Life + Garden

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On Sunday, June 16, animal and veggie food lovers gathered at the SmogShoppe in Culver City, Calif. for a fabulous afternoon in the Southern California sun to raise money for the Humane Society of The United States. The event was the first of its kind for HSUS, showcasing delicious fare prepared by celebrity vegan chefs Tal Ronnen and Yves Fournier and hosted by actress and activist Emily Deschanel. The main objective: promoting just how outstanding vegan food can be.

A round-up of VT editors’ favorite links this week: A new study conducted by the Seventh-day Adventist Church finds being vegetarian may help you live longer. San Diego Unified becomes the latest school district to approve Meatless Monday in school cafeterias. Los Angeles Unified, the country's second largest school district, went meatless on Mondays a few months ago. A+, California!

Serving up consciousness-raising along with suspense, the newly released film The East stars Brit Marling as Sarah Moss, a private security agent infiltrating an anarchist collective intent on avenging corporate wrongdoing. Costarring Alexander Skarsgard and Ellen Page as members of the collective, The East is the second film from the team of Marling, as cowriter and star, and Zal Batmanglij, as cowriter and director. Here, Batmanglij answers questions about the film, about eating vegan, and also about collaborating with his brother, Rostam, of the band Vampire Weekend.

We want to know: What’s your favorite breakfast that keeps you going until lunchtime? We love the Quinoa-Rice Granola pictured above! Share your answer below and see what others have to say. Our favorite responses will be published in the next issue of Vegetarian Times.

A round-up of VT editors’ favorite links this week: Don't turn your nose up at pale veggies just because they lack flashy colors! Turns out, white vegetables contain nutrients such as fiber, potassium, and magnesium.

What motivated you to go veg? I was working in a kitchen that served meat. It grossed me out.

The Emerald City is about to get a whole lot greener this Earth Day as the Bullitt Center officially opens today, April 22, 2013, in the Capitol Hill neighborhood near downtown Seattle. The commercial office building, which will be home to the environmentally focused nonprofit Bullitt Foundation and other tenants, is already being called the greenest in the world for its unprecedented innovations in environmentally friendly construction and design.

Keep it up, bean lovers: New research suggests that a high-fiber diet may lower your risk of stroke. (The American Heart Association recommends at least 25 grams a day, but most people don't get nearly that amount.) Just 7 grams more a day can make a big difference—that's the equivalent of a serving of whole-wheat pasta and two servings of fruits or veggies.

You might not know her name yet, but you probably recognize Canadian actor Jud Tylor from roles on Mad Men, Beautiful People, and That 70’s Show.

A round-up of VT editors’ favorite links this week: California didn't do it (yet), but Whole Foods will! By 2018, Whole Foods will require all foods containing GMOs to be labeled. (In the meantime, buying organic and looking for the Non-GMO Project label will help you steer clear.)

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Hot Knives is the beer-, cheese-, and vegetable-loving duo Evan George and Alex Brown. What began as a newspaper column written by the two former line cooks has grown into an entertaining blog and two cookbooks: The Hot Knives Vegetarian Cookbook: Salad Daze, and Lust for Leaf, which will be released later this spring. When they’re not cooking up something fun, Evan George is an investigative journalist and food writer, and Alex Brown is a cheese expert and general manager for Gourmet Imports in Los Angeles. Vegetarian Times caught up with the Hot Knives for a chat about their latest projects, vegetarian culture, cheese choices, and of course, beer.

Generally speaking, wallets aren’t known for their sex appeal, and maybe that’s smart design; make something less flashy and eye-catching, and the less probable it is that a thief will yank it out of your hand at the ATM. Pushing paranoia aside, I embarked on a quest for something to secure my cash that’s stylish, functional, leather-free, and well-made. Happily, I found a handful of money-holders that fit the bill(s). These designs are cruelty-free, gender non-specific, and don’t require you to empty the wallet you currently carry to pay for your new one.



Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

A round-up of VT editors’ favorite links this week: A new study finds following a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil or nuts reduces the risk of stroke by 30 percent. In case you're wondering: participants consumed at least four tablespoons of olive oil—or a handful of nuts—every day for five years.

My liquor collection has always been a mess. As a guest, you needed to know that there was gin somewhere to make a gin and tonic, and finding matching highball glasses was such a chore that I often served cocktails in juice glasses. More often than not, I just served wine and sparkling water when I had people over, which was a shame because I had a pretty good assortment of beverages at any given time.

Like her mom, she eschews meat and loves animals, and her menswear-inspired clothes reflect an ethical flavor that isn’t at all “granola.” 

A round-up of VT editors’ favorite links this week: Celeb chef Tal Ronnen will open a new vegan restaurant in Los Angeles next month! (He's the guy who whipped up Oprah's three-week vegan cleanse menu.) Expect Mediterranean-inspired small plates paired with "farm-to-glass" cocktails. And maybe this scrumptious-sounding beet-and-tofu tempura he described in a 2010 VT interview? Fingers crossed.

February is the month of love. Who better to spread this sentiment than five-time Grammmy winning reggae star Ziggy Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley? From his rousing rendition of his father's anthem "Could You Be Loved?" at the 2013 Grammy Awards to his just-published chidlrens' e-book I Love You Too!, Ziggy's been busy bringing a message of love to the people. And, that's not all he's been up to. He recently released the acclaimed documentary Marley, a film he executive produced on the life and music of his legendary father, a companion soundtrack, a new live album—and even launched his very own line of flavored coconut oils and hemp seed snacks, Ziggy Marley Organics. Below, Ziggy takes a time-out to share his affinity for nutrient-dense coconuts and hemp seeds, his stance on GMO-foods and agricultural hemp, his signature breakfast, and three wise words: "Love one another."

A round-up of VT editors' favorite links this week: Eat colorful vegetables to help prevent the development of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease (a neurodegenerative disease that affects muscle movement). Think sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and broccoli—veggies with an abundance of good-for-you carotenoids.

The average American creates a whopping three pounds of landfill-bound garbage every day. This sobering statistic was enough to inspire Amy Korst, a teacher and longtime vegetarian based in Pacific City, Ore., to go trash-free for a year. In her new book, The Zero-Waste Lifestyle, she describes the inevitable challenges she faced (like, say, figuring out what to do with empty medicine bottles and kitty litter) and offers simple ideas for anyone to try at home. Here, five of our favorites, plus a recipe for Korst's DIY cleaning solution.

We want to know: How do you fight food waste in your home? Share your answer below and see what others have to say.

This year around holiday-time, a kind co-worker gifted me a delightful miniature Christmas tree in a tiny cardboard planter adorned with a big red bow. With high hopes, my little tree rode in my passenger seat home from the office with me and has been sitting pretty on my entry way console ever since. Each day on my way out the door and each evening on my way back in, he greets me with the comforting, woodsy scent of cypress and a silent plea: “Replant me, replant me!”

A round-up of VT editors’ favorite links this week: A new study finds eating more fruits and veggies makes you happier and more energized. We're talking seven to eight servings a day. Might we suggest knocking off a few of those servings with VT's Herb-Roasted Winter Veggies? [Science Daily]

Of all the romantic symbols associated with Valentine’s day, the most indulgent might be lingerie. The word alone conjures images of lace, frills, and bows, but the ancient Greeks and Romans wore fashioning simple, utilitarian garters and corsets millennia before Victoria’s Secret entered the scene. Though the French word “lingerie” originally meant “things made of linen,” today, much of it is made from silk, which requires the killing of silkworms to harvest the thread from their cocoons. This Valentine's day, why not slip into something a little bit kinder.

A round-up of VT editors’ favorite links this week: A new study finds eating blueberries and strawberries three times a week may lower a woman's risk of heart attack. That's 'cause the beloved fruits contain heart-healthy antioxidants called anthocyanins, also found in grapes and wine.

A round-up of recent fun food news.

For someone who claims immunity from technology dependency, my mobile phone’s trip through the wash was a real reality check. Hoping to revive it, I tried the bury-your-phone-in-rice thing, which worked for roughly two seconds before the truth set in: My phone was really dead. Since then, I’ve learned there isn’t much hope of resuscitating a completely drowned mobile phone, but there are all sorts of sleeves, bags, cases, and covers to protect our precious gadgets from the occasional tumble or spill. These five accoutrements offer protection with an eco-friendly edge.

A round-up of stories VT editors dug this week: According to the EPA, Americans generated 31 million tons of plastic waste in 2010, so it's a little uplifting that the town of Concord, Mass., just banned single-serving plastic water bottles. Small steps! [Huffington Post]

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

A round-up of stories VT editors dug this week: Newark mayor (and longtime vegetarian) Cory Booker survives a week of living on food stamps, but not without a few challenges—like burning a sweet potato and craving cookies. [International Business Times]

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A round-up of stories VT editors dug this week: A few dedicated "fruit hunters" travel the world saving rare avocado breeds threatened by deforestation and climate change. (We're especially curious about the tasty-sounding Pura Vida variety, which can grow up to 3 feet long.) [Slate]

Learning how to make a batch of nutrient-dense kale chips is the perfect way to get your greens on. What could be more satisfying than digging in to a big bowl of crunchy chips that you can enjoy guilt free, knowing each bite delivers a powerful dose of nutrients?

t’s that time of the year when Holistic Holiday at Sea gears up for yet another nautical adventure! I took part in last year's voyage, blogging daily from the high seas. Aboard the MSC Poesia, I could choose from over 130 classes and lectures with some of my favorite plant-based nutrition experts and chefs including T. Colin Campbell, PhD; Neal D. Barnard, MD; Warren Kramer, and Christina Pirello.

The rain really isn’t so bad—for a day. Especially if that day falls on a weekend, when it gives me an excuse to bake chocolate-chip cookies, sip endless mugs of steaming tea, and cuddle up with my dog and a good book. After 24 hours of the stuff, I begin checking the online weather channel compulsively and dreaming of a dry bicycle commute. When venturing outdoors becomes an inevitable necessity, I reach for my trusty trench coat, wind-proof umbrella, and Wellies--the ultimate wet-weather trifecta. When you’re ready for a stylish upgrade that’s rain-ready and eco-friendly, too, look to these pretty pieces to keep you dry and looking divine. 



With such a strong focus on eating turkey, Thanksgiving can be a tough holiday for vegetarians and vegans. One farm animal rights group put a spin on tradition by throwing a festive Thanksgiving feast where “turkeys are the guests of honor, rather than part of the menu.”

In the age of e-books, your next new favorite cookbook is only a click away. These five go-to titles have got your cooking needs covered, whether you’re looking for a guide to green juices and smoothies, decadent dessert recipes, a show-stopping meal, or a simple and healthy snack. Plus, they're tree-free!

My summer herb garden is winding down and it’s time to clean out the planters so the soil will be ready for next year. I had a good crop of sage, but I’ve never been able to winter over the plants, so it was time to pull it out and put it to use.

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During autumn, Sundays are for cooking and Ravens games in the Bowen household. Last weekend, a gathering at our small Baltimore row house grew from the usual suspects—my husband and toddler—to ten very hungry guests. And whether you like football or not, fall is always the perfect season for a big bowl of vegetarian chili.

At the first nippy stirrings of autumn, my body seems to sense that even colder winter days loom ahead, so I take that as my cue to unpack last season’s toasty garments from their warm-weather hibernation. The tags on most of my frost-ready outerwear read Polyester, Viscose, or Polyurethane, which are warm-and-snuggly synthetic alternatives to down (bad for birds), wool (ba-aa-aa-d for sheep!), and leather (bad for cows). This doesn’t mean hitting the streets looking like an Arctic explorer; today’s high-tech fibers are stitched into fashion-forward designs that look as good in the forest at they do on Fifth Avenue.

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Eco-fashion is having a “moment.” Not just any kind of moment, but a big, fancy, grown-up kind of moment with words like “luxury” and “sophistication” attached to it. It’s about time! More than a few style-conscious consumers are willing to pay for quality materials and construction when they’re backed with an animal-free guarantee. If you’re one of them, these certifiably vegan-friendly handbags are worth the splurge.

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My kitchen style icon has long been Lucy of the I Love Lucy show. Whether setting Sunday dinner on fire or cooking up mischief with her best friend, Ethel, Lucy always looked head-to-toe glamorous in her waist-hugging apron, chic hair scarf, and Copacabana-ready heels. Modern eco-minded Lucys (and 21st-century Rickys) can look fabulous while whipping up seitan piccata and truffled potatoes too, with the help of these earth-friendly kitchen accoutrements that are as functional as they are fashionable.

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We want to know: What's your favorite veggie to roast? Share your answer below and see what others have to say. Our favorite responses will be published in the December issue of Vegetarian Times.

I love late summer for the food. It is prime harvest time in the garden and this weekend I squealed with delight when I realized it was time (finally!) to harvest my ‘Rattlesnake’ bush beans. These gorgeous heirloom snap beans produce wide cream and purple streaked pods that are crunchy, juicy and amazing grilled. Plus they are pretty enough to put on a post card.

From the farmers' market to the office to an evening out on the town, VT editors are on the go. That's why footwear that's as practical as it is fashionable (and leather-free to boot!) is a must-have. Here's what we'll be sporting this fall.

Tell VT: What’s your signature Thanksgiving dish, and why is it special? Share your answer below and see what others have to say.

Do your young zucchini or pumpkins suddenly shrivel up and die without warning, even though the plant looks perfectly healthy? If so, not to worry. Your plant is fine! The problem is with pollination. Winter and summer squash, pumpkins, melons, and cucumbers all belong to the Cucurbit family. Cucurbits are monoecious, which means male and female flowers develop on the same plant.

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

Whenever friends or family pick me up at the airport, meet me at the train station, or welcome me home after an overseas adventure, the first thing out of their mouths isn’t “Yay! You’re home!” or “How was Kathmandu?” but “Where’s the rest of your stuff?” Whether packing for a weekend in the mountains or a month-long jungle trek, I always tote the same little black carry-on bag that’s about the size of the average woman’s handbag. Inside, there’s just enough room for undies, a swimsuit, two pairs of sunglasses (I always lose one pair, and they can be tricky to replace on the road), reading material, a little black dress, leggings and a t-shirt, and that most indispensible item of all: the scarf.

Among passionate tomato growers, the same debate rages every summer: to prune or not to prune out suckers. Suckers are the growth that emerges where a branch of a tomato joins the plant’s main stem. If left to grow, the suckers develop into branches that eventually produce fruit. Some gardeners feel strongly that the suckers sap energy from the plant, while other gardeners are equally adamant that tomato plants with more foliage produce tastier fruit.

There’s a lot to love about urban living: Easy access to arts and culture, a diverse bar-and-restaurant scene, and very few opportunities for boredom to take root. There’s no denying the downsides, though; pollution, noise, and crowds can drain the life-force out of you after a while. To combat the daily grind and rejuvenate this summer, I’ll be searching for rural respite in the great outdoors, where the antidote to stressful city life includes long hikes, swimming, yoga, and cozy nights camping beneath the stars.

What was I thinking? I chose Napa, Calif., for our most recent vacation: Napa lies near the epicenter of a shake-up in the culinary landscape that decades ago put sustainably grown, seasonal cuisine on foodies’ maps. Not a getaway in the strictest sense for an editor at VT.

Sure, I swoon over summer basil just like everyone else, but the herb that has my heart and soul is lemon verbena. Each year, I buy more lemon verbena plants than the last, squeezing them into window boxes between the geraniums and tucking them next to tomato plants in my small container garden. And each year, I pick, pluck, and trim the stems several times throughout the summer to dry for herbal tea through the winter because I simply can’t get enough of the soothing, floral, lemony flavor.

Basil pairs with a variety of cuisines, so it's a must-have in your herb garden. Here's how to get the most from this versatile herb.

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

The Atlantic Ocean laps its waves over 228 miles of shoreline in Maine—"Vacation Land," as the license plate reads. Fog horns bellow, while below the surface countless lobster crawl around Frenchman Bay. While Bar Harbor is oft thought of as a pescatarian’s paradise, plant-based travelers fear not: it's got you covered too

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With summer in the air, it’s the perfect time to try adding a warm shimmer to your complexion. Whether you’re primping for a romantic night out on the town or just another workday in an air-conditioned office, Alicia Silverstone’s Irresistible Glow Facial Highlighter (part of a new collection created by Silverstone for Juice Beauty) is hands down summer’s secret beauty weapon. It’s organic, 100 percent vegan, and eco-fabulous to boot!

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

Check out Vegetarian Times Editors's author page.

Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian, an animal lover, foodie, or just curious about a plant-based diet, immersing yourself in a vegetarian festival this summer is a great way to get a taste of the cuisine, meet other veg-enthusiasts, and boost your veggie IQ. Check out summer 2012's line-up of veg festivals and get inspired to plan a fun-filled summer veg-cation.

Container grown plants need potting soil, but they definitely do not require a mix that contains time-released chemical fertilizers and superabsorbent polymers—ingredients that many common brands include. When you’re shopping for “potting soil” it is important to understand that this term is a bit of a misnomer. Most potting soils do not actually contain garden soil, because it tends to compact and drain poorly when placed in a container. Instead they contain a blend of ingredients designed to provide nutrients, keep the roots moist and drain well.

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If you grow peas, it is entirely worthwhile to harvest both their pods and their delicious, delicate greens. The shoots, which are the tender tips of the vines, including the leaves, stems, flower blossoms, and tendrils, make the most fantastic and unexpected salad greens.

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