In May we had a hundred year flood. How unusual then, that here in August of the very same year, we had another one. It rained over 7 inches in that one day of heavy rain last week! In May we lost our carrots and peas, last week we lost our first planting of fall…
Last week, I mentioned beef from another farm, only to find out from Jeff that he has several cows ready for slaughter himself. I always give priority to our farm over other local producers, but what this clearly means is that there is plenty of local beef available in TN these days. If you want…
When we harvest the potato crop, an unfortunate thing happens. Several bushels worth will get damaged, and that means they won’t cure properly for long-term storage. Don’t get me wrong, they still taste great, they just need to be used soon after harvest or they may rot. If you have ever smelled a rotting potato,…
Running this CSA, (and last year Bells Bend’s), selling food to restaurants, attending farmers markets, going to potlucks, visiting farms, preserving food, and bartering with like-minded people, all characterize a life in local food. There is also a community of chefs who cook in the local restaurants, especially those prioritizing fresh, local ingredients, and they…
I am happy to say that many of you have tried your hand at canning, pickling, or freezing some of the extras that are available this year, some for the first time. It is always exciting when a CSA member comes in, eyes wide with enthusiasm after finishing a successful food preservation project. If you…
In the last few years, the term ‘housing bubble’ has come into common use and comprehension. The financial crisis we are still struggling to get out of provided a much-needed wake-up call for Americans in every income bracket. In 2008, around the same time, there was a severe rise in food prices across the world….
The farm got rain on Friday! The lack of rain up to this point has slowed down some of the plants, but now they are really starting to take off. Amazing how an inch of rain can kick things into overdrive. Beets are still abundant, and I will have extras for all of you who…
Beets are one of those foods that many people find mysterious. I know I stayed away from them like they were toxic for most of my life. Joining a CSA has many effects on people, and one of them is to force us to re-examine food in a new light. As for the beet, we…
Last week we had a small amount of summer squash. It managed to sneak into the harvest with very little fanfare. It also happens to be a harbinger of things to come. You’ll notice cucumbers on the list this week, and both of these crops will become abundant to the point that you won’t want…