Genetic Potential

What is the genetic potential of plants? What is the maximum brix of a tomato? What is the theoretical yield potential of green beans or a milk cow eating the highest quality forages?

The truth is we don’t exactly know. But experience says it is much, much higher than we are now seeing. One thing I have learned in the last 15 years working with soil, gardens, and gardeners is never underestimate nature. She is still very capable of surprising any of us with improved yield, flavor, quality etc. that we have not seen before.

While there is no certainty of where maximum nutrient density, yield, and flavor is I can say with 100% certainty that most foods are dramatically missing the mark. Most fall into the category of nutritionally deficient.

Think of that! The major source of human nutrition is substandard. And these are the building blocks of our health. Why is this? Because the soil and the environment our plants are grown in is substandard.

Consider the plight of missing trace minerals. A low-quality plant will certainly pick up the major minerals and some secondary minerals. But certain minerals can be quite low such as calcium and magnesium. Other trace minerals might not even get into the plant such as cobalt or iodine. When we consume this quality of food, we are actually eating Fraudulent Food. It does not nourish anywhere close to its’ genetic potential.

Would you be happy to buy a nice zero-turn lawn mower with a 20 horse power engine only to discover that is was actually installed with a 5 horse power engine? Of course, not—that is fraud. But this scenario is exactly what many of us do every day when we eat low-quality fruits, vegetables, meats etc.

The real question is what allows plants to reach closer toward their genetic potential? It is actually a simple idea. You must meet nature’s requirements for quality. How? By providing the right environment for roots and microbes. That means a proper supply of available minerals, enough energy to support a large and active microbial population and a “comfortable housing environment” in the soil.

The good news is that is what the Grow Your Own Nutrition garden program provides. Why? Because our focus is to always optimize toward ideal—not cut corners.

Here is an example from our family garden a few years ago. 16.9 Brix Mint. It makes the best tea in winter or green drink in summer. A single leaf tastes like it has a drop of mint essential oil on it. It is potent but pleasant.

May your day, your garden, and your health be blessed.

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