Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Mankato Winter Wellness CSA

 Mankato Winter Wellness CSA

 ***Winter Wellness CSA Shares are limited! This Mankato CSA is a test run! If interested contact me directly to be put on a wait list. We only offer 3 shares with this test. One off Samplers Shares are sometimes offered during the winter as well. Organic greens and other farm goods are available 5 days per week at our farm store and at the Winter Mankato Farmers Market, held the 1st and 3rd Saturdays Nov.-March at Bomgaars from 9-Noon.


Mankato Winter Wellness CSA 2023

Launching a last minute test run of our Mankato Winter Market version of our popular farm store Winter Wellness CSA!

Winter Wellness CSA 

As always, the highlight is our winter greens! Pea shoots, microgreens and salad mix will be accompanied by canned goods and herbal wellness items. This season the apple harvest was not abundant, on some years we will also feature apples; this year simply apple products!

What's in the Shares? 

Winter Greens Feature – organic pea shoots, zesty microgreens, mustard greens salad mix each share.

Canned Goods Feature – applesauce, apple butter, jam/jelly, salsa – with 1-2 items in each share pick up.

Herbal Wellness Items Feature – Golden Milk Mix, Elderberry Syrup Kit, Calendula Lotion Bar, farmer choice.

 

When are the Shares?

Winter Wellness CSA will have 3 pick-ups at the Winter Mankato Farmers Market, Bomgaars, Mankato. If you miss a pick up it is your responsibility to come to the farm store to pick up your share.


Satuday, December 16
Saturday, January 20
Saturday, February 17


Greens are picked up at the Mankato Winter Farmers Market.

Cost is $130. $130 due up front for reservation.


Eggs – This year I’m not reserving ahead (it’s all based on the current batch of chickens), eggs are more limited at the time of this post. Eggs are $6/dozen.

 

How to get a share?

Shares each year are first offered to returning members. If spaces open up then they are offered to folks on the wait list. If any shares need further filling I'll post on social media (rarely happens!). 

 

Thank you!!

 

Brooke 

Friday, December 8, 2023

Price of Applesauce

Price of Applesauce

Next Wednesday, December 13, the price of applesauce will be going up from $7 to $8.

Applesauce is a popular product, a staple in our apple enterprise. One way we let no apple go to waste on the farm! It also takes a lot of time, our most limited resource on the farm.


For the first time since we started making it we have costed it out to include our labor that we put in; what it would cost to pay someone else to do it. We have to honor our time and efforts.


This is something many small farmers (and small business owners) are guilting of doing, not paying themselves for their time. It kicks us in the butt.


Moving into our 13 season of farming in 2024 we are being more conscious about honoring our work so we can better thrive. So we can continue to serve our community the way we want to. May we all be as robust and resilient as we can be.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Favorite Ways to Use Pea Shoots

Pea shoots! Harvested at about two weeks of age, these tender shoots taste like fresh spring peas. They have a mild, fresh flavor and are packed with nutrition. Pea shoots can be used raw, or lightly cooked. Like microgreens they are super versatile!

With Eggs

If you have been following me for any given amount of time you've probably seen my post 800,000 pictures of eggs and greens. Zesty Micros are my first go-to, but pea shoots fill the bill too!! They are my preferred when dressing scrambled eggs, or adding a layer on a frittata.


Sandwiches and Wraps

Let's just dress those BLTs, wraps, burritos and tacos, shall we! Tender pea shoots are the perfect accompaniment.


Curry and Stir Fry

I know this is a pic of micros, but I haven't one of pea shoots. We love wilting pea shoots into hot curry, stir fried ramen and the like, or mixed in a bowl of korean beef! Always topping our bowl, or adding in just before serving.



With Salad

Of course the easiest thing would be to add to your existing lettuce salad! Pea shoots are light and tender enough that I will also use them as a salad base solo. 


Health Tip!

Aim for 1 cup of raw greens, or a 1/2 cup cooked each and every day - studies show it keeps our brains younger! Pea shoots are an easy way to keep greens in the diet, add flavor and nutrition...and feel a little fancy when you sprinkle them around. 

P.S. Pro tip...you could take this same advice for microgreens!! 




December Farm Store Updates

 December Farm Store Updates

The farm store is open all year long and farm fresh goodness is abundant!

Open Tuesday-Friday 9-7 & Saturday 9-2, or by appointment.

What's New or Returning

Golden Milk Mix - a warming turmeric tea blend, made like cocoa, that boasts anti-inflammatory properties and digestive benefits. Restocking this week!

Sore Throat Spray - healing and soothing herbal spray, give the immune system a little boost and help sooth a sore throat. Restocking this week!

Various gift packs!

Salad greens!! - delicious blends of tender mustard greens. Now in regular rotation.

Watch for Winter Wellness CSA Sampler shares!

Great Items for Gifting

Gift packs, Calendula Lotion Bars, Jams, Apple Butter.

Microgreens and jam make a great host gifts!


On the Shelf

Eggs - Very limited ATM.
Microgreens 2oz/4oz  As available: Zesty Mix!, Mizuna (mild), Radish and Arugula
Pea Shoots 2oz/4oz
Sourdough bread   limited!
Applesauce
Apple butter
Apricot Jam - last call!
Elderberry Syrup Kits
Herbal Tinctures: Astragalus, Motherwort, Ashwaganda, Stinging Nettles, Holy Basil, Willow Bark
Sore Throat Spray
Healing Salve gone til next summer!
Golden Milk Mix

Watch For:  new jelly, more herbal wellness items!

Watch For:  our new girl Strawberry!! A gentle giant who joined the farm crew.