Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Happy Summer!

Quickie…the restaurant H2O in Smithtown has a Sustainable Shellfish Menu till the end of this month! http://www.h2oseafoodgrill.com/

CSA Mystery – What female CSA member was at the CSA last week with about 4 high school/college age folks (guys and gals) and one of the fellas had a Deadmau5 green and black glowing necklace on? I have a story for you! Please identify yourself!!! I asked the person at the desk who signed you in and she couldn’t remember your name.

Anyone still interested in Pine Nuts (NOT from China…if you don’t know why this is an issue…Google it) and Sundried Tomatoes? CSA member Fritz Lang wants to do a bulk order but needs some people to split the booty. He can give you the details so let me know if you’re interested and I’ll make the connection. The Pine Nuts could be organic and grown in the USA IF there are enough takers and the order gets in quickly enough.

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).

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.

Only TWO more weeks left for new members to sign up…after that, whether we fill the CSA or not, Farmer Bill will stop accepting new members. We still have 75 intrepid CSAers for the eighteenth week of the CSA season and we still have room for about 75 CSA members for the rest of the season. 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 DOES need you this week! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 5:30 to 7:30pm
2. Notes from the Farm
3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!
4. What to do with megazucchini…
5. Dines Farm Report
6. New report on the benefit of eating herbs and spices…
7. We still have plenty of Herb Shares and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?
8. What you actually got last week
9. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)
10. Do you drink Coconut Water? If so (or you know someone who does), check this out…
11. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!
12. Know where your food is coming from…Chinese citizens starting to grow their own food (many organically) out of legitimate distrust and fear of their food supply (a lot of the non-organic Garlic in this country is grown in China)
13. Computer click activist…Click below for a pro-Raw milk petition…



1. Your CSA DOES need you this week! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm.

If interested and available…
1. reply to this email from now to before 1pm Thursday
2. call 631-421-4864 from now to before 1pm Thursday
3. call the CSA at 631-385-1079 after 3pm only on Thursday

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. Notes from the Farm (present and past)

August 19, 2011

Labor Day is just a short way away, and on the farm…we’re thinking fall.

Winter Squash is growing well. Fall Carrots, Beets and Scallions are also doing good. Last week, we began seeding our fall Oriental greens, 4 types of Turnips, as well as Daikon Radish and several other types of winter Radishes. Our Kale, Broccoli and Cauliflower have all been planted and are growing well, thanks to our frequent rain showers.

Tomatoes are here and we’ll be having those over the next month. Melons are beginning but won’t last long. Summer Squashes and Snap Beans are still happening. Leeks have begun and we’ll have these until December. Lettuces, after a few hot weeks, are starting to return also due to those rain showers.

So, have a happy Labor Day, enjoy those summer crops, and know that there’s still much more on the way from now till December 15th.

Please enjoy our local, certified-organic and seasonal bounty!

Organically yours,
Farmer Bill (Halsey)


Not sure if I emailed this one or not so…

June 17, 2011

Summer has begun and Strawberry season is here! After two good weeks of Strawberry picking, the rains have begun and the Strawberries have begun to suffer. Spotted Strawberries and many more unpickable ones are appearing. Without the use of fungicides, which conventional farmers are now using to fight the wet weather, our certified-organic Strawberries do not last as long. Strawberries are one of the foods listed containing the most pesticides. So, enjoy those certified-organic Strawberries while they last!

Looking forward to our Summer Squash, Beets and Onions which will be along soon. Peas are doing very well. Snow Peas, Sugar Snap Peas, and even some Shelling Peas, are all being harvested now and will be for several weeks more. Lettuces and many herbs are still abundant, and Radicchio will also soon make its spring appearance. Fennel, Swiss Chard and Radishes will also be here soon.

Between showers this week, we have managed to plant our Cranberry, Lima, and Soy Beans (as well as more String Beans and Summer Squash) for August harvest.

Eggplant and Peppers are in the ground and are also growing well. Expect these in late July!

Organically Yours,
Farmer Bill (Halsey)



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

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

Week #18
August 25, 2011

1. Cantaloupe - 1
2. Swiss Chard – 1 bunch
3. Tomatoes
4. Snap Beans
5. Peppers, Sweet
6. Squash, Summer

Total Items: 6 (?)

Flower Share Week #8 – maybe

Herb Share – Aug 2B
Basil AND Sorrel



4. What to do with megazucchini…

The old expression when life gives you Lemons-make lemonade, applies very well to gardening, farming, and being a CSA member…
http://nrnfoodwriter.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-to-do-with-oversized-zucchini.html



5. Dines Farm Report…

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. They’re no longer at the Northport market.

Spoke to Larry and he’s having some health issues (stable for the moment but let’s all think good thoughts) but he said he’d call Jay and see about getting to Huntington with some meaty goodness.

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.



6. New report on the benefit of eating herbs and spices…

We don’t use enough herbs (and spices)!!!

They’re so good for us…and taste good too…in the study they used Sage, Oregano, Garlic and Rosemary (all of which we get in either our regular CSA share or the Herb Share)…
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/food/2011/08/22/2011-08-22_research_shows_that_cooking_with_spices_helps_counter_the_negative_effects_of_hi.html



7. 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.



8. What you actually got last week…and a bunch of other weeks I didn’t get around to typing in

August 18, 2011
Week #17

1. Leeks – 1 bunch - $3.50
2. Peppers, Sweet: Bell, Green AND/OR Bell, Purple AND/OR Hungarian Wax AND/OR Heirloom Corno di Toro – 1 lb
3. Squash, Summer: Zucchini, 8 Ball, Yellow, Golden, Cousa Magda, Patty Pan- Green – 1 lb
2 and 3 weighed together for a total weight of 2 lbs and a total price of - $5.00
4. Eggplant – 1 - $2.25
5. Beans, Snap: Romano – ½ lb - $1.50
6. Cucumber – 1 - $.50
7. Tomatoes, Mini: Heirloom Purple Krim, Cherry-Yellow, Plum-Red – 2 lbs - $4.00
8. Cantaloupe – 1 - $2.75

Total Items: 8
Total Amount: $19.50 ($2.00 more than we paid for our weekly share…it adds up over the course of the season)


August 4, 2011
Week #15

1. Cabbage, Green – 1 head
2. Squash, Summer: 8 Ball, Costato Romanesco, Gold, Patty Pan-White, Yellow, Zucchini AND/OR Bitter Melon/Foo Gwo – 2 lbs total - $4.00
3. Beets – 1 bunch - $3.25
4. Radishes: French Breakfast, Red – 1 bunch - $2.75
5. Peppers, Sweet: Green – 2 - $1.75
6. Lettuce: Oak Leaf, Green – 1 head - $2.50
7. Tomatoes, Mini: Cherry, Red or Cherry, Yellow or Grape, Red or Grape, Yellow or Sungold- 1 pt - $4.00

Total Items: 7
Total Amount: $18.25 ($.75 over what we pay for our weekly share…it adds up over the course of the season!)

Flower Share
Week #6
Flamingo Feather (Celosia)/Zinnia/Russian Sage (?) mixed bunch


July 28, 2011
Week #14

1. Cucumbers AND/OR Bitter Melon/Foo Gwa – 1 lb
2. Squash, Summer – 1 lb – weighed together 2 lbs total - $4.25
3. Carrots – 1 bunch - $3.25
4. Fennel – 1 bunch - $2.75
5. Pepper, Sweet: Green AND Pepper, Sweet: Purple – 2 - $1.50
6. Lettuce: Waldmans, Green – 1 head – $2.50
7. Tomatoes, Mini – 1 pt - $4.00

Total Items: 7
Total Amount: $18.25 ($.75 more than we paid for our weekly share…it adds up over the course of the season!)

Flower Share
Week # 6
Statice


July 21, 2011
Week #13

1. Peas: Sugar Snap OR Snow – ½ lb - $3.00
2. Peas: Shelling – 1 lb - $4.50
3. Beans, Snap: Green, Purple, Yellow/Wax – 1 lb - $3.00
4. Onions, Spring – 1 bunch - $3.25
5. Lettuce: Salad Bowl, Green – 1 bunch - $2.50
6. Squash, Summer AND/OR Cucumbers – 1 lb - $2.25

Total Items: 6
Total Amount: $18.50 ($1.00 more than we paid for the weekly share…adds up over the course of a year)

Herb Share –July 2B
Cilantro AND Sorrel

Flower Share
Week #5
Zinnias


July 14, 2011
Week #12

1. Squash, Summer – 2 lbs
2. Beans, Fava – 1 lb – 3 lbs total - $7.75
3. Peas, Sugar Snap – ½ lb - $3.00
4. Lettuce: Leaf, Red OR Iceberg – 1 head - $2.50
5. Onions, Spring – 1 bunch - $3.25
6. Broccoli Rabe OR Radishes – 1 bunch - $2.75

Total Items: 6
Total Amount: $19.25 ($1.75 more than we paid for our share…adds up over the course of the season!)

Flower Share
Week #4
Sunflowers

Herb Share – July 1A
Chives, Garlic AND Oregano


July 7, 2011
Week #11

1. Peas, Sugar Snap – 2/3 lb - $4.00
2. Peas, Snow – ½ lb - $2.50
3. Swiss Chard – 1 bunch - $3.25
4. Fennel – 1 bunch - $3.50
5. Radicchio – 1 head - $3.00
6. Lettuce: Oakleaf, Red – 1 head - $2.50

Total Items: 6
Total Amount: $18.75 ($1.25 more than we pay for our weekly share…it adds up over the course of a season!)

Flower Share
Week #3
Snapdragons


June 30, 2011
Week #10

1. Peas, Sugar Snap - .6 lb - $3.50
2. Radishes – 1 bunch - $2.50
3. Peas, Shelling - .6 lb - $3.50
4. Spinach – ½ lb - $3.25
5. Cilantro – 1 bunch - $2.25
6. Lettuce: Romaine – 1 bunch - $2.50

Total Items: 6
Total Amount: $17.50

Herb Share – June 2B
Parsley, Italian Flat Leaf AND Thyme, Lemon

Flower Share
Week #2
Ageratum


June 23, 2011
Week #9

1. Peas, Snow – ½ lb - $3.25
2. Peas, Sugar Snap – ½ lb - $2.75
3. Swiss Chard – 1 bunch - $3.50
4. Lavender – 1 bunch - $2.50
5. Curly/Pepper Cress – 1 bunch - $2.25
6. Lettuce: Leaf, Red – 1 head - $2.50

Total Items: 6
Total Amount: $16.75 (-$.75 but farmer will make up for this in the coming weeks by giving us more than the $17.50 per week we pay)

Flower Share
Week #1
Yarrow

June 15, 2011
Week #8

1. Strawberries – 1 qt - $6.50
2. Peas, Snow - .4 lb - $2.50
3. Peas, Shelling – ¾ lb - $4.50
4. Lettuce: Salad Bowl, Green – 1 head - $2.50
5. Savory, Winter – 1 bunch - $2.25

Total Items: 5
Total Amount: $18.25 ($.75 more than the $17.50 we pay for our weekly CSA share)

Herb Share – June 1A
Mint AND Tarragon, French



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


Wednesday, August 25th

5 to 6pm

iEat Green Radio Show (internet)…you can also listen to archived shows here as well
http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/eating-green/

Bhavani Jharoff, of iEat Green (and Slow Food – Huntington) will interview Clay Dunn, the Online Community Director at Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit that connects children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Clay oversees the organization’s websites, social media, email program and digital partnerships. Before joining Share Our Strength, Clay held positions with National Geographic Channel, a digital consulting firm, an electoral campaign and The City of New York. Join me, as we learn about all of the important work Share Our Strength is doing!

Saturday, August 27th

Noon

Food Chain Radio
http://metrofarm.com/
Food Chain Radio show with Michael Olson…he doesn’t announce what’s on the show till Thursday but it’s worth checking out and you can hear the older shows that are archived and there are a BAZILLION interesting shows on everything green and food related….everything from beer and bedbugs to raw milk and cosmetics.
Last week was The Monsanto Bug with Professor Emeritus Dr. Don Huber from Purdue University, for a conversation about a newly-discovered– and as yet unnamed– glysophate pathogen. Monsanto has declined an invitation to participate. (Food Chain Radio #739)
With its roundup herbicide and roundup-ready genes, the Monsanto Corporation has made growing crops a lot easier. Some, however, say Monsanto’s technology has spawned a new pathogen that causes abortion rates of 20% to 45% in the animals that feed upon the crops.
Topics include how we know the Monsanto Bug exists when Monsanto says it does not; what impact, if any, this pathogen has on the food chain of plants, animals and people; and why so few in authority want to consider these questions.


2pm to 10pm

Gaia’s Essence Women’s Wellness Conference
Islandia Marriot
3635 Expressway Drive North
Islandia
$30 (includes a LOT…check out the website…DVD Food Matters and goody bag)
To register online:
http://www.gewwc.com/tickets.htm
For more info:
http://www.gewwc.com/index.htm
The featured speaker is Andrea Beaman. Andrea is a natural foods chef, author, and television host dedicated to alternative healing and green, sustainable living. Her inspirational story follows an eye-opening journey from sickness to wellness. Successfully healing her incurable thyroid disease with health-promoting foods, exercise and other natural therapies was the catalyst that transformed Andrea Beaman’s life. Andrea was a featured contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef and was a guest on Barbara Walters’ The View and CBS news. She is a food expert with the wisdom to help you clean out your body and get healthy

Sunday, August 28th

11am to 6pm

23rd Annual Ecofest
Pier 86 (by the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum)
West Side Hwy and 46th St
NYC
For more info:
http://www.ecofest.com/home.html

With green exhibits and eco-booths including environmental groups, information, animal care, products, health and fitness, healthy food and technologies, plus music, dance and entertainment. ECOFEST features all achievements, choices and activities that present to the general public a Better Life.

Tuesday, August 30th to Friday, September 1st

Preview for Oh My Girls!
For more info:
http://www.ohmygirls.com/

OMG is a healthy living center exclusively designed for girls between the ages of 8 and 18, where Bhavani (of Slow Food Huntington and iEat Green radio) will be the Senior Chef. Its focus is on the physical, nutritional, psychological and social health of teens and tweens.

Wednesday, August 31st

5 to 6pm

iEat Green Radio Show (internet)
http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/eating-green/

Bhavani Jharoff, of iEat Green (and Slow Food – Huntington) will interview Andrea Beaman, healthy living life coach and tv host of Fed Up! on the Veria Network (and cured her “uncurable” thyroid disease with alternative health treatments).
http://www.andreabeaman.com/health/

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


Thursday, September 1st

6pm

Farm-to-table Cooking Class with Bhavani
Old Westbury
$75
To register (space limited):
516-238-3616
Bhavani@ieatgreen.com

Join Natural Food Chef, Bhavani Jaroff, in her garden and kitchen. The class begins by harvesting the vegetables and then creating a gourmet, vegetarian meal that will be shared together under the stars

7pm

Vanishing of the Bee’s (movie)
Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s
480 Hempstead Ave
Malverne
$5 to $1,000 (this is a fundraiser)
For more info:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=235664813135691

Bring your own folding chairs and/or blankets…co-director Maryam Henein will be there for a Q & A after the film.


Saturday, September 3rd

9am to noon

13th Annual Great Tomato Taste-Off
Quail Hill Farm
Deep Lane
Amagansett
$10 (kids under 12 free)
For more info:
http://www.peconiclandtrust.org/events.php?Ym=20110901#10

Heavy rains will cancel event.

12:30pm

Wild Food & Ecology Tour with Wildman Steve Brill
Sunken Meadow Park
Kings Park
Parking lot by bath house
$20/$10 for children

For more info and to reserve a spot:
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/



Saturday, September 10th

9am to 10am (submit entries)
11am – prizes awarded (Tomatoes can’t be picked up till 5pm)

14th Annual Hicks Nurseries Tomato Contest
Hicks Nursery
100 Jericho Tpke
Westbury
For more info:
516-334-0066

Prizes awarded for heaviest, largest circumference, most unusual looking and tiniest red Tomato.


Healthy Planet Membership Fun Drive
The Water Well
386 NY Ave
Huntington
For more info:
631-421-5591
www.healthy-planet.org

Socializing and speakers all day…music all night!


Sunday, September 18th

Slow Food National $5 Challenge Day
Old Westbury
$5
RSVP:
Bhavani@ieatgreen.com
For more info about the event:
https://secure3.convio.net/sfusa/site/SPageServer?pagename=5Challenge_Home

You're invited to help take back the 'value meal' by getting together with other Slow Food members for a slow food meal that costs no more than $5 per person.
Slow food shouldn't have to cost more than fast food. Join us for a 'value meal' prepared by Slow Food Huntington members.

Wednesday, September 21st

7pm (6pm with VIP tickets)

Just Food: Let us Eat Local
The Altman Building
135 W 18th St
NYC
$175 to $275 (benefit for Just Food)
To purchase tickets:
http://www.nycharities.org/Events/EventLevels.aspx?ETID=3865
For more info:
http://www.justfood.org/events

Just Food is hosting an event bringing together some of the best sustainable food in New York City for a delicious tasting — an extension of the work they’ve been doing for fifteen years to raise awareness in the city about sustainable agriculture and connect city residents with farmers. This event will be a chance to raise funds for the great work Just Food is doing, including facilitating Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) in New York City, providing support to urban farmers, conducting workshops and hands on training, cooking demonstrations and food justice advocacy work.

Thursday, September 23rd to Sunday, September 25th

10am to 4pm

169th Annual Long Island Fair: Celebrating Agriculture on Long Island
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
1303 Round Swamp Rd
Old Bethpage
$12 Adults/$8 Children and Seniors
For more info:
http://www.lifair.org/


Friday, September 23

6 to 7pm

The Healthy Planet Radio Show
WUSB-FM 90.1

HealthyPlanet's Executive Director, Bob DiBenedetto's, “The Healthy Planet” radio program is airing on WUSB (90.1 FM), broadcasting out of SUNY Stony Brook. This is part of “Natural Alternatives” which airs every Friday from 6 to 7 PM. “The Healthy Planet” will be on at least one Friday each month.


Saturday, September 24th

Moving Planet
For more info:
631-421-5591
www.healthy-planet.org

Join Healthy Planet, 350.org and other groups in a bike ride rally to demand solutions to the climate crisis


Sunday, October 9th

Healthy Planet Restaurant Outing and Lecture featuring Michael Greger, MD

For more info and reservations:
631-421-5591
www.healthy-planet.org

HealthyPlanet Restaurant Outings are social outings with a purpose. Bring together delicious food and knowledgeable speakers on informative topics of all kinds, and you get the perfect mix of fun and growth-promoting education. They are also designed to establish a relationship with restaurants which encourages them to offer more health-enriching, plant-based options. These events are also an opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of other concerned community members. Good friends make the best partners when it comes to making a difference in our world!


Sunday, October 23rd

12:30pm

Wild Food & Ecology Tour with Wildman Steve Brill
Sunken Meadow Park
Kings Park
Parking lot by bath house
$20/$10 for children

For more info and to reserve a spot:
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/


Monday, October 24th

Food Day
For more info:



10. Do you drink Coconut Water? If so (or you know someone who does), check this out…

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/04/coconut-water-not-the-mag_n_918135.html?ir=Food



11. 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



12. Know where your food is coming from…Chinese citizens starting to grow their own food (many organically) out of legitimate distrust and fear of their food supply (a lot of the non-organic Garlic in this country is grown in China)

I love Chinese food, I love Chinese culture…but this food stuff is out of control…
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14387817

Can you blame them???
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0805/1224301872819.html

And when you put it this way…
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8476080/Top-10-Chinese-Food-Scandals.html

At least this time it wasn’t the food producers fault but…I didn’t know about the dairy farmer poisoning milk to screw his competitor! Oh dear!!!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/22/tainted-vinegar-suspected_n_932862.html



13. Computer click activist…Click below for a pro-Raw milk petition…

http://www.freshthemovie.com/pass-it-on-whos-the-real-threat-cargill-or-raw-milk/

###

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Greetings!

Hooray! We have enough CSA workers to cover today’s early and late shifts (if everyone shows up and there’s no last minute cancellations due to…life  )! Thanks to everyone that responded.


That said…anybody want to buy a Basil Share today???

It’s $10 cash for 4 bunches of lovely, certified-organic Green Thumb Farm classic Italian Genovese green Basil.

Someone ordered a Basil Share and low and behold, when the time came for delivery, they recalled they’re growing Basil and the last thing they need is more (though I don’t think I could ever have enough).

Basil is great in and on many things, is so good for you, and Pesto is good on everything! Corn on the cob, toast, pasta (of course), in eggs, on various meat (steak, chicken), in a wrap or sandwich…and on and on!

Get in touch with Fritz Lang (I’ll get you the contact info) if you want Pine Nuts that won’t be from China to use in your Pesto (and you don’t have to use Pine Nuts for Pesto anyway…you can use Walnuts, etc).


5 ways to preserve Basil…
http://www.herbcompanion.com/herbs-in-the-kitchen/how-to-preserve-basil-5-ways.aspx

Check out its medicinal properties…good for Arthritis, it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial…darn - can even protect cells from radiation damage…and much more! Who knew!!!
http://www.herbcompanion.com/herbal-living/amazing-health-benefits-of-basil.aspx

Whole bunch of other fabulous articles about Basil…including recipes…
http://www.herbcompanion.com/search.aspx?search=basil


If you’re interested in being the first one to claim this Basil Share…

1. respond to this email before 1pm today
2. call today before 1pm at 631-421-4864 and leave a message
3. call the CSA today after 3pm at 631-385-1079

Yes, we probably will be getting a bunch of Basil at some point in our regular CSA shares.

Best wishes,

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Happy Summer!

Anyone interested in Pine Nuts (NOT from China…if you don’t know why this is an issue…Google it) and Sundried Tomatoes? CSA member Fritz Lang wants to do a bulk order but needs some people to split the booty. He can give you the details so let me know if you’re interested and I’ll make the connection. The Pine Nuts could be organic and grown in the USA IF there are enough takers and the order gets in quickly enough.

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).

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 75 intrepid CSAers for the seventeenth week of the CSA season and we still have room for about 75 CSA members for the rest of the season. 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 DOES need you this week! We’re looking for TWO (2) folks from 3:30 to 5:30pm and TWO (2) folks from 5:30 to 7:30pm
2. Notes from the Farm
3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!
4. New Bitter Melon/Foo Gwa recipe…
5. Dines Farm Report…same as last week
6. Do you buy non-local Honey or processed food products that contain Honey?
7. We still have plenty of Herb Shares and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?
8. What you actually got last week
9. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)
10. Before you eat that Cantaloupe…read this!
11. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!
12. Squash is Squash!
13. Dr Weil says…eat local, eat organic, join a CSA!



1. Your CSA DOES need you this week! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm.

If interested and available…
1. reply to this email before 1pm today
2. call 631-421-4864 before 1pm today
3. call the CSA at 631-385-1079 after 3pm

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. Notes from the Farm

July 22, 2011

Summer’s heat has arrived!!!!

The last week the heat has been excessive, and our crops are beginning to show the results. Lettuces are bolting (going to seed), Beans are becoming drier, other greens are either wilting or going through their life cycle with no size (no increased growth). The heat pushes the vegetable plants to grow faster, but with no increased size. And, our Peas are finished.

Our Tomatoes are beginning. We started picking a few this week and expect to begin our CSA deliveries of them this week. Mini Tomatoes most always come first, and then the others. Eggplants and Peppers will also soon begin.

So it is…some crops will always do well while others don’t. Our CSA is based on seasonal availability so depending on weather conditions, this is what we will be bringing to all our CSA members.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Organically yours,
Farmer Bill (Halsey)



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

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

Week #17
August 18, 2011

1. Cantaloupe - 1
2. Leeks – 1 bunch
3. Tomatoes, Mini – 1 pt
4. Snap Beans
5. Peppers, Sweet
6. Squash, Summer
7. Eggplant
8. Bitter Melon (?)

Total Items: 8 (?)



4. New Bitter Melon/Foo Gwa recipe…

Discovered by CSA member Lisa McInnis…
http://amisvegetariandelicacies.blogspot.com/2011/07/bitter-melon-salad.html



5. Dines Farm Report…

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
http://northportfarmersmarket.org/
CSA member, Haley Wiggins reported that Dines Farm was not at the Northport Market last weekend. I will call Larry and Jay before next week to see what’s up. I checked the Northport Farmer’s website and they are still listed (though that could be from inattention to updating the website rather than Dines Farm still being there).

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.



6. Do you buy non-local Honey or processed food products that contain Honey?

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings but the Chinese are at it again…
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/08/honey-laundering/

I sent a quick email to the maker of Kind Bars to tell them I won’t buy any of their products containing Honey unless they can show me that they’re testing, or can prove, that their Honey doesn’t contain heavy metals or any of the other dreadful things they’re finding in Chinese Honey. I just got a reply saying they don’t buy ANYTHING from China, try to get everything from the USA but since they do nuts and tropical fruits…must source globally. With the chicanery going on with the Honey…not sure I feel as confident as I’d like to be. I’ll probably write back but not today.

PS – We’ll have another Honey order in the fall for NY State Honey from Biodynamically raised bees.



7. 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.



8. What you actually got last week

August 8, 2011
Week #16

1. Onions: Red AND/OR White – 1 lb
2. Peppers, Sweet: Bell, Green AND/OR Bell, Purple AND/OR Hungarian Wax – 1 lb
3. Squash, Summer: Zucchini, 8 Ball, Yellow, Magda…I could swear Farmer Bill told me it was called Zohra but let’s amend that (Middle Eastern Cousa…Arabic word for Summer Squash) AND/OR Bitter Melon/Foo Gwa – 1 lb
1 to 3 weighed together for a total weight of 3 lbs and a total price of - $7.00
4. Carrots: Yellow, Orange, Red/Purple Mixed – 1 bunch - $3.25
5. Dill OR Cilantro – 1 bunch - $2.25
6. Cucumber, Kirby – 1 - $.50
7. Tomatoes: Orange AND/OR Red – 2 lbs - $5.25

Total Items: 7
Total Amount: $18.25 ($.75 more than we paid for our weekly share…it adds up over the course of the season)

Herb Share – Aug 1A
Mint AND Savory, Summer

Flower Share
Week #7
Zinnia/Statice Mixed Bunch



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


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


Saturday, September 10th

9am to 10am (submit entries)
11am – prizes awarded (Tomatoes can’t be picked up till 5pm)

14th Annual Hicks Nurseries Tomato Contest
Hicks Nursery
100 Jericho Tpke
Westbury
For more info:
516-334-0066

Prizes awarded for heaviest, largest circumference, most unusual looking and tiniest red Tomato.

9am to noon

13th Annual Great Tomato Taste-Off
Quail Hill Farm
Deep Lane
Amagansett
$10 (kids under 12 free)
For more info:
http://www.peconiclandtrust.org/events.php?Ym=20110901#10

Heavy rains will cancel event.


Healthy Planet Membership Fun Drive
The Water Well
386 NY Ave
Huntington
For more info:
631-421-5591
www.healthy-planet.org

Socializing and speakers all day…music all night!


Friday, September 23

6 to 7pm

The Healthy Planet Radio Show
WUSB-FM 90.1

HealthyPlanet's Executive Director, Bob DiBenedetto's, “The Healthy Planet” radio program is airing on WUSB (90.1 FM), broadcasting out of SUNY Stony Brook. This is part of “Natural Alternatives” which airs every Friday from 6 to 7 PM. “The Healthy Planet” will be on at least one Friday each month.


Saturday, September 24th

Moving Planet
For more info:
631-421-5591
www.healthy-planet.org

Join Healthy Planet, 350.org and other groups in a bike ride rally to demand solutions to the climate crisis


Sunday, October 9th

Healthy Planet Restaurant Outing and Lecture featuring Michael Greger, MD

For more info and reservations:
631-421-5591
www.healthy-planet.org

HealthyPlanet Restaurant Outings are social outings with a purpose. Bring together delicious food and knowledgeable speakers on informative topics of all kinds, and you get the perfect mix of fun and growth-promoting education. They are also designed to establish a relationship with restaurants which encourages them to offer more health-enriching, plant-based options. These events are also an opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of other concerned community members. Good friends make the best partners when it comes to making a difference in our world!


Monday, October 24th

Food Day
For more info:



10. Before you eat that Cantaloupe…read this!

Eat seasonal

Eat local (avoids many steps on the chain to contamination)…Picked on farm (person #1) and put in a container…brought to CSA…placed on table (person #2)…picked up by CSA member (person #3) and brought home…much different from produce purchased elsewhere!

Do yourself and your family and PLEASE wash your food before you eat it…even if it’s organic…even if it’s from the CSA…even if it’s from a farmstand or greenmarket!!!

I’d differ from this article and say to NOT wash your Melon until you’re going to eat it (washing it early will make it go bad faster). With organic produce, soil is a protective covering. Wash before eating (don’t bother with veggie washes…Cornell U did tests and water alone does fine and some of the soaps are things you don’t want to be consuming…natural or not!), and dry it off so you don’t drag soil…whatever…into the interior of your melon when you’re cutting it up…
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/03/melons-stand-out-as-produce-safety-problem/



11. 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



12. Squash is Squash!

http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/cooking-summer-squash-sautee.aspx



13. Dr Weil says…eat local, eat organic, join a CSA!

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04159/Shopping-Local-and-Organic.html

###

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Happy Summer!

Yes, it really was Oak Leaf Lettuce last week. Got a message from Farmer Bill and though it wasn’t what you may be used to be seeing or growing…it’s another variety. I did notice the rosette growing pattern which made me think it could be another variety. Farmer Bill was looking for a pelleted variety of Oak Leaf Lettuce and this was the variety he found/got. What’s pelleted seeds? Seeds with a coating (with organic seeds it’d be a natural clay). Why pelleted? For small seeds like Lettuce, they’re easier to handle, easier to see, and allow for more accurate spacing when planting (and if they use a mechanical seed planter…you really want pelleted seeds to have it function properly) which means the need for less thinning (less work) of the plants later on. If you go on the October farm tour, you can ask Farmer Bill any further questions you might have (like the specific name of the variety and where he bought them). I understand some home gardeners prefer pelleted seeds for small seeds, some make their own coatings, and some don’t bother with pelleted seeds as they are more expensive.

Anyone interested in Pine Nuts (NOT from China…if you don’t know why this is an issue…Google it) and Sundried Tomatoes? CSA member Fritz Lang wants to do a bulk order but needs some people to split the booty. He can give you the details so let me know if you’re interested and I’ll make the connection.

Anyone want to be a cheese maker (or know someone)? Catapano Dairy Farm in Peconic is for sale for $1.5 million (down from $3 million)! Includes a herd of goats, 8,000 square foot barn with solar panels, all equipment and recipes. House has 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths on 5 acres of farmland which could be used as an educational center for cooking classes and cheesemaking. Listing agent is Elizabeth Gilpin with Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty at 631-749-1155.

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 sixteenth 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 DOES need you this week! We’re looking for TWO (2) folks from 3:30 to 5:30pm and TWO (2) folks from 5:30 to 7:30pm .
2. Monsanto’s at it again…your comments needed by Friday, August 12th!
3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!
4. Eat old vegetables…really!
5. Dines Farm Report…same as last week
6. Another raw Milk raid…this time with guns drawn!!!
7. We still have plenty of Herb Shares and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?
8. While the feds are busy dumping raw Milk that hasn’t made anyone ill, the government knew about the contaminated ground Turkey meat since 2010…
9. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)
10. Seasonal Allergies and Honey and such
11. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!
12. And now…for something completely different (as Monty Python used to say)!


1. Your CSA DOES need you this week! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm.

If interested and available…
1. reply to this email before 1pm today
2. call 631-421-4864 before 1pm today
3. call the CSA at 631-385-1079 after 3pm

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. Monsanto’s at it again…your comments needed by Friday, August 12th!

Regarding new GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) Corn…it says it’s drought tolerant but the USDA even says this new GMO corn is no more drought tolerant than existing conventional varieties…please help stop this…feel free to forward to anyone/everyone you think would be interested…
https://secure3.convio.net/cfs/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=375



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

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

Week #16
August 11, 2011

1. Summer Squash
2. Dill OR Cilantro – 1 bunch
3. Tomatoes
4. Onions
5. Cucumbers
6. Peppers, Sweet
7. Carrots

Total Items: 7 (?)

Herb Share
Mint AND Savory (not sure if it’s Winter or Summer…could be either)



4. Eat old vegetables…really!

Be creative! Waste not, want not…

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/WBL02084/Hang-on-to-Old-Veggies.html



5. 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.



6. Another raw Milk raid (and the 2nd time for this location)…this time with guns drawn!!!

http://blogs.forbes.com/erikkain/2011/08/03/swat-team-raids-raw-milk-farm-rawesome-arrests-owner/
You’ve got to see this to believe it…this is video from the first time this health food group was raided but this is basically what happened this time as well…it’s pretty scary…the owner said that someone was in the back using a hand scanner and it looks like a Taser and they could have been shot if the police decided it was a weapon…Who were they going to run in to? Aging hippies?? A cow???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2jgpGyyQW8

If you’re interested in this issue, consider joining the Weston A. Price Foundation http://www.westonaprice.org/ and/or the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund http://www.ftcldf.org/index.html



7. 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.



8. While the feds are busy dumping raw Milk that hasn’t made anyone ill, the government knew about the contaminated ground Turkey meat since 2010…

Meanwhile, Cargill keeps chugging along…(can’t say it enough…know where your food comes from…eat local…eat organic)…36 million pounds of ground Turkey recalled…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/03/cargill-turkey-recall_n_917801.html
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/08/the-36-million-pound-turkey-recall-is-that-enough/

And our government knew about this problem since 2010…
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/08/10/government-knew-about-bacteria-in-turkey/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232355.php



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


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. Available for purchase will be copies of the movie (if you want to share with friends/family/teachers) and the book.


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


Saturday, September 10th

9am to 10am (submit entries)
11am – prizes awarded (Tomatoes can’t be picked up till 5pm)

14th Annual Hicks Nurseries Tomato Contest
Hicks Nursery
100 Jericho Tpke
Westbury
For more info:
516-334-0066

Prizes awarded for heaviest, largest circumference, most unusual looking and tiniest red Tomato.

9am to noon

13th Annual Great Tomato Taste-Off
Quail Hill Farm
Deep Lane
Amagansett
$10 (kids under 12 free)
For more info:
http://www.peconiclandtrust.org/events.php?Ym=20110901#10

Heavy rains will cancel event.


Monday, October 24th

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



10. Seasonal Allergies and Honey and such

Someone at the CSA didn’t want to buy Honey because it wasn’t within a 10 mile radius for reasons of allergies. I told her that it’s more complicated than that (which it is).

Ideally, you would know when and where the Honey was collected to know that it contained the pollen from whatever it is you’re allergic to. THEN you have to start eating it a few months before your allergy season.

http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/allergies/allergy-treatments/local-honey-for-allergies2.htm
http://www.bee-pollen-buzz.com/honey-and-allergies.html
http://www.fitsugar.com/Eating-Local-Honey-Could-Help-Seasonal-Allergies-1527318

they recommend Honey comb…
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/honey.html

Here’s Dr Andrew Weil’s take on allergies…
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03109/Allergic-Rhinitis.html



11. 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



12. And now…for something completely different (as Monty Python used to say)!

Oedipus performed with/by produce (FYI - there is a Potato/Tomato sex scene…and Billy Dee Williams plays a Sweet Bell Pepper)…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbEfdiY-7eE

###

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Happy Summer!

There are only TWO extra Honey “bears” left ($10 each – cash only) so if you’re interested, let me know and I’ll put them aside for you. If interested, we’ll have another order in the fall in time for the holidays.

Anyone interested in Pine Nuts (NOT from China…if you don’t know why this is an issue…google it) and Sundried Tomatoes? CSA member Fritz Lang wants to do a bulk order but needs some people to split the booty. He can give you the details so let me know if you’re interested and I’ll make the connection.

Anyone want to be a cheese maker (or know someone)? Catapano Dairy Farm in Peconic is for sale for $1.5 million (down from $3 million)! Includes a herd of goats, 8,000 square foot barn with solar panels, all equipment and recipes. House has 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths on 5 acres of farmland which could be used as an educational center for cooking classes and cheesemaking. Listing agent is Elizabeth Gilpin with Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty at 631-749-1155.

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 fifteenth 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 DOES need you this week! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm.
2. Another reason to not eat at fast food places with your children/grandchildren/any children (at least the ones with playgrounds)…
3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!
4. Beet Salad Recipe I found…
5. Dines Farm Report…same as last week
6. Still have any Bitter Melon/Foo Gwa hanging around?
7. We still have plenty of Herb Shares and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?
8. Dr. Andre Weil’s Sauerkraut Recipe (we’ll be getting more Cabbage later in the year)…
9. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)
10. Fave recipe submitted by CSA member Frank Petersen…
11. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!
12. And now…for something completely different (as Monty Python used to say)!


1. Your CSA DOES need you this week! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm.

If interested and available…
1. reply to this email before 1pm today
2. call 631-421-4864 before 1pm today
3. call the CSA at 631-385-1079 after 3pm

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. Another reason to not eat at fast food places with your children/grandchildren/any children (at least the ones with playgrounds)…

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/13/mcdonalds-playlands-gross_n_897703.html



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

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

Week #15
August 4, 2011

1. Summer Squash
2. Lettuce
3. Tomatoes, Mini
4. Beets
5. Radishes
6. Peppers, Sweet
7. Cabbage, Green

Total Items: 7 (?)

Flower Share



4. Beet Salad Recipe I found…

Suggestions from the Rucola Kitchen
Raw Beet and Beet Green Salad
• 1 Bunch raw beets, cleaned, quartered, and sliced thin
• 4 pickled beet stems, chopped, with some pickling liquid
• 1 bunch cleaned and chopped beet greans
• Ricotta salata (or another crumbly cheese)
Mix beets, stems, and greens in a bowl. Dress with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Plate and finish with shaved ricotta salata.


Pickled Beet Stems
• 1 bunch stemmed beet stems
• 1c distilled white vinegar
• 1c water
• 2T Kosher salt
• 1t pickling spices (we use a mixture of bay leaves, black pepper, mustard seed, fennel seed and coriander)
Bring vinegar, water, salt and spices to a boil. Pour over beet stems. Let cool. Pickling liquid can be used as the base for a salad dressing (just strain and whisk in olive oil and black pepper!)



5. 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.



6. Still have any Bitter Melon/Foo Gwa hanging around?

IF pregnant…don’t eat it as it can possibly cause a miscarriage. However, not seeing how much it would take to do this and….
http://www.drugs.com/npp/bitter-melon.html

this advice looks more reasonable and…
http://www.juicing-for-health.com/bitter-gourd-benefits.html

here’s another opinion that it could be useful for gestational diabetes…
http://pregnanteats.com/2010/05/05/eating-for-a-healthy-pregnancy-bitter-melon/


Oh yeah, I forgot it also slows down the growth of, and kills, breast cancer cells (and not surrounding normal cells) as an extract in a Petri dish…
http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-02-24/entertainment/27057193_1_breast-cancer-melon-cancer-research
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100223131956.htm

They want to take the natural extract, turn it into something chemically produced and costing a fortune. I’d rather eat it and pay for the vegetable.

Recipes and chats about Bitter Melon (darker the Bitter Melon…more bitter it is)…
This is a scream…my new favorite cooking show…Cooking with Dog! That dog looks awfully close to the burner!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp-a5y8rY28&NR=1&feature=fvwp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5bwWHImhUA (I’d take the pith and seeds out and don’t eat with bread…ugh…rice would be nice)
http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/07/seriously-asian-bitter-melon-stir-fry.html
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/324491
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/asianveg/msg0818541820091.html
http://chinesefood.about.com/od/vegetablesrecipes/r/bittermelon.htm
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,bitter_melon,FF.html

Bitter Melon (spellings are more how to pronounce than correct…)
Goya – Japan
Kerala – India
Mah-Lah –Thailand
oh-Wah - Vietna
Pahvahkah – India, in Kerala

General Info…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitter_melon
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69138.cfm#Warnings

I had no idea! The National Bitter Melon Council…
http://bittermelon.org/



7. 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.



8. Dr. Andre Weil’s Sauerkraut Recipe (we’ll be getting more Cabbage later in the year)…

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02021/Dr-Weil-Savoring-Sauerkraut.html




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

Thursday, August 4th

7pm

Creating Balance in the Home from a Yogic Perspective
Holistic Moms Network
Elwood Public Library
1929 Jericho Tpke
E Northport
For more info:
wsuffolkhmn@aol.com
www.holisticmoms.org

Speaker is Roni Yarri, owner of Inner sprit Yoga Center in E Northport.


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


Saturday, September 10th

9am to 10am (submit entries)
11am – prizes awarded (Tomatoes can’t be picked up till 5pm)

14th Annual Hicks Nurseries Tomato Contest
Hicks Nursery
100 Jericho Tpke
Westbury
For more info:
516-334-0066

Prizes awarded for heaviest, largest circumference, most unusual looking and tiniest red Tomato.

9am to noon

13th Annual Great Tomato Taste-Off
Quail Hill Farm
Deep Lane
Amagansett
$10 (kids under 12 free)
For more info:
http://www.peconiclandtrust.org/events.php?Ym=20110901#10

Heavy rains will cancel event.


Monday, October 24th

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



10. Fave recipe submitted by CSA member, Frank Petersen…
Recipe:
The World of Rice Salads
By Mark Bittman
From the How to Cook Everything Vegetarian® app
Introduction:
There are so many kinds of rice to choose from and so many ways to use them that there's no reason to eat the same rice salad twice. This starting point offers enough variations to give you the hang of the way ingredients come together in different cuisines, making rice salad an easy way to experiment with traditional or even cross‐cultural combinations. But there are also ideas here for simple, almost single‐ingredient rice salads. Many of the salads are also vegan. The master recipe here will work for virtually any type of rice. Though I make suggestions for the specific variations, ultimately you should use whatever you like and whatever you have handy. Feel free to try other grains here too. In my opinion, rice salads should never be eaten directly out of the refrigerator (unless, of course, you're desperately hungry), because the starches in the rice need some time to soften up. This slight disadvantage also places them among the ultimate make‐ahead dishes. If the salad is assembled a few hours in advance, the rice has a chance to soak up flavors, whether in the fridge or out (you usually don't have to refrigerate if it's going to be only a couple of hours). Before serving, just pull the salad out and leave it covered on the counter for a half hour or so to take the chill off.
Ingredients:
• 3 to 4 cups cooked rice, cooled
• ¼ cup chopped scallion
• 1 small or ½ large red or yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
• ½ cup chopped celery
• ½ cup chopped carrot
• ¼ to ½ cup Vinaigrette, made with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, plus more as needed
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Steps:
1. Put the rice and all the vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinaigrette and use 2 big forks to combine, fluffing the rice and tossing gently to separate the grains.
2. Stir in the parsley, taste, and adjust the seasoning or moisten with a little more dressing. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a day, bringing the salad back to room temperature before serving.
Variations:
Rice Salad, Japanese Style
Use brown or white short‐grain rice. Halve the amount of celery and carrot and finely chop them or shred them on a grater. Add 1 cup cubed firm tofu (preferably baked). Instead of the vinaigrette, toss with ¼ cup or so of Simple Miso Dipping Sauce. Instead of the parsley, crumble 2 sheets of nori over the rice salad and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons black or white sesame seeds.
Rice Salad, Mexican Style
Long‐grain or medium‐grain, white or brown, all work well here: When blending the vinaigrette, add 1 tablespoon Chili Powder and 2 tablespoons Mexican crema or mayonnaise (or substitute). Instead of celery and carrot, add 1 cup chopped fresh tomato. Substitute chopped fresh cilantro for the parsley and, at the same time, add 2 chopped hard‐cooked eggs and chopped jalapeƱo chiles if you like. Serve with lime wedges.
Rice Salad, Indian Style
Use brown or white basmati rice. When making the vinaigrette, use rice wine vinegar, replace the oil with coconut milk, and add 1 tablespoon Fragrant Curry Powder, or more to taste. Instead of the bell pepper, celery, and carrot, add ½ cup each cubed cooked potato, cooked cauliflower florets, and green peas (cooked frozen are fine). Substitute cilantro for the parsley.
Citrus Rice Salad
Use any rice. Instead of red wine vinegar, make the vinaigrette with freshly squeezed citrus juice: Choose from lemon, lime, orange, blood orange, tangerine, pink grapefruit, or a combination. Whatever you use, add 2 tablespoons of the grated zest and 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey to the blender. Do not include the scallion or the vegetables. (You might want to use a little less dressing.) Instead of the parsley, use mint if you like. A handful of chopped almonds or pecans make a nice addition.
Tomato Rice Salad
Use any kind of brown or white rice. When making the vinaigrette, eliminate the vinegar and add 1 medium tomato to the blender. Instead of the scallion and other vegetables, add 2 cups chopped fresh tomato (a mixture of heirloom varieties is nice). Instead of the parsley, use chopped fresh basil or mint, or ¼ cup chopped fresh chives, chervil, dill, or about a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves.



11. 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



12. And now…for something completely different (as Monty Python used to say)!

http://territimely.com/_/v/2-short-films?video_id=34

We actually get most of the vegetables “sampled” at our CSA!

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