Preparing dishes from around the world does not mean the ingredients have to come from far away. In her talk, Nadia Hassani will explore how the Pennsylvania climate makes it possible to grow a wide range of vegetables, from sun-loving hot-climate produce to perennial crops that require cold subzero winters, for a wide range of cuisines: Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, Central and East European, Latin American, and Asian. Some of the produce, such as tomatoes, basil, Italian oregano, cilantro, and Thai Mint are growing right on the premises in the Friends’ Garden at Arch Street Meeting House!

Growing vegetables does not require a large back yard, some can even be grown in containers. Nadia will also go over some vegetable gardening basics and identify which vegetables are especially suitable for beginning gardeners or families who would like to introduce their children to the wondrous experience of growing your own food.