Green Thumb Farm Huntington CSA

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

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