
Here's my latest column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail.
March has me thinking green.
Capitol Market just held its Green Chili Shootout this past weekend. St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow. And, green shoots are popping up from the ground in the form of daffodils and tulips as we speak.
Then, there are the edible greens this time of year - like creasy greens.
Creasy greens are a cold-hearty edible plant that is one of the first signs of spring. Growing wild throughout Appalachia, creasy greens - or Barbarea verna - are also known as upland cress and are kin to watercress.
While watercress is found at the edges of streams, creasy greens are found growing in fields throughout the eastern United States. They are part of the Brassica family, which includes kale, broccoli and cabbage.
You may find the latter on supermarket shelves, but if you’re in search of creasy greens, your best shot is at farmers markets in mountain towns or even your own backyard.
The entire plant - from stems and flowers - is edible. The peppery green has a slight tangy flavor and is similar to mustard greens. They are often cooked down with bacon and onions and sometimes used in hearty stews and soups.
Creasy greens have been a staple in Appalachian cooking for generations, providing both flavor and nutrition to traditional meals.
Because the greens are usually foraged from the wild, the connection to land is strengthened in Appalachian food. Creating meals and providing nourishment with fruits from the mountains is critical to Appalachian food culture.
The significance of creasy greens extends beyond their availability as a wild edible. They embody the resilience and resourcefulness of the Appalachian people, who have long relied on the land to sustain themselves. In a landscape characterized by rugged terrain and economic challenges, creasy greens offer a source of sustenance - both for the body and the soul.
Craft Cocktail Salt
Solar evaporated and hand harvested in the mountains of WV this cocktail salt will brighten the flavor of any cocktail.
KEEPWELL VINEGARS
White Soy Sauce
Made in Maryland by artisan vinegar makers. The soy beans are not toasted before fermenting. Use as a dipping sauce.
LITTLE SEED FARM
Goat Milk Soap
This soap is formulated for sensitve skin using only organic and natural ingredients. Made in east Tennessee.
CROOKED CONDIMENTS
Beer Mustard
This mustard is made in Western NC from local beer. It is great on sandwiches, sausage, or serve with charcuterie.
SOW THE MAGIC
Forget-Me-Not Seed Balls
It's time to plant flowers! These handy seed balls make it easy. People with disabilities work to make these in Asheville, NC.
BLIND TIGER
Lavender French 75 Mix
Made in Western PA this delicious drink is great on its own or add it to gin or vodka as a mixer. Refreshing!

"The Village Coffee Roastery is one of the oldest independent coffee houses in Arizona and has a proud history of utilizing science and technology. Opened in 1996 by Craig Sellmen, a chemist, the Village was the first in the United States to employ technologies to minimize human error. In 2006 Craig retired and sold the coffee shop to longtime customer Lisa Stroud who had an extensive background in Restaurant Development and management. Over the last 22 years the Roastery has experimented with the finest Arabica beans from across the world, bringing out the natural essence of the region from which it comes," reads the website.

Espresso
Our espresso is a handcrafted 5-bean blend allowing a multi dimensional flavor that is unsurpassed.
Yirgacheffe
Yirgacheffe is considered among the finest coffees from anywhere in Africa. A complex flavorful coffee, with hints of citrus and fruit in the top notes, Yirgacheffe’s rich flavor is balanced by its moderate body, while delighting the senses with its aroma and lingering aftertaste.
Sidamo
The flavor of Sidamo is alluring and complex. Gentle floral scents waft from the cup, imparting a tart and a complex fruitiness. The crisp acidity gives it a lively finish and leaves you wanting more.
Harrar
This coffee is noted for its resemblance to a dry red wine and full bodied presence. The flavor is amazingly layered with subtle hints of berry and mocha with an earthy backdrop.
Sumatra
Sumatra is noted for its lush, sultry earthiness. The coffee is full bodied, complex and delivers a smooth finish.
Mexico Chiapas Jacinto
Chiapas notes a mildly rustic sweetness with a brown sugar aroma. The coffee has a moderate brightness and is fairly short in the aftertaste.
Costa Rica
The flavor of Costa Rica is sweetly smooth, full bodied and pleasantly acidic. The coffee is noted for its nutty undertones, clean aftertaste and balance.
El Salvador Santa Leticia Borbon
This coffee notes a bold chocolate flavor with hints of berry in both taste and aroma. The flavor is delicate, bold, rich and clean.
Guatemala
This coffee notes a surprisingly rich coffee with a vibrant flavor. Guatemala is medium in body, with a sharp acidity and spice like after taste.
Village Blend
A 3 bean handcrafted blend. This blend is perfectly balanced and offers a smooth and layered flavor.
Colombian
The flavor of Colombian is chocolaty and slightly fruity. This coffee notes a sweet aroma with a floral hint. This varietal is heavy in body and well rounded.
Tanzanian Peaberry
The Tanzanian Peaberry notes deep richness, the flavor is bright and lively. This coffee is Light bodied with a winey acidity. The Tanzanian Peaberry is an intense flavor for the palette.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is a lighter bodied coffee with delicate notes, depth, complexity, and brightness. The range of flavors and subtleties of this cup give it a sophisticated character.
Celebes
The deep-toned flavors and maple-syrupy body sets Celebes apart, and results in a stunning, clearer taste. Celebes notes low acidity, great body and a deep brooding flavor.
Panama Boquete
Panama is a brightly toned coffee with a vivid floral aroma and clean fruited note. This coffee is smooth, balanced and light in body with a maple after taste.

The coffee shop has plenty of pastries and sweets in addition to the drinks. Plus oatmeal, bagels, burritos and more.

This spinach and feta lattice pastry was not only beautiful, but it was also flaky with a smooth and creamy interior.

To balance out all of that savory, I snagged a slice of banana bread. Banana bread is one of my favs - when it's moist. And, this one was definitely sweet and moist.

The frozen caramel latte rocked my world. I think maybe because it was extra frozen. So, it was super refreshing in this hot part of the country.

Grade: A
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