Caffeine, good and bad

Although caffeine can trigger  headaches, either as a symptom of withdrawal or as a result of dehydration from overconsumption, it can also stop them.

Before the pain of a headache sets in the blood vessels enlarge. Caffeine has vascoconstrictive properties which narrow the  blood vessels and reduce swelling . When caffeine is consumed as drink or as pain relief headache pain is reduced by 40%.

For a quick remedy , plunger coffee has a higher amount of caffeine that instant or espresso – but enjoy in moderation. 

Community Board appointments 

Martinborough                 Chair                      Mel Maynard

Deputy                 Aidan Ellims

Councillors          Pip Maynard & Pam Colenso

Featherston                       Chair                      Mark Shepherd

Deputy                 Indigo Freya

Councillors          Ross Vickery & Garrick Emms

Greytown                           Chair                      Anne Rainford

Deputy              Vacant until election has been held.

Councillors          Rebecca Fox & Alistair Plimmer

Community Garden News 

“A world without tomatoes is like a string quartet without violins.”
Laurie Colwin, ‘Home Cooking’

This is the time of year we are all a bit obsessed with tomato planting: whether we are “hardening them off” for planting out; or have given into temptation and planted early; or are utterly confused at the variety  available so have yet to make choices. 

This year at the Community Garden we have held back until well past the Labour weekend planting tradition, in an effort to avoid winds and frosts, as neither are conditions enjoyed by the tender tomato. This year we have decided to plant our tomatoes in pots, as the recovery time for the soil, post tomatoes can be a number of months, and we would rather have our plant boxes available for other produce.

A few tips for you and your tomatoes  … Continue Reading

Cooking corner

Asparagus with Beurre Blanc

Ingredients 

500 grs Asparagus

Sauce

¼ cup white wine

¼ cup white wine vinegar

2 shallots, very finely chopped … Continue Reading