News Summary
Eat the Leaf, an herb farm in Roebuck, South Carolina, founded by Jessica and Chris Evans, is dedicated to promoting healthier lifestyles through culinary and medicinal plants. Established in 2010, the farm offers over 100 plant varieties, and engages the community with workshops and sales at local markets. As Jessica continues her horticulture education, the farm is set to expand, addressing the rising public interest in natural health remedies and self-sufficiency in well-being.
Roebuck, South Carolina – The local herb farm, Eat the Leaf, has been making strides in promoting a healthier lifestyle through culinary and medicinal plants since its establishment in 2010 by Jessica Evans and her husband Chris. The couple, along with family support, launched the farm after Jessica experienced significant health improvements, including a 50-pound weight loss, from adopting a gluten-free diet.
Located in Spartanburg County, Eat the Leaf produces over 100 varieties of plants that include both culinary herbs and medicinal species. These plants are available for purchase online and at various local farmers’ markets, such as the Hub City Farmers Market in Spartanburg and the Landrum Farmers Market. Additionally, Jessica sells her products at garden centers, including Sanders Garden Center in Union.
Eat the Leaf boasts two greenhouses tailored for different growing requirements, which allow the Evans couple to cultivate a diverse range of plants. Notably, popular varieties at the farm include Lemon balm, Gomphrena, and Spilanthes, commonly referred to as the toothache plant for its medicinal properties.
In an effort to enhance her knowledge and skills, Jessica Evans is currently enrolled in horticulture classes at Spartanburg Community College. This commitment to ongoing education reflects the farm’s philosophy of continuous improvement and innovation in gardening practices.
Eat the Leaf also offers engaging community workshops, such as the upcoming “Fun with Food: Herb Culinary Class,” scheduled for May 22 at Sanders Garden Center. The farm aims to educate the public about the functional purposes of plants, including their medicinal uses, which Jessica believes is crucial given the growing awareness about the health benefits of natural remedies.
The farm’s seasonal operations begin in October, with most plants becoming available for sale in the spring. In addition to herbs, Eat the Leaf produces a range of herbal products, including salves, scalp oil, foot soaks, and lip balms, catering to customers seeking natural alternatives to conventional health and beauty products.
Jessica has expressed aspirations to expand the farm’s operations, with plans for adding another greenhouse to increase production capacity. The Christmas market season plays a vital role in the farm’s overall business model, bolstering sales and enhancing community engagement.
As the farm continues to grow, Evans observes that there is a rising interest among the public regarding the medicinal properties of plants and the importance of self-sufficiency in health. However, she notes a concerning trend: many younger generations lack knowledge regarding the health benefits of plants, indicating a significant gap in awareness spanning two to three generations.
In conclusion, Eat the Leaf serves as a testament to the benefits of sustainable agriculture, focusing on both health and community education. Jessica Evans finds fulfillment working in the greenhouses and values her contributions to the local farming community. With a commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles through an understanding of culinary and medicinal plants, Eat the Leaf continues to thrive in Roebuck, South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Eat the Leaf Herb Farm
- Wikipedia: Culinary Herb
- Bham Now: Community Gardens in Birmingham
- Google Search: Medicinal Plants
- Legacy: Herbert Smith Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Herb
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
