saving include engaging in the cycle of life, preserving heirloom varieties, encouraging genetic diversity, and saving money.
Seed saving and sharing was a way to honor the heritage of gardens, preserve the history of black communities, the illuminate legacy of slavery and the cultural influences at the heart of our cuisines. Seeds reflect culture, tradition, spirituality, cooperation and diversity. Seed saving is a vital method of survival, a way to provide diverse and healthy food for families and communities. Africa has such a vast diversity of rich foods, plants & flowers depleted by the impact of slavery.
Heirloom seeds of plants native to Africa and heirloom seeds of plants traditionally associated with African American culinary traditions have been preserved through generations of seed saving & sharing. It includes varieties of beans, peas, watermelon, sesame, cabbage, okra, peanuts or peppers. There are examples of vegetables, herbs, nuts, seeds and flowers thriving in Afro-American culture today. To the many generations of seed savers preserving black cultures, I honor you.
Well that’s it folks. We are nearing the end of black history month. I hope you enjoyed this journey of our stories in history during the month of February. March is Women's History Month. I hope you will join me in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in history.
Be Well
Plant It🍃Love It🍃Eat It
Cheryl Chandler
One One Cocoa
Micro Farm & Garden
Edible Landscape Stylist
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