From the ground up
Michelle O'Reilly shares her recipe for Green Eggs and Tomato Basil Salsa.
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Updated: June 30, 2009 11:41 AM
Michelle O’Reilly is taking the term ‘green thumb’ to a whole new level.
The White Rock resident and avid gardener has launched a line of organic gardening products, Original Organic Garden, including fertilizer, plants and organic soil – something she’s very passionate about.
“I love soil. Soil is the most important part of the growing cycle, and we’ve left it out for years,” O’Reilly said. “We’ve fed it with chemicals and synthetic fertilizers that go directly to the plant and bypass the soil.”
O’Reilly, former owner of Luna Loca restaurant, has worked in the bulk soil industry for eight years and recently made the move to organic potting soil when she realized how difficult it was to access supplies or information about organic gardening. She is now determined to educate people about the importance of soil in the growing process and the quality of food.
“I want to get people talking about soil – it’s our most basic resource,” she said. “It’s the foundation for effective gardening and a healthy environment.”
She said the majority of soil people use for gardening has been killed by years of chemical and fertilizer use, and using live soil has many benefits.
“The soil is alive, it’s a living organism,” O’Reilly said. “If there’s no life in your soil, the plant can’t absorb the nutrients because there are no nutrients.
O’Reilly said although organic gardening products aren’t as readily available at gardening stores, the practice is becoming more popular with gardeners who are looking to avoid using chemicals and synthetic fertilizers.
O’Reilly chose to share her recipe for green eggs and tomato basil salsa, because not only does she love the dish, it incorporates a few of the items she grows in her garden. She’s encouraging people to learn more about organic gardening – whether you’re a life long green thumb or a beginner – for the sake of the planet.
“Any sized garden adds to the world,” she said.
Green Eggs and Tomato Basil Salsa
Ingredients:
Green Eggs:
2-3 eggs, scrambled
2-4 tsp of minced fresh basil (the more the better in my opinion)
2 heaping tsp of ricotta cheese
Pinch of salt
Tomato Basil Salsa:
Ripe tomato, diced
Minced basil to taste
Juice of half a lemon
1 tsp of olive oil
Pinch of (sea) salt
Instructions:
Mix the salsa ingredients and let sit at least 10 minutes before serving.
Mix the green egg ingredients and cook in butter. Serve immediately with the tomato basil salsa.
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