How to market your honey

Honey - Photo: Pixabay

Marketing honey in today's market is going to pose a bit of a challenge since you have so many commercial level sellers doing this with the resources to promote and market the product since not all places will purchase and carry your product. This is why many small businesses who do this sell to lower end stores and mom and pop places because when they get people buying that's how many of them end up in large-scale stores like Whole Foods Market and other stores that carry name brand organic food. Part of the marketing strategy is to be able to utilize the internet as well since people can open up online stores to sell their products, but you also have to have an effective system in place to pack and ship items all over the world because you will have customers who will be buying your product as far away as England or even Japan.

Your business should reflect handling online orders or you can sub-contract a company to pack and ship your items and take the guesswork out of your hands so you're not stuck having to deal with lost or misdirected packages.

Starting at the bottom of marketing helps you to learn little things that will make your business successful and can thrive in years to come when you know what it takes to make it work. Promotion isn't a skill placed on auto-pilot you have to spend time working it every single day because a business doesn't run itself it takes a good deal of persistence and effort to make it work and to make it where you want it to be. It's easier for people who have prior experience in running a business to be able to effectively carry out a sure-fire way to market a single product and still gain revenue. It's just that when you market products you have to know what is actually the demand for that particular product in question.

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Selling honey is always a product that people will buy and is in demand, but it's the companies that make it are the ones who are having to deal with a lot of competition since many small end businesses are extending themselves to the outside world and relying on larger companies to do the larger scale selling. Websites are effective because this is how many co-ops are formed because many food production companies try to find cost-effective ways to produce a product through sub-contracting farms and contractors to handle the mass production of honey making and making products out of beeswax.

This is why so many small businesses are reaching out to bigger companies, but it's helpful to give small businesses the tools needed to increase their exposure for the business and even clients with farmers and suppliers. Beekeeping is more than just a hobby it's a full-time job and business. It may look difficult because it requires you to be in all kinds of weather wearing a puncture and sting proof body suit with a face net just to put that sweetener you use for your biscuits and toast in the morning or that cup of hot chamomile tea, remember the beekeepers who endured that to make it possible to have that sticky sweet indulgence you put in your food and drinks.

Making Hamburger Recipes is Easy and Fun

Hamburger - Photo: Pixabay

When I was a kid Wimpy from the old Popeye cartoon show was one of my favorite characters because he expressed a deep love and obsession with hamburgers on a bun. Wimpy was always looking for hamburgers and wasn’t happy unless his plate was piled high with steaming hot hamburgers.

Even though I could only eat one, I easily related to Wimpy’s love of hamburgers, especially cheeseburgers. As I grew up I discovered how easy it was to make a meal out of cooking hamburgers and putting them on a hamburger bun. Add a little ketchup or hamburger sauce and you’ve got yourself a quick lunch or dinner.

While I’m not sure about the real history of the hamburger (a couple of towns claim to be the home of the original burger) I do know that they’re popularity spread quickly. Online you can find recipes for hamburger pattie or how to make foil hamburgers over the fire. But some of the best hamburger recipes don’t even involve a bun.

Online you can find recipes for hamburger stew, hamburger goulash, hamburger casserole, hamburger jerky, hamburger chowder, hamburger gravy, hamburger steak, hamburger with stuffed green peppers, hamburger macaroni soup, hamburger stroganoff, hamburger pie, and other easy hamburger recipes with egg, bread crumbs, and onion.

There’s even secret fast food hamburger recipes that expose how to make the popular McDonald’s hamburger, Wendy’s hamburger, and White Castle hamburgers. So, you don’t have to borrow money to buy hamburgers and promise to “pay you back on Tuesday” like Wimpy. You can just whip up one of your yummy recipes the next time you have a craving for the savory taste of a hamburger.

Author: Donna Monday

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BONSAI Trees

Bonsai Tree -  Photo: Pixabay

What are Bonsai trees? 

Many people think of tiny little Japanese trees cut and pruned to a miniature size but literally speaking Bonsai means ‘plant in a tray’ and while they are smaller than their wild counterparts they don’t have to be a couple of inches tall; they can be grown in a pot in the garden and will be smaller than their wild counterparts. 

Misconceptions about Bonsai trees. 

Many people believe that training Bonsai trees are a cruel pastime because the cultivator starves the tree and cuts it to such an extent that it becomes unhealthy. Quite the reverse is usually true; while they are cut and pruned quite heavily to keep them to the size of the pot, they are usually transferred from pot to pot regularly and are fed and watered much more often than their wild cousins. 

Contrary to belief, Bonsai trees do not originate from Japan, but there are records dating back more than 2000 years that show Bonsai being grown in China. These Bonsai weren’t as small as the Bonsai that people often envisage and were grown on an individual basis outdoors in pots. It was, though, the Japanese that took this art form and progressed it to the level it is at now. This has led to quite different styles in Japanese and Chinese Bonsai; the Chinese Bonsai being much more freestyle and more lightly pruned than the Japanese miniature Bonsai that are very heavily groomed and pruned and look much more like miniature natural versions of the full-sized versions. 

Bonsai trees do not live shorter lives than wild trees. They regularly live for many centuries and are traditionally passed down from generation to generation of the family. They lead nearly exactly the same length lives as their wild cousins and are often much healthier because of the attention they receive. 

The advantages of growing Bonsai. 

Not everyone has a large garden where they can plant numerous trees and let them grow as big as they want, and even those who do have large gardens still need to wait for many years before the tree becomes truly established. By growing Bonsai you don’t need any more room than the size of your pot and because you only need them to grow too much smaller proportions it really is accessible for anyone who is interested in growing Bonsai trees. You can even grow them inside if you can recreate the correct conditions for the tree you want to grow. 

Growing Bonsai trees can fast become an addictive hobby and requires attention to detail, the foresight of how the tree will grow and plenty of time and care. You will undoubtedly feel massive satisfaction if you decide to grow Bonsai and are any good at it.

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The MICHELIN STAR System

Cuisine 3 etoiles de Jacques Lameloise
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What is it?

The Michelin Guide is a series of annual guide books published by Michelin for over a dozen countries. The term normally refers to the Michelin Red Guide, the oldest and best-known European hotel and restaurant guide, which awards the Michelin stars. In Europe, quality gastronomy goes hand in hand with the Michelin Guide. The guide, recently relabelled the Guide Rouge, is a respected institution among chefs, restaurateurs, culinary experts, and the dining public. It was introduced in 1900 by the Michelin Tyre Company and began mainly as a technical resource for helping people to travel. By the 1930s, it had developed into a tourist guide and has since been transformed into a gastronomy guide. The Guide Rouge sells about 1.2 million copies annually in eight countries. The Michelin star system in Europe is the best-known and most respected ranking system for high-quality or haute cuisine restaurants.

What do they do?

A rigorously selected and trained team of inspectors visit the Michelin-recommended establishments and decide whether or not they will go into the guide. Michelin is keen to stress the independence of the guide. Unlike some competitors' versions, all meals and accommodations used by its inspectors are fully paid for by the Michelin organization. Michelin ensures creativity and individuality within the restaurant sector and avoids standardisation by NOT creating a written criterion for what constitutes the quality level required for the various star levels. The Michelin Guide is also set apart by its emphasis on consistency of quality and tradition.

How are restaurants rated?

Michelin-star rated restaurants are developed and led by highly skilled chefs, often referred to as "celebrity chefs". In Europe, the guide has a huge influence on restaurant choice for gourmets and followers of haute cuisine. The guide awards one to three stars to a small number of restaurants of outstanding quality. It must be recognised that a 3-star Michelin ranking is exceedingly rare: There are 26 "3-star" restaurants in France and only 81 in the world.

• One-Michelin-star: A very good restaurant or pub in its category
  The star indicates a good place to stop on your journey.
• Two-Michelin-star: Excellent cooking, worth a detour
  Specialities and wines of first-class quality. This will be reflected in the price
• Three-Michelin-star: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
  Fine wines, faultless service, elegant surroundings. You will pay accordingly!

Independent of their other rating in the guide, restaurants can also receive a number of symbols next to their listing.

1. The coins are given to restaurants that serve a menu for a certain price or less. In France, the required price is currently €16.50.

2. Interesting view or magnificent view is given to restaurants that offer to dine with a view.

3. The grapes are given to restaurants that serve a somewhat interesting assortment of wine.

The Michelin guide is now available on the iPhone so you can use it wherever you want, in France and in Europe.

By Matthieu Cany Sextant French property is a network of more than 100 estate agents in France offering a selection of 6000 French property for sale. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Frankincense

Frankincense I bought in Somalia - Photo: Wikimedia

Since farther back than anyone can remember Frankincense has been used for medicinal and religious purposes. Early Egyptians used Frankincense as part of their embalming process, the Greeks used it as an antidote to hemlock poisoning, and the Chinese used it for trading as well as for internal and external purposes. Today, Frankincense is used mostly for aroma therapeutics but many have also recognized it as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and a diuretic. Some medical research has been done showing a relationship between the possibility of Frankincense and the treatment of osteoarthritis and may have some anti cancer-fighting agents. 

Frankincense has also been shown to help with anxiety, disappointment, hysteria, emotional fatigue, nervousness, congestion, anti-inflammatory, immune deficiency, insomnia, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, aphrodisiac, emollient, indigestion, carminative, antiseptic, expectorant, sedative, tonic, and antitumour. 

Frankincense has been around since ancient times and is even mentioned in the Bible. The Jews offered up Frankincense in ceremonies. It seems that different regions use Frankincense for different reasons; the Chinese use Frankincense to treat leprosy, Egyptians used Frankincense to pain women's eyelids, hair remover, and perfume. The main contribution of Frankincense is for respiratory distress and although it was once taken internally no longer is but now is rather used as more of incense and when it is infused with vapours it can help laryngitis. 

Frankincense comes from a tree called the Boswellia Thurifera which can be found in Africa and Arabia. To get Frankincense, they split the trunk of the tree and allow the resin to harden before it is harvested. Frankincense is commonly used in the practice of Wicca which is a religion that practices witchcraft. They use Frankincense for perfumes and believe that it corresponds well with certain days such as Sundays and Wednesdays. What Wicca's call a solar spell is affiliated with Frankincense in the form of oil or herbs are used for spells and formulas that are related to solar issues.

These spells would be used for such purposes as physical energy, protection, success, and putting an end to specific legal issues. When you refer to Frankincense in the form of essential oils it is very expensive and is usually diluted with other oils or jojoba oil. These combinations are also used by the Wicca's when casting spells. Some people prefer to substitute Rosemary for Frankincense. 

Ironically enough never forget that Frankincense was one of the beautiful gifts that were brought to baby Jesus on the night of his birth by one of the three wise men. This is also used to increase menstrual flow, to treat syphilis, for unsightly scars and stretch marks, and breast cysts. Further, it is used to treat acne, boils, and skin infections as well. Frankincense is one herb that is not edible and is not known for use in any recipe contrary to those who believe that Frankincense is used in Indian cuisine. It is not known to be used in any cuisine at all but it is extremely helpful for the practice of aromatherapy. 

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Mouth Watering Memphis Style Pork Ribs

Photo: Flickr

The Memphis Style pork rib is one of the most popular and mouth-watering styles of rib preparation. One of the reasons for the popularity with the Memphis Style rib is its unique blend of barbeque tradition and flavorful seasonings.

The only sauce applied to Memphis Style ribs is mop sauce used for basting during the cooking process. Barbeque sauce is never used during the cooking process but rather served on the side with the ribs at the table. Because a barbeque sauce is not used, the mop sauce is an important component in keeping the meat moist. A Memphis Style barbeque sauce will be a tomato and vinegar based sauce that may also contain mustard. With this style, the quality of the meat is much more important than any sauce. The idea is to feature the meat rather than covering it up with a sauce. While some people can’t wait to dip the ribs in their favourite barbeque sauce, others enjoy the pure flavour of just the meat and rub seasoning.

Memphis style ribs are traditionally smoked and not grilled, baked or broiled. White oak and hickory are the traditional woods used however many other kinds of wood are now used. Other woods used include apple and cherry.

While the quality of the meat is extra important the Memphis Style, choosing which cut is up to the individual and the occasion. The most popular pork rib is the St. Louis Style Rib which comes from the pig’s rib section. The back rib, also known as the Baby Back Rib comes from the loin portion or back and is also quite popular. The St. Louis Style Rib is typically easier to work with and has more meat making it a favourite for the hearty eater.

However you decide to cook them, low heat and slow cooking will give you the best rib.

For the mop sauce

·1 1/2 cups cider vinegar 

·2 cups apple cider 

·2 bay leaves

·4 cloves garlic, finely minced 

·3 tablespoons hot sauce 

·1 tablespoon salt 

·3/4 cup BBQ Rub, recipe follows

For the rub

·1/4 cup paprika 

·1/4 cup dark brown sugar

·2 tablespoons black pepper

·1 tablespoon salt

·1 tablespoon celery salt 

·2 teaspoons garlic powder 

·2 teaspoons dry mustard 

·2 teaspoons cumin 

·1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preparing the ribs - Wash the ribs and blot dry with paper towel. Place the ribs meat-side up. Cut the line of fat on the base of the ribs to remove the cartilaginous rib tips. Flip the meat over and cut off the flap of meat on the inside of the ribs. This is not essential but will help prevent them from burning. Remove the membrane on the back of each rack of ribs. You can use your fingers to pull it off but sometimes it’s easier to use a paper towel or a dishtowel to get a secure grip.

Combine the ingredients for the rub and mix well. Liberally rub the ribs on both sides with the mixture. Wrap each rib in plastic wrap then aluminium foil and let marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.

Preparing the smoker – Presoak your wood chips in water for roughly an hour. Place a drip pan in the centre of your smoker with plenty of water. A charcoal chimney is best to get your coals started. Once you have hot coals spread them out and put a healthy amount of your chips down.

Smoking the ribs – Place aluminium foil on the rack before placing the ribs down and another loose piece on top of the ribs. Place the ribs on the smoker over the drip pan and cover the smoker. Start basting with the mop sauce after 30 minutes, basting every 20-30 minutes. You will need to replenish the coals and wood chips from time to time as needed. The ribs are done when the meat is very tender and it has shrunk back from the ends of the bones. At temperatures ranging from 200-250, your ribs should take roughly 4-5 hours, however, every smoker is different.

Cut each slab between the rib bones and serve with your favourite barbecue sauce on the side.

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Helping Nature by Composting

Food scraps compost heap - Photo: Wikimedia

If you still find it hard to understand the nature of composting, it can actually be simplified. It can actually be compared to recycling. Instead of throwing out all your waste and garbage, or at least what you consider as garbage, you can sort that out. In recycling, you need to pick the things that can still be transformed into other materials so that you can use them for different purposes.

The more popular things that are being utilized in recycling are the pins on soda cans. These are said to help out in making aluminum. Other containers can be used as pots or vases. Used clothes can be turned into mats or rugs. The idea here is that while there are things that can still be useful in your everyday lives, most of the recycled materials are being implemented as decorative elements.

With the products of compost, you will not pick things out of the garbage pile to be able to come up with other things that will be useful to you in your everyday life. No, the process will not come up with an exotic looking vase or a picture frame made out of shells or bottle caps. You can leave those thoughts to recycling.

Composting entails the recycling of the materials that can be found in nature. The popular samples of this would be dried leaves, grass clippings, vegetable or fruit peelings, animal manure, sawdust, among others. How would all these be useful? Unlike the practical applications of the product of recycling, this, in turn, will mostly be for gardening purposes. 

This will be especially helpful if you are into organic gardening. This method requires the use of organic materials. That means that you cannot turn to synthetic products, especially for the purpose of fertilizers and pesticides. And it is possible. Your compost can make the soil for this type of gardening healthy and happy. As a result, it will produce healthy crops and chemical-free plants.

Organic gardening may sound complicated to the novice ears. But if you put your heart into it, you will find out that all the hard work that you will spend doing this will all be worth it. But this doesn't really mean that you have to do it, especially if you can't afford to because of the time consideration and other factors.

But even if you don't have time to do organic gardening, you can still try your hand at making compost. This can also apply to people living in the urban zones. Even with such situation, you can still do a little gardening trick by having your plants in pots. No, you don't need to go organic all the way. Nobody's telling you to do so. But using the products of your compost as a fertilizer can actually engage you with the project and may start your curiosity towards the real organic gardening thing.

Besides, everything nowadays seems to be marketed as organic. Look at the grocery aisles. There are organic food, organic soap, organic tissue, cloth and everything. This seems to be a trend. And nature is definitely not complaining.

By going out of your way to do composting, consider nature sending out her appreciation your way. And may this inspire you to do other things to help with the causes of Mother Earth.

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