This past week, we buried my mother-in-law.  Patricia Ann Krischke was an amazing woman!  I have never known anyone that was so full of life.  She loved to laugh and sing and dance and she would do it any time she got the chance.  She truly lit up a room with her presence.  She spent the first part of her life being the perfect wife that raised four amazing children.  She was a constant volunteer, a devout Catholic and a hostess with a true gift for entertaining.  Once the kids were gone she went to work for Harris County where she was instrumental in getting the bonds passed for the Astrodome.  She was also a HUGE Republican and was very proud of the of the work she did on the campaigns of Ronald Reagan, Bush 1, Kay Bailey Hutchinson and countless other state and local officials.  In the end, there was only one thing she could not do – defeat Alzhiemers.  Please pray for my family and all families that are dealing with the horrible disease.  Rest in Peace Pat Krischke.  The world is a lot less bright without you in it.

In honor of Pat, I am going to talk about some fall crops (or crops that can be planted in the fall) that have been shown to prevent or fight Alzheimer’s Disease.

Alzheimer’s was the only challenge my mother-in-law, Pat Krischke could not overcome. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord!

• Strawberries – Plant Chandler, Douglas or Sequoia varieties now for a spring harvest. Strwberries will tolerate a lot of soil types and pH ranges.  However, it will not tolerate wet feet.  Plant in soil with excellent drainage.
• Cucumbers with skins –. Fisetin is a plant compound that may prevent or fight plaque buildup in the brain. This compound is highest in the skin and area just between the skin and the fruit.  So, even if they make you burp, eat those cucumber skins!
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  I am ready to to harvest my second crop of cucumbers of the year. Cucumbers contain the Alzheimer fighting chemical called fisetin. Photo by Bruce Leander

  Apples – Who doesn’t love fresh, crisp fall apples? Again, eat them whole to get the most Alzheimer’s fighting qualities.  Plant apple trees now.

• Kiwi –Besides tasting great, science believes that kiwis possess a lot of healthful compounds. My friend Tim Hartman is currently doing his PhD work on the kiwi.  Pray that he finds something in these furry, green fruits that will finally cure Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
• Peaches and plums – Both peaches and plums are great Alzheimer fighters.  It will soon be time to plant peach and plum trees so you can grow your own Alzheimer fighters at home!
• Tomatoes – If persimmons and kiwis are not to your liking, just eat tons of tomatoes. The most popular vegetable in the world is packed with fisetin.
• Onions – Onions are another garden staple that have great Alzheimer fighting characteristics. Right now, it is just about time to plant onions in south and central Texas.

I share these posts on Our SimpleHomestead Blog Hop.  Be sure to stop by.  The “hop” has tons of great information from gardeners and homesteaders all over the world!