A really great day at Varsity Lakes Community Garden.Scott Godredson worked with members in the construction of a swale, and Vanessa Fernandez introduced the harvesting and cooking of cassava.
The area where the swale was created has flooded since the garden was built and by creating a pathway for the water and raised areas for plants this will now be a constructive part of the garden growing taro, bananas and other water loving plants.
Discovering how to harvest and cook cassava was also a welcome lesson.
Cassava is great survival food but new to most garden members.It was fascinating to watch the harvesting of the roots which still left the tree standing and then the roots were cleaned, peeled and crated and made into patties using coconut cream, cinnamon, eggs and sugar.
They were delicious and the perfect food for the gluten or lactose intolerant.Lots of good patties for all the workers of course, and look at the great swale that was created and is already planted.
This is about tomorrow's food and gardens and it feels exciting to see what can be created when people work together to learn about new ways of growing and preparing food.
