Growing Earth Gems:
Climate and Soil:
- Earth gems thrive in cool, temperate climates and well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They are frost-tolerant but prefer moderate temperatures.
Sun Conditions:
- Plant earth gems in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. They need ample sunlight but can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
Planting:
- Plant in spring after the last frost, spacing tubers 12 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart. Cover with 2 inches of soil and keep consistently moist.
Care:
- Regular watering and mulching help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Apply balanced fertilizer periodically. Earth gems require a growing season of 6-7 months.
Harvesting:
- Harvest in late autumn when the foliage dies back. Carefully dig up tubers and cure in a cool, dry place for a few days before storing them.
Leaves:
- The leaves are also edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, adding versatility to their culinary use.
Usage of Earth Gems:
Culinary Uses:
- Tubers can be boiled, baked, roasted, fried, or raw. Their slightly sweet and nutty flavour suits salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries. The vibrant colours make dishes visually appealing.
- Leaves can be used in salads or cooked like spinach.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in carbohydrates, vitamin C, iron, potassium, and dietary fibre, supporting energy and digestive health.
By incorporating the leaves and tubers of earth gems into your diet, you can enjoy a nutritious and colourful addition to meals. Plant in spring and harvest in late autumn for the best results
Honey & Garlic Earth Gems with Bok Choy:
Ingredients: Earth gems, garlic, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, bok choy, and sesame seeds.
Instructions: Bake the earth gems at 180°C for 25 minutes, then toss with a honey-garlic-soy sauce mixture and bake for another 10 minutes along with the bok choy.
This dish can be enjoyed as a side or with a salad
Warm Salmon Salad with Earth Gems and Dill Dressing:
Ingredients: Earth gems, salmon fillet, white wine vinegar, sugar, red onion, courgette, baby spinach, dill dressing, and capers.
Instructions: Boil earth gems until tender, then combine with a salad of baby spinach, courgette ribbons, and flaked salmon. Dress with dill dressing and top with capers.
This fresh and healthy dish makes a perfect light meal
Feta, Rosemary, and Roasted Veggies with Earth Gems
Ingredients:
200g earth gems, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red onion, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
100g feta cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Prepare Veggies: Place the earth gems, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Add Feta: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the roasted vegetables. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the feta is slightly melted and golden.
Serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired and serve warm.
This dish combines the earthy flavours of roasted vegetables with the creamy tang of feta and the aromatic touch of rosemary, making it a perfect side or main course.
Comments