GET PLANTING!
MEDITERRANEAN CHICKPEA SALAD
GARDENING INJURY PREVENTION TIPS FROM HAND IN HAND 1. Wear gloves at all times – Bacteria and fungus live in the soil and a small irritation or cut can develop into a major hand infection. Thick, leather or suede gloves may protect your hands from thorns, cuts and scrapes. 2. Keepyour hands and arms covered – Be especially careful if you live in an areawhere you may disturb a snake, spider or rodent living in your garden. You will be better protected from poison ivy, insect bites and other common skin irritants that may inhabit a garden. 3. Take a break every hour or switch to another activity – Overuse of repetitive motions, such as digging, can cause tendonitis of the elbow or lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Break up large tasks into short sessions, with a rest and stretch break between gardening sessions. 4. Use a tool when digging into unfamiliar or newareas – Buried sharp objects can cause tendon lacerations or punctures. Use the correct tool for the task at hand in order to avoid injury. 5. Store your tools to prevent accidents – Learn how to use and store your tools correctly to prevent accidents, and keep sharp tools out of the reach of children at all times. Also, make sure to put all tools away after use to prevent future injuries. 6. Use wide handled tools – Use tools with padded or thicker handles to protect the smaller joints in your hands. Working with your wrist in a more neutral or straight position will help to prevent injuries in the wrist and forearm. 7. Avoid sustained/constant gripping and awkward motions – Use both hands for heavy activities like lifting a bag of potting soil and alternate hands on more repetitive tasks like scooping dirt out of the bag into a pot. Sustained grip and repetitive motions can cause pain and lead to tendonitis. 8. Plan ahead – Use a basket or large handled container to carry supplies to the garden. The basket should be carried with both hands to distribute the workload equally and decrease stress in the joints of your upper body. 9. Don’t sit back onyour knees – Bending your knees this far is not only a hard position for the knee joint, but it requires you to pushmost of your bodyweight upwith your hands andwrists, placing increased pressure on these joints aswell. Instead, use a short gardening stool or bench.
Ingredients
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1 Tbsp lemon zest • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 4 Medjool dates, pitted and diced • 3 Persian cucumbers, sliced
into thin half moons
• 1 cup chopped
• 3/4 tsp sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 1 ½ tsp cumin seeds* • 2 cups cooked
roasted red peppers
• ¼ cup finely
chopped parsley • 3 ounces honey goat cheese (or similar) • ¼ cup fresh mint • 1 cup chopped roasted chickpeas, (optional)
chickpeas, drained & rinsed
• 1 cup cherry
tomatoes, halved
Instructions In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and several grinds of pepper. In a skillet over medium-low heat, toast the cumin seeds until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Remove seeds from heat and crush (a mortar & pestle is easiest). Add seeds to the bowl and stir. Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, dates, cucumbers, red pepper, and parsley to the bowl and toss. Transfer to a serving platter and dollop with goat cheese, sprinkle with mint, and top with extra roasted chickpeas, if desired. Season to taste and serve.
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