Locally Grown Availability for April 30th, 2014

Hey Local Food Lovers,

More great weather this week. In fact it was hot. That’s good for plants trying to grow. The asparagus is coming on strong, I picked my own this morning. That said it’s still a luxury item on the market as most farms just have a very small spot dedicated. Asparagus takes a lot of space as it’s a perennial that comes back year after year. I’ve only got about 12 plants but that’s enough to get all the asparagus you could want. This year I covered the plants with mulch during that cold spell a few weeks ago, and when I pulled the mulch back all the spears were completely white. You might have seen white asparagus in the store before. Apparently some farms mound earth up the entire spear to keep them white. I’m not quite sure why you’d bother but it is was kind of a novelty.

The carrots were sweet and delicious this week. I’ve been munching on them raw and adding them to every recipe I can think of. Local eggs went in my french toast this morning. Kale was long stewed with carrots, onions and red pepper. More roasted beets (in the pan with foil and water) and the beet greens with the sour cream/cilantro/lime garnish this week. I also enjoyed some fresh oregano with my chicken tonight.

The diversity of pork products is boggling to the mind. I’m purchasing some cuts I’ve never purchased before this week to expand my knowledge and my pleasure. I really like some of the details and cooking instructions that accompany many of the items on our market. They are informative and often times instructive on what one may do with an unusual item. Such details are highly encouraged. I don’t know what the word count cut off for describing an item is but I know I haven’t reached it yet. Those farmers that are willing to tell a story are likely to get an extra sale or two out of it. And if the story is good, be bold, try something you’ve never had before.

Markets are opening up! Chuck mentioned that Simply Homegrown started this past weekend. Clarkesville’s Farmers Market starts this weekend. We encourage you to go check these out, even if you order here. There’s many vendors that go to those markets that don’t list here (and vice versa of course) and if you go you’re likely to bump up the percentage of local food you’re eating to a better . I think 50 would be a pretty good goal. That would definitely be doable over the next 4 months if you really put your mind to it.

Well, that’s all I can think of for tonight. I hope this new week is a great one for you.

EAT WELL,
Justin in Habersham
and
Chuck in Rabun