Garden of Eatin’

by Lauren McNabb

One of the first things that attracted me to my new apartment in Israel was the garden. Or should I say, the patch of dirt (it’s hardly a garden now).

Living in a country where the temperature rarely dips below zero, I immediately envisioned flowers, herbs, and a tomato plant or two. Now, I’m struggling to keep even the trees alive. It hasn’t rained in three weeks and my water bill is through the roof.

To make matters worse the wind has knocked at least 3,000 overly ripe olives (from what I now realize is my olive tree) to the ground. I know the olive tree is a symbol of peace and I agree it is cool to have one in my yard – except for one thing: I hate olives. I can’t stand them. So, if anyone has a method for both harvesting them and making olive oil (I do like olive oil!) let me know.

Photo by Jeff Stephen, Global National

Oh, and while you’re at it I could use some recipe ideas for lemons. It turns out I also have a lemon tree in my yard. I know, I know…when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade.

Lauren is Global National’s Middle East correspondent.  She is based in Jerusalem. To leave your tips and recipes for the olives and lemons, click here.