Thursday, July 28, 2011

Happy Summer!

If you ordered Honey…it may be showing up this week. If you didn’t order and want some or did and want more…there are 10 extra “bears” ordered so if you’re interested in any of them, let me know and I’ll put them aside for you.

Must read re: cooking with CSA food…
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/27/dining/thats-not-trash-thats-dinner.html

A few quick notes about policies for the CSA being at the UUFH (these notices have been on the board next to our CSA Wall Chart as of last week)…
1. No pets in the building (unless seeing eye/service dogs)
2. Park cars only in designated spaces (my car is out front when I’m unloading and loading and though I may leave it there for as long as I’m at the CSA…I should move it into a spot as well)
3. No unsupervised children inside or outside of the building, and children are not allowed to play on the playset

TIME TO START WEIGHING!!! Digital scales are here. The main thing is to err on the side of under weighing rather than being over the amount stated on the Wall Chart. The second thing is to please follow the weighing directions given by whoever is working by the scales (usually that means weighing more than one thing at a time in a certain order…this is what our farmer wants so this is what we do).

Flower Shares and Herb Shares still available (see #5).

We may have a Green Thumb CSA – Huntington contingent at the NOFA Summer Conference this year! See August 12th under the events listings for more info.

BRING BAGS TO PACK YOUR CSA SHARE…now and forever! Put bags (paper/plastic/canvas) in every car you own so you’ll never be without. In your trunk, glove compartment, back seat…whatever works for you. You’ll be needing them every week for the next 30 weeks and the CSA is not set up to provide them. If you are sending someone else to pick up your CSA share (spouse, relative, friend, offspring), this is the most important thing to tell them.

We have 75 intrepid CSAers for the fourteenth week of the CSA season and we still have room for about 75 CSA members for the rest of the year. If each CSA member were to find ONE more member…ONLY ONE EACH…we could fill the CSA. Green Thumb Farms’ Brooklyn CSA is closed for membership with 200 members, their Queens CSA is closed for the season with 110 members and we’re last on the totem pole still trying to get to 100, and at that point seeing if our farmer will allow us to get to 150 members. Back a few years ago, he would have LOVED for us to have 200 members but since we’ve never come close, I think he’s given up hope…but would be amused and pleased if it ever happened. Plus it’s wacky…with everyone sharing, people having multiple email addresses, and the fact that there are people who want to get our emails who aren’t CSA members (events, veg sheets, etc), I’m sending this email to 110 email addresses! I’d be so happy if that translated to 110 CSA members but not yet!

Attached in the next email will be the CSA “kit” consisting of the contract for new members, brochure and fee sheet. Let’s do this thing! The sooner I don’t have to beat the bushes for members, the more time I have for things like managing the CSA better, finding cool new things to add to the CSA mix (Mushrooms, Tempeh, a Winter CSA Share?) and doing the extra work it would entail.

I’d be happy to place brochures, do a lecture, call, email…do whatever’s needed to spread the good word about CSA. If you have suggestions, please make them known.

This email includes…

1. Your CSA doesn’t need you this week! However…
2. The Dalai Lama on a cooking show!
3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!
4. Dines Farm Report…same as last week
5. We still have plenty of Herb Shares and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?
6. Know anyone who wants to get pregnant?
7. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)
8. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!
9. The week in meat!
10. Donate with a click to Save the Children…win a fridge…commit to eating fresh!



1. Your CSA doesn’t need you this week! However…

You can ALWAYS show up a little before 3:30 or 5:30pm at the CSA and offer to work IF help is still needed…you never know! Everyone that’s scheduled doesn’t always show up on time…or at all.

If you didn’t get a confirmation email from Judi, you’re not on the schedule to work this week. If you did, you are.



2. The Dalai Lama on a cooking show!

The Dalai Lama on MasterChef Australia…
http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2011/07/the_dalai_lama_thinks_your_coc.html?e=grubstreet--20110722



3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!

Vegetable Info Sheets attached to next email (keep in a notebook – by the end of the year you’ll have a cookbook!)

Week #14
July 28, 2011

1. Summer Squash and/or Cucumbers
2. Lettuce: Leaf, Waldman’s Green – 1 head
3. Tomatoes, Mini – 1 pt
4. Carrots – 1 bunch
5. Fennel – 1 bunch
6. Peppers, Sweet – 1 Green AND 1 Purple

Total Items: 6

Flower Share



4. Dines Farm Report…same as last week

The short story is that…
1. Dines Farm won’t be here till further notice…I’ll let you know what I know when I know it. In the meanwhile, you can find him on Saturday mornings from 8am to 1pm at the Northport farmer’s market (he’s no longer at the Huntington one on Sunday…they don’t have a permit for him to be able to cook so he’s out of there)
http://northportfarmersmarket.org/

2. Jay Dine is looking for a loan of $50,000 to be able to stay in business. He needs to get USDA certification to be able to sell his meats retail and that would make his life a lot easier (and more profitable). If you have less than a certain number of animals you don’t need USDA certification but he needs/wants to expand his business to stay afloat with the price of gas, etc. It’s a long story. If you are interested, or know anyone who might be (1 person or 50 people loaning $1,000 a piece…why not?), please get in touch with me for further details. He would be eternally grateful and I imagine that person (or persons) would be very well fed.



5. We still have plenty of Herb Shares, Basil Shares, and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?

Why a Flower Share?

You’re paying $7 for a bunch of flowers that might easily cost $10 elsewhere (I just paid $10 for two VERY SMALL stems of Lilac the other week at the Sweet Hollow Hall market and they were on their way out after two days…the gal didn’t cut them properly as I learned in my research AND she should have had little packs of flower food to include for that price) AND the Flower Share flowers are organic. I get two Flower Shares every year and they are a joy to behold!

You don’t have to cut the ones in your garden and you can leave them to beautify your landscape.

They’re organically grown so you can sniff with impunity!

The first ones we usually get are Peonies (that’s enough of a reason for me) and then it may be followed by (and not in this order) Sunflowers, Zinneas, Sweet Williams, Snapdragons, Straw Flowers, Gomphrena, Flamingo Feathers…some are everlasts (can be dried) and some are not…all depending on what’s ready and when. The flowers do NOT come every week.

Why an Herb Share or a Basil Share?

Tired of eating the same vegetable more than one week in a row…USE HERBS! They can totally change the flavor profile of what you’re cooking.

Just like we get Vegetable Information Sheets, we have Herb Information Sheets (and we may put an order in for an Herb Wheel…later for that).

You can freeze or dry them for use during the winter (or when you don’t have them fresh on hand).

Herbs are amazing for our health. We don’t eat enough of them. They have more antioxidants than Blueberries! Use them in Juices (in small quantities), on Salad, in Salad Dressings, on most anything you cook…Vegetables, Meat, Fish, Eggs, Soups…anything!

Herbs are green…anything that’s green is ultra healthy. Here’s some info from Dr. Andrew Weil…
To turn down pain: Like some over-the-counter painkillers, some plants also act as natural COX 2 inhibitors, thus reducing pain and inflammation. Adding Basil to the diet may be useful for those with minor aches and pains.
To fight infections: In India, Basil is commonly used a home remedy for coughs and colds and topically for minor cuts and scrapes. Research has now shown that the herb indeed has potent antimicrobial activity and may reduce bronchial spasm, said Dr. Low Dog. Thyme is another herb to consider when fighting off a cold. It is approved in Europe for use in upper respiratory infections; it’s also effective against oral thrush. Likewise, Sage tea is effective for sore throats.
To calm and soothe: Rosemary is a traditional remedy for headaches—perhaps due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Sage is approved in Germany for those troubled by excessive perspiration, and herbalists commonly recommend it for menopausal women troubled with night sweats.
To improve your outlook: Another promising herb for brain health may be Sage. Dr. Low Dog presented some of the research that suggests the herb may improve some symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease. She also noted that the word “sage” is used to signify a wise elder. Maybe the ancients were on to somethin
We DO get Herbs as part of our basic CSA share (this week we’re getting Parsley) but you get more of them with the CSA share…

We will most likely be getting Celery at some point this season…
Please Pass the Parsley … and the Celery
Parsley and celery contain a compound that may help protect against breast cancer, possibly by blocking the growth of tumor cells. This interesting finding, from a University of Missouri animal study, suggests that apigenin, a flavonoid found in parsley, celery, apples, oranges, nuts and other plant products, seemed to block or delay tumor formation in rats that had been programmed to develop breast cancer when exposed to MPA (medroxyprogesterone acetate). MPA is a synthetic hormone that has been found to accelerate human breast tumor development in women on hormone replacement therapy. In the rat study, apigenin blocked the formation of new blood vessels needed by breast tumors, and also reduced the overall number of tumors the rats developed. However, apigenin didn't stop cancer cells from forming in the breast in the first place. The investigators said that they're not yet sure what dose of apigenin would be appropriate for humans, but suggested that eating some parsley and fruit daily could help ensure that you're getting the minimal amount. The study was published online April 19, 2011 by Cancer Prevention Research.
How to I get an Herb, Basil or Flower Share after the CSA season start?

It’s easy…ASK or EMAIL! You need to join AT the CSA because…it’s a timing thing.



6. Know anyone who wants to get pregnant?

Men…diet…and sperm health!

At the CSA we get “Pumpkins” (winter squash Butternut and our Nepalese squash would be included), Spinach, Parsley and Carrots…all mentioned in the article.
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/men-who-eat-mangoes-avocados-have-stronger-sperm-study-20110718-1hlk5.html



7. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)

Wednesday, August 3rd

5pm

Foraging Walk with Ellen Kamhi, the Natural Nurse
Restoration Farm
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Old Bethpage
$5 – NOFA/AHG/Restoration Farm CSA Members/$10 – General Public
Map…
http://www.restorationfarm.com/about.html

The Natural Nurse, Dr. Ellen Kamhi, PhD RN leads this walk on a discovery of what Native Long Islanders have known for centuries - wild weeds are often the best food and medicine! Dr. Kamhi will guide you in discovering the ‘roots’ of medicine, along with the leaves, stems, fruits and seeds that have always been the mainstay of the human diet in all parts of the world. Enjoy this historic, folkloric adventure, and learn to appreciate the beauty and bounty that surrounds us on the island of long!

Ellen Kamhi PhD, RN, AHG, AHN-BC is a medical school professor, author and master herbalist, and will be presenting a workshop on “Natural Energy and Vitality Enhancers- Stimulating the RING OF FIRE!” at the NOFA Summer Conference in Massachusetts. www.naturalnurse.com

Tuesday, August 9th

10pm

Watch on PBS…check local listings to make sure the time is right
POV is showing…
Food, Inc.
http://www.pbs.org/pov/foodinc/

If you haven’t seen it…it’s must see tv. If you have…you might want to catch it again….it’s a classic!


Thursday, August 11th

7:30pm

Let’s Eat: Food on Film presents…Forks over Knives
With Dr Caldwell Esselstyn live via Skype!
Cinema Arts Centre
423 Park Ave
Huntington
$9 – Members, $13 – General Public (includes reception catered by Whole Foods)
To reserve tickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/185377
For more info about the event:
http://www.cinemaartscentre.org/011/011July/ForksKnives.html#ForksOverKnives
To see the trailer and get even more info:
http://forksoverknives.com/

This event is being catered by Whole Foods, Jericho, and co-sponsored by Slow Food – Huntington, Healthy Planet, CenterFood Co-Op, Sustainable Sea Cliff Cooperative, and Green Thumb CSA – Huntington.


August 12th to 14th

NOFA (Northeast Organic Farmers Association) 37th Annual Summer Conference
With Northeast Animal-Power Field Days
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA
For more info and registration:
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/

I’m going this year…and you? It’s fun, educational, reasonably priced, and anyone who goes WILL have a great time. Whether you’re single, family, senior…whatever…a good time will be had! Keynote speakers will be Eric Toensmeier (author promoting food forestry to sequester carbon) and Ignacio Chapela (GMO, agri-fuel and global food crisis activist and scientist). I’m going there to see ex-Long Islander and the person who’s responsible for turning me on to one of my all-time FAVORITE books, Common Sense Pest Control by Olkowski (not very sexy unless you’re interested in this stuff and then it’s most awesome and I personally think every human should own a copy), Steve Restmeyer…organic landscape expert and apprentice shaman! As well as Ellen Kamhi (the Natural Nurse…from Long island), Mac Mead (head of the Pfeiffer Institute…for Biodynamic study upstate), Lee Reich (fruit growing expert from upstate), and MANY other workshops, parties, etc.
There’s workshops for children, teens, if you’re interested in becoming a farmer, Permaculture, CSAs, and even one on making music about farming/growing things or just singing while you’re out in the garden!

This gives you a good overview of the game plan for the weekend…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/program.php

Info about teen & the children’s conference and parties, etc…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/program.php

This is the list of workshop descriptions…it’s overwhelming but awesome…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/pdfs/2011_Workshop_Descriptions.pdf

Info about meals, parking, details, etc…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/logistics.php


September 1st to September 30th

The NY Locavore Challenge

Eat fresh, local, in season, organic…for a day, a week, a month! Put on by the Northeast Organic Farmer’s Association, this is the 2nd year for this event.

For more info, to register, and to get involved…keep coming back as clearly it’s early in the planning stages…unless YOU want to help plan and be actively involved…
https://www.nofany.org/?q=node/237
https://www.nofany.org/events/ny-locavore-challenge


Monday, October 24th

Food Day
For more info:
http://www.foodday.org/



8. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!

Order certified organic seedlings grown at Green Thumb Farm and have them delivered to the CSA for your garden!

How:
Have your credit card ready (to be paid only by credit card) and call the farm at 631-726-1900 between 9:30 to 4pm any day of the week and they will tell you, depending on when you place your order, what week they will arrive at the CSA…and make sure you don’t forget to pick them up!

How much:
$5.50 per pot (4” pot) with a 4 pot minimum order

What:
(if you don’t see what you’re looking for on this list, or want more details…call the farm and ask)

Flowers
Marigolds, Bonanza
Marigolds, Genie (edible)
Nasturtiums
Petunias

Herbs
Basil
Chives
Oregano
Parsley
Sage
Tarragon, French
Thyme

Tomatoes
Heirlooms
Minis
Red

Vegetables
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kale
Swiss Chard


9. The week in meat!

Meat in the USA can be sold with all virulent E Coli with one exception (why not all of them?)…
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2011-07-25-ecoli-testing_n.htm

As much as it would have been cool for the USA to win the Women’s Soccer World Cup…the Japanese have been through so much (radioactive meat)…
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-24/threat-to-japanese-food-chain-multiplies-as-cesium-contamination-spreads.html

Another reason to eat at Chipotle and buy local, sustainably raised meat…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendy-gordon/food-antibiotics-_b_871780.html

Eat meat? Learn more and read this (and sign the pledge)…
http://breakingnews.ewg.org/meateatersguide/

What it comes down to is…know where your food is coming from, know who’s growing it, know how it’s being grown, and eat local (or don’t eat meat at all…another option  ).



10. Donate with a click to Save the Children…win a fridge…commit to eating fresh!

You’re a CSA member and so you’re already eating fresh…that should be easy!

Donate to Save the Children with your click…enter to win a new fridge!
http://www.maketimeforchange.com/index.html

###

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Happy Summer!

Recommended for beating the heat (or at least surviving it)…in addition to keeping hydrated by drinking water, increase your intake of fruits and vegetable (according to Channel 7 news yesterday)…especially things that contain a lot of water like…Cucumbers, Lettuce, Summer Squash, etc.

A few quick notes about policies for the CSA being at the UUFH (these notices have been on the board next to our CSA Wall Chart as of last week)…
1. No pets in the building (unless seeing eye/service dogs)
2. Park cars only in designated spaces (my car is out front when I’m unloading and loading and though I may leave it there for as long as I’m at the CSA…I should move it into a spot as well)
3. No unsupervised children inside or outside of the building, and children are not allowed to play on the playset

TIME TO START WEIGHING!!! Digital scales are here. The main thing is to err on the side of under weighing rather than being over the amount stated on the Wall Chart. The second thing is to please follow the weighing directions given by whoever is working by the scales (usually that means weighing more than one thing at a time in a certain order…this is what our farmer wants so this is what we do).

Farmer Bill still didn’t ask for Honey numbers this week so this should be the LAST WEEK FOR HONEY ORDERING (see #2)!

Flower Shares and Herb Shares still available (see #5).

We may have a Green Thumb CSA – Huntington contingent at the NOFA Summer Conference this year! See August 12th under the events listings for more info.

BRING BAGS TO PACK YOUR CSA SHARE…now and forever! Put bags (paper/plastic/canvas) in every car you own so you’ll never be without. In your trunk, glove compartment, back seat…whatever works for you. You’ll be needing them every week for the next 30 weeks and the CSA is not set up to provide them. If you are sending someone else to pick up your CSA share (spouse, relative, friend, offspring), this is the most important thing to tell them.

We have 73 intrepid CSAers for the thirteenth week of the CSA season and we still have room for about 100 CSA members for the rest of the year. If each CSA member were to find ONE more member…ONLY ONE EACH…we could fill the CSA. Green Thumb Farms’ Brooklyn CSA is closed for membership with 200 members, their Queens CSA is closed for the season with 110 members and we’re last on the totem pole still trying to get to 100, and at that point seeing if our farmer will allow us to get to 150 members. Back a few years ago, he would have LOVED for us to have 200 members but since we’ve never come close, I think he’s given up hope…but would be amused and pleased if it ever happened. Plus it’s wacky…with everyone sharing, people having multiple email addresses, and the fact that there are people who want to get our emails who aren’t CSA members (events, veg sheets, etc), I’m sending this email to 110 email addresses! I’d be so happy if that translated to 110 CSA members but not yet!

Attached in the next email will be the CSA “kit” consisting of the contract for new members, brochure and fee sheet. Let’s do this thing! The sooner I don’t have to beat the bushes for members, the more time I have for things like managing the CSA better, finding cool new things to add to the CSA mix (Mushrooms, Tempeh, a Winter CSA Share?) and doing the extra work it would entail.

I’d be happy to place brochures, do a lecture, call, email…do whatever’s needed to spread the good word about CSA. If you have suggestions, please make them known.

This email includes…

1. Your CSA doesn’t need you this week! However…
2. Honey anyone?
3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!
4. We still have plenty of Herb Shares and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?
5. Notes from the Farm
6. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)
7. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!
8. Snorting Asparagus? Who woulda thunk it???



1. Your CSA doesn’t need you this week! However…

You can ALWAYS show up a little before 3:30 or 5:30pm at the CSA and offer to work IF help is still needed…you never know! Everyone that’s scheduled doesn’t always show up on time…or at all.

If you didn’t get a confirmation email from Judi, you’re not on the schedule to work this week. If you did, you are.



2. Honey anyone?

The CSA will now be taking orders this week for a delivery of Honey.

Cost - $10 per lb container (the classic Honey bear plastic squeeze bottle…no breakage in transport this way)

How to order?
Bring cash or check (made out to Halseys Green Thumb Farm) in an envelope with your name on it (and if you’re sharing with some, write…I share with – name of CSA member), number of jars of Honey and amount enclosed. Leave it with the person at the CSA Sign-In Desk and send an email to me letting me know that you dropped it of, to make sure it didn’t disappear between the desk and me.

Honey provenance – It’s unfiltered, unpasteurized Honey from Biodynamically raised bees, raised by Farmer Bill Halsey’s adult daughter on her property upstate NY by the St Lawrence River. Honey can not be certified organic (possibly it could in Canada or Hawaii where there’s enough land to make sure bees didn’t stray onto unorganic land), however, her neck of the woods is pretty isolated and if the bees are happy they don’t wander as far as if they’re not (average 5 miles if they’re not happy where they are). Why not Honey from our farm? My guess is Farmer Bill’s trying to lure his daughter back to the farm by helping her be a successful beekeeper and so maybe one of these days she’ll come back to the fold and be the beekeeper on the family farm.

Boy…wish I could have taken these classes! Gunther Hauk (he rocks!) was the founder of the Pfeiffer Center upstate…our closest source for solid Biodynamic gardening/farming education…Mac Mead, the new head of the Pfeiffer Center will be teaching a few classes at the NOFA Summer Conference…one of the reason’s I’ll be at the NOFA Summer Conference this year…
http://www.anthroposophy.org/nc/calendar/event-details/archive/2011/03//article/sustainable-biodynamic-beekeeping-543.html
Gunther’s beekeeping book…
http://www.amazon.com/Toward-Saving-Honeybee-Gunther-Hauk/dp/0938250140



3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!

Vegetable Info Sheets attached to next email (keep in a notebook – by the end of the year you’ll have a cookbook!)

Week #13
July 21, 2011

1. Summer Squash
2. Lettuce
3. Peas, Shelling
4. Peas, Sugar Snap
5. Spring Onions
6. Cucumbers
7. Beans: Green and/or Romano

Total Items: 7 (?)

Herb Share – July-2B


4. We still have plenty of Herb Shares, Basil Shares, and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?

Why a Flower Share?

You’re paying $7 for a bunch of flowers that might easily cost $10 elsewhere (I just paid $10 for two VERY SMALL stems of Lilac the other week at the Sweet Hollow Hall market and they were on their way out after two days…the gal didn’t cut them properly as I learned in my research AND she should have had little packs of flower food to include for that price) AND the Flower Share flowers are organic. I get two Flower Shares every year and they are a joy to behold!

You don’t have to cut the ones in your garden and you can leave them to beautify your landscape.

They’re organically grown so you can sniff with impunity!

The first ones we usually get are Peonies (that’s enough of a reason for me) and then it may be followed by (and not in this order) Sunflowers, Zinneas, Sweet Williams, Snapdragons, Straw Flowers, Gomphrena, Flamingo Feathers…some are everlasts (can be dried) and some are not…all depending on what’s ready and when. The flowers do NOT come every week.

Why an Herb Share or a Basil Share?

Tired of eating the same vegetable more than one week in a row…USE HERBS! They can totally change the flavor profile of what you’re cooking.

Just like we get Vegetable Information Sheets, we have Herb Information Sheets (and we may put an order in for an Herb Wheel…later for that).

You can freeze or dry them for use during the winter (or when you don’t have them fresh on hand).

Herbs are amazing for our health. We don’t eat enough of them. They have more antioxidants than Blueberries! Use them in Juices (in small quantities), on Salad, in Salad Dressings, on most anything you cook…Vegetables, Meat, Fish, Eggs, Soups…anything!

Herbs are green…anything that’s green is ultra healthy. Here’s some info from Dr. Andrew Weil…
To turn down pain: Like some over-the-counter painkillers, some plants also act as natural COX 2 inhibitors, thus reducing pain and inflammation. Adding Basil to the diet may be useful for those with minor aches and pains.
To fight infections: In India, Basil is commonly used a home remedy for coughs and colds and topically for minor cuts and scrapes. Research has now shown that the herb indeed has potent antimicrobial activity and may reduce bronchial spasm, said Dr. Low Dog. Thyme is another herb to consider when fighting off a cold. It is approved in Europe for use in upper respiratory infections; it’s also effective against oral thrush. Likewise, Sage tea is effective for sore throats.
To calm and soothe: Rosemary is a traditional remedy for headaches—perhaps due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Sage is approved in Germany for those troubled by excessive perspiration, and herbalists commonly recommend it for menopausal women troubled with night sweats.
To improve your outlook: Another promising herb for brain health may be Sage. Dr. Low Dog presented some of the research that suggests the herb may improve some symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease. She also noted that the word “sage” is used to signify a wise elder. Maybe the ancients were on to somethin
We DO get Herbs as part of our basic CSA share (this week we’re getting Parsley) but you get more of them with the CSA share…

We will most likely be getting Celery at some point this season…
Please Pass the Parsley … and the Celery
Parsley and celery contain a compound that may help protect against breast cancer, possibly by blocking the growth of tumor cells. This interesting finding, from a University of Missouri animal study, suggests that apigenin, a flavonoid found in parsley, celery, apples, oranges, nuts and other plant products, seemed to block or delay tumor formation in rats that had been programmed to develop breast cancer when exposed to MPA (medroxyprogesterone acetate). MPA is a synthetic hormone that has been found to accelerate human breast tumor development in women on hormone replacement therapy. In the rat study, apigenin blocked the formation of new blood vessels needed by breast tumors, and also reduced the overall number of tumors the rats developed. However, apigenin didn't stop cancer cells from forming in the breast in the first place. The investigators said that they're not yet sure what dose of apigenin would be appropriate for humans, but suggested that eating some parsley and fruit daily could help ensure that you're getting the minimal amount. The study was published online April 19, 2011 by Cancer Prevention Research.
How to I get an Herb, Basil or Flower Share after the CSA season start?

It’s easy…ASK or EMAIL! You need to join AT the CSA because…it’s a timing thing.



5. Notes from the Farm

July 8, 2011

Summer is here and so is the return of the heat! The last week has been VERY hot out here, and our warm weather crops are doing well…Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Summer Squashes and Beans. While our cooler weather crops are winding down…Peas, Lettuces, Herbs and other greens.

Fava Beans are here for a very brief harvest period. Beets, Carrots and Swiss Chard are starting. Fennel is ready to harvest for the next several weeks. We still have Radishes for several more weeks. Onions are ready for harvest and we will be bringing them in also.

Our Garlic is ready to harvest and we will be doing that this week, then curing it in our barn, and then distributing it to you in the fall.

Look for Summer Squashes, and Beans, and more Peas in your immediate future. We still have some beautiful Lettuces and Radicchios for a couple more weeks.

Enjoy the seasonality of it all because whatever crop it is… it does not last long!

Organically yours,
Farmer Bill (Halsey)



6. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)


Sunday, July 24th

3pm

Healthy Planet Lecture & Lunch featuring Dr. Steven Blake (from Hawaii!)
Boosting Immune Power
Copper Wok Indian Fusion Eatery
16 Marie St
Hicksville
$20 – Members/$25 – General Public
For reservations (seating is limited) and more info:
http://www.healthy-planet.org/Series/index.asp
About Dr. Steven Blake
http://www.naturalhealthwizards.com/about-us.html

6:30pm

Healthy Planet Hands on Cooking Class and Poolside Nutritional Chat with Chef/Author Catherine Blake (from Hawaii!)
Huntington
$22 – Members/$28 – General Public
For reservations call:
631-421-5591
For more info:
http://www.healthy-planet.org/Series/index.asp
For more info about Catherine Blake…
http://www.naturalhealthwizards.com/about-us.html


Wednesday, August 3rd

5pm

Foraging Walk with Ellen Kamhi, the Natural Nurse
Restoration Farm
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Old Bethpage
$5 – NOFA/AHG/Restoration Farm CSA Members/$10 – General Public
Map…
http://www.restorationfarm.com/about.html

The Natural Nurse, Dr. Ellen Kamhi, PhD RN leads this walk on a discovery of what Native Long Islanders have known for centuries - wild weeds are often the best food and medicine! Dr. Kamhi will guide you in discovering the ‘roots’ of medicine, along with the leaves, stems, fruits and seeds that have always been the mainstay of the human diet in all parts of the world. Enjoy this historic, folkloric adventure, and learn to appreciate the beauty and bounty that surrounds us on the island of long!

Ellen Kamhi PhD, RN, AHG, AHN-BC is a medical school professor, author and master herbalist, and will be presenting a workshop on “Natural Energy and Vitality Enhancers- Stimulating the RING OF FIRE!” at the NOFA Summer Conference in Massachusetts. www.naturalnurse.com

Thursday, August 11th

7:30pm

Let’s Eat: Food on Film presents…Forks over Knives
With Dr Caldwell Esselstyn live via Skype!
Cinema Arts Centre
423 Park Ave
Huntington
$9 – Members, $13 – General Public (includes reception catered by Whole Foods)
To reserve tickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/185377
For more info about the event:
http://www.cinemaartscentre.org/011/011July/ForksKnives.html#ForksOverKnives
To see the trailer and get even more info:
http://forksoverknives.com/

This event is being catered by Whole Foods, Jericho, and co-sponsored by Slow Food – Huntington, Healthy Planet, CenterFood Co-Op, Sustainable Sea Cliff Cooperative, and Green Thumb CSA – Huntington.


August 12th to 14th

NOFA (Northeast Organic Farmers Association) 37th Annual Summer Conference
With Northeast Animal-Power Field Days
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA
For more info and registration:
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/

I’m going this year…and you? It’s fun, educational, reasonably priced, and anyone who goes WILL have a great time. Whether you’re single, family, senior…whatever…a good time will be had! Keynote speakers will be Eric Toensmeier (author promoting food forestry to sequester carbon) and Ignacio Chapela (GMO, agri-fuel and global food crisis activist and scientist). I’m going there to see ex-Long Islander and the person who’s responsible for turning me on to one of my all-time FAVORITE books, Common Sense Pest Control by Olkowski (not very sexy unless you’re interested in this stuff and then it’s most awesome and I personally think every human should own a copy), Steve Restmeyer…organic landscape expert and apprentice shaman! As well as Ellen Kamhi (the Natural Nurse…from Long island), Mac Mead (head of the Pfeiffer Institute…for Biodynamic study upstate), Lee Reich (fruit growing expert from upstate), and MANY other workshops, parties, etc.
There’s workshops for children, teens, if you’re interested in becoming a farmer, Permaculture, CSAs, and even one on making music about farming/growing things or just singing while you’re out in the garden!

This gives you a good overview of the game plan for the weekend…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/program.php

Info about teen & the children’s conference and parties, etc…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/program.php

This is the list of workshop descriptions…it’s overwhelming but awesome…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/pdfs/2011_Workshop_Descriptions.pdf

Info about meals, parking, details, etc…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/logistics.php


September 1st to September 30th

The NY Locavore Challenge

Eat fresh, local, in season, organic…for a day, a week, a month! Put on by the Northeast Organic Farmer’s Association, this is the 2nd year for this event.

For more info, to register, and to get involved…keep coming back as clearly it’s early in the planning stages…unless YOU want to help plan and be actively involved…
https://www.nofany.org/?q=node/237
https://www.nofany.org/events/ny-locavore-challenge


Monday, October 24th

Food Day
For more info:
http://www.foodday.org/



7. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!

Order certified organic seedlings grown at Green Thumb Farm and have them delivered to the CSA for your garden!

How:
Have your credit card ready (to be paid only by credit card) and call the farm at 631-726-1900 between 9:30 to 4pm any day of the week and they will tell you, depending on when you place your order, what week they will arrive at the CSA…and make sure you don’t forget to pick them up!

How much:
$5.50 per pot (4” pot) with a 4 pot minimum order

What:
(if you don’t see what you’re looking for on this list, or want more details…call the farm and ask)

Flowers
Marigolds, Bonanza
Marigolds, Genie (edible)
Nasturtiums
Petunias

Herbs
Basil
Chives
Oregano
Parsley
Sage
Tarragon, French
Thyme

Tomatoes
Heirlooms
Minis
Red

Vegetables
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kale
Swiss Chard



8. Snorting Asparagus? Who woulda thunk it???

And what does it do to your body/lungs once it gets up your nose???
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2015938/Vegetable-powder-goes-sale--does-glamorise-drugs.html

###

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Happy Summer!

Sorry this is so late but I just got the list from the farm!

We just may see Dines Farm at the CSA next week (finally got a hold of Jay Dines)…will let you know when I know.

TIME TO START WEIGHING!!! We ARE getting new digital scales but will have to make due with the old ones for the next week or two. The main thing is to err on the side of under weighing rather than being over the amount stated on the Wall Chart. The second thing is to please follow the weighing directions given by whoever is working by the scales (usually that means weighing more than one thing at a time in a certain order…this is what our farmer wants so this is what we do).

Farmer Bill didn’t ask for Honey numbers this week so this should be the LAST WEEK FOR HONEY ORDERING (see #2)!

Flower Shares and Herb Shares still available (see #5).

We may have a Green Thumb CSA – Huntington contingent at the NOFA Summer Conference this year! See August 12th under the events listings for more info.

BRING BAGS TO PACK YOUR CSA SHARE…now and forever! Put bags (paper/plastic/canvas) in every car you own so you’ll never be without. In your trunk, glove compartment, back seat…whatever works for you. You’ll be needing them every week for the next 30 weeks and the CSA is not set up to provide them. If you are sending someone else to pick up your CSA share (spouse, relative, friend, offspring), this is the most important thing to tell them.

We still have 71 intrepid CSAers for the twelfth week of the CSA season and we still have room for about 100 CSA members for the rest of the year. If each CSA member were to find ONE more member…ONLY ONE EACH…we could fill the CSA. Green Thumb Farms’ Brooklyn CSA is closed for membership with 200 members, their Queens CSA is closed for the season with 110 members and we’re last on the totem pole still trying to get to 100, and at that point seeing if our farmer will allow us to get to 150 members. Back a few years ago, he would have LOVED for us to have 200 members but since we’ve never come close, I think he’s given up hope…but would be amused and pleased if it ever happened. Plus it’s wacky…with everyone sharing, people having multiple email addresses, and the fact that there are people who want to get our emails who aren’t CSA members (events, veg sheets, etc), I’m sending this email to 110 email addresses! I’d be so happy if that translated to 110 CSA members but not yet!

Attached in the next email will be the CSA “kit” consisting of the contract for new members, brochure and fee sheet. Let’s do this thing! The sooner I don’t have to beat the bushes for members, the more time I have for things like managing the CSA better, finding cool new things to add to the CSA mix (Mushrooms, Tempeh, a Winter CSA Share?) and doing the extra work it would entail.

I’d be happy to place brochures, do a lecture, call, email…do whatever’s needed to spread the good word about CSA. If you have suggestions, please make them known.

This email includes…

1. Your CSA doesn’t need you this week! However…
2. Honey anyone?
3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!
4. We still have plenty of Herb Shares and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?
5. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)
6. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!


1. Your CSA doesn’t need you this week! However…

You can ALWAYS show up a little before 3:30 or 5:30pm at the CSA and offer to work IF help is still needed…you never know! Everyone that’s scheduled doesn’t always show up on time…or at all.

If you didn’t get a confirmation email from Judi, you’re not on the schedule to work this week. If you did, you are.



2. Honey anyone?

The CSA will now be taking orders this week for a July delivery of Honey.

Cost - $10 per lb container (the classic Honey bear plastic squeeze bottle…no breakage in transport this way)

How to order?
Bring cash or check (made out to Halseys Green Thumb Farm) in an envelope with your name on it (and if you’re sharing with some, write…I share with – name of CSA member), number of jars of Honey and amount enclosed. Leave it with the person at the CSA Sign-In Desk and send an email to me letting me know that you dropped it of, to make sure it didn’t disappear between the desk and me.

Honey provenance – It’s unfiltered, unpasteurized Honey from Biodynamically raised bees, raised by Farmer Bill Halsey’s adult daughter on her property upstate NY by the St Lawrence River. Honey can not be certified organic (possibly it could in Canada or Hawaii where there’s enough land to make sure bees didn’t stray onto unorganic land), however, her neck of the woods is pretty isolated and if the bees are happy they don’t wander as far as if they’re not (average 5 miles if they’re not happy where they are). Why not Honey from our farm? My guess is Farmer Bill’s trying to lure his daughter back to the farm by helping her be a successful beekeeper and so maybe one of these days she’ll come back to the fold and be the beekeeper on the family farm.

Boy…wish I could have taken these classes! Gunther Hauk (he rocks!) was the founder of the Pfeiffer Center upstate…our closest source for solid Biodynamic gardening/farming education…Mac Mead, the new head of the Pfeiffer Center will be teaching a few classes at the NOFA Summer Conference…one of the reason’s I’ll be at the NOFA Summer Conference this year…
http://www.anthroposophy.org/nc/calendar/event-details/archive/2011/03//article/sustainable-biodynamic-beekeeping-543.html
Gunther’s beekeeping book…
http://www.amazon.com/Toward-Saving-Honeybee-Gunther-Hauk/dp/0938250140



3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!

Vegetable Info Sheets attached to next email (keep in a notebook – by the end of the year you’ll have a cookbook!)

Week #12
July 14, 2011

1. Summer Squash
2. Lettuce: Iceberg OR Red Leaf – 1 head
3. Beans, Fava *
4. Peas, Sugar Snap
5. Spring Onions
6. Broccoli Rabe OR Radishes

Total Items: 6

Herb Share

Flower share

*No Veggie Info Sheet but…
http://www.oceanmist.com/products/favabeans/fava.aspx
http://www.affairsofliving.com/imported-20100106014405/2010/4/13/how-to-cook-fresh-fava-beans.html
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9163283
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicia_faba



4. We still have plenty of Herb Shares, Basil Shares, and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?

Why a Flower Share?

You’re paying $7 for a bunch of flowers that might easily cost $10 elsewhere (I just paid $10 for two VERY SMALL stems of Lilac the other week at the Sweet Hollow Hall market and they were on their way out after two days…the gal didn’t cut them properly as I learned in my research AND she should have had little packs of flower food to include for that price) AND the Flower Share flowers are organic. I get two Flower Shares every year and they are a joy to behold!

You don’t have to cut the ones in your garden and you can leave them to beautify your landscape.

They’re organically grown so you can sniff with impunity!

The first ones we usually get are Peonies (that’s enough of a reason for me) and then it may be followed by (and not in this order) Sunflowers, Zinneas, Sweet Williams, Snapdragons, Straw Flowers, Gomphrena, Flamingo Feathers…some are everlasts (can be dried) and some are not…all depending on what’s ready and when. The flowers do NOT come every week.

Why an Herb Share or a Basil Share?

Tired of eating the same vegetable more than one week in a row…USE HERBS! They can totally change the flavor profile of what you’re cooking.

Just like we get Vegetable Information Sheets, we have Herb Information Sheets (and we may put an order in for an Herb Wheel…later for that).

You can freeze or dry them for use during the winter (or when you don’t have them fresh on hand).

Herbs are amazing for our health. We don’t eat enough of them. They have more antioxidants than Blueberries! Use them in Juices (in small quantities), on Salad, in Salad Dressings, on most anything you cook…Vegetables, Meat, Fish, Eggs, Soups…anything!

Herbs are green…anything that’s green is ultra healthy. Here’s some info from Dr. Andrew Weil…
To turn down pain: Like some over-the-counter painkillers, some plants also act as natural COX 2 inhibitors, thus reducing pain and inflammation. Adding Basil to the diet may be useful for those with minor aches and pains.
To fight infections: In India, Basil is commonly used a home remedy for coughs and colds and topically for minor cuts and scrapes. Research has now shown that the herb indeed has potent antimicrobial activity and may reduce bronchial spasm, said Dr. Low Dog. Thyme is another herb to consider when fighting off a cold. It is approved in Europe for use in upper respiratory infections; it’s also effective against oral thrush. Likewise, Sage tea is effective for sore throats.
To calm and soothe: Rosemary is a traditional remedy for headaches—perhaps due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Sage is approved in Germany for those troubled by excessive perspiration, and herbalists commonly recommend it for menopausal women troubled with night sweats.
To improve your outlook: Another promising herb for brain health may be Sage. Dr. Low Dog presented some of the research that suggests the herb may improve some symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease. She also noted that the word “sage” is used to signify a wise elder. Maybe the ancients were on to somethin
We DO get Herbs as part of our basic CSA share (this week we’re getting Parsley) but you get more of them with the CSA share…

We will most likely be getting Celery at some point this season…
Please Pass the Parsley … and the Celery
Parsley and celery contain a compound that may help protect against breast cancer, possibly by blocking the growth of tumor cells. This interesting finding, from a University of Missouri animal study, suggests that apigenin, a flavonoid found in parsley, celery, apples, oranges, nuts and other plant products, seemed to block or delay tumor formation in rats that had been programmed to develop breast cancer when exposed to MPA (medroxyprogesterone acetate). MPA is a synthetic hormone that has been found to accelerate human breast tumor development in women on hormone replacement therapy. In the rat study, apigenin blocked the formation of new blood vessels needed by breast tumors, and also reduced the overall number of tumors the rats developed. However, apigenin didn't stop cancer cells from forming in the breast in the first place. The investigators said that they're not yet sure what dose of apigenin would be appropriate for humans, but suggested that eating some parsley and fruit daily could help ensure that you're getting the minimal amount. The study was published online April 19, 2011 by Cancer Prevention Research.
How to I get an Herb, Basil or Flower Share after the CSA season start?

It’s easy…ASK or EMAIL! You need to join AT the CSA because…it’s a timing thing.



5. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)


August 12th to 14th

NOFA (Northeast Organic Farmers Association) 37th Annual Summer Conference
With Northeast Animal-Power Field Days
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA
For more info and registration:
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/

I’m going this year…and you? It’s fun, educational, reasonably priced, and anyone who goes WILL have a great time. Whether you’re single, family, senior…whatever…a good time will be had! Keynote speakers will be Eric Toensmeier (author promoting food forestry to sequester carbon) and Ignacio Chapela (GMO, agri-fuel and global food crisis activist and scientist). I’m going there to see ex-Long Islander and the person who’s responsible for turning me on to one of my all-time FAVORITE books, Common Sense Pest Control by Olkowski (not very sexy unless you’re interested in this stuff and then it’s most awesome and I personally think every human should own a copy), Steve Restmeyer…organic landscape expert and apprentice shaman! As well as Ellen Kamhi (the Natural Nurse…from Long island), Mac Mead (head of the Pfeiffer Institute…for Biodynamic study upstate), Lee Reich (fruit growing expert from upstate), and MANY other workshops, parties, etc.
There’s workshops for children, teens, if you’re interested in becoming a farmer, Permaculture, CSAs, and even one on making music about farming/growing things or just singing while you’re out in the garden!

This gives you a good overview of the game plan for the weekend…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/program.php

Info about teen & the children’s conference and parties, etc…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/program.php

This is the list of workshop descriptions…it’s overwhelming but awesome…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/pdfs/2011_Workshop_Descriptions.pdf

Info about meals, parking, details, etc…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/logistics.php


September 1st to September 30th

The NY Locavore Challenge

Eat fresh, local, in season, organic…for a day, a week, a month! Put on by the Northeast Organic Farmer’s Association, this is the 2nd year for this event.

For more info, to register, and to get involved…keep coming back as clearly it’s early in the planning stages…unless YOU want to help plan and be actively involved…
https://www.nofany.org/?q=node/237
https://www.nofany.org/events/ny-locavore-challenge


Monday, October 24th

Food Day
For more info:
http://www.foodday.org/



6. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!

Order certified organic seedlings grown at Green Thumb Farm and have them delivered to the CSA for your garden!

How:
Have your credit card ready (to be paid only by credit card) and call the farm at 631-726-1900 between 9:30 to 4pm any day of the week and they will tell you, depending on when you place your order, what week they will arrive at the CSA…and make sure you don’t forget to pick them up!

How much:
$5.50 per pot (4” pot) with a 4 pot minimum order

What:
(if you don’t see what you’re looking for on this list, or want more details…call the farm and ask)

Flowers
Marigolds, Bonanza
Marigolds, Genie (edible)
Nasturtiums
Petunias

Herbs
Basil
Chives
Oregano
Parsley
Sage
Tarragon, French
Thyme

Tomatoes
Heirlooms
Minis
Red

Vegetables
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kale
Swiss Chard

###

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Happy Summer!

Did anyone by chance accidentally take an extra bunch of Radishes last week? If so, please let me know. Thanks!

Who’s sharing with Constance Schwartz? Please let me know and either give me her contact info or tell her to email me to get her on the CSA email list.

Very brief email again…ok, THIS is the weekend for catching up!

Farmer Bill didn’t ask for Honey numbers last week so this is the LAST WEEK FOR HONEY ORDERING (see #2)!

Flower Shares and Herb Shares still available (see #5).

We may have a Green Thumb CSA – Huntington contingent at the NOFA Summer Conference this year! See August 12th under the events listings for more info.

BRING BAGS TO PACK YOUR CSA SHARE…now and forever! Put bags (paper/plastic/canvas) in every car you own so you’ll never be without. In your trunk, glove compartment, back seat…whatever works for you. You’ll be needing them every week for the next 30 weeks and the CSA is not set up to provide them. If you are sending someone else to pick up your CSA share (spouse, relative, friend, offspring), this is the most important thing to tell them.

We still have 71 intrepid CSAers for the eleventh week of the CSA season and we still have room for about 100 CSA members for the rest of the year. If each CSA member were to find ONE more member…ONLY ONE EACH…we could fill the CSA. Green Thumb Farms’ Brooklyn CSA is closed for membership with 200 members, their Queens CSA is closed for the season with 110 members and we’re last on the totem pole still trying to get to 100, and at that point seeing if our farmer will allow us to get to 150 members. Back a few years ago, he would have LOVED for us to have 200 members but since we’ve never come close, I think he’s given up hope…but would be amused and pleased if it ever happened. Plus it’s wacky…with everyone sharing, people having multiple email addresses, and the fact that there are people who want to get our emails who aren’t CSA members (events, veg sheets, etc), I’m sending this email to 110 email addresses! I’d be so happy if that translated to 110 CSA members but not yet!

Attached in the next email will be the CSA “kit” consisting of the contract for new members, brochure and fee sheet. Let’s do this thing! The sooner I don’t have to beat the bushes for members, the more time I have for things like managing the CSA better, finding cool new things to add to the CSA mix (Mushrooms, Tempeh, a Winter CSA Share?) and doing the extra work it would entail.

I’d be happy to place brochures, do a lecture, call, email…do whatever’s needed to spread the good word about CSA. If you have suggestions, please make them known. So far this year we’re going to put an ad in the program for an auction at a local Montessori School. Next, will be an ad placed in the UUFH bulletin called The Beacon (never done before…silly CSA). Both should be reasonably priced. $40 for the Montessori ad and not sure about the UUFH one yet but I don’t imagine it will be very expensive (that one we may want to run a few times).

Any ideas for recruiting new members will be considered… how about jumping out of a van, putting a bag over some random person’s head, taking them to a warehouse in a discreet industrial area, feeding them amazing salads, juiced veggies, soups, vegetable delights made with CSA produce, and Dines Farm grilled marinated chicken thighs, Hamburgers and Hot Dogs (if they’re not vegetarians), and let the food do the talking? Just a thought  .

This email includes…

1. Your CSA doesn’t need you this week! However…
2. Honey anyone?
3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!
4. We still have plenty of Herb Shares and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?
5. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)
6. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!
7. Armchair activism for raw Milk supporters


1. Your CSA doesn’t need you this week! However…

You can ALWAYS show up a little before 3:30 or 5:30pm at the CSA and offer to work if help is still needed…you never know! Everyone that’s scheduled doesn’t always show up on time…or at all.

If you didn’t get a confirmation email from Judi, you’re not on the schedule to work this week. If you did, you are.



2. Honey anyone?

The CSA will now be taking orders from this week to the end of June, for a July delivery of Honey….mid to end of July.

Cost - $10 per lb container (the classic Honey bear plastic squeeze bottle…no breakage in transport this way)

How to order?
Bring cash or check (made out to Halseys Green Thumb Farm) in an envelope with your name on it (and if you’re sharing with some, write…I share with – name of CSA member), number of jars of Honey and amount enclosed. Leave it with the person at the CSA Sign-In Desk and send an email to me letting me know that you dropped it of, to make sure it didn’t disappear between the desk and me.

Honey provenance – It’s unfiltered, unpasteurized Honey from Biodynamically raised bees, raised by Farmer Bill Halsey’s adult daughter on her property upstate NY by the St Lawrence River. Honey can not be certified organic (possibly it could in Canada or Hawaii where there’s enough land to make sure bees didn’t stray onto unorganic land), however, her neck of the woods is pretty isolated and if the bees are happy they don’t wander as far as if they’re not (average 5 miles if they’re not happy where they are). Why not Honey from our farm? My guess is Farmer Bill’s trying to lure his daughter back to the farm by helping her be a successful beekeeper and so maybe one of these days she’ll come back to the fold and be the beekeeper on the family farm.

Boy…wish I could have taken these classes! Gunther Hauk (he rocks!) was the founder of the Pfeiffer Center upstate…our closest source for solid Biodynamic gardening/farming education…Mac Mead, the new head of the Pfeiffer Center will be teaching a few classes at the NOFA Summer Conference…one of the reason’s I’ll be at the NOFA Summer Conference this year…
http://www.anthroposophy.org/nc/calendar/event-details/archive/2011/03//article/sustainable-biodynamic-beekeeping-543.html
Gunther’s beekeeping book…
http://www.amazon.com/Toward-Saving-Honeybee-Gunther-Hauk/dp/0938250140



3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!

Vegetable Info Sheets attached to next email (keep in a notebook – by the end of the year you’ll have a cookbook!)

Week #11
July 7, 2011

1. Swiss Chard
2. Lettuce
3. Fennel
4. Peas, Sugar Snap
5. Peas, Shelling
6. Radicchio *

Total Items: 6

Flower Share
Week #3 – Snapdragons (maybe)

*No Veggie Info Sheet but will send info in the next email (when in doubt Google “Radicchio recipe”)
Quick tips…using sparingly in a Salad, brush/drizzle with olive oil and grill (cutting in half lengthwise and leaving the end on so the leaves don’t fall apart) and finish off with salt, pepper and freshly squeezed Lemon juice, can be baked with cheese (look for recipes…good one in How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittmann)



4. We still have plenty of Herb Shares, Basil Shares, and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?

Why a Flower Share?

You’re paying $7 for a bunch of flowers that might easily cost $10 elsewhere (I just paid $10 for two VERY SMALL stems of Lilac the other week at the Sweet Hollow Hall market and they were on their way out after two days…the gal didn’t cut them properly as I learned in my research AND she should have had little packs of flower food to include for that price) AND the Flower Share flowers are organic. I get two Flower Shares every year and they are a joy to behold!

You don’t have to cut the ones in your garden and you can leave them to beautify your landscape.

They’re organically grown so you can sniff with impunity!

The first ones we usually get are Peonies (that’s enough of a reason for me) and then it may be followed by (and not in this order) Sunflowers, Zinneas, Sweet Williams, Snapdragons, Straw Flowers, Gomphrena, Flamingo Feathers…some are everlasts (can be dried) and some are not…all depending on what’s ready and when. The flowers do NOT come every week.

Why an Herb Share or a Basil Share?

Tired of eating the same vegetable more than one week in a row…USE HERBS! They can totally change the flavor profile of what you’re cooking.

Just like we get Vegetable Information Sheets, we have Herb Information Sheets (and we may put an order in for an Herb Wheel…later for that).

You can freeze or dry them for use during the winter (or when you don’t have them fresh on hand).

Herbs are amazing for our health. We don’t eat enough of them. They have more antioxidants than Blueberries! Use them in Juices (in small quantities), on Salad, in Salad Dressings, on most anything you cook…Vegetables, Meat, Fish, Eggs, Soups…anything!

Herbs are green…anything that’s green is ultra healthy. Here’s some info from Dr. Andrew Weil…
To turn down pain: Like some over-the-counter painkillers, some plants also act as natural COX 2 inhibitors, thus reducing pain and inflammation. Adding Basil to the diet may be useful for those with minor aches and pains.
To fight infections: In India, Basil is commonly used a home remedy for coughs and colds and topically for minor cuts and scrapes. Research has now shown that the herb indeed has potent antimicrobial activity and may reduce bronchial spasm, said Dr. Low Dog. Thyme is another herb to consider when fighting off a cold. It is approved in Europe for use in upper respiratory infections; it’s also effective against oral thrush. Likewise, Sage tea is effective for sore throats.
To calm and soothe: Rosemary is a traditional remedy for headaches—perhaps due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Sage is approved in Germany for those troubled by excessive perspiration, and herbalists commonly recommend it for menopausal women troubled with night sweats.
To improve your outlook: Another promising herb for brain health may be Sage. Dr. Low Dog presented some of the research that suggests the herb may improve some symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease. She also noted that the word “sage” is used to signify a wise elder. Maybe the ancients were on to somethin
We DO get Herbs as part of our basic CSA share (this week we’re getting Parsley) but you get more of them with the CSA share…

We will most likely be getting Celery at some point this season…
Please Pass the Parsley … and the Celery
Parsley and celery contain a compound that may help protect against breast cancer, possibly by blocking the growth of tumor cells. This interesting finding, from a University of Missouri animal study, suggests that apigenin, a flavonoid found in parsley, celery, apples, oranges, nuts and other plant products, seemed to block or delay tumor formation in rats that had been programmed to develop breast cancer when exposed to MPA (medroxyprogesterone acetate). MPA is a synthetic hormone that has been found to accelerate human breast tumor development in women on hormone replacement therapy. In the rat study, apigenin blocked the formation of new blood vessels needed by breast tumors, and also reduced the overall number of tumors the rats developed. However, apigenin didn't stop cancer cells from forming in the breast in the first place. The investigators said that they're not yet sure what dose of apigenin would be appropriate for humans, but suggested that eating some parsley and fruit daily could help ensure that you're getting the minimal amount. The study was published online April 19, 2011 by Cancer Prevention Research.
How to I get an Herb, Basil or Flower Share after the CSA season start?

It’s easy…ASK or EMAIL! You need to join AT the CSA because…it’s a timing thing.



5. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)


August 12th to 14th

NOFA (Northeast Organic Farmers Association) 37th Annual Summer Conference
With Northeast Animal-Power Field Days
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA
For more info and registration:
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/

I’m going this year…and you? It’s fun, educational, reasonably priced, and anyone who goes WILL have a great time. Whether you’re single, family, senior…whatever…a good time will be had! Keynote speakers will be Eric Toensmeier (author promoting food forestry to sequester carbon) and Ignacio Chapela (GMO, agri-fuel and global food crisis activist and scientist). I’m going there to see ex-Long Islander and the person who’s responsible for turning me on to one of my all-time FAVORITE books, Common Sense Pest Control by Olkowski (not very sexy unless you’re interested in this stuff and then it’s most awesome and I personally think every human should own a copy), Steve Restmeyer…organic landscape expert and apprentice shaman! As well as Ellen Kamhi (the Natural Nurse…from Long island), Mac Mead (head of the Pfeiffer Institute…for Biodynamic study upstate), Lee Reich (fruit growing expert from upstate), and MANY other workshops, parties, etc.
There’s workshops for children, teens, if you’re interested in becoming a farmer, Permaculture, CSAs, and even one on making music about farming/growing things or just singing while you’re out in the garden!

This gives you a good overview of the game plan for the weekend…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/program.php

Info about teen & the children’s conference and parties, etc…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/program.php

This is the list of workshop descriptions…it’s overwhelming but awesome…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/pdfs/2011_Workshop_Descriptions.pdf

Info about meals, parking, details, etc…
http://www.nofasummerconference.org/logistics.php


September 1st to September 30th

The NY Locavore Challenge

Eat fresh, local, in season, organic…for a day, a week, a month! Put on by the Northeast Organic Farmer’s Association, this is the 2nd year for this event.

For more info, to register, and to get involved…keep coming back as clearly it’s early in the planning stages…unless YOU want to help plan and be actively involved…
https://www.nofany.org/?q=node/237
https://www.nofany.org/events/ny-locavore-challenge


Monday, October 24th

Food Day
For more info:
http://www.foodday.org/



6. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!

Order certified organic seedlings grown at Green Thumb Farm and have them delivered to the CSA for your garden!

How:
Have your credit card ready (to be paid only by credit card) and call the farm at 631-726-1900 between 9:30 to 4pm any day of the week and they will tell you, depending on when you place your order, what week they will arrive at the CSA…and make sure you don’t forget to pick them up!

How much:
$5.50 per pot (4” pot) with a 4 pot minimum order

What:
(if you don’t see what you’re looking for on this list, or want more details…call the farm and ask)

Flowers
Marigolds, Bonanza
Marigolds, Genie (edible)
Nasturtiums
Petunias

Herbs
Basil
Chives
Oregano
Parsley
Sage
Tarragon, French
Thyme

Tomatoes
Heirlooms
Minis
Red

Vegetables
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kale
Swiss Chard



7. Armchair activism for raw Milk supporters

CSA member, Alyssa Axelrod brought this to my attention…check out this petition…
http://www.ftcldf.org/petitions/pnum1079.php

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