Take a Look in a Book!

 

          While experience life in Aggieland, I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting the Cushing Library. It was filled with many books and archives from around the world; some of which contained many medicinal plant remedies found by our fore fathers and many other people from around the world. Sometimes we may take the books we use for granted because we think they’re sturdy but we don’t realize the generations and generations after need that knowledge as well. So the next time you’re checking out a book, think of the future.

 

 

 

 

From Oleanders to Passion Flowers

 

          As we explored the different aspects A&M had to offer, we visited their greenhouse, or should I say greenhouseS. Before we went outside, there was a spectacular garden with many different eye pleasing, beautiful flowers. The keepers of the greenhouses informed us of the uses and the harms of specific plants. As we went inside, we noticed that plants weren’t the only things living in there. We were surprised to find two, plump feline residents walking on the tables having a good ol’ time! Yet this wasn’t the most exciting part of the trip. The attendants of the greenhouse shared with us many stories, tales, and cures from and of the plants laid out for us. It was extremely informative and exhilarating. Now I know if ever I have a stomach ache to make some tea with ginger. And the pain will be gone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fruit Salad… Yummy Yummy!

 

          At Texas A&M, they have there own produce facilities called the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center. There they informed us about the importance of fruits and vegetables and the amount we need to stay healthy. They even let us have a portion of our daily need. Mmmm.  At the center, they not only create their own line of fruits and vegetables but they are doing many different research projects for many different reasons. One very important to the human race as a whole; cancer. In the labs, they are testing certain cancer cells with chemicals from fruits and vegetables to see if these certain chemicals contribute to fight cancer or prevent it. I don’t know about you but cancer is something serious to me and if these guys are trying to do something to prevent it, I’ll solute them. But not only are they trying to do this but they also create healthier and better tasting fruits and vegetables that are sold in stores. So the next time you’re in the produce aisle, check the price tag to see if it was altered by Aggies!

 

p.s. It is true that if you eat too many carrots, you’ll turn orange J

 

 

 

 

Plantain vs. Banana

 

          On Thursday, I participated in a case study with Dr. Linda and Ms. Elizabeth. They had us find out the differences between bananas and plantains.  This may sound like a regular Venn diagram but there was a little twist to it. They actually had bananas and two different types of plantain to let us make our own observations instead of making us read about it. This was not the best part though. Since Ms. Elizabeth was from Puerto Rico and we were already familiar with the taste of bananas, she thought it would be a good idea for us to taste a dish made of plantain that was native to her country. This food is called Mofongo and it is spectacular! We actually got to use our sense of taste to identify the differences between the two fruits. And I must say I’m a fan of fried plaintain. However, it wasn’t all about the food. We learned very valuable and needed facts about the nutrition values. And I thank you ladies for making that possible.

 

 

 

 

Shake Rattle and Roll.

 

         

          On Wednesday, we visited the USDA and there they showed us some extremely interesting things they do. They break down cell DNA to look at things beyond the green. They mainly work with cotton and its production but they showed us what they did in the labs as well. Instead of having to break down the plants manually, they showed us this machine that basically shakes swiftly to break it down faster and more efficient. We watched them do things and then they gave us a chance to try it ourselves. We even got to look at our own DNA. I won’t tell you how we did it, not because I’m mean, but I don’t want to gross you out. Lets just say we had a spitiful afternoon.