Part 2: What is cider anyway? When did it become an American drink?

Shouldn't a question like what is apple cider be straightforward?  Eh-- not so much!  Truly, cider is defined by geographic location.  In American English, cider is simply defined at the juice that is pressed from an apple.  Crisp, fresh and sweet, apple cider is a staple of what it means to have fall in New England.  However, in England (who produces half of all the world's cider), France and Spain, cider is a fermented drink that develops into a alcoholic hard cider.   Whenever discussing apple cider-- especially with those who are from other geographical regions than yourself-- it would be wise to define which type of apple cider you are referring to!

Just as a clarification--- when we refer to apple cider, we are not referring to apple cider vinegar. 

Did you know that apple cider made from wild apples was depicted in cave art in 8000 BCE?  It truly has been a staple for many, many years.  In the seventeenth century, the tradition of cider took hold in England.  When explorers from English, Spain and France voyaged to the New World, they brought this tradition along and cider was a staple in the thirteen colonies.  Ever since, America has enjoyed this fall and winter (and other season thanks to preservation) drink.

In our next blog on apple cider and how to make it, we will discuss hard cider methods as well as tastes.  In the meantime, check out our Pinterest for more apple cider information, recipes and gear!  

The 10th Good Thing About the Electric Mr. Pea Sheller

Call it strange, but I've always been obsessed with interesting book titles.  I'll see one and think-- whoa.  I wish I had written that title (maybe not the whole book but definitely the title!).  A handful of my favorite titles: The Things They Carried (by Tim O'Brien), The Fault In Our Stars (by John Green) and I Know this Much Is True (by Wally Lamb-- one of my favorite authors).  I guess this obsession started as a child when I came across The Tenth Good Thing About Barney (by Judith Viorst)-- a children's book about coping with the loss of a pet.  Isn't that title fantastic?!  If you are still with me and wondering about how any of this has to do with pea shellers, I am naming this list in honor of the latter most book-- The 10th Good Thing About the Electric Mr. Pea Sheller.

1. Affordable-- $295.  That's it.  No more, no less, no shipping, no tax.

2. Lightweight-- 15lbs.  No lugging it around on a cart.  Pick it up... and go.

3. Effective-- Snatches those pods and runs them through the rollers at a rate of 1.5-2 bushels per hour.

4. Spline Rollers-- Gear-type rollers pull pods effortlessly.

5. Easy-to-clean-- Wipe it down right after use and the pea sheller is as good as new!

6. Portable and Store-able-- 16" in length and 9" tall-- doesn't take up much space while shelling and stores easy in closets and other storage areas.

7. New and improved-- Manufactured since the 1940s, the Electric Mr. Pea Sheller was formerly made of wood.  Improved design is now aluminum with improved rollers.  Always a great product; now even better!

8. Makes a fast job of purple hull/black-eyed peas and other small varieties-- Made specifically for small varieties!

9. Allows families to keep the tradition of shelling without the hassle-- Many, many fond memories have been made amongst families as they shell peas.  Don't let this tradition go by the wayside as so many family activities have-- just update!  Automate the process while keeping this all in the family.

And the 10th Good Thing About the Electric Mr. Pea Sheller-- IN STOCK!  You have peas now and you need a pea sheller yesterday.  Ring us up today and we will have one headed your way right away.  Take it out of the box with no assembly and shell peas ASAP.

That 10th good thing is applicable NOW but possibly not in a few weeks.  Don't delay.  Call Amy or Kerry at 855-Sheller (743-5537).  Or check us out of 855Sheller.com.

A Video Review of the EZ Creamer

The EZ Creamer Corn Creamer is demonstrated by one of our customers in this video. Ready to buy yours for just $61.95 with FREE shipping? Just click here.

We would love to feature your review! Have a video? Written review? Let us know.

Be Corny!

Let's get corny! Spring has sprung and the growing season has begun! Here at Southern Garden Tools, we are getting calls from customers ordering our EZ Creamer Corn System-- and easy corn cutter that utilizes a drill to remove corn kernels easily-- whole kernel and cream-style. So what a more fitting time than to discuss the types of corn and just how this delicious barbecue staple is beneficial to its devouring fans!



The varieties of corn is nearly unlimited but they can be categorized into six basic types. While sweet corn is what lands on our plates for its sweet, low starch taste, dent corn-- named for the dimple present on the kernel-- accounts for 99% of US corn production. Bland and starchy compared sweet corn, it is used for feeding livestock, making corn syrup, and producing industrial products. Popcorn kernels are another popular corn type-- popping up in theaters and homes everywhere.

Besides being delicious, corn has many healthy benefits. Packed with dietary fiber and protein, this power food also packs a mineral punch with 32% of our daily magnesium requirements. Consumption of this golden goodie has health benefits including boosting your immune system and increasing bone strengths. So chomp these niblets!

Hope you enjoyed our quick primer on corn. Head on over to EZ Cream Corn Cutting System
to check out our corn cutting system that has the drill doing all the work for you!

Our Condolences

Condolences are in order to the family of John Thomas-- maker of the Thomas Corn System.  Mr. Thomas passed away in late 2015.  His family has decided to continue manufacturing the Thomas Corn System as it was a passion of John's.  We recently received a small shipment for those looking for this popular corn cutting system. 

4th of July Family Gardening Ideas

The 4th of July is right around the corner and there are tons of ideas using your garden to celebrate the summer holiday. We are in the middle of summer with pea and corn season in full swing, but there are some flowering ideas you can use for decoration as well. Using your garden is a great way to involve the family in preparation of Independence Day.

Make it historical.

Gardens have been around since the beginning of time and the colonial days were no exception. This is the perfect opportunity to discover some old recipes our founding fathers used or pass on recipes that have been in the family for centuries. Either way, there are some tasty treats that can come from your garden or at least compliment your garden such as Colonial Day Molasses Cookies, old fashion pancakes, Colonial Style Spoon Bread, and more.


Furthermore, there are some fun creative ways to prepare the goodies! Obviously, technology and methods of cooking has changed over the years. From shucking corn to peeling potatoes, there are tons of ways to bring in the fun! For example, make cooking competitive. Get a couple teams together and make up some games to get the cooking done. Look up some ways the colonials prepared the meals and see who can do it the fastest! Then switch it up and use a modern day tool like the EZ-Creamer to cut and cream corn in seconds. This can help increase an appreciation for innovation.

 Another idea is to have the guys go fishing, but not with their usual gear. Have them fish with how the colonials did. Once they get back and are ready to clean the catches, have them use tools/utensils that the colonials used as well. Again, to contrast the difference of how things we done back then and now, bring out a tool we use today like the chopper with cutting boards.

From cook-offs to how to prepare the dishes there are some great ways to involve the family in getting ready for 4th of July meals.

Decorate all the things!

The 4th of July is one of the best times of year to show off just how patriotic you are! It's the time of year where America gets to show off her colors the red, white, and blue. Vertical garden systems are beautiful to compliment your home. Flower towers help fill up edges and corners of building structures and look fantastic around porches and decks. Frame kits accommodate living spaces with a touch of sophistication.

Pro Tip: Use any potted flowers setup, stick an American flag in it, and you have an easy patriotic design! 

Wreaths are a great way to give your front entrance a patriotic welcome to your guests who are arriving. There are a few styles of wreaths to create and gives another chance to make a colorful project for the kids to make.

Apart from flowers, foods can make festive decorations as well. A favorite is making an American flag cake. Simply use strawberries for the red, blueberries for the blue and white icing for stars. There are many ways to use food for decorations. Let your imagination run wild!

Keep it in the family.

One of the worst parts of celebrating The 4th of July are pesky bugs! Fortunately, there are some plants can help repel those nuisants and let you enjoy your time with family. If you have any veggies planted in a garden it's not a bad idea to plant some marigolds or other bug repelling plants to keep the worms off plants like tomatoes.


Types of repelling plants

• Marigolds
• Citronella
• Lemon Balm
• Catnip
• Basil
• Lavender 
• Peppermint
• Garlic (good for keeping vampires away too)
• Penny-royal
• Rosemary
• Geranium 

By planting these plants around the house, in gardens, and places where people hang out you can help keep the bugs away from vegetables gardens, pets, and people.

The 4th of July is a fun holiday to enjoy with family and friends. There are tons of ideas to make the holiday one to remember! Let us know of how you like to celebrate and if you're going to use any of the ideas from this post. Happy 4th of July!