Orange Blossom Special

 A Special Day

Orange Blossoms: photo by Cliff Hutson

National Orange Blossom Day is celebrated annually on June 27.  It would seem to go without saying that orange blossoms are the fragrant flower of the orange tree (Citrus sinensis).  These blossoms have been traditionally associated with good fortune and long been popular in bridal bouquets and head wreaths. But, there are others.

Fresh bitter orange (Citrus aurantium)  blossoms are often distilled for their essential oils to make perfume. However, the process also creates a by-product widely used in Middle Eastern, North African, and European cooking: orange blossom water, or orange flower water. The water is pleasantly bitter, like orange peel, but intensely aromatic, and it is thus often used sparingly. While occasionally used in savory dishes, it's more frequently used in sweets such as baklava, the Lebanese rice pudding riz bi haleeb, Moroccan ktefa, and French madeleines and gibassier. The flowers are also used to brew tea.

Finally, I can't read about orange blossoms without thinking of Johnny Cash.

Juneteenth (Observed)

 Independence Day

On Juneteenth: photo by Cliff Hutson

For many African Americans, June 19 is considered as independence day (we were not free in 1776). It commonly referred to as Juneteenth. It marks the date in 1865 when Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order Number 3, which ended the enslavement of Black people in Texas — a full 2½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Long celebrated in Texas, and some other Black communities across the country, the day became a federal holiday in 2021. This year it is being observed today (Monday, June 20), complete with offices and schools closing, as the actual date fell on a Sunday.

I have to admit that I am surprised that all 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, recognize Juneteenth as “a holiday or observance.”  There is, of course, some push back from that sizable element of American society that I characterize as being ashamed enough of our history that they do not want it taught in school. Observing Juneteenth just adds to their discomfort. But, I was a bit taken aback when I read the other day that some Black Texans feel that having the day as a nationwide event cheapens it for them. While I agree that the crass commercialization of the holiday is dead wrong, I feel that the increased awareness is a good thing and honors our culture.

Personally, although born and raised in California, I feel that I have a more than legitimate claim to Juneteenth as my mother was a Texas native. The family never made a really big deal out of the day, but would mark it with a meal of Southern dishes such as fried chicken, potato salad, macaroni & cheese, and greens. And, yes, watermelon. 

Fried Chicken Dinner: photo by Cliff Hutson

Nature Notes: Datura

 Toloache

A plant of many names.

Toloache: photo by Cliff Hutson

Datura wrightii

Datura, the name I first learned, is a member of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae) and is not uncommon from Central California to northern Mexico and east across the Southwest to Texas. It is, in fact fairly common in the foothills north of my home. So you may imagine my surprise that two of my field guides: "Introduction to California Chaparral" and "Introduction to the Plant Life of Southern California: Coast to Foothills" fail to mention it.

Perhaps this is due to the plant’s seedy reputation. Easily recognized by its trumpet-shaped flowers , it has been used for hundreds of years for its hallucinogenic properties. However, it is as toxic as it is narcotic and has been responsible for the deaths of some seeking to use it for its traditional religious purposes; or more likely, recreation.

Like many Americans of my generation, I first learned of the properties of Datura, also called Jimsonweed, through reading Carlos Castaneda’s "The Teachings of Don Juan". His purported experiences led many to go out and try it for themselves. Surprisingly, I never did.

I say surprisingly as I have gone through what I called a Euell Gibbons phase and have an abiding interest in ethnobotany, as evidenced by my work at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. These pursuits have led me to consume more than a few native plants of California. But, I have a healthy respect for for things that might kill me if I do not know what I am doing and figure to give Datura a permanent pass.

The book "California Indians and Their Environment: An Introduction" by Kent G. Lightfoot and Otis Parish has a few interesting entries on what they call Toloache. They describe religious uses, such as gaining the ability to transcend reality, and medicinal purposes. Some groups prepared it in a drink as a painkiller and a treatment for a variety of ailments.

Speaking of names, the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers" refers to the plant as Southwestern Thorn Apple. It says that the common name Jimsonweed is a corruption of Jamestown Weed. The story goes that it got the name when many soldiers sent to quell Bacon’s rebellion in 1676 were poisoned by it.

Jimsonweed

Jimsonweed: photo by Cliff Hutson

By the way, the flower is typically white (see above), but  may be some times tinged with violet, as shown in the lead photograph.

Reading Log: May 2022

 The books that I finished reading in May 2022

May 2022 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"One Good Deed," David Baldacci 

"A Gambling Man," David Baldacci 

"Good Eats^4:: The Final Years," Alton Brown

"Dream Town," David Baldacci 

Cliff's Notes

"The Archer Novels"

Baldacci may be a best a bestselling author, but back in the mid to late 1990s I read something by him and decided that I did not care for his work and never picked up anything of his until last month.

I was willing to change my mind based on seeing an interview about "Dream Town" on Bookish (a video series featuring conversations with authors, thinkers and performers produced by the Southern California News Group (SCNG)).  It is the third novel in a series about a character called Aloysius Archer. One of the things that intrigued me was that it is set in 1950s Los Angeles, my hometown. So, I knew that I wanted to read it, but decided that I should start at the beginning - I am glad that I did.

While "Dream Town" is very good, the first two are much better in my humble opinion. I highly recommend them. Fans of Raymond Chandler and Walter Mosley should enjoy these books.

"Good Eats"

Even the most casual of readers of this blog may have noticed that I am a fan of Alton Brown. I have probably written about, or alluded to, all of his previous books at one point or another. I have enjoyed them all and this latest one is no exception.  Admittedly, people who are not fans of Good Eats may not be into this book. But, for many of us it is a must have for our bookshelves.