VID: Top 10 Calorie Dense Crops You Should Be Growing
Introduction
When it comes to growing your own food, it’s important to choose crops that are not only easy to grow but also provide a high yield of calories. Calorie-dense crops are essential for survival situations, as they provide the energy needed to sustain yourself and your family. In this video, we’ll explore the top 10 calorie-dense crops that you should be growing in your own backyard.
1. Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the highest calorie crops you can grow. They are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. One cup of boiled potatoes provides approximately 130 calories. To maximize your potato yield, make sure to plant seed potatoes instead of grocery store potatoes, as the latter may not be suitable for planting.
Tip: When planting potatoes, place straw or mulch around the plants to protect them from pests and to retain moisture.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are another excellent calorie-dense crop to grow. They are packed with nutrients and provide around 115 calories per cup. Sweet potatoes thrive in warmer climates and require full sun to grow properly. Be sure to provide enough space for the vines to spread and give them regular water.
Tip: To increase yield, try growing sweet potatoes in raised beds or containers filled with loose, well-draining soil.
3. Corn
Corn is a staple crop and a fantastic source of calories. It is easy to grow, and one ear of corn provides around 123 calories. However, to maximize your corn yield, it’s best to plant several rows together to ensure proper pollination. Corn also requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods.
Tip: To prevent pests like corn borers, plant marigolds or other companion plants alongside your corn.
4. Winter Squash
Winter squash varieties like butternut squash and acorn squash are not only calorie-dense but also delicious. One cup of cooked winter squash contains approximately 80-120 calories, depending on the variety. Winter squash plants require ample space to spread, so make sure to provide enough room in your garden.
Tip: Harvest winter squash when the skin is hard and cannot be pierced with your thumbnail.
5. Beans
Beans are a great source of protein and carbohydrates, making them an essential crop for any survival garden. They provide around 220-250 calories per cooked cup. There are many different types of beans to choose from, including black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
Tip: To increase bean yields, regularly harvest the pods as they mature, which will encourage the plant to produce more.
6. Peas
While peas are not as calorie-dense as some other crops on this list, they are still an important addition to a survival garden. They provide essential vitamins and minerals and around 62 calories per cooked cup. Peas are also easy to grow and can tolerate cooler temperatures.
Tip: Plant peas in a trellis system to save space and make harvesting easier.
7. Amaranth
Amaranth is a lesser-known crop that is highly nutritious and calorie-dense. This ancient grain provides around 251 calories per cooked cup. Amaranth plants are easy to grow and can tolerate drought conditions, making them a great option for areas with limited water supply.
Tip: To harvest amaranth, cut the seed heads and hang them upside down in a paper bag to dry. Thresh the dried heads to collect the tiny seeds.
8. Quinoa
Quinoa is another ancient grain that is gaining popularity due to its high nutritional value. It provides approximately 222 calories per cooked cup and is a complete protein source. Quinoa plants are easy to grow and can adapt to various growing conditions.
Tip: Rinse quinoa seeds before cooking to remove any bitterness caused by saponins, a natural compound found in the outer seed coating.
9. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are not only a great snack but also a calorie-dense crop. They provide around 791 calories per cup. Sunflowers are easy to grow and can add beauty to your garden with their bright yellow flowers. Harvest the sunflower heads when the petals have wilted and the backside of the head turns brown.
Tip: Roast sunflower seeds with a little bit of salt for a flavorful and nutritious snack.
10. Peanuts
Peanuts are a legume that packs a caloric punch. They are easy to grow and provide around 828 calories per cup. Peanuts require a longer growing season, at least 120 frost-free days, so be sure to start them early indoors or purchase seedlings for transplanting.
Tip: After harvesting peanuts, hang the plants in a well-ventilated area to dry before removing the nuts from the shells.
My 2 Cents
In a survival situation, having access to calorie-dense crops is crucial. These crops not only provide the energy needed to sustain yourself, but they also offer essential nutrients for a well-rounded diet. While this top 10 list focuses on calorie-dense crops, it’s important to remember the importance of growing a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet.
When planning your garden, consider the climate and growing conditions in your area. Some crops may thrive in warmer climates, while others prefer cooler temperatures. Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find the ones that grow best in your specific location.
Remember, gardening is both an art and a science. It requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. So get your hands dirty and start growing your own calorie-dense crops today!
My 2 Cents:
– Experiment with different recipes and cooking techniques to enjoy the full flavors of these calorie-dense crops.
– Consider saving seeds from your best-performing plants to ensure a constant supply of seeds for future plantings.
– Composting is a great way to improve soil fertility and reduce waste in your garden. Start a compost pile or bin to recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste.
– Remember to rotate your crops each season to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases in the soil.
– Share your gardening knowledge and surplus produce with friends, family, and neighbors to foster a sense of community and resilience.
