November Farm Store Updates

November 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.

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

Applesauce - back in stock after a little hiatus!

Watch for Winter Wellness CSA Sampler shares!

Great Items for Gifting

Healing Salve, Calendula Lotion Bars, Jams, Apple Butter.

Microgreens and jam make a great host gifts!

On the Shelf

Eggs
Microgreens 2oz/4oz  As available: Zesty Mix!, Mizuna (mild), Radish and Arugula

Pea Shoots 2oz/4oz

Sourdough bread   limited!

Applesauce

Apple butter

Apricot Jam

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam   last call!

Elderberry Syrup Kits

Herbal Tinctures: Astragalus, Motherwort, Ashwaganda, Stinging Nettles, Holy Basil, Willow Bark

Sore Throat Spray

Healing Salve

Golden Milk Mix

Watch For:  new jams, more herbal wellness, salad mix!

Why Homemade Dressing + ACV Dressing

Making homemade salad dressing is a simple act that can benefit you in multiple ways!

1. It saves you money. If you eat a few - or a lot - of salads this can really add up to big savings! Many ingredients you likely have on hand already, so it may not take much more investment. Items like olive oil, vinegars, yogurt, salt, pepper, hot sauce, honey, etc.

2. It keeps garbage out of the landfill. You can only keep and reuse so many salad dressing bottles. Reducing packaging use is a real act of environmentalism! Many glass bottles are tempered and can't even be recycled - just "wish cycled."

3. Making your own (of anything) is empowering. Even as simple as salad dressing. "If I can do this, what else can I accomplish?!"

4. It's a great way to involve the kiddos! We measure into a canning jar and shake! 

5. You know all the ingredients! This is of such importance. Even Organic dressings in the store add organic soy oils I don't want to consume, not to mention all the unreadable ingredients in most dressings.

6. Control your supply chain. Just another aspect of taking further control of your own supply chain. I keep commonly used dressing ingredients stocked in my pantry.

Of course I still need to pick up some Annie's Goddess Dressing or some thick blue cheese every once and a while, just cause, but once we committed to making the bulk of our own salad dressing and it became part of the routine we've never looked back!

Raw Apple Cider Vinaigrette

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

¼ cup raw apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1-2 tablespoons raw honey, to preference

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

 

Combine in a pint jar and shake it up! Shake before each use. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Tip: We freeze garlic blended with olive oil in tablespoon portions. I grab one of these for making dressings, making it even easier!

From the Detoxinista

Extra Elderberry Syrup?

Elderflower & Elderberry Syrup Kit

So you bought one of our handy-dandy Elderberry Syrup Kits, or went over to Mountain Rose Herbs and purchased your own supplies to make elderberry syrup BUT now you aren't going through it fast enough and you're worried about it going to waste. 

Here are a few things you can do, at any point, with your elderberry syrup, besides taking it directly!

Freeze It!

Pour elderberry syrup into ice cube trays, or in small jars, with proper headspace, and thaw out as needed. You want to make sure you let these either naturally unthaw, or warm on very gentle heat, to not destroy beneficial compounds in the honey. You could even freeze in tsp or Tbsp single portions and take directly from the freezer - never having to worry about shelf life at all! Use within 6 months.

Make Gummy Worms!

This is a fun project and SO very simple! Easy to do with kiddos as well. 

Gummies Basic Recipe

Ingredients

2 C Fruit juice

2 T high quality gelatin

Mix 2 T gelatin into 1/4 C cold/room temp fruit juice (or in this case, elderberry syrup). Let sit 5 minutes to "bloom."

Gently heat the remaining juice (syrup) until it is very hot, but not boiling.

Add a small amount of the warmed liquid into the bloomed gelatin, whisk together. Add remaining liquid and whisk until well dissolved.

Use a dropper to fill your molds! Place in the fridge for a couple hours before removing into a container. Tip: If you are having trouble getting them out of the molds (with a good quality gelatin you shouldn't), just pop into the freezer briefly and try again.

Store in the fridge (or freezer) and use within 6 months.

Make Lollipops!

I have not ventured into candy territory, but there are plenty of recipes for this online. Calling for a candy thermometer and lollipop mold. Who doesn't love a lollipop or popsicle when they have a cough or sore throat! Plus, many provide the option to add other beneficial herbs or immune supportive vitamins.

Now get to making that elderberry syrup!

Making Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry Syrup Kits

Our Elderberry Syrup Kits are available a good majority of the year. While fall and winter tend to be the main seasons where the syrup is put to use, it is great any time. Grab a kit and make it right away, or have it on hand for when acute symptoms arise.

Our kits come with a jar for storage of the syrup, herbs (dried elderberries, ginger and cinnamon), directions and what we do for dosage - most of which is shared below!

If you want to craft your own, use my link to Mountain Rose Herbs to head over and grab your own ingredients! I often add astragalus to my personal mixture. Also, check out Extra Elderberry Syrup? for some additional ideas!!

Classic Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Makes about 3-4 cups of syrup without alcohol, 4 cups with alcohol.

Active Time: 1 hour

Ingredients 

•2 cups dried organic elderberries (or 4 cups frozen/fresh)

•4 cups cold water (distilled, purified, or spring water works best)

•2-3 tsp. organic dried ginger root

•1 organic sweet cinnamon stick

•1-1 ½  cup raw, local honey (or organic maple syrup or agave for a vegan/infant-friendly recipe); double the amount of sweetener to increase shelf life

•1 cup vodka or brandy (optional to increase shelf life, very medicinal tasting, I prefer it without)

Directions

1. Combine berries and herbs with cold water in a pot and bring to a boil.

2. Reduce heat and allow herbs to simmer 30 to 40 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and let steep 1 hour. During this time sterilize your jar (boiling water/200° oven).

4. Strain berries and herbs using a funnel overlaid with doubled cheesecloth or undyed cotton muslin bag (or use a fine strainer, but you won’t squeeze out as much juice) and squeeze out liquid (careful, liquid will likely still be hot!). Discard used herbs in compost.

5. Once liquid has cooled to just above room temperature, add honey and stir to incorporate. *The amount of honey should equal one half the amount of liquid after straining.

6. If using vodka or brandy, add here and stir until well combined.

7. Bottle in sterilized glass. Store in the fridge up to 4-6 weeks.

Source: adapted from Mountain Rose Herbs, https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/elderberry-syrup-recipe

Interesting info: https://draxe.com/nutrition/elderberry/

In Our Medicine Cabinet

We use elderberry syrup regularly as an immune system booster. We take a TBSP per day, as a preventative. During acute symptoms we take 1 tsp, every two hours, or a TBSP every 3-4 hours (not to exceed 6 TBSP per day).

For children over 1 a  tsp daily is recommended, or 1 tsp every 3-4 hours, up to 6 times per day for acute symptoms (www.liveberrywell.com). Too much can have a diuretic effect.

When we get sick elderberry syrup is one of the main immune system supporters we grab for. We also use fire cider, astragalus tincture (our other main item used), and more onions and garlic in cooking.

Studies Show: Elderberry syrup may be more effective than the flu vaccine. Elderberry syrup shortens the duration of flu symptoms by about 4 days. (Look into Vitamin D as well!)

This works for us! We encourage you to do your own research as well. Take your health freedom into your hands!!!

For additional ideas and information, check out Extra Elderberry Syrup?

FDA Disclaimer: These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing any new exercises.

2019 Dirty Dozen//Clean Fifteen

It's time to print off a new Dirty Dozen/Clean Fifteen card for your wallet! This fantastic, quick and easy, guide offers a great reference where best to spend your organic grocery dollars, if you aren't able to go all in on organics (like most families on a budget).

Click over and Get the Guide

The Dirty Dozen is a list of the most highly contaminated fruits and veggies - buying these items organic is a higher priority, if you are working to keep your diet clean.

We are proud to bring you organic apples, as they are always a high-ranking item on the Dirty Dozen list. This year apples rank #5, alongside a couple other A.R.F. specialties kale (#3) and tomatoes (#10).

Apples

"Apples are generally near the top of EWG’s Dirty Dozen™ list because they contain an average of 4.4 pesticide residues, including some at high concentrations..."

"...most conventionally grown apples are drenched in diphenylamine, an antioxidant chemical treatment used to prevent the skin of apples in cold storage from developing brown or black patches..."

"The European officials' concerns center on the possible formation of nitrosamines on diphenylamine-treated fruit. Nitrosamines cause cancer in laboratory animals, and some studies have found that people who eat foods with nitrosamines have elevated rates of stomach and esophageal cancers."

Kale

"More Than Half of Kale Samples Tainted by Possibly Cancer-Causing Pesticide"

"Conventional kale farming relies heavily on the use of several synthetic pesticides, including Dacthal. The EPA’s 1995 classification of it as a possible carcinogen noted increases in liver and thyroid tumors. Dacthal can also cause other kinds of harm to the lungs, liver, kidney and thyroid."

Go Organic

We are proud to bring you clean-eating, local organic produce. We believe it is the best thing for a healthy lifestyle and a healthy environment. Reseach supports this.

"A French study published in December in JAMA Internal Medicine, a journal from the American Medical Association, found that among nearly 69,000 participants, those with the highest frequency of organic food consumption had 25 percent fewer cancers than individuals who did not eat organic food."

"...the most recent of several studies evaluating the impact of an organic diet found that after only six days of eating organic food, adults and children had on average a 60 percent reduction in the levels of synthetic pesticides measured in their urine..."

Read the full report

Local & Seasonal in the Winter

{My local foods morning//musings on winter seasonal eating}

Chicken broth in the canner, nettle infusion steeping, pig liver/tongue/heart in the dehydrator, farm dogs chewing on marrow bones, smoked hock prepped for dinner tonight.

Organs dehydrating, stock canning, nettle infusing.

Winter is the time when I prepare our chicken bone broth and shredded chicken for the seasons ahead. This is an important part of our “seasonal eating.” Bone broth nourishes us and the pups as food and medicine. At the same time as we make broth we get shredded chicken to can and sometimes we throw in hocks that give us an easy meal--these ended up in hock-o salad (lol, taco salad). The dogs enjoy the marrow of the bones.

Nettle is one of the native, wild herbs I forage for food and medicine. One ounce steeped in a quart of water for 4 hours, or overnight, provides nourishment and a healthy (tasty!) beverage. The high levels of vitamins and minerals and very bioavailable (easy for our bodies to use).

The organ meats get dehydrated for dog treats. Let nothing go to waste!

Winter is a great time for these projects and also a great time to learn new skills to prepare you for the seasons of bounty ahead! How are you eating seasonally this winter? What new skills are you learning/wanting to learn?

CSA Week #3

Summer is here! Week 3 hails the salad days of early summer and brings the last of our bountiful early lettuces, while welcoming in the bounty of pea season!

CSA Newsletter Week #3 ~ featuring: farm news, featured veggie: Radish, intro to garlic scapes, recipes for: 'garlic scape pesto', 'radish butter', 'braised peas with spring onions and lettuce.'

In the Box: Bunch of kale (or chard), radishes, green shallots, herb bundle--mint & parsley, quart of shelling peas, garlic scapes, red and green summer crisp lettuce, pair of kohlrabi, pint snap or snow peas.

Green harvest! Bounty of kale and first of the Swiss chard.

Radishes add lovely color and heat to our plates!

Kohlrabi aliens are a refreshing addition.

Find Alternative Roots Farm at the farmers' market every Saturday 9:00-12:00 in the Cash Wise parking lot! Don't forget your reusable bag! ;)

What's @ market: Apple butter, garlic scapes, shell peas, snap peas, snow peas, fresh greens and herbs, radishes, rhubarb and more!

Spring Favorite :: Peas

Mmm, fresh peas picked straight from the vine. This is really one of my favorites during spring (and summer, and fall) harvests. Picking peas can be tedious, but I'll admit it, I like it. I sort of build a meditative pace and I'm pretty quick at it. Shell peas are really my fav, it's just lovely to pop those pods open. Which type is your favorite? 

Scroll through for a few recipes.

Peas germinating!

Environmental Rockstar...

Peas are nitrogen "fixers", which means they can take nitrogen from the atmosphere and fix it into the soil, making it available to other plants.  So they're good for you and good for the soil! 

Snow peas on the vine.

Origins...

There are thought to be four centers of origin, including Central Asia, the Near East, Abyssinia, and the Mediterranean. There is evidence of cultivation along the Thai-Burma border, dating back 12,000 years.  Peas were introduced to the Americas soon after the arrival of Columbus.

Pea blossoms.

Health Rockstar...

Peas are a good source of protein and fiber. They are rich in vitamin C, iron, thiamine, folate, phosphorous and potassium. They are also a source of omega-3 and -6, beta-carotene and vitamin E. Peas contain phytonutrients, which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Mammoth Melting snow peas.

Pro Tips...

Use peas within 2-3 days for best flavor and maximum nutrients.

The main season for peas is spring - early summer, so preserve their freshness by putting some in your freezer for pastas and stir frys all year around. Shell peas may be shucked and frozen. I like to freeze them on a sheet pan, before vacuum sealing them in bags. This is a great activity to do with the kiddos! Snap and snow peas should be blanched before freezing (if this is the only thing keeping you from doing it then skip the step and just use them within 6 months). Use frozen peas within 12 months.

Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas

Top and tail the sugar snap peas, pulling off the strings.  Slice on the diagonal into ½-inch-thick pieces.  Put into a saute pan with a ¼-inch of water, butter and a sprinkling of salt.

Cook until done, about 3 minutes.  The water and butter should be emulsified and coat the snap peas, which should be bright green and just tender.  Adjust the seasonings and serve—try curry or garlic, or whatever floats your boat.

*You can also toss other items in, such as your onions, kale, radishes, beet greens or spinach in, as well as garlic, garlic scapes and other goodies, such as Swiss chard or shallots.

[Main recipe from Chez Panisse Vegetables]

Sauteed Radishes and Sugar Snap Peas with Dill

Makes 6 servings  • To remove strings from fresh peas, just snap off the stem end and pull string lengthwise down each pod.

•½ C thinly sliced shallots (or a onion + 1 clove garlic)

•1 T olive oil

•12 oz sugar snap peas, trimmed, strings removed

•1 T butter

•2 C thinly sliced radishes (about 1 large bunch)

•¼ C orange juice

•1 t dill seeds (omit if you don’t have any)

•1 T chopped fresh dill (or slightly less dried dill)

Melt butter with oil in a large non-stick skillet, over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Add sugar snap peas, cook for one to two minutes, and radishes sauteing until crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes more. Add orange juice and dill seeds; stir 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in chopped dill. Transfer to a bowl; serve. Credit: Bon Appétit, April 2004

Braised Peas with Spring Onions and Lettuce

• 1 knob of butter

• olive oil

• 1 heaped t flour

• 1 C chicken or vegetable stock

• 6 spring onions, trimmed, outer leaves discarded, and finely sliced

• 14 oz fresh or frozen peas

• 2 little butter lettuces, sliced

• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• juice of 1 lemon *about 3 T

• extra virgin olive oil

Slowly heat the butter and a good glug of live oil in a pan. Add the flour and stir around, then slowly pour in the stock. Turn up the heat and add the spring onions, peas and lettuce with a pinch of alt and pepper. Put the lid on and simmer for 5 minutes or until tender. Taste, correct the seasoning and squeeze in a little lemon juice. Serve drizzled with a splash of good oil. It’s fantastic served with a piece of fish.

Credit: Cook with Jaime (Jaime Oliver)

Sesame Snow Peas

•1lb snow peas 

•1/4 red bell pepper

•1-1/2 t sesame seeds

•2 t toasted sesame oil

Steam lease until bright & crisp-tender, 1-2 min. Cool under running cold water. Drain & dry.  Toss with remaining ingredients.

Medicine Cabinet :: Bruises

So, Suzy stepped on my toe the other day - the weight of her front foot felt fully on my pinkie toe. Somehow just one toe. Here it is after a full day and nice rainbow of purple, blue and red.

I thought this would be a great chance to take a peak into our natural medicine cabinet.

350 lb pig - 1, my toe 0

Of course ice is a good call, but the other items in my medicine cabinet I grabbed for include arnica and lavender essential oil.

I always keep on hand a tube of arnica ointment to rub on bruises, bumps and strains. Arnica is also in my homeopathic medicines kit, which I will take internally to aid in healing. Lavender essential oil (EO) is a must have for your EO line up, I will apply it with or without the arnica rub.

Lavender is great for reducing inflammation and speeding up the healing process. (Plus, it smells great.)

Arnica is considered one of the best bruise remedies.

I have also decided to put this comfrey salve on my to-do list for this summer, for use for the humans and animals living here.

Other items you may consider include rosemary EO, aloe and comfrey.