Seed Propagation & Bioregional-Emergency Seed Banks - Cascadia Bioregion USA
Supporting The #RegenerateCascadia Initiative By Increasing Resilience
Table Of Contents:
Germination - Planting - Transplanting
Introduction:
This document is a detailed plan for the establishment of a minimum of 4 Bioregional-Emergency Seed Banks in the Cascadia Bioregion of the USA. In the body of the document we link to a spreadsheet, which is a living document used to track projected and real costs. The purpose of these Emergency Seed Banks is to improve our resilience in the face of any challenges which we may encounter. As a note-point, there are 185 Bioregions on Earth in total, as defined here.
As a note point, the Cascadia Bioregion is actually composed of 75 Ecoregions within the Cascadia Bioregion and our longer term goal is to have 1 Cascadia Seed Exchange in each Ecoregion. These will be supported by the Bioregional Seed Banks.
Each of the 4 Bioregional-Emergency Seed Banks will be self-contained germination and growing environments where the priorities will be, in order of importance.
Ongoing Soil Improvement.
Ongoing & Exponential Seed Supply Storage & Distribution.
The Growing and Supply Of Highly Nutritious Food.
The following detailed sections show how this will be achieved and all of this is based on actual operations carried out in Southern California and the Willamette Valley in Oregon, USA over the past 10 years. This all being achieved using Permaculture principles and minimum inputs.
We will also be incorporating Landrace and Quorum-Sensing techniques in our methodologies.
The integration of Landrace planting and Quorum Sensing holds intriguing potential for advancing regenerative practices. These concepts can synergize and enhance sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health.
Landrace Planting
Landrace planting involves cultivating locally adapted varieties of crops that have evolved over time to thrive in specific environmental conditions. These plants exhibit high genetic diversity, resilience, and the ability to withstand local pests, diseases, and climatic variations. Key benefits include:
Genetic Diversity: Enhances resilience to environmental stresses.
Local Adaptation: Better performance in local conditions.
Sustainability: Reduced need for chemical inputs.
This is a good video from Joseph Lofthouse on Landrace growing
Quorum Sensing
Quorum Sensing is a process by which bacteria and other microorganisms communicate through chemical signals to coordinate their behavior based on population density. This communication can regulate various functions, including biofilm formation, virulence, and symbiosis with plants. Key aspects include:
Microbial Communication: Enables microorganisms to work together.
Plant-Microbe Interactions: Enhances nutrient uptake and plant health.
Ecosystem Balance: Promotes soil health and disease suppression
This is more detail on Quorum Sensing
Overview:
On January 13th, 2024 an ice storm hit the South Willamette Valley, in Oregon. This was followed by frozen rain on January 16th and then quite a rapid thaw. On January 28th, 2024, there are still a good number of locations with no electricity. This happened some years ago with similar results. Without any intended criticism or finger pointing, we are not resilient enough.
In addition, since the 1970’s, we have reduced the consumption of locally-grown food in the Cascadia Bioregion. We now export much of what we grow here, to the extent that the i5 freeway is our major source of food. Whilst temporary weather set-backs can typically be recovered from, a Cascadia Subduction Earthquake or possibly Earthquake(s) is a completely different scenario, requiring multi-generational food-system planning and this is exactly our goal via the Cascadia Seed Guild.
There are three pieces of very good news for our Cascadia Bioregion.
We still get a good deal of precipitation.
We have a warm sunny Summer in many places.
We have fertile soils, particularly in the Willamette Valley.
The next sections contain detailed steps on how we can establish and maintain Emergency Seed Banks to support resilient food-systems throughout our Cascadia Bioregion. One important point here, our priority is growing to provide emergency food supplies and seeds to grow more food and not to grow seeds for sale.
Equipment & Land Needs With Projected Seed Yields:
Note: The key resource in creating Emergency Seed Banks is ongoing long-term access to land. Just qualifying this, equipment such as Greenhouses and Seed Storage containers can be relocated fairly easily, however outside soils containing crops cannot. So we address this by providing alternatives in this section.
Seeds: The core resource and there are still a few misconceptions regarding seeds, here are some of the main ones we have discovered.
You can either save seeds from plants or eat them but not both. (This is not true, you can easily do both with many plants and many seeds are also food directly).
It is harmful or negative to let plants “go to seed” and once this has happened you cannot eat any of the plant. (Once more this is largely a myth, many plants produce flowers before going to seed and these are beneficial to pollinators).
Tomato seeds always need to be fermented, in water, before saving. (When we get seeds from a seed supplier, they are nice and clean. However, we have grown many thousands of tomatoes by simply drying the seeds on unbleached kitchen towel which is incredibly easy and leaves more of the tomato to be eaten).
If a plant is rotting the seeds cannot be used and must be discarded. (Another myth, let’s think about what happens without human intervention. The sole purpose of many plants-fruits etc is to distribute seeds to grow more plants-fruits. It is typical that such plants-fruits are already rotting before the seeds take root).
Once seeds have passed the recommended storage time they are completely unviable and need to be completely discarded. (This is most definitely not true and we can share an actual example here [one of many]. We were given tomato seeds, many of which were beyond the recommended 4 year viability range. We took the oldest seeds which were 7 years old, we planted 20 seeds and 8 grew so we transplanted them and 6 plants succeeded and grew to yield 130 tomatoes. Each tomato had an average of 72 seeds. So from planting 20 seeds we ended up with a yield of 9,360 seeds which are now current 2023 seeds at the time of writing this. We should never throw out seeds no matter how old because some could still be viable).
Developing natural seed inoculants completely obviates the need for GMO and GM seed evolution. Two of the leading figures in this realm are Dan Kittredge and Nigel Palmer.
We have found that using soil blocks is a really great way to enhance seed germination.
Looking closely at the image above we actually have both 3/4” and 2” soil blocks. The 3/4” blocks are where we started the seeds and when we make the 2” blocks there is a 3/4” indentation in the centre and we put the 3/4” germinated seedling into the 2” to carry on growing.
Seed Yields:
This next Image is a screenshot from our extensive spreadsheet where we monitor all actions relating to seed saving, from germination to saving. One of the key outputs of course is food and it is entirely possible to both save seeds and eat the food. We will return to the food aspect, later.
Sorry if this is a little hard to read, it is simply an extract, the full spreadsheet actually has 1,201 rows, one for each seed varieties in our seed bank, this of course is constantly changing and this spreadsheet is a living document. The spreadsheet itself is here and you may need to request access to view it. As you will see in this spreadsheet extract above we are monitoring seed yields for 2023-2024. Then we are projecting germination success from the seeds saved, we are being ridiculously conservative assuming an only 10% success of seeds germinated. In these numbers, we can see the tremendously exponential characteristics of seed-saving.
Greenhouse: The next core resource, here we will start with a 20 ft x 20 ft greenhouse which should be able to grow 6,000 to 8,000 plant starts per annum, from seeds, using soil blocks in open trays (this projection is based on actual results as we calculated this from results recorded in our Perma-ledger web-based ledger system [more on this below] then extrapolated via a spreadsheet.). Note, you may need to request access to this, if so please reach out to seeds@regeneratecascadia.org
We selected this 20ft x 20ft design greenhouse from Oregon Valley Greenhouse on Aurora OR whom we have used before. The tables etc shown inside here are in addition to the greenhouse itself, however it does come with heating and ventilation controlled by a thermostat.
Our recommended design would incorporate removable shelves or tables at around the height shown in the photograph above. Up each of the sides of the greenhouse would be 15ft x 3 ft raised beds with soil and at least one side would be heated via an in-soil cable. We can both extend the growing system using the greenhouse and also grow food over-winter. All of this is based on previous projects we have carried out in Oregon.
We mentioned in our overview that wherever we site an Emergency Seed Bank we need guaranteed access and use of the land over multiple generations. Although we are focussed here on the Cascadia Subduction Earthquake, there could be other
disasters which occur. If for some reason we cannot have guaranteed multiple generational access and use of the land, then we would need to upsize the greenhouse and make it modular so it can be fairly easily relocated. The good news here is that seed growth is exponential, especially when we have a fully functional greenhouse. For example, with a 8 ft x 6 ft greenhouse and 2,000 sq ft of garden space we grew lots of food and saved 43,675 seeds of various kinds here in Eugene OR in 2023. That is in just one growing season.
Supplemental Greenhouses. (Optional in number)
As we will be transitioning some seed germination blocks from ¾” to 2” we need 6.25 supplemental greenhouses for each main greenhouse. Here is a suggested model with a list price around $550.00. If we two-tier the shelves and make them 24” wide we can fit 36 seed trays in each supplemental greenhouse, which is around 50% of what is in the main greenhouse. More information on these greenhouses here.
Here is an important point, this paper lays out specific plan for Bioregional-Emergency Seed Banks, for the Cascadia Bioregion in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. However, this system can be deployed in any location and sized up or down. The Cascadia Bioregion has 75 Ecoregions and our plan is to have at least one Seed Exchange in each Ecoregion, so the sizing details shown here relate to this goal.
Soils:
The main goal with soils is to continually improve them and add as few external inputs as possible, particularly those which contain harmful chemicals. There is some good information on soils here Soils Are The Critical Resource.
Another important point here, it is better to have soil covered with “weeds” than to have bare soils. Also, we need to be very selective as to what we call “weeds” as many, named as such, are either edible or medicinal and these facets will be critical in times of emergency. Again, we are creating support-centres here and not commercial operations, per-se. This book “The Encyclopedia of Edible Plants of North America” is a great resource for many so-called “weeds”…
All things compost is really the key input to supporting and maintaining soil health. Also applications of effective microorganisms (EM) Indigenous Microorganisms (IM) and mycorrhizal spray may be needed from time to time. There is a section below which
is the optional setting up of a small soil test lab. *
Willow As A Garden Resource:
One of the most wonderful materials which grows well in our areas is Willow. Traditionally Willow has been used to create many constructions from baskets up to large-scale shelters. We have used it as a rooting material, to create trellises, raised-beds, garden bed hoops, composters, seating etc. It can be grown exactly where it is needed and makes an ideal complement to Emergency Seed Bank design.
Building composters from Willow introduces a rooting compound to the materials within and we have seen incredibly invigorated compost creation and an explosion of happy worms.
Soil Block Details:
Ideally we should use two main types of soil mix. For the soil-blocks shown below, we recommend this “recipe”.
This is a ¾” soil block mould.
Here we see both ¾” and 2” soil blocks in the same tray. The idea here, for instance, is that we can start eggplant, pepper and tomato seeds in the smaller ¾” blocks and once they have germinated we can then either insert them into the indentation in the 2” blocks or plant them directly into soils.
The resulting young plant roots are “air-pruned” so they are not impeded by the plastic walls of a typical tray.
For general bed soils we recommend a continual soil improvement regime which should include regular soil tests and, once more, avoid having bare soils. The ultimate evolution of bare soils is a desert.
Creating A Soil Test Lab: (Optional)
* We reached out via GPT4 to double-check current information on what is needed to set up a small soil test lab as an option. If we did this it could service several Emergency Seed Bank sites in the Cascadia Bioregion.
“* Setting up a small soil test lab can be a great way to monitor the health of your soil, ensuring that your gardening or farming practices are sustainable and effective. Here's a basic guide to what you might need:
Basic Equipment and Supplies:
Soil pH Tester: To measure the acidity or alkalinity of the soil.
Soil Moisture Meter: Useful for determining the moisture content of the soil.
Conductivity Meter (EC meter): To measure the electrical conductivity, which can give an indication of the nutrient levels in the soil.
Soil Test Kits: These kits often include tests for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sometimes other nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
Thermometer: To measure soil temperature, which can affect plant growth and microbial activity.
Weighing Scale: Precision scales for measuring small amounts of soil or amendments accurately.
Sieves: For separating soil particles to analyze texture.
Glassware: Including beakers, flasks, and test tubes for conducting various tests.
Pipettes and Droppers: For accurate measurement and transfer of liquids.
Distilled Water: Needed for preparing solutions and diluting samples.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Such as gloves and goggles for safety.
Advanced Tools (Optional):
For a more detailed analysis, you might consider:
Soil Sampling Tools: Such as a soil auger or core sampler for collecting soil samples at different depths.
Microscope: Useful for examining soil structure, organic matter, and microbial life.
Reagents and Chemicals: For more complex tests like salinity, specific nutrients, or organic matter content. Ensure you understand the safety and disposal requirements for any chemicals used.
Space and Storage:
Clean, Dry Workspace: A dedicated space for conducting tests and storing equipment.
Storage Cabinets: For safely storing chemicals, reagents, and fragile equipment.
Data Recording Tools: A notebook or digital device for recording results and observations.
Knowledge and Skills:
Understanding Soil Science: Basic knowledge of soil properties, nutrient cycles, and plant needs.
Testing Procedures: Familiarity with how to conduct tests accurately and safely.
Data Interpretation: Skills in interpreting test results to make informed decisions about soil amendments, irrigation, and crop selection.
Safety:
Chemical Safety Training: Understanding how to handle chemicals safely, including proper storage, use of PPE, and spill management.
First Aid Kit: For any accidents that might occur in the lab.
References and Guides:
Soil Science Texts: For deeper understanding and troubleshooting.
Extension Services: Many university agricultural extension services offer guides, resources, and sometimes testing services for comparison or verification.
Starting small and gradually adding more tools and tests as your needs grow and your skills improve can be a practical approach. Remember, the goal of your soil lab is to provide you with actionable insights to improve your soil management practices in a permaculture context, focusing on sustainability, biodiversity, and the health of the ecosystem.”*
Germination Transition To Planting & Transplanting:
We have covered the stages leading up to germinating seeds and preparing and maintaining soils. With garden bed design, there are many options, some of which are more suited to different locations.
Here are some different kinds of garden beds.
Raised Bed Design.
Raised beds need more materials and cost, however they have two main benefits.
For those with challenged mobility they are easier to plant in and harvest from.
In areas of very moist soils they help by raising the planting soils themselves.
Sheet Mulching.
This is a classic Permaculture technique for creating garden beds, sheet-mulching is a great and very easy way to begin planting and growing without the need to till the existing ground. Here we simply cover the ground with natural materials, cardboard or paper is typical and natural cloth based materials can be used; leaves or wood chips can also be used. In essence we want something which will break-down eventually becoming soils.
HugelKultur actually precedes Permaculture and is a wonderful way to extend planting upward. The core uses old-found wood which eventually will break down to form soils. In our experiments we have found HugelKultur mounds to be especially good for growing Three Sisters crops (beans, corn and squash) and in some cases amaranth also.
Garden beds in a greenhouse.
Certainly, raised beds in the greenhouse are part of our design, this allows the growing of warmer-loving crops and also gives us the ability to grow crops through Winter expanding our food supplies and seed production. Here you can see how we laid hardware cloth in the raised bed and coiled a soil heater on the hardware cloth. We used this heated soil initially to enhance seed germination in soil blocks. These were mainly peppers and tomatoes.
In addition, after the germination period, we then used the heated soil to grow the particularly hot peppers.
HugelKultur actually precedes Permaculture and is a wonderful way to extend planting upward. The core uses old-found wood which eventually will break down to form soils. In our experiments we have found HugelKultur mounds to be especially good for growing Three Sisters crops (beans, corn and squash) and in some cases amaranth also.
Obviously plant spacings depend on the plants themselves, for instance, garlic would have different spacings to cabbages. In addition, location can have an impact on the Emergency Seed Bank location. Here in Cascadia we have many types of animal friends. For instance if we are in a rural location we need to protect plant-seed gardens from Elk and deer. What we have found is that a 10 foot high fence is a useful deterrent for Elk and deer. We have typically found T-Posts with Welded Wire Fencing around garden bed growing areas to be optimal for this. There are some very helpful videos here on how to plan for and install fences.
We can use these same guides to plan for and install fencing in urban locations.
Seed Storage:
The main thrust of our plans here are to do as much as possible to protect the Emergency Seed Banks from the effects of a Cascadia Subduction Earthquake. This document is a living and multi-generational one, however what we are recommending for storage of seeds here is based on 10 years of growing and saving seeds in rural and urban environments here in the Western United States.
The last time the earthquake occurred in 1700, much of the Cascadia land mass dropped by up to 6 feet. The kinetic forces generated in such an event will be cataclysmic.
We recommend using reinforced 20ft Shipping containers for the principal storage container into which the seeds will be stored in waterproof containers with the addition of refrigeration and freezing as needed. Heavy-duty and waterproof plastic containers are good to use and we have used waterproof ammunition containers from this company successfully.
Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity is key for long-term storage of seeds. Optimal humidity for seed storage is between 20% to 40% and there should be a dehydrator in use which can be controlled via a humidity and temperature sensor. Optimal temperatures for storing seeds long-term are between 0 degrees C and 18 degrees C. Fortunately we do have cool Winters in Cascadia and Summers can be very warm, so air conditioning will be needed for part of our years in order to cover for extremely cold temperatures also, a heat pump is a good option. Once more a sensor will be used to control any equipment in use. These sensors will be inside the storage container.
Energy Supplies: There are several items here, that will need electrical energy to function and how we can get this, will vary. The most obvious and easy being from an existing mains supply, as an alternative to mains or as a redundancy option, we have the following to consider.
Solar-PV Panels plus storage.
Small-scale Windmills plus storage.
Small-scale Hydroelectric plus storage.
Maybe a combination of some or all could be considered.
Life-Forms To Include:
These are the life-forms we have added to our food-growing operations in the Pacific Northwest, as follows.
Chickens & Ducks - Poultry:
As noted by Bill Mollison in his seminal book, “Permaculture, A Designers’ Manual”, chickens are an invaluable adage to food growing systems, (Ducks also fit in here). Quail could be another adage or replacement here.
Eggs
Meat (for those who eat meat)
Manure
Companionship
Bees-Pollinators: The value of pollinators cannot be overestimated , honey bees are what often springs to mind here and they are obviously a wonderful resource.
Mason Bees are also a wonderful pollinator to add to gardens.
There is a great resource on planting for pollinators, here.
Irrigation:
Irrigation is a critical element for the success of Emergency Seed Banks and resilient food systems. Here’s an outline of key considerations and methods to enhance the irrigation section of your main document:
Irrigation Strategies for Emergency Seed Banks
Effective irrigation systems are essential to ensure consistent water supply for seed germination, plant growth, and soil health. These systems must be reliable, efficient, and adaptable to the specific needs of the Emergency Seed Banks while minimizing water waste.
A. Principles of Efficient Irrigation
- Water Conservation: Use methods that reduce evaporation, runoff, and overwatering.
- Targeted Delivery: Direct water to plant roots to maximize uptake and minimize waste.
- Soil Health: Maintain moisture levels that support microbial activity and plant health.
B. Irrigation Techniques
1. Drip Irrigation
- Description: Delivers water directly to the plant roots through a network of tubes, emitters, and valves.
- Advantages: Highly efficient, reduces water waste, minimizes evaporation, and can be automated.
- Suitability: Ideal for raised beds, soil blocks, and greenhouse crops.
2. Soaker Hoses
- Description: Porous hoses placed on the soil surface or slightly buried to seep water slowly into the ground.
- Advantages: Low-cost, easy to install, and effective for small to medium-sized areas.
- Suitability: Suitable for garden beds and perimeter crops. There is some good information on using soaker-hoses here.
3. Rainwater Harvesting Systems
- Description: Collects and stores rainwater from rooftops or other surfaces for irrigation use.
- Advantages: Sustainable, reduces reliance on external water sources, and lowers costs.
- Suitability: Ideal for areas with seasonal rainfall and can integrate with drip or soaker systems. This site has some really good pointers on rainwater capture, storage and use.
4. Wicking Beds
- Description: Raised beds with a reservoir of water at the base, allowing plants to "wick" moisture as needed.
- Advantages: Self-regulating, reduces watering frequency, and promotes consistent moisture.
- Suitability: Excellent for raised beds and greenhouse use and there is more good information on wicking beds, here.
5. Mulch-Based Irrigation
- Description: Applying organic or inorganic mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
- Advantages: Low-cost, improves soil health, and works well with other irrigation methods.
- Suitability: Useful in all garden setups, including Hugelkultur beds. It’s good to keep informed on mulching beds and this is a good resource.
6. Automated Systems with Sensors
- Description: Integrate moisture sensors with irrigation systems to automate watering based on soil needs.
- Advantages: Highly efficient, reduces manual intervention, and optimizes water use.
- Suitability: Greenhouses and areas requiring precision irrigation.
7. Water Source Options
- Groundwater Wells: Ensure long-term reliability but consider sustainable extraction rates.
- Surface Water: Utilize nearby streams or ponds with filtration systems to remove impurities.
- Municipal Supply: Reliable but should be a backup option to reduce costs.
- Recycled Water: Incorporate greywater systems for non-edible crops and compost.
8. Irrigation Design Considerations
1. Scalability: Design systems that can expand as the Seed Banks grow.
2. Redundancy: Include backup water sources and systems to ensure resilience.
3. Adaptability: Incorporate modular systems that can be relocated if necessary.
This graphic shows a possible compete system plan with more details here.
9. Energy and Power
- Solar-powered pumps or gravity-fed systems to minimize energy costs and reliance on external power.
- Backup systems using manual pumps or portable generators for emergencies. Hand pumps are a particularly good to have ready at all times for use with wells or bores. This site has good advice on this.
10. Integration with Permaculture Principles
- Use on-contour swales and contour planting to passively direct water to growing areas.
- Terracing is also a very effective technique were slopes are steeper.
- Incorporate companion planting to optimize water retention and reduce evaporation.
11. Long-Term Planning
- Regularly test and maintain irrigation equipment.
- Educate the community on system operation and repair to ensure sustainability.
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This addition can significantly strengthen your document and ensure the irrigation systems are robust, sustainable, and adaptable for long-term use. Let me know if you’d like to explore a particular system in more depth!
Keeping Track Of All - The Ledger:
Keeping track of what we are doing throughout the many years that this project will span, is a key need. Over the past 5-6 years here in Oregon, we have both evolved and still use a web-based system called Perma-Ledger.
The image above is what we see when we log into Perma-Ledger, showing the planting of seeds and when they are due to be seeded out, either into trays or into the ground.
Perma-Ledger was developed from an open-source project called farmOS and more details can be found on this here.
We took farmOS and modified it, so we could add and track multiple locations. This is because farmOS was created and still exists to track a single farm operation.
Here is what we can track in Perma-Ledger:
This is an example from a single seed entry, showing all the plantings-seeds (sorry that the text is small to read).
In addition, each entry has a QR code so they can be scanned and the URL to the entry is shared. We also have mapping built-in via Open Street Maps.
What we recommend is that you log-in to Perma-Ledger and take a look around.
User Name guest PW !kL82xTug&
Literally every aspect of growing seeds to plants to food and seeds can be tracked here in Perma-Ledger and may other things as shown in the logs section above.
The Food:
In our introduction, we stated the following. In the order of importance.
Ongoing Soil Improvement.
Ongoing & Exponential Seed Supply Storage & Distribution.
The Growing and Supply Of Highly Nutritious Food.
If we consider improving soils and saving and distributing seeds, we will most definitely produce lots of nutritious foods.
What we want to focus on in this section is how we can keep grown foods around longer and also to focus on some food staples, which we address first.
Food Staples:
Pulses - Beans, Peas, Lentils etc:
These family of plants can be eaten fresh or dried, when eaten fresh, most parts of the plants can be edible and of course the dried version, is also a seed. In addition, most of these legumes also benefit the soils, by bringing in nitrogen. The dried pulses can also last for many years.
Grains:
Cereals are grasses cultivated for the edible components of their grain. They are a major source of calories and a staple food in many parts of the world.
Wheat - Used for flour, bread, pasta, and other food products.
Rice - A staple food for a large part of the world's population.
Corn (Maize) - Used for food, feed, and industrial products.
Barley - Used for animal feed, brewing, and certain foods.
Sorghum - Utilized for food, fodder, and alcoholic beverages.
Oats - Consumed as oatmeal and in foods like granola bars.
Millet - Includes various types used for grains and forage.
Rye - Used for bread, beer, and some types of whiskey.
Teff - A staple in Ethiopia, used for making injera (a type of flatbread).
Fonio - A fast-growing cereal that's native to West Africa.
Triticale - A hybrid of wheat and rye, used for grain and forage.
Spelt - An ancient grain used in some breads and pastas.
Pseudocereals are non-grasses that are used similarly to cereals because their seeds can be ground into flour and consumed as grains.
Quinoa - Known for its nutritional value, including high protein content.
Amaranth - Used in cereals, snacks, and as a leaf vegetable.
Buckwheat - Used for noodles, pancakes, and gluten-free products.
Chia - Seeds are consumed for their omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Food Preservation:
In many countries and in our current food-systems, there is often food wastage. Here, once more, we consulted GPT4 to get the latest up to date information on food preservation techniques.
“Food preservation is essential for extending the shelf life of food items, maintaining nutritional value, taste, and safety. Various techniques have been developed to preserve food, ranging from traditional methods to modern technologies. Here's a comprehensive list of food preservation techniques:
Traditional Methods
Drying or Dehydration - Removing moisture to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
Smoking - Using smoke to add flavor and reduce moisture, thus inhibiting microbial growth.
Salting - Using salt to draw moisture out of food, preventing bacterial growth.
Sugaring - Preserving food by using sugar to inhibit microbial growth.
Pickling - Using vinegar or brine to create an acidic environment that inhibits bacteria.
Fermentation - Allowing food to undergo controlled microbial growth, producing alcohol, acids, or other compounds that act as natural preservatives.
Canning - Sealing food in airtight containers and heating to kill microbial contaminants.
Jellying - Preserving food by cooking it with sugar and sometimes pectin to create a gel that inhibits microbial growth.
Refrigeration and Freezing
Refrigeration - Storing food at low temperatures to slow down microbial growth.
Freezing - Storing food at temperatures below freezing to halt microbial growth and enzymatic activities.
Chemical Preservation
Preservatives - Adding chemical substances (e.g., benzoates, nitrites, sulfites) to food to prevent spoilage and microbial growth.
Acidification - Lowering the pH of food to inhibit bacterial growth.
Atmospheric Control
Vacuum Packing - Removing air from packaging to reduce oxygen levels, inhibiting aerobic microbial growth and oxidation.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) - Altering the gas composition surrounding food in packaging to extend shelf life.
Physical Methods
Pasteurization - Heating food to a specific temperature to kill pathogenic bacteria and reduce enzymatic activity.
Sterilization - Using high temperatures to completely eliminate all microorganisms from the food.
Irradiation - Exposing food to ionizing radiation to kill or deactivate pathogens and pests.
High-Pressure Processing (HPP) - Using high pressure to inactivate microbes without significantly heating the food.
Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) - Applying short bursts of high voltage to food to destroy microbial cells.
Novel and Emerging Techniques
Cold Plasma - Using plasma at low temperatures to inactivate microbes on food surfaces.
Ultrasonic Preservation - Applying high-frequency sound waves to destroy microorganisms or inhibit their growth.
Edible Coatings - Applying edible materials to the surface of foods to act as barriers to gases, moisture, and microbes.
Biopreservation - Utilizing natural or controlled microbiota or antimicrobials to preserve food.
Each of these preservation techniques has its applications, advantages, and limitations, depending on the type of food, desired shelf life, and sensory attributes. The choice of preservation method can significantly affect the nutritional quality, safety, and taste of the food.”
Fantastic article and work, thank you for sharing. I wasn't sure of the log-in credentials for perma-ledger (probably means I need more coffee!). Thanks for sharing this amazing work