We're Transforming Food Deserts to Beauty!
Beauty's Community Garden's programs, events, and educational materials focus on breaking the cycle of food insecurity, poor nutrition, and the resulting health outcomes people within communities with limited access to fresh produce experience. These communities are called food deserts. Our garden is located in one of forty plus food deserts in Houston. We are committed to bringing awareness and impacting the lives of the residents in these communities.
2.1 Million
People within the U.S. reside in food desert communities.
400,000
Reside in one of 40+ food deserts in
Houston, Texas alone.
Health Impact
Poor diet and access to processed foods result in poor health.
Learning about what we eat and where it comes from has a transformative influence on how we grow, feel, and act.
More than giving food that feeds for a day, we teach you how to become your own food source, and the advantages of bringing plant-based foods into your diet, gaining a global, cultural, and scientific appreciation for food, and setting you on a lifetime path of personal, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
Okra
Annual - flower & pod (fruit)
Sow & Plant after freeze - April 16-30
Plant as a seed or plant in full sun, temperature 65°F-75°F
Name - Okra (fruit)
Okra, scientific name, Abelmoschus esculentus, is a flowering plant with green pods. It’s part of the Malvaceae family along with hibiscus, cocoa, and cotton. Okra is biologically identified as a fruit, because of its edible, seed bearing pods, and is known under many names: Lady’s finger, bhindi, okura, quimgombo, bamia, gombo, and lai long ma.
Culinary Use
Okra has deep roots and is a staple in the African Diaspora, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Brazil, South Asia, and the African American community's, cuisines. There are many ways to prepare okra --fried, stir-fried and used in stews, soups and gumbo. Okra is also used as a thickener, that can result in a “goo” or slime, If the okra pod is not sautéed first before adding to a dish.
Nutrition
Okra contains 90% water 2% protein 7% carbohydrates. fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. moderate contents of thiamin: vitamin B1, folate: vitamin B9 and folacin, and magnesium Mg.
Okra Cultivation
Okra is a sustainable crop that thrives in a hot climate and needs little water. It grows best in an acidic soil pH (5.8 to 7.0), that drains well, that is rich in organic matter. Each plant needs a depth of 8-10 inches, and should be planted in rows 3-4 feet apart. When harvesting okra, wear gloves, the spines can irritate the skin.
Body Benefits
Okra supports digestive health, bolsters the immune system, and promotes vibrant, healthy skin. It is also a great source of soluble fiber, that mixes well with water resulting in slowing digestion, decreases cholesterol levels, and controlling blood sugar.
Origin & History
The okra seed originated in West Africa, and In 1658 journeyed to the Americas as part of the transatlantic slave trade. It became a staple in personal gardens of enslaved people, who had, limited or withheld food, by slaveholders. Despite adversity, okra has thrived in African American cuisine, preserving the cultural heritage.
“I started volunteering at Beauty’s Garden in 2020 to raise vegetables and work in a garden like I love to do. It’s hard to make new friends in middle age, and to make it worse I came to Houston at the beginning of the pandemic so I was so isolated, living and working alone. There was no where to go! Nothing was open where I could talk to other people! The Garden turned out to be the only place I could bring my mask and interact safely, outdoors, with diverse but like-minded people. We literally have people from age 8 to 80 coming to help every week. During a time of loneliness and crushing ennui across the country, we’re growing organic food together for the needy, learning about horticulture, and sharing at our potlucks. I hardly know anyone in Houston but my Beauty’s Garden friends are looking forward to seeing me every week.”
Maggie Wineland
New Houstonite
Knowledge is Power!
Root-level transformation happens through discovery, empowerment, and support focused on a path to a healthy and dignified life.
PROGRAMS: Our programs provide the foundation for our community impact. Our year-round Urban Farming and Rooted In Wellness (formally Cooking Healthy) programs are held at the garden and sometimes online. Our Desert to Beauty program expands our community engagement and impact to other 40+ Food Deserts communities. These programs are just a taste of what to expect. You can learn more about what we're up to by clicking the link below.
PUBLICATION: The Green Seedling Magazine, is a seasonal, quarterly, fun-filled, STEAM educational green to health magazine providing engaging family-friendly content. The magazine was a joint project between Beauty's Community Garden and PEACE through PIE, under a two-year, BeWell Acres Homes grant focused the grant ended December 2023. Feel free to access each magazine copy by clicking the link below.
SUPPORT: As a non-profit, we count on your support to develop and provide programs, events and food to the community. Our 8th annual PEACE through PIE Community Event & Fundraiser, was held Saturday, January 13, 2024 (see post event page). Thigh this annual event we raise funds to support our year-round garden and rooted in wellness programs, youth education programs and events throughout the year.
The next annual MLK PEACE through PIE event will be January 18, 2025.
