University of Arizona Yavapai County Cooperative Extension Yavapai Gardens Master Gardener Newsletter May 2009

Hot, Hotter, Hottest and Life Threatening by Nora Graf Events & Activities From the green chile found in grocery MG Association Meeting, Wednesday, stores to the absolutely blazing, hurt yourself, Naga Jolokia , there is a chile May 20, 6:30pm, Prescott, Meet the for everyone. Today chiles are grown new Master Gardener Social worldwide but they originated in South Alta Vista Gardening Club, Prescott, fourth America. Native Indians as early as Tuesday of the month, 12:30pm. Call 928-443- 7000BC were eating wild chiltepins 0464 for location and information. or pequin chiles. They were first cul- tivated around 2300BC by the Incas. Prescott Area Gourd Society, third Tuesday of The cultivation of chiles traveled north the month, 6:30 pm, at the Smoki Museum. into and from there the plant was exported to other south- western cultures. By 500BC bowls used for crushing chiles were Prescott Orchid Society, meets 3rd Sunday of being used and traded. At the height of Mayan culture, around the month, 2pm at the Prescott Library, call Cyn- 500AD, they were growing different varieties of chiles and they thia for information. (928) 717-0623 had become a culinary staple appearing in nearly every meal. Prescott Area Iris Society call 928-445-8132 for On Columbus’s second voyage, physician Diego Alvarez Chanca date and place information. brought chiles to Spain. He was the first to write of their medicinal uses in 1494. Spain was a powerful world force in the days of Verde Valley Iris Society call Linda Smith at 928- Columbus and controlled trade to Asia. Through the Spanish the 567-7470 chile spread to Asia, the Philippines, India, China, Korea and Ja- pan where they were incorporated into local cusines. India gave us Vindaloo. The Szechuan region of China developed a spicy cuisine now beloved by restaurant goers everywhere. from Hungary is mostly seen as a garnish on deviled eggs and Table of Contents potato salad but also forms the basis for some great dishes like chicken paprika and Hungarian goulash. From Turkey comes Hot, Hotter, Hottest ..(chiles). . . 1 . from Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. While Scoville Rating . . . 2 Italy did not embrace the chile like they did the , every Chilie Sauce Recipe . . . 3 pizza parlor seems to serve flakes. Gayfeather/Liatris . . . 4 Chile or chili? And what about pepper? Either chile or MG Garden Tour . . . 5 chili, works although chile is coming to be the common usage Mrs. Hedges’ Garden (poem) . 6 today. Chili seems to be the preferred way to refer to a particular food dish like Chili Con Carne or, in the midwest US, a ground MG Notes, Calendar . . . 6-7 beef stew. The first chili I knew about was my mom’s concoction of ground beef, tomato sauce, macaroni, onions and sometimes chili beans. Still make it occasionally, one of those comfort foods I guess, although over the years more was added to it up. Peppers and chiles are often thought of interchangeably and for common saicinoid chemicals inhibit the growth of fungus and usage as long the plant may have developed the chemicals to with- as you know stand various fungal infections. what you are The was designed to measure talking about, the spice of the chile. Wilbur Scoville developed the it’s ok. But pep- test in 1912. Scoville’s method was to dilute a solution per refer to the of chile extract in syrup until the heat was no lon- genus Piper ger detectable to tasters. This was translated into the from which the “Scoville Scale”. The lowest, at zero, were the sweet pepper of salt and pepper comes from. Different peppers which contain no , the ingredient re- plants entirely. Confusion reigns—don’t worry about sponsible for the heat. The hottest peppers can rate at it. I don’t know who is going to be confused if you use 200,000 or more. This is an imprecise test depending either term if you are talking about your garden since on individual testers so is open to interpretation. To- not many of us grow any of the “Piper” type of pep- day the heat is measured by high performance liquid per. chromatography which measures the actual heat-pro- Chiles apparent- ducing chemicals. A mathematical formula is used to ly evolved the “heat” to weight their relative capacity to produce a sensation of discourage being eaten heat. It is called the American Spice Trade Associa- by mammals. Birds, on tion units. Approximately one part capsa- the other hand, aren’t icin per million equals 15 Scoville units. affected and readily eat The rating for a chile may vary. Cultural prac- the of many native tices, soil, genetics and climate all play a role in the chilies, helping to dis- perse the seeds. I did find an interesting article that suggested the cap-

Scoville Rating

8,600,000–9,100,000—Pure capsaicin 500,000–5,300,000—Various capsaicinoids (homocapsaicin, homodihydro- capsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin) 855,000–1,050,000—Law Enforcement Grade pepper spray FN 303 irritant ammunition 350,000–580,000—Naga Jolokia or Bhut Jolokia (The Naga Jolokia comes from northeastern India. Chile breeder, Professor Paul Bosland, New Mexico State University, equated it with breathing fire. ) 100,000–350,000—Red Savina 50,000–100,000—Habanero chili, Pepper, , Rocoto, Jamaican Hot Pepper, African Birdseye, 30,000–50,000—Thai Pepper, , Chiltepin Pepper, 10,000–23,000—, Ají pepper, , some peppers 2,500–8,000—, some Chipotle peppers 500–2,500—Jalapeño Pepper, Guajillo pepper, New Mexican varieties of Anaheim pepper, Paprika () 100–500 —Anaheim pepper, Pepper, Rocotillo Pepper 0 No heat—Pimento, Pepperoncini,

Tabasco is rated at 2,140 Anything above 100,000 should probably be considered a food additive and not something you liberally pour over your food. Use at your own peril!! 2 hotness of a chile. Haba- If you don’t want to grow your own peppers, neros are especially influ- you can buy pure capsaicin on the internet; just be enced by outside factors. very careful, this stuff is deadly. For ratings on vari- You can reduce the heat ous hot sauces and sources go to http://www.chez-wil- of a chile by removing liams.com/Hot%20Sauce/hothome.htm the placenta (the mid rib on the inside of the chile; New Mexico State University runs the Chile Pepper look for the slightly orange Institute, if you are interested in learning more: area). This is where the http://www.chilepepperinstitute.org/index.html capsaicinoids are located. They also sell seeds: call (505) 646-3028 or check Removing it removes the out their website: http://www.chilepepperinstitute.org/ heat. chile-pepper-institute-c.html Capsaicin reacts Bhut Jolokia seeds are available only through the Chile with the mucus mem- Pepper Institute. branes in the mouth, throat and skin. Don’t Arizona source of chile seeds and chile products try to remove the burning www.nativeseeds.org sensations with water or www.santacruzchili.com beer—drink milk or any other dairy product. Casein, present in dairy products, disrupts the burning. For Chile Sauce for Enchiladas skin irritation use rubbing alcohol to reduce the sen- sation and if you get capsaicin in your eyes just rinse from The Cuisines of Mexico by Diana Kennedy repeatedly with water.

Growing your own Chiles grow well in our area and should be treated similarly to to- matoes although they take less cold than tomatoes. In warmer areas they are grown as pe- rennials. If you are planting toma- toes you can be planting chiles (sweet peppers also) as well. They need full sun and like the weather hot. They also need moister conditions although keeping them too moist will reduce the heat factor. Mulching will keep the soil moist and the peppers happy. Stress 2 chile anchos them with a little less water and you may increase the 2 chiles guajillos heat factor. 2 , peeled, roughly chopped Green chiles are 1/4 medium onion, roughly chopped picked when they are 1/4 t. salt green. Red chiles are 1 cup water green chiles that have enough hot water to cover the chiles ripened on the plant until Toast the chiles lightly on a griddle or comal, turning they are red. Green chil- them constantly so they do not burn. Slit them open es are sold fresh and/or and remove the seeds and veins. Cover the chil- roasted. Red chiles are ies with hot water and let them soak for 20 minutes. usually dried. Chipolte Transfer to a blender. Add the rest of the ingredients

chiles are jalapenos that and blend to a smooth sauce. have been smoked. 3 Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris sp.) by Nora Graf

Butterflies visit the blooms, Make sure you know where birds love the seeds and you want to put it because once gardeners love the striking the plant is in the ground and late summer displays of this starts to grow it does not like prairie plant. For some, being moved again. That long though, it might mean just taproot, which makes it possi- feeding the gophers. Pock- ble to survive with little water, et gophers apparently love makes it nearly impossible to the roots and if you plant change locations. It can grow these you will be in a war quite large. In September the that you probably will not plant sends up striking spikes win. For the gopher-free of purple flowers (depending this could be a wonderful on species) 1 to 5 feet tall. It addition to a low water use does not require any pruning garden. except to remove old flower There are approxi- stalks in the winter. mately 32 species of Lia- It works well planted around tris and, depending on the boulders, use it with penste- species, you might have a mons, butterfly weed, choco- corm, a rhizome or an elon- late flowers, and prickly pop- gated root crown. All have grass-like leaves. Liatris pies for a nice desert display. It can also be used in is a member of the Asteraceae family (related to sun- drifts and ground cover. Plant 12 to 15 inches apart in flowers, asters). While liatris does not have ray flow- full sun and good-draining soil. It tolerates poor soils ers that are typical of that group, they do have fluffy and some species prefer them. The best time to plant disk flowers that supposedly resemble blazing stars. is early spring but will do ok if planted in early fall. Wa- Guess it’s all in the eye of the ter regularly during the first grow- beholder. ing season to establish a good The plant’s original root system. Once it is growing habitat is prairies and grass- well, the water can be tapered off lands on rocky slopes at el- to longer intervals. It does not evations ranging from 5000 like wet feet! Fertilize before new to 8000 feet. Various species growth begins in the spring. inhabit nearly every state east For the most part Liatris are of the rockies southern Cana- pest-free, but they susceptible to da and into northern Mexico. various diseases, including pow- Three species are listed on dery mildew. the endangered species list. It an be grown easily There are 13 species and from seed. Start indoors or sow several hybrids that are sold directly. The seeds will take 25- for home gardens. It doesn’t 45 days to germinate so have pa- mind the cold, being hardy to tience. Germination is improved -30°F and doesn’t mind hot with a 4-6 week cold moist stratifi- weather. Perfect for us! It cation. Plants will generally bloom likes full sun and once estab- starting the second year. You can lished it can get by on monthly purchase plants or corms. This deep watering. It has a deep purple-flowered (there is a white carrot-like taproot–so deep watering is essential. Too variety) beauty really deserves a home in your gar- much water and the plant will be leggy and floppy. den. The butterflies and birds will love you. 4 2009 Master Gardener Tour

The Verde Valley Master Gardener Tour will take There is also abundant sunshine for sun-loving vege- place on May 9th. Registration is from 8AM to 10AM tables, perennials and annuals. At the end of the day, at Windmill Gardens Nursery in Cornville. Following Michele and Merle find quiet relaxation overlooking registration, participants may begin the tour. Maps their garden. will be available, and all gardens will be keyed to the Janice Montgomery has taken her extensive map. There is a cost recovery fee of $5.00 at regis- knowledge from involvement in community gardens tration. in Scottsdale and applied it to her back yard. It is in- Our 2009 Master Gardener Tour sites belong spiring to learn how she has turned her backyard into to owners who are heavily invested in time and inter- a bountiful garden. Beginning with poor, est in their gardens. Their enthusiasm for the ongo- rocky soil you will have an opportunity to learn how ing projects in their Janice dug, sifted rocks gardens is conta- and added amendments gious. It is also a to the native soil to pro- reminder for all of duce a bountiful har- the Master Garden- vest. She has created ers that our work of four rectangular garden love in the garden is beds which allow her to never done! work her vegetable gar- Everywhere den without compacting you look in Larry the soil. It is amazing to Anderson’s garden see how much harvest there is a multitude Janice produces from and variety of veg- a small space. Janice etation. Larry can has incorporated practi- name his plants cal creativity in her gar- with the common dening techniques. name and the Latin Jennifer Young’s name. He has ex- garden sits on property perimented and that cascades to a creek. has found optimum She is in the process of locations for native plants as well as plants adapted developing a yard that has low water usage plants. to the Verde Valley. Larry’s fine-tuned imagination is Jennifer has utilized the slope of the creek access to evident in the yard art that he has created from mate- plan and build a labyrinth. Other plans for the slope rial that others might have discarded. to the creek include utilizing native plants. Jennifer’s With a backdrop of the Mingus Mountains, goal is to prevent erosion on the slope while maintain- Cyndi Blackberg’s garden has much to offer. A major- ing the integrity of the nature of the surroundings. The ity of the plants are xeriscape. She has incorporated natural environment is enhanced by the quiet sound of water catchment for her potted plants. Cyndi’s com- a gentle water feature which Jennifer has created. post includes fertilizer from her ducks and chickens. Jennifer Young is the primary gardener in a From simple materials, she has constructed a cold service-oriented garden on a neighboring property. frame for winter lettuce. To add to her outdoor enjoy- The non-profit Cornucopia Community Gardens pro- ment, Cyndi has garden art painted on the back wall vides produce for the hungry in the Verde Valley. The of her house. garden takes advantage of a slope to incorporate a Merle and Michele Herrick’s garden is an out- terraced garden. The green house holds tomato seed- standing example of organic composting and vermi- lings that are resistant to the Curly Top Virus. Chick- culture. With their drip irrigation system, they have an ens supply additional food and compost opportunities. oasis. They have taken what nature has given them Three families are involved in this effort to assist the to create a terraced garden where they grow a large less fortunate. variety of produce for themselves and for the local The Garden Tour Committee hopes you will be farmers market. Michele and Merle’s garden has able to join other Master Gardeners for an informative mesquite trees which provide for shade-loving plants. and educational tour! 5 In Mrs. Hedges’ Garden Congratulations! by Jacqueline Rizzo Five Master Gardeners have reached Emeri- tus status this year. They have given 10 The ring of chimes is years of continuous service to the Master Sweet and sublime. Gardener Program. In Mrs. Hedges’ garden. Bill Cart Beverly Emerson The little path all Marilyn Perkins neatly laid, A quiet meander it has Anna Wilson made. Phil Young Through Ms. Hedges’ garden. Donna O’Rourke has completed her 50 hours and is now an MG. Her mentor is Lesley You, of course, will see, Alward. All care and treatments Are done naturally In Mrs. Hedges’ garden.

It definitely takes quite a knack, to grow all the plants by Bearded Iris the almanac. “Parvins Pi- In Mrs. Hedges’ garden. not.” One of the favorites in my gar- All the , with their den. Nora special smells, Are used in recipes to keep you well. From Mrs. Hedges’ garden.

There is a darling sundial, to Count the hours you while, Away in Mrs. Hedges’ garden.

I so enjoy the practical sense In neighbor’s chats across The fence The MG Cookbook Committee is soliciting reci- Of Mrs. Hedges’ garden. pes. Please forward to Cookbook Chairperson Robin Weesner ([email protected]) or PO There is a little place to sit, Box 508, Rimrock, Arizona 86335 or bring to When your toils you have quit. MG meeting starting in June. If emailed, either In Mrs. Hedges’ garden. type in email body or provide as email attach- ment in Word format. Recipe should feature By your feelings it will be known, at least one produce item that can be grown in You have enjoyed a world of its own Yavapai County. In Mrs. Hedges’ garden. 6 Master Gardener Programs, Work Shops & FROM THE EDITOR: Please send Field Trips 2009 or email articles and announce- ments to the address below. All May 20th —Prescott New class Social – no program articles must be in my hands by

June 17th—Cottonwood “Gardens for Humanity” Diane Dearmore, the 10th of the month. Short Presenter. Refreshments made with Herbs by MG’ers announcements (no more than 2 or 3 lines) will be accepted until July – No Meeting the 25th. August 19th Prescott—“Gardening Journaling” Cynthia Cartier- Nora Graf Roberts and “The History & Mystery of Plant Names” Bob Burke PO Box 3652 Camp Verde, AZ 86322 September 16th Cottonwood “Winter Vegetable Gardening with Ex- [email protected] tension into Spring Veggie Gardening”, Presenter Jay Fleishman (928) 567-6703 October 10th Master Gardener Picnic Goldwater Lake Prescott

November 18th Cottonwood – “Growing & Cooking with Herbs” Presenter Serve Snacks made with herbs as refreshments)

December—No Meeting

January 2010—Cindy Scott from Underwood Garden Heirloom Seeds “Heirloom Seed, What Are They and How to Gather & Save Seeds”

Jeff Schalau Workshops County Director, Yavapai County Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources May 16th Saturday, 9 -12, Prescott Co-op Extension Office “Creat- email: [email protected] ing Decorative Flower Pots” with Marti Dodd. Class size limited to 15. Participants need to bring a small to medium clay pot and mate- rial to decorate it with. Materials may be old tile, plates, pebbles or glass pieces. Bring a hammer. Wear old clothes. Fee of $4.50 Prescott to cover the cost of the adhesive. Call or e-mail Marti (928) 717- 840 Rodeo Dr. 1810. [email protected] or call or e-mail Diane (928) 899- 8363. [email protected]. Building C Prescott, AZ 86305 Photoshop Workshop: October 3rd at the Prescott Co-op Exten- (928) 445-6590 sion Office from 9 until noon and October 24th at the Cottonwood FAX: (928) 445-6593 Public Safety Building from 9 until 12 noon. “Overview of Adobe PhotoShop Elements and Features Steve Moody Has Found Most Helpful” Class size limited to 20. Fee: $20 (Fund Raiser for Yavapai Cottonwood MG) 2657 Village Dr. To reserve space please signup at a MG meeting or email Steve Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Moody at [email protected] (928) 646-9113

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914 in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, James A. Christenson, Direc- tor, Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The University of Arizona and Arizona Counties cooperating. The University of Arizona is an equal opportu- nity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis or race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation in its progrmas and activities. The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cooperative Extension is implied. Any products, services, or organizations that are mentioned, shown, or indirectly implied in this publication do not imply endorsement by the University of Arizona. 7 Arizona Cooperative Extension Yavapai County 840 Rodeo Dr. Building C Prescott, AZ 86305

MG NEWSLETTER

MG Association Meeting 6:30pm, May 20th, Prescott New class Social, no program