Wow so many replies. Hmmm... I have never collected Sassafrass. (I can't spell) I have collected crab apples, persimmons, black berries, and grape leaves. You can even pickle the grape leaves. I have a recipe some where. The tea... it is a problem. I spend about 3 dollars a month on it.
Our car is currently broken down, so we already bike. My husband is getting a new tranny in it. He has to do it himself. Quite a bit of work. We are also a part of freecycle in both Izard and Independence Counties. However, with out a car...it makes it hard to get stuff. I had someone offer me 20 some odd tires, would have really helped build my potato hills, but I can't get to them right now. Hopefully he'll hold them for me.
We do use rose hips already and peppermint. We also do the lentils a lot. Our sugar is mostly used to season the oatmeal, baking, and tea or coffee. My husband uses about a cup! I don't know how else to cut down other than not buy it and have the family complain. (They will too)
So unusual veggies aren't selling for your friend huh? I hope they do for me. In New London, CT where I used to live they were huge sell outs. I know the locals just want fresh. Our Mayor knows my plan and said he would buy from me. So I have one committed customer. Another gardener from the Master gardener program was very enthusiastic about rare veggies. Plus last Fall I entered Lemon Cucumbers into the North Central Arkansas District Fair and won Best of Show for them. So may be folks around here are ready...I hope.
Jerusalem artichokes are delicious. I can't find a bulk supplier to buy from. The only places I saw, offer may be 3 a piece. (14 dollars) Not very cheap at all. May be if I didn't harvest for a couple years until it spread to a decent size...I don't know. Potatoes and sweet potatoes are proven performers in this house. They take the least space and give the best yields.
About going to the big city, I have looked in Batesville, no ethnic stores that are cheaper. I have looked in Searcy, some. May be I am not looking close enough. The only ethnic store I found sold everything in Spanish, in kilos and at higher prices. I could read the Spanish a little, (go me) but converting the kilos to lbs had me with a calculator. Then converting the price per pound and comparing it...ugh. To find out only Masa was worth it.
The solar oven is on my to do list. I think that might replace my slow cooker if it works in the summer. It will be a great home school project. Thanks for all the ideas.
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