What the Heck Is A Castor Oil Pack? How To Use The Traditional Therapy

What the heck is a castor oil pack? The simple therapy has been used for eons by natural health devotees, but it may be one of the last at-home self-care practices that wellness dabblers adopt. It's not as easy as whipping out a jade roller or downing a glass of lemon water, but castor oil packs can be simple to use once you learn how.

What's the use of a castor oil pack? And why has it remained a staple in the toolkit of natural health practitioners world-wide? We wanted to review the basics and asked the absolute O.G. in the space, Heritage Store, if they would explore the topic with us. Since the '60's, Heritage Store he been the resource on the topic and the most popular brand of castor oil you'll see on natural health food shelves everywhere.

We talked with Jennifer Rasp-Bickerton DC, MS, the brand's Director of Education and Anya Wolfenden, MA, Director of Innovation and Formulation about the best way to use a castor oil pack at home and the history of it's uses for health and wellness...

How To Use A Castor Oil Pack + Why Bother

TCM: For the uninitiated, what is a castor oil pack?

Anya Wolfenden, MA: A castor oil pack is the application of ample castor oil on a piece of unbleached wool or cotton flannel externally placed on the body, such as on the abdominal region, joints, or muscles. This application is generally accompanied by heat, either a hot water bottle or an electric heating pad.

TCM: What are the benefits of using a castor oil pack?

Jennifer Rasp-Bickerton DC, MS: The castor oil pack (COP) is a wonderful addition to any self-care regimen. A castor oil pack can be applied to a variety of areas on the body, however most often it is applied to the abdominal region spanning the liver to the large intestine. The abdominal area is where the Peyer’s patches are located, small areas of lymph tissue found throughout the small intestines. Castor oil packs are commonly used over the gallbladder/liver area on the right upper abdominal quadrant and are a soothing component of a healthy cleansing regimen.

TCM: Naturally, as you're connected to a natural health brand, you've got to be conservative about any claims.  Do you yourselves use castor oil pack or recommend them to your friends? 

Jennifer Rasp-Bickerton DC, MS: I have personally used castor oil packs to ease abdominal tension over the gallbladder / liver abdominal area. Along with the addition of consuming a cleansing fiber, such as psyllium husk and a high fiber diet, it helps provide a free-flowing, calm and comfortable feeling.

I like to use castor oil packs to relax for 30-60 minutes before bed with a hot water bottle.

Anya Wolfenden, MA: I find castor oil packs wrapped around a stiff joint, or placed on the back also soothe and moisturize the skin to make it supple.”

TCM: Can you tell us a bit about the history of castor oil packs? How did they become a popular therapy? 

Anya Wolfenden, MA:  Castor Oil Packs were one of the Heritage Store’s first legacy products when we began in 1969.

Castor oil is referred to as “Palma Christi,” which means Palm of Christ in Latin, because of its healing nature. It
has been used for over 3500 years in cultures all around the world for many beneficial properties. First
described in the Ebers papyrus of ancient Egypt, castor seeds have been found in tombs of Egyptian
Pharaohs and the oil has been rumored to be an ancient beauty secret used by Cleopatra.

Castor oil used as a pack on the body was recommended to be applied over the abdominal area by doctors,
naturopaths, osteopaths, massage therapists, chiropractors, and other holistic practitioners. It became a well-known therapy featured in Dr. Gott’s health advice column about bursitis of the knees, and books
such as Dr. William McGarey’s, The Oil That Heals and Heal Arthritis, Dr. Gladys McGarey’s The
Physician Within You, Dr. John Pagano’s, Healing Psoriasis, and Dr. Christiane Northrop’s Women’s
Bodies, Women’s Wisdom.

TCM: You mentioned that castor oil packs can be used in a healthy cleansing regimen. Are they beneficial during cleanses and detox protocols?

Jennifer Rasp-Bickerton DC, MS: Using castor oil packs along with healthy cleansing diets, help to provide personal focus on areas of stagnation in the body. By gently helping the natural process of elimination along, many feel more cleansed and lean as their systems re-balance, so that may be a lovely benefit if one is drinking plenty of water and getting things moving.

Over the five plus decades, Heritage Store has received thousands of testimonials from customers, friends and practitioners who have successfully incorporated them into their various cleansing protocols. The physical application of a castor oil pack on the body, similar to the therapeutic approach of massage, combines well with healthy detoxification protocols to encourage the body’s natural movement to help support the feeling of rejuvenation and vitality.

TCM: And there are also benefits for women during their menstrual cycle specifically, isn't that right? 

Jennifer Rasp-Bickerton DC, MS: Yes, castor oil packs provide a comforting addition to monthly care for women. The timing of this application a week before the cycle begins can contribute to the philosophy of self-care. Relaxing and nourishing the physical body is especially beneficial for women to feel their best during their monthly cycles. A self-care ritual of monthly castor oil packs before the cycle begins (not during menstruation)
may support a woman’s overall well-being, including a sense of balance and rhythm.

TCM: Why is the castor plant so beneficial? 

Jennifer Rasp-Bickerton DC, MS:  Castor oil is produced from the castor bean (seed). The oil has a 90% concentration of an omega-9 fatty acid known as ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid is what makes castor oil so beneficial. It is deep cleansing, moisturizing, and very soothing for the skin, and an ideal oil for using on castor oil packs because of its versatility and ability to penetrate the skin. Historically, castor oil was used as a purgative to promote regularity.

Black Castor Oil is made from roasted castor beans. It is used to nourish hair follicles and helps support cleansing pores for clear vibrant skin. Heritage Store has an insistence on sustainable and ethical sourcing, combined with an interest in the traditional African method of roasting castor beans. This has led to Heritage Store collaborating with The Haitian Women’s Cooperative with Haitian-American founders, Michelle Elie and Michaelle Auguste St. Natus. The black castor oil beans are roasted based on the traditional African method and can be used on lashes, brows, as a scalp massage, and even on knees, shoulders, and elbows as a naturally fragrant moisturizer.

TCM: Castor oil packs can be messy. What are your tips for pulling it off easily?

Anya Wolfenden, MA:

First, gather the supplies.
Once you have a kit together, it's easy for you to create a pack whenever you need it.

+ Heritage Store original Castor Oil that is hexane-free and cold pressed. (Hexane is a harsh solvent
and the hexane free demarcation means that the product was extracted without harsh chemicals. Cold pressed preserves the ricinoleic acid.)
+ Unbleached wool or cotton flannel
+ Plastic wrap
+ One large and one small towel
+ Wet wash cloth with baking soda and water
+ Heat source, either a hot water bottle or heating pad

How to use a castor oil pack:

Find a comfortable spot to rest and relax. Put a large towel down because the oil could stain sheets or other surfaces.

Pour enough castor oil on the unbleached wool or cotton flannel to saturate. Place the oil side down on the
abdomen or other area of the body.

Cover with plastic wrap and place a small towel over it so that you can apply your chosen heat source to the top so that it is comfortable.

This can be left on for an hour, or when your water bottle has cooled.

Gently cleanse the skin with a wipe or wash cloth when finished.

Castor oil packs can be applied as desired. A common schedule is three times per week for addressing a
specific area or three times per month for optimal health.

Do you use castor oil packs? Tell us your experience in the comments.

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Inside Beauty Founder Jen Atkin’s New Years Goal Setting Ritual

every december, this simple and fun goal-setting post from beauty legend, Jen Atkin has fallen across our feeds. This year, we thought it could be fun to share the ritual here so readers can stack it in to their New Year's rituals.

Atkin is the founder of cult-fave haircare brands Ouai and Mane Addicts and famously styles everyone from Hailey Bieber to the Kardashian-Jenner clan. The busy beauty founder's annual practice before New Year's Eve is simple, fun and all about intention-setting. "I like to get in the right mindset for the new year... Remember its not about 'keeping resolutions' but about showing up for yourself and your goals in big and small ways every day. We may not have control over a lot of things, but it doesn’t hurt to try to steer the ship!"

We love that this beloved female founder shares her personal rituals online and have outlined her New Year's templates here for you below so you can try it for yourself...

 Jen Atkin's Intention-Setting Ritual

What would I do if there was no way to fail?

In 6 months...
+ Be:
+ Do:
+ Have:

In 12 months...
+ Be:
+ Do:
+ Have:

My intentions for the year ahead...

Personal
01
02
03
04

Health
01
02
03
04

Career
01
02
03
04

Recreational
01
02
03
04

Home
01
02
03
04

Spirituality
01
02
03
04

Do you have a New Year's goal-setting ritual? Share some of yours in the comments to help inspire our community!

Read Next: Jennifer Aniston's Workout Takes 20 Minutes + Leaves Us Completely Sculpted

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Inside My Life-Altering Day At The Topanga Canyon Wellness Sabbatical By Rituel

Across the 101, up a mountain, down a hill, and through the gate of a Topanga Canyon estate lies a majestic otherland named Rituel, offering a novel one-to-eight-week Wellness Sabbatical that turns the whole idea of a wellness retreat on its head.

When I pulled up to Rituel early one Friday morning, I felt like I had entered a vortex in a country far, far away from the city—so much so, my Waze app barely knew where I was. Upon entering Rituel’s gates, I was shooketh by how stunning the grounds were -- a sliver of land on the side of a mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean. What I saw reminded me why people move to Los Angeles in the first place, and as an L.A. girl myself, I rarely have moments where I remember why I live in this very crowded place!

Before my Rituel experience, I wasn't the type that appreciated words like “abundance,” “held,” “container,” or “gratitude,”——but my one-day Wellness Sabbatical made me understand what all of those words are supposed to feel like.

I dive into my day-long experience in depth below, but first, a little bit about the retreat and its founders.

Founder Eve Gaines launched Rituel as a safe space for women to dive deeper into their spiritual, physical, psychological, and emotional wellbeing.

“I always wanted to have a space where practitioners from multiple modalities, disciplines, and specialities could provide curated, comprehensive, and integrated support for people at a 360-degree level. After all, real healing is about care.” Eve's background includes studies in Medical and Psychological Anthropology; Ecological Design and Organic Architecture; and Ceremonial Rites of Passage. It wasn’t until she met Brand Consultant, and now Rituel’s Brand Director, Trinity Rose that Rituel’s Wellness Sabbatical was born.

The Wellness Sabbatical, which consists of custom, fully integrative programming for either 1 week, 3 weeks, or 8 weeks, doesn't require putting your entire life on hold, which—for us—is a completely unheard of approach.

“True healing comes from being known in an environment where you don’t have to keep explaining who you are and what your story is over and over again,” Eve shared. Rituel does just that by bringing together some of LA’s most highly skilled and versatile practitioners from every pillar of healing—spiritual, psychological, emotional, and physical—to work together during your time on the grounds.

A Naturopathic Doctor and Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor may work with you on your holistic physical and nutritional needs while a somatic bodyworker and holistic chiropractor help you move blocked energy and stored emotional trauma throughout the body. A psychotherapist with a spiritual approach may help you safely digest, process, and integrate your emotional release. And an evolutionary astrologer may provide a roadmap for your psycho-spiritual foundation.

The Day I Spent At Rituel’s Retreat

I arrived at Rituel with no makeup on and a phone with zero service. I resolved that I would be completely present and anything pouring through my inbox would just have to wait.

I was greeted by Trinity and Eve, who were casually making me a cacao rose superfood latte in the outdoor kitchen, dressed in what you’d imagine queens from Topanga Canyon might wear. In that moment, I was the happiest I had been in years.

After catching up with the women and learning about the grounds—which Eve and her husband had purchased many, many moons ago with only a dream of what it could become—I prepared for my day of introspection and personal healing.

10am | Opening Ceremony with Eve As a ceremonial specialist with a focus on female rites of passage, Eve led me through an intention-setting ceremony. Using artfully chosen florals from the property and traditional Native American energetic cleansing rituals, I took in my surroundings, let go of everything but the present moment, and grounded myself for a day of healing.

10:30am | Evolutionary Astrology Reading with Ali Ofstedal I had done evolutionary astrology readings before, but never one like this one. I went into my reading with an awareness of questions I needed answers to and existential crises I hoped to ground. Ali, who is like a bundle of warm, radiant energy, ran me through my birth chart as it related to my karmic past, my current present, and my hopeful future.

I found it spot-on and incredibly relieving to be able to contextualize and synthesize things I had been feeling, but didn’t know how to activate upon. Ali was well-versed in all things astrology, but she also led me through my Human Design (which I had never done), and I have not stopped researching my Manifesting-Generator type since.

12pm | Therapeutic Massage with Carly Bindon, ND After discovering who I was and who I’m meant to become, I met with Carly, who is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, who has put her medical practice on pause to focus on transformational bodywork and therapeutic movement.

She took me down to Rituel’s “Treatment Tent,” which was this beautifully bohemian, indoor-outdoor space looking out onto the mountains, valleys, and ocean.

Our initial consultation involved her observing my posture, my breathing (which was obviously incorrect), and any painful or tight areas of my body. Let me just tell you, I was no stranger to somatic bodywork, but this was a whole new level of energy work. If you have had cranial-sacral work, this was not that.

Carly worked in intensive strokes on areas of my body where she felt energy was stagnant. I could feel rushes of vibrations and literal energy coursing through my body, bringing up different emotions depending on where it landed (anxiety was a big one!). It was a pretty powerful and profound experience, and it left me with many considerations as well as homework on better diaphragmatic breathing (I’ve been breathing incorrectly for years!).

Note that, oftentimes, it can take a couple of days to fully release what comes up with somatic bodywork, so if you feel some discomfort in the days to follow, that is totally normal.
1:30pm | Seasonal Ayurvedic Lunch with Chef Jo Ann Kim Now it was time for a break. Chef Jo Ann, who is a private chef specializing in Ayurvedic cuisine, prepared a beautiful lunch of dosha-loving meals that were as balancing as they were delicious.

From start to finish, each dish was thoughtfully crafted to support my day’s-worth of treatments for optimal nourishment, digestion (literally and figuratively), and grounding based on the six rasas (or tastes) of Ayurveda.

Made of local, seasonal, whole-food ingredients, Jo Ann delivered a palate-cleansing heirloom-peach salad, a chilled, fermented soba noodle soup, and a truly delicious quinoa, shrimp, lettuce cup situation alongside an out-of-this-world green goddess dressing that I may never get to have again.

As a snack in between my next treatments, she also created a sweet potato, pine nut, and black sesame paste accoutrement that was *chef’s kiss*.

2:30pm | Rebalancing Acupuncture with Rose Goodman L.Ac Next, I was passed onto Rose, who I automatically loved because we shared the last name. She took me back into the “Treatment Tent,” where we began the next phase of my journey.

I have been getting acupuncture for almost a decade, so I was curious to see how Rose’s method would offer something unique or different. I learned that she practices Five Element Acupuncture, which aims to balance the five elements of your body that you share with nature—wood, wind, metal, fire, earth.

What I found really interesting was that a lot of Rose’s observations aligned with Carly’s, making it clear that I had some obvious areas that required more attention. Throughout my session, Rose would use tuning forks, which sent a wave of balancing vibration through my chakras. Yes, I could feel my chakras opening.

It was a deeply gentle experience, followed up by a couple of minutes spent decompressing with Rose on the deck of the tent.

4pm | Healing Sound Immersion with Natalie Vallé As I headed back to the main grounds, where there is another healing tent, I started to feel sad because I could sense that my time at Rituel was coming to an end.

Natalie, yet another radiant Topanga energy in the midst, set up an intimate, plush space for me to recline into for my sound bath. I lay down, facing the sun with the breeze passing over me like a blanket.

For the next hour, I was in a total trance. Natalie not only opened up my already opening chakras, but she may have opened up all of nature’s chakras too. Without being touched, I felt like I had been carried by the surrounding sounds of this very, very special sound bath.

5pm | Herbal Bath Prepared by Eve I won’t lie to you. When I saw “Herbal Bath” on my itinerary leading up to the Sabbatical, I wondered how this would work. However, by 5pm, I no longer had any concerns about how things would be handled on this wild, wild day in the canyon.

In the back of the tent, there was an outdoor, free-standing tub filled with handpicked herbs, flowers, and botanicals—most of which came from the property itself.

Eve explained the spiritual significance and physical benefit of each component and left me on my own to enjoy the quiet for as long as I needed as the sun started to hide behind the hilltop landscape.

In that moment, I felt a surge of—I’m gonna say it—gratitude as I took in what the day had included. I was in the middle of nature, luxuriating in a bath that may as well have transported me into my Divine Feminine Era, feeling truly held by everything and everyone.

I rinsed off in their outdoor shower and prepared myself for reintegration.

6pm | Integration, Culmination & Honoring The time had come. I was going to have to go home. But not before Eve sat down with me to close out the day. I pulled cards from a very special Tarot deck, which, to no one’s surprise, perfectly reflected many of the feelings and themes that had been brought up throughout the day. Eve and I discussed ways to reintegrate and what I could expect over the coming days, and then I sadly left the gates of Rituel, knowing that I had to do everything I could not to let the spell break once I got back on the 101.

Taking A Wellness Sabbatical

These are Rituel's core offerings:

3-Week + 8-Week Sabbaticals | The 3 and 8-week programs are the deeper, more committed programs of Rituel’s three offerings. Running in the spring and fall, these longer Sabbaticals allow for a group of four participants to receive treatments privately while in the context of a cohort.

You can expect to be on Rituel’s grounds four times per week, receiving two treatments for half of the day with the opportunity to stay on the property to rest, read, restore, and reintegrate as you please. In addition to your sessions, you’ll also have a once-per-week workshop that will provide you with relevant skills to help you integrate what you’re learning onsite into your everyday life (meditation, breathwork, sound baths) and practitioner-guided “homework,” so you can keep building toward a sustainable life practice outside of the sabbatical. Yes, that includes therapy! You’ll also have an offsite session with Rituel’s designated therapist once per week to help you continue your deep work in the off hours.

1-Week Sabbatical | Offered year-round, the 1-week Sabbatical is a consolidated version of the longer programs, geared toward one person and customized to their individual needs based on your chosen level of intensity. Although the commitment of the 1-week Sabbatical is less than the 3 or 8-week program, it still includes the same types of treatments and reintegration processes, just without the workshops.

If you have any specific or dedicated needs like deep trauma or cancer*, Rituel will bring in specialized practitioners on a case-by-case basis, so as to better support you during your experience.

Final Thoughts

Writing this piece has been challenging because there are not enough words to encapsulate how big and special my day at Rituel was. The privacy and intimacy of my experience is hard to fully explain, but what I can say is that the philosophy, mission, and execution of Rituel’s vision all align, which is rare for many wellness retreats looking to impart true change in people’s lives.

What I also loved was that I now had a whole new team of practitioners I could contact once I left my Sabbatical to continue my healing journey on my own time, which I learned was every part of Rituel’s intention.

Was reintegration back to daily life hard? Yes. But given Eve and Trinity’s focus on making these big shifts a sustainable part of one’s journey, I felt empowered to incorporate the things I had learned while also acknowledging that I would have to re-engage with my bold inbox and my vibrating phone once more.

As far as I know, Rituel is one of a kind, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it or do it again myself.

*The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.

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12 Cool Sustainable Gifts For Kids of Every Age

from plant-dyed sweats to propolis-spiked lollipops, we've gathered together sustainable gifts for kids that you'll love as much as they do! We love these Slumberkins toys that teach emotional health lessons and the Things Are Looking Up card deck for daily family connections. Drop more natural kids gift ideas in the comments!

12 Cool Sustainable Gifts For Kids

The Sunday Collective Sets | (Shown above) Sunday Collective's TSC Naturals line uses an organic dying process to create soft, muted, and environmentally friendly essentials.  Every hoodie, T and pair of shorts is cozy, non-toxic and every day wearable.

Stapelstein Originals | (Shown above) European-made Stapelstein (German for stepping stones) helps to unlock children’s potential with a collection of sustainable, minimalist products that encourage creativity, movement, imagination, and confidence. Versatile, durable, and fun - and pretty great to look at strewn about the living room too.

Slumberkins emotional health stuffies + books | Teach kids a variety of emotional and mental health lessons with Slumberkins animals! We've loved the brand since launch for making common issues like moving, the loss of a grandparent or sharing toys so fun and sweet to address.

Little Chef Blender Play Set | Mommy and me blenders, anyone? If your significant other is getting a blender this year, why not gift one to the littles too? Healthy cooking habits start young and this set is too sweet to resist.

 

Rile Skincare | When beauty editor Kelly Atterton, formerly of Allure and Vanity Fair, realized that there wern't any great clean skincare products for her own teens and tweens, she set out to make them herself.

Rile Skincare is decidedly Gen Z and Gen Alpha friendly. "When my friends who had kids before me asked what they should buy for their children as they transitioned out of baby products, I didn’t have a good answer." Rile skincare is kid-appropriate, clean and easy to use.

Beekeeper's Naturals Kids Throat Soothing Lolipops | Adults love this wellness brand, and their kid-friendly products are perfect for sneaking into stockings too. Their genius lollipops are packed with propolis and honey to help soothe little coughs and sore throats. While you're at it, pick up their best-selling propolis throat spray to have on hand through the remainder of winter.

Rylee + Cru Mama and Mini Sets | Responsibly and sustainably made, these adorable and seasonal pieces for kids sell out fast! We love their matchy-matchy sets for moms and kids that serve a little variety and a lot of charm!

Hiya Kids Multivitamin | There are more than a few reasons why this kids' multi makes it on to so many of our best-of lists—and for our wellness pro friends, too. When it comes to your children's health, and the health of the planet: they're made with 12 fruits and veggies, non-GMO and vegan, sweetened by fruit sources, and is designed with a refillable package that your kids can personalize.

Seed PDS-08™ Pediatric Daily Synbiotic | Prioritizing gut health early in life is a no-brainer for any wellness-loving parent. But getting your kids to eat for it is a whole other story. That's where Seed comes in. Their clinically studied 2-in-1 powdered synbiotic is formulated for children and adolescents ages 3-17 with 9 probiotic strains and a fiber-based prebiotic. All you have to do is pour the powder into yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal and more.

Things Are Looking Up Optimism Deck | If pulling a card for yourself is one of your mindfulness practices, you'll love this for your kids. Designed by Dr. Deepika Chopra, who holds a doctorate in clinical health psychology, each of the 52 colorful cards features a science-based prompt or suggestion that makes building your child's mental toolbox fun for everyone! The Kids Optimism Deck empowers children to develop a brighter outlook on life and build resilience from an early age giving them tools that will last a lifetime in a fun, tangible creative way.
Pura Eco-Friendly Diapers | If you're looking for children's gifts, you could need gift ideas for parents too! A stash of these adorable natural diapers and wipes are a practical gift for new moms and dads of all kinds. Pura's eco-friendly, allergy-safe, buttery-soft diapers are also incredibly affordable! Wipes are 100% plant-based, biodegradable made with just water and aloe.

Shop Next: The TCM Reader Gift Guide: 12 Of Your Favorite + Editor Approved Gifts

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This Pistachio + Persimmon Galette By An Up-And-Coming Baker Couldn’t Be Cooler

Yes, it is cookie season, but consider the humble galette. The cool girl of winter baking projects, a galette is elegant, low-effort and absolutely delicious. We've been following Elizabeth Ho, the mindful baker behind Birdhouse Bakeshop, for a while now. She runs one of the most gorgeous baking accounts on Instagram lately and, as you'll soon glean from her notes below, keeps us feeling wistful about baking while helping us whip up beautiful recipes like this persimmon and pistachio galette recipe below.

Elizabeth shared these sweet notes with us and we're loving the excuse to swipe up more persimmons...

If the last few years of running a micro bakery have taught me anything, it’s the importance of investing more of myself in small things that cultivate love and intentionality. To focus on what nurtures and supports—not only my creative self, and the people around me, but my surroundings. The act of baking is universally grounding. It is an energy that allows us to communicate affection, to share authentically, to guide with integrity, and also to remain open to the natural world.

One of my earliest memories of baking is of building a pie, with just-picked summer strawberries; and spending time in my family’s garden, filled with lush greens and vivid pink roses—the petals I used to adorn the finished pie. The taste of the strawberries at their peak, in harmony with the monochromatic, crimson palette always stuck with me.

It is not a mere coincidence that the ingredients that bloom at the same time are also the most delicious when paired together, in taste and in palette. Strawberry and rose. Blueberry and basil. Apricot and jasmine. Plum and lavender. Persimmon and orange. Baking with the seasons in mind can be the most down-to-earth way of reconnecting and immersing yourself in your local community’s growth and needs.

I think it’s a misconception that we need to have outsized experiences—of being in the wild, on top of a mountain, out at sea—to feel a deep reverence for the earth. There’s something beautiful about being rooted in familiar surroundings, and learning to create something meaningful out of it. To embody a relationship with the simplicity around us, our personal geography, and its influence on who we are, every day. Baking is an opportunity to truly observe and to keep the sense of wonder open. To pay attention to, romanticize, and experience what is right in front of us. Something we often lose sight of in the day-to-day grind, in a fast-paced society.

So when the weight of life overwhelms you, get in the kitchen, turn on your favourite music, and bake. Something filled with seasonal fruit, and flourished with local blooms, to share with the people you love. It’s a humble appreciation for the world around you. Intention in every sense.

Birdhouse's Pistachio + Persimmon Galette

I love this galette. As winter’s persimmons are coming in, it is a comforting, and wistful time of year. We still have the sweetness of late-autumn hanging on: figs, quince, concord grapes… feel free to celebrate this rare intersection of seasons, adding in the fruit available to you.

Notes on substitutions:
+ For butter, I'd encourage using a high quality, grass-fed brand, if possible!
+ The orange marmalade can be omitted, or replaced with your favourite winter jam or paste– quince, pear, or any citrus marmalade would work well, alongside the persimmon).
+ The cinnamon and nutmeg are also optional, but very recommended. I imagine a pinch of cardamom, or a crack of black pepper would be beautiful.
+ You’re free to use any nut, any fruit available and seasonal to you– I love sliced pears or apples, with hazelnut.

Galette Crust Ingredients:
1 cup brown rice flour
2 tbsp tapioca starch or rice flour
2 tbsp almond flour
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold
2 tbsp ice cold water
2 tsp apple cider vinegar (creme fraiche or buttermilk will work as well)
*if grains are not a concern for you, the flours can be replaced with 1 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour

Galette Crust Directions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut the cold butter into ½ inch cubes, and add it to the bowl. Using your fingers and palms, incorporate the butter into the dry mixture, by squishing it throughout and creating long, flaky, floury, pea-sized pieces (if you have a pastry cutter, that works too).
3. Dribble in the cold water, then add the apple cider vinegar to the mix, and evenly distribute with your hands. Knead it a few times to bring it into a rough, shaggy mass of dough.
4. Press the dough into a ½-1 inch thick disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate or freeze for at least an hour or two, while you prep the rest of the filling. At this point, you could store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw before rolling.

Persimmon Filling Ingredients:
3 cups (roughly 4-5 large) thinly sliced Fuyu persimmon (slightly ripe, but still firm)
2 tsp cornstarch
3-4 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla paste, or seeds scraped from one vanilla bean
Pinch of sea salt
*optional: ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg (grated or ground)

Persimmon Filling Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium sized bowl, toss to evenly coat. Set aside while you prep your crust.

Galette Assembly

Additional Ingredients:
½ cup pistachios, toasted and roughly ground (¼ cup pistachio butter or paste would also be lovely)
3-4 tbsp orange marmalade
1 small egg, beaten
Coarse sugar (i.e. cane or turbinado), for sprinkling. This is optional but makes for a lustrous, extra crunchy crust.

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375F.
2. On a lightly floured surface, or between two large pieces of parchment paper, roll your pie dough out into a circle, approximately 14-15 inches in diameter. Place the dough on a baking sheet, cast iron skillet, or pie dish (parchment lined).
3. Spread the ground pistachio over the rolled-out crust, leaving a 1 1/2 to 2 inch border. Evenly arrange the sliced persimmon filling atop the pistachio.
4. Fold the border of the dough, up and over the filling. Brush the edges with egg wash, and sprinkle generously with the sugar.
5. Place the galette in the oven, and bake for 40-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
6. Let it cool slightly before enjoying, with a spoonful of coconut whipped cream, creme fraiche, or ice cream.

The post This Pistachio + Persimmon Galette By An Up-And-Coming Baker Couldn’t Be Cooler appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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10 Ways To Support Sustainable Agriculture With Farmer Lee Jones

Whether you frequent your local farmers' market or shop for produce at your local grocery story, getting to know the story behind those fresh figs or understanding the source and seasonality of those heirloom tomatoes helps us to create a healthier connection to our food and those who cultivate it. Regenerative agriculture expert and farmer Lee Jones is on a mission to help not only consumers, but top chefs, around the world make mindful food choices that support local and sustainable farming practices.

You may already be familiar with this farming legend or his signature red bow tie and overalls: he was the first farmer to be a judge on Iron Chef, one of the first farmers to receive a James Beard Foundation award, and his wisdom has been featured just about everywhere from the New York Times to The Martha Stewart Show. Jones' new cookbook The Chef's Garden has quickly become the go-to bible for home cooks and top chefs.

We asked him to summarize his top advice for anyone looking to improve their own produce selection and culinary expertise.

10 Things Farmer Lee Jones Wishes Everyone Knew About Food + Farm

01 Embrace the Seasons | Nature's bounty varies with the seasons, offering a rich tapestry of flavors and nutrients. By embracing what each season brings, you not only indulge in the freshest produce but also support sustainable agricultural practices. Our farm, for instance, takes pride in growing an array of seasonal vegetables, each with its unique character and taste.
02 Support Local Farmers | Visiting farmers' markets and purchasing directly from local growers like myself strengthens the community's agricultural heritage. It allows you to connect with the people who cultivate your food and fosters a transparent food chain. When you buy from local farmers, you support small-scale, family-run operations, which in turn, aids in sustaining a vibrant and diverse farming landscape.

03 Reduce Food Waste | As a farmer, I understand the significance of reducing food waste. By embracing "imperfect" produce and creatively utilizing all parts of the plant, such as making carrot top pesto, we can make a meaningful difference in minimizing waste and ensuring more nutritious food reaches our tables. Each vegetable's uniqueness adds to its appeal and contributes to a positive impact on food sustainability.

04 Value Soil Health | Regenerative farming is at the heart of our practices here at the farm. We prioritize soil health by using cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic matter incorporation. By nurturing the soil, we create a thriving ecosystem that supports not only the growth of vegetables but also the wellbeing of beneficial organisms.

05 Compost and Reduce Waste | Composting is a fundamental aspect of our farming philosophy. We recycle organic plant waste, transforming it into nutrient-rich compost that enriches the soil and supports our crops. By reducing waste through composting, we contribute to the circular nature of our farm's ecosystem.

06 Know Your Food Labels | Being aware of food labels allows you to make informed choices aligned with your values. While our farm is not certified organic, we adhere to regenerative farming principles that go beyond conventional practices to prioritize environmental health and sustainability.

07 Preserve Food Properly | Properly storing vegetables and fruits is essential to retain their freshness and nutrients. As a farmer, I recommend learning the best storage methods for different produce to extend their shelf life and minimize food spoilage.

08 Diversify Your Diet | A diverse diet not only introduces you to a multitude of flavors but also supports biodiversity. At our farm, we grow an array of heirloom and specialty vegetables, encouraging culinary exploration and a deeper connection to the land.

09 Choose Sustainable Farming | Opting for vegetables grown through regenerative farming practices ensures that you are contributing to environmental restoration and conservation efforts. Regenerative farming helps sequester carbon, rebuild soil health, and restore ecosystems.

10 Be A Mindful Consumer | Being mindful about your food choices means recognizing the impact they have on your health, the environment, and farming communities. By supporting regenerative farming and local growers, you become an active participant in creating a sustainable and resilient food system that benefits us all. Your choices matter, and together, we can cultivate a healthier future for generations to come.

The post 10 Ways To Support Sustainable Agriculture With Farmer Lee Jones appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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Fast Like A Girl: Dr. Mindy Pelz On The Truth About Fasting For Women Vs. Men

Dr. Mindy Pelz is a world-renowned holistic health expert on a mission to create a women’s health revolution and what she calls "hormonal literacy". She is the bestselling author of Fast Like a Girl, The Menopause Reset and can be found via her popular podcast, “The Resetter Podcast" or YouTube channel interviewing many of the experts our readers love here on TCM, from Dr. Amen to Max Lugavare.

We asked Mindy to share about a few keys to fasting for women specifically - a fascinating topic that can help to supercharge your current intermittent and other fasting habits and shape up how you eat in the future...

What are the top 3-5 benefits to fasting for women? Fasting has so many different benefits! Here are a few of the biggest ones:

+ Weight Loss. A lot of my clients start fasting because they want to lose weight. Studies have shown that fasting is better than regular dieting for weight loss[*], and my clients are proof of that. Many of them have been struggling to diet for years with no results—but fasting just clicks.

+ Healthy Aging. If you want to look and feel younger, start fasting! It decreases bodywide inflammation, which reduces stress on your cells and slows down aging. It also makes your mitochondria—the power plants of your cells—more powerful, meaning you literally produce more energy. After a few fasts, you’ll look younger and you’ll feel energized.

+ Hormone Balance. One of the most common struggles I hear from clients is that their hormones are out of balance. Their cycles are irregular or absent, or they’re going through menopause and feel awful. Fasting can help, especially if you change the way you fast throughout the month, to align with your body’s natural rhythms. It’s amazing how quickly fasting can help balance your hormones.

Why fasting is different for women than men: Men and women are so different! There are major disparities in what we each need for our health, especially when it comes to things like weight loss, hormone balance, nutrition, and healthy aging.

In terms of fasting, the biggest difference between women and men is that women need to change the way they fast throughout the month, based on the hormonal shifts that come with their cycle. Men can fast anytime because their hormones don’t change.

Biggest myth I'd like to bust: It’s a widespread myth that women shouldn’t fast. Usually you hear people say that fasting screws up our hormones and that we’re better off avoiding it. But that’s not true at all. Fasting is an incredible tool for women—we just have to do it slightly differently than men do. As long as you time fasting with your monthly cycle and make a few other small changes, you can get all the benefits of fasting without any downsides.

Which conditions can be especially supported through intermittent fasting? Fasting is great for you in so many different ways, but one benefit I wish got more attention is how fasting can help with menopause.

Menopause can be such a difficult time in life. Your hormones change massively, which can lead to cognitive deficits, muscle loss, osteoporosis, depression, sleep problems, weight gain—all kinds of health problems. But you have a lot more control over menopause than you think, and with a couple small changes—one of the biggest ones being fasting—you can take back your health and feel amazing.

I’ve seen intermittent fasting help so many of my clients through menopause. It’s extraordinary what a difference it can make.

What to know about fasting through your cycle: For women, intermittent fasting is all about timing your fast with your cycle. The basic breakdown is this:

Day 1-10 of your cycle (Menstrual phase) | Perfect time for all types of fasting.

Day 11-15 of your cycle (Follicular phase) | Good time for intermittent fasting, but no longer than a 15-hour fast.

Day 16-19 of your cycle (Ovulation phase) | All types of fasting are okay, unless you have low progesterone, in which case you can use this time to eat lots of hormone-building foods.

Day 20-30 of your cycle (Luteal phase) | No fasting! This is the lead-up to when menstruation starts. Be gentle with your body and focus on eating plenty of high-quality carbs, healthy fats, good proteins, and other foods that will make you feel good.

The post Fast Like A Girl: Dr. Mindy Pelz On The Truth About Fasting For Women Vs. Men appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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