Saving Seeds

It wasn’t until I had the best tomato in my life that I considered saving seeds. I always thought seed saving was something that only very advanced and sophisticated farmers did. But, it was the Purple Cheyenne heirloom tomato from Salt Creek Farm that turned me into a seed savor. We probably grew and preserved a hundred pounds of tomatoes this year: All from the seeds of one tomato. It’s so simple too. All you do is take the tomato seeds out of your finest ripe specimen and place them in a jar, add a little water and wait a few days for the seeds to ferment. This helps to break down the outer gel casing of the tomato seed. Strain the seeds, rinse with water and let them dry on a paper plate. Package them in an envelop. Easy.

Seeds hold the essence, the whole potential in their tiny package. In Chinese medicine, we understand that jing energy, also called essence, governs the developmental growth processes in the body. It nourishes and fuels the body. It can be strengthened and preserved though diet and lifestyle just as the seeds of tomatoes can be strengthened by good growing conditions; healthy soil, adequate water and plenty of sun. Preserve essence, save seeds: You will be well nourished