Indiana persimmons are found primarily in the Midwest — especially in my home state of Indiana. Smaller than their Asian persimmon counterparts, they’re harvested between September and November. The tree at the Pesky neighbor’s place is loaded this year.
Persimmon pudding is my favorite dessert on the planet.
Ripe persimmons are used in puddings, breads, pies, and jams — but the only dish that really matters is persimmon pudding.
The high tannin content in persimmons is what causes the puckering, bitter taste when you take a bite of one not yet ripe. When tannin cells come in contact with body tissues, the tissue shrinks — and people complain it gives them ‘cotton mouth’. That tannin stuff acts as an anti-inflammatory and is a strong antioxidant. Heck, in the 1800’s, persimmon tree bark was used to treat gonorrhea.
I don’t care about all that – I just want to eat pudding. 🙂
Now you know: Persimmon tannins can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and suppress the viral load in saliva samples from people who eat candy containing persimmon tannins.
When I awoke this morning it was barely 40°. It’s supposed to reach almost 80° in a few short hours. Pretty impressive for weather… but if it was a car?
A McLaren P1 can do that same thing in 1.8 seconds. My Mini Cooper can do it in 5.9 seconds. Even the new and fastest jeeps can do it in 14.6. But Indiana weather?HOURS.
We’ll still take it.
Now you know: Boston Corbett (the soldier who killed John Booth) castrated himself with a pair of scissors to avoid temptation upon seeing prostitutes.
Before I moved to the barndo, I was surrounded by fields that were farmed by one family. We got beans almost every year. I know very little about farming, but I have heard of rotating crops. Once here, I’m next to a different farming family that sure seem to be doing a whole lot more to their fields.
The drone was back.
I know for certain that the crops were dusted by the standard airplane method early in the planting season. And this is the 2nd time I’ve seen a drone spraying. Both are amazing to watch! Out of curiosity, I asked ChatGPT what the advantages and disadvantages are between drones and traditional crop dusters.
So why a drone?
Drones are higher precision and not only conserve chemicals (making it a less expensive option), but also reduce environmental impact. They’re better for smaller areas due to their limited battery life and the amount of chemicals it can hold. Basically, if you’ve got a large field, you spring for a crop duster. Thanks, ChatGPT. 🙂
Here’s hoping the extra care by Mr. Farmer produces a bumper crop!
After chicken shit being spread before planting — and turning the ground over at least 100 times — I sure hope this year’s crop is the best ever.
Now you know: During the last months of World War II, the Germans, British, and Americans agreed to a limited ceasefire to allow the the Allies to airdrop food to starving Dutch civilians.
Happy Labor Day! We’ve spent the entire weekend celebrating the contributions to our country made by laborers — and will continue to celebrate today. Yesterday, we started out with a gorgeous day here in southern Indiana…
Cooler temps at last!
All throughout the daylight hours, the weather was perfect to enjoy being outside. Swimming and just lounging were the favorite activities. The pool water temp was barely above 82° — I prefer it to be a tad warmer, but it wasn’t terribly chilly.
Then the universe changed our evening plans. 🌬️
We’d planned to light up the solo stove after dark to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. The universe obviously decided none of us worked hard enough to celebrate with a tasty snack. At least that’s the only valid reason we knew of that would cause the wind to kick up so much we were afraid we’d catch the woods on fire.
Instead, we roasted those marshmallows on our tiny tabletop Solo Cinder Bowl. It worked just fine and we had a great evening. Yes, we still got our s’mores, Mother Nature.
Back to work tomorrow for everyone not practicing retirement.
Here’s hoping you and yours enjoy this last day of a long weekend. ❤️
Now you know: President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a national holiday in 1894, during a crisis over federal efforts to end a strike by railroad workers.
I am a life-long Hoosier and never heard of corn sweat before. Have you? I know it’s hot and humid and people sweat… but corn?
It isn’t often you can actually learn something on Facebook, so this is not just interesting info — it’s also a stroke of pure luck. This week is predicted to be the most humid week of the year for the Corn Belt. Wonder why it’s extra muggy?
It’s corn. Sweaty ole’ corn.
One acre of corn can release 4,000 gallons of water per day! Each stalk can release 3 to 4 cups of water a day back into the air.
We’re surrounded by so much corn here at the barndo in Indiana, we’re drowning in humidity.
All that extra water can push up the dew point to near 80°. This is called “corn sweat.” During the summer months, corn crops require a whole lot of water not just to grow, but to also keep cool.
Water uses heat to evaporate and release back into the atmosphere as water vapor. It’s similar to how we sweat to avoid overheating. The water also helps carry nutrients and sugar throughout the corn’s stalk and leaves.
I’m blaming Mr. Farmer for this week’s heat discomfort.
The corn didn’t plant itself, right?
Now you know: In a fit of rage, Emperor Hadrian once stabbed a slave in the eye with a pen. Feeling regretful whe he calmed down, Hadrian called the slave and told him to ask for literally anything as compensation. The slave replied “i just want my eye back.”
