Good intentions to keep up with available produce lists fell by the wayside when we reached our last two weeks of delivery. One would think that, at least in theory, the final two weeks wouldn't be any more hectic than the preceding ten . . . but it was. (Oh was it ever!!!) Fortunately, when it came down to a choice between updating the blog or filling delivery baskets, we made the right choice. :) We really hope you have enjoyed the summer and all the goodies that Becky packed into those boxes. When we started giving people notice that there were only two weeks of deliveries left, we had one customer tell us, "I decline the message - tell Becky I want more!" if any of you feel the same way, we have good news for you. Even though deliveries finished yesterday, there is still fresh produce to be enjoyed. You can either call the farm to make an appointment to buy goodies ala carte, or you can catch us at the Roseau farmer's market on Saturdays. I don't have an official date for when that might end - but we will be there tomorrow, and that is all that matters at the moment. We spent the better part of the afternoon loading lots of lovely things into the van for the market: squash, tomatoes, cabbage, watermelon, eggplant . . . and some adorable fingering potatoes that one helper (who shall remain nameless) has been waiting all summer to try. ( Just so you know - they were really, REALLY yummy.) We will have regular potatoes, too, just in case the smaller variety isn't your preference.
Hope to see you tomorrow!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Friday, August 31, 2012
Labor Day weekend
The trees have started turning and it is becoming increasingly obvious that summer is about to end. School starts next week and we can already see the garden slowing down. But don't worry - we have lots of vegetables to bring to the farmers market. :)
We will have potatoes again this week. This could be the last weekend we will have corn, so come and get it while you can! Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage will be making another appearance, and there might be a few fresh onions. (If you are looking for green peppers I am really sorry to have to tell you that, while we have a few tiny on the plants they are not maturing as quickly as we would like.)
We will also be bringing more melons this week. Yay!! Most of them will be watermelons, but there might be a few cantaloupes and one or two of the special white watermelons (which someone said was marvelous with a little fresh lime squeezed over it - gonna have to try that).
A few other vegetables will probably show up, too. It depends on what is gotten ready before Becky heads down to the State fair. So stop by the farmers market to say hi to Priscilla tomorrow . . . And if you make it to theState fair stop in at the Minnesota Grown booth to support our state's CSA farmers.
Have a great weekend full of good food and family fun!
We will have potatoes again this week. This could be the last weekend we will have corn, so come and get it while you can! Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage will be making another appearance, and there might be a few fresh onions. (If you are looking for green peppers I am really sorry to have to tell you that, while we have a few tiny on the plants they are not maturing as quickly as we would like.)
We will also be bringing more melons this week. Yay!! Most of them will be watermelons, but there might be a few cantaloupes and one or two of the special white watermelons (which someone said was marvelous with a little fresh lime squeezed over it - gonna have to try that).
A few other vegetables will probably show up, too. It depends on what is gotten ready before Becky heads down to the State fair. So stop by the farmers market to say hi to Priscilla tomorrow . . . And if you make it to theState fair stop in at the Minnesota Grown booth to support our state's CSA farmers.
Have a great weekend full of good food and family fun!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Week 10
Wow - we've had a really great weekend (a little rain, a little sun, topped off with some down time) and we're about to head into a new week. (Thanks to all who stopped by at the Farmer's Market Saturday!) We've been told that with just three weeks of deliveries left things will probably start to quiet down here on the farm - but we'll let you know how that works out. :)
Yes, there are just three weeks left. While a lot of the vegetables you enjoyed at the beginning of the season have long since stopped producing, last week's boxes should be testament that there is still a lot of variety left. Let's see . . . . what have we got out there . . . .
If anybody has a You-Pick coupon left, now would be a great time to take advantage of the opportunity to come and pick some Beans. (Getting enough beans to can into your regular weekly delivery might seem like an easy option, but it would really cut down on the variety you usually enjoy.) Tomatoes are really flourishing, and I can't wait to make some fermented salsa. (Oh yum!) We still have corn, beets, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, yellow crookneck squash and a few cucumbers. Also, the basil was looking really good last Friday, so if you want a sprig or two tucked into this week's delivery, go ahead and mention it in an e-mail to Becky.
If that list of "availables" is starting to look a little too familiar and you feel the need for fresh inspiration, you could always head over to Pintrest or Epicurious. (I did some web browsing this afternoon, just to see how many things one could do with Kale. I had to quit because I got hungry.)
If you have any special requests for this week's delivery, it would be great if you could e-mail Becky the day before - we'd hate to miss something and things can get a little hectic when we're packing boxes.
Thanks, and we'll see you later this week!
If anybody has a You-Pick coupon left, now would be a great time to take advantage of the opportunity to come and pick some Beans. (Getting enough beans to can into your regular weekly delivery might seem like an easy option, but it would really cut down on the variety you usually enjoy.) Tomatoes are really flourishing, and I can't wait to make some fermented salsa. (Oh yum!) We still have corn, beets, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, yellow crookneck squash and a few cucumbers. Also, the basil was looking really good last Friday, so if you want a sprig or two tucked into this week's delivery, go ahead and mention it in an e-mail to Becky.
If that list of "availables" is starting to look a little too familiar and you feel the need for fresh inspiration, you could always head over to Pintrest or Epicurious. (I did some web browsing this afternoon, just to see how many things one could do with Kale. I had to quit because I got hungry.)
If you have any special requests for this week's delivery, it would be great if you could e-mail Becky the day before - we'd hate to miss something and things can get a little hectic when we're packing boxes.
Thanks, and we'll see you later this week!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Dinner Ideas
Just a little inspiration for what you could do with your produce, if you were so inclined. Have fun web-browsing!
Served with some crusty bread and a simple salad I bet this Sausage and Kale Lasagna would be really yummy. And this Kale spin-off of the classic coleslaw sounds pretty good, too. I've heard that kale gets better after a frost, so I might try it later this fall as a last hurrah to summer.
A classic creamy tomato and cucumber salad with this Crispy Potato Cake would be the perfect compliments to a grilled steak or that fresh fish from the lake. And you can't go wrong with Brownies for dessert - even if they do have zucchini in them. :)
No matter what you decide to make tonight, we hope your dinner is fantastic. Thanks for stopping by!
Disclaimer: Falun Birch Farm's kitchen has not tested any of the suggested recipes, nor are we affiliated with their creators. As a result we cannot take responsibility for the flops or brilliance that may result from the adventures of trying a New Recipe.
Served with some crusty bread and a simple salad I bet this Sausage and Kale Lasagna would be really yummy. And this Kale spin-off of the classic coleslaw sounds pretty good, too. I've heard that kale gets better after a frost, so I might try it later this fall as a last hurrah to summer.
A classic creamy tomato and cucumber salad with this Crispy Potato Cake would be the perfect compliments to a grilled steak or that fresh fish from the lake. And you can't go wrong with Brownies for dessert - even if they do have zucchini in them. :)
No matter what you decide to make tonight, we hope your dinner is fantastic. Thanks for stopping by!
Disclaimer: Falun Birch Farm's kitchen has not tested any of the suggested recipes, nor are we affiliated with their creators. As a result we cannot take responsibility for the flops or brilliance that may result from the adventures of trying a New Recipe.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Farmer's Market
Hello friendly customers!! Becky will be at the Roseau Farmer's market bright and early tomorrow morning. And oh what goodness she'll be bringing! There are potatoes - three lovely varieties including purple. (Yukon Gold, Nodak, and Red potatoes. Kenabek's might end up making an appearance, too.) There will be multiple sizes available, including cute itty bitty baby potatoes perfect for that pot roast on Sunday.
We have an abundance of cherry tomatoes, and the slicers are starting to mature nicely. (Sorry there won't be any cilantro for salsa making - its season has run its course and we are out.)
Lots of corn for sale! We have Gotta Have It as well as several bicolored varieties. (That's what happens when the rain washes off the row markers . . . .)
Zuccini will be available, as well as green and yellow beans. Kale, broccoli, zulima cabbage (great for sour kraut), cauliflower and kolarabi are also growing abundantly.
AND . . . . . (drum-roll please!)
Three very fortunate people will have the option of buying the first three watermellons of the season - so make sure you come early!
See you there!!
We have an abundance of cherry tomatoes, and the slicers are starting to mature nicely. (Sorry there won't be any cilantro for salsa making - its season has run its course and we are out.)
Lots of corn for sale! We have Gotta Have It as well as several bicolored varieties. (That's what happens when the rain washes off the row markers . . . .)
Zuccini will be available, as well as green and yellow beans. Kale, broccoli, zulima cabbage (great for sour kraut), cauliflower and kolarabi are also growing abundantly.
AND . . . . . (drum-roll please!)
Three very fortunate people will have the option of buying the first three watermellons of the season - so make sure you come early!
See you there!!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Some great recipe's from one of our customers
Baked Kale Chips1 bunch kale1 tablespoon olive oilSeasoned or garlic salt – use sparingly – found a little goes a long way as the kale shrinks
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a non insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner or paper towels work too. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, about 10-15 minutes.
Chinese Noodle SaladCan add chicken for a great summer meal!1 – 3 oz package low-fat ramen noodle soup mix – discard seasoning packet¼ cup slivered almonds1 tablespoon sesame seeds1 tablespoon canola oil½ teaspoon grated ginger (optional – but adds nice flavor)Dash salt - optional3 tablespoons orange juice3 tablespoons cider vinegar5 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce5 teaspoons sugar1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil4 cup shredded green cabbage or ‘Chinese cabbage’1 medium carrot, shredded3 scallions, chopped
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Crumble ramen noodles into bowl, add almonds, sesame seeds, and canola oil. Toss to coat. Spread onto a large rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Stir, then bake until almonds and noodles are golden brown. Watch closely so doesn’t burn. Let cool on pan on a wire rack.
- Meanwhile, combine ginger, salt, orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, & sesame oil in small bowl or jar with tight fitting lid.. Whisk or shake until sugar is dissolved.
- Place cabbage, carrot and scallions in large bowl.
- Just before serving toss vegetables with noodle mixture and the dressing. Mix well.
Greek Tomato SaladA favorite with summer’s flavorful fresh tomatoes!!!Tomatoes – enough sliced to cover bottom of 8x8 inch cake pan or serving dish with sides. Can use large or small tomatoes.1 cucumber, sliced3 scallions sliced16 Greek olives, sliced2 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled (about 2 tablespoons)½ teaspoon minced garlic1 tablespoon olive oil2 tablespoons red wine vinegarPinch of black pepperPinch of dried oregano or basil
- Place tomatoes on bottom of pan, then layer with cucumber slices, sprinkle with scallions, olives, and Feta cheese.
- In small bowl mix garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and pepper. May add salt and pinch of sugar to taste. Pour over vegetables.
- Sprinkle lightly with dried oregano or basil.
- Chill or serve immediately.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
The garden is producing abundantly
We have extra green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, kraut cabbage, zuccini, yellow crookneck summer squash, chinese cabbage, beets, kale, tomatoes, potatoes, herbs if anyone would like to take advantage of their free u-pics.Give me a call to set up a time to come out. Corn should be ready in the next week or two.
You can also find us at the Farmers Market in Roseau Saturday mornings from 8-12 if you ar anybody you know would like to purchase additional produce.
You can also find us at the Farmers Market in Roseau Saturday mornings from 8-12 if you ar anybody you know would like to purchase additional produce.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Soak your Brassicas
Now that you have started receiving produce from the brassica family ie. cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and eventually brussels sprouts and chinese cabbage, I would like to remind you that it is a good idea to soak them in tepid salt water before cooking or eating them raw. Because we are organic we have not sprayed them with the types of insecticides that eliminate all of mother natures creations. So soaking them in salt water is effective in driving out the occasional little green hitchhiker.
This is also a good time to remind you to wash and inspect all of your produce when you get it. We do inspect everything before we package and you may have noticed we wash some things if they have had sand or dirt blown on them from the garden, but it is still our recommendation that you re-wash all the produce befor eating it. Not because you are washing off harmful chemicals but just to check for the stray insect or like I said sand or soil.
You may have noted that not all the produce is picture perfect like you would find in the supermarket or in a magazine. The occasional imperfections you see on your food are reminders that your food has been locally grown and may have had a bite or two taken out by an insect that is only doing what it was created to do. {We sometimes wonder why they were created but I guess we will have the answer to that at a later date}.
So celebrate the imperfections and I hope you are all enjoying what we have been growing for you.
This is also a good time to remind you to wash and inspect all of your produce when you get it. We do inspect everything before we package and you may have noticed we wash some things if they have had sand or dirt blown on them from the garden, but it is still our recommendation that you re-wash all the produce befor eating it. Not because you are washing off harmful chemicals but just to check for the stray insect or like I said sand or soil.
You may have noted that not all the produce is picture perfect like you would find in the supermarket or in a magazine. The occasional imperfections you see on your food are reminders that your food has been locally grown and may have had a bite or two taken out by an insect that is only doing what it was created to do. {We sometimes wonder why they were created but I guess we will have the answer to that at a later date}.
So celebrate the imperfections and I hope you are all enjoying what we have been growing for you.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
A friend of mind gave me this great website for growing and caring for any kind of garden vegetable. Here is the shortcut for it. http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scenec6be.html
Monday, June 18, 2012
Email to 2012 members
Here is the email I sent out last week to our members. I am posting it here also in case somebody didn't receive it and also for new members that were not signed up at the time I sent it.
Hello all you wonderful Falun Birch Organic Farm CSA members-
Just thought I'd give you an update on what is happening on the farm. One of our coolest events was that our miniature horse had a baby boy. We named him Cresent after the little cresent on his forhead and that he was born under the cresent moon. He joins his brother Eclipse and his mother Luna. Charlie and Chancey (the big guys) still aren't so sure they appreciate this miniature invasion, so we are keeping a fence between them for now. Thanks to the gernerosity of one of our employees we are now the proud owners of the most entertaining ducks around. Grey duck-1, Grey duck-2, Black duck-1 and Black duck-2.
By now most of you should have had at least one delivery of spinach, lettuce and possibly some rhubarb. That was just a little teaser (and a thank you for subscribing) of what is yet to come when the regular deliveries begin.
Speaking of regular deliveries, I am sure you are wondering when that will start. I have said not to expect anything until the first week in July and anything before that is a bonus. We are almost completely at the mercy of mother nature so we go by her lead.
We started out SO dry and were watering every day for a solid month, while planting. That is a big job on a 2 acre garden if you can imagine. Then the 3 inches of much needed rain came-about an inch more than what we needed at one time-but we are not going to complain. We were able to get some things done in the greenhouse and in the herb/flower garden that was on higher ground, while waiting for the the main garden to dry out. Presently we are weeding, weeding, weeding. Nothing like 3 inches of rain to get the weeds on a rampage. Of course the upside of that is the produce looks wonderful as well.
Last night I figured out a delivery schedule so here it is. Let me know if there is a conflict for any of you.
Monday- U-PIC Customers and Bonus Picks.
Tuesday- Court House and Social Services between 3:30-4:30pm
Wednesday- Warroad
Thurday- Delivery to everyone else-NOT working at the Court House or SS between 3:30-4:30pm
Friday- U-PIC Customers and Bonus Picks.
One request I have from each of you is that you email me back a list of your likes and dislikes. When I make out the labels for your delivery boxes I would like to add this information to the label, and then I have a better idea of whether or not I should or should not include something in your weekly delivery. I have more help this year so we are going to make a big effort to taylor the packages more than we were able to last year.
I have a friend that is setting up a facebook page for our CSA so if anybody would like to share information such as recipes, that would be the place to do it. I'll get you that address when she confirms it has been done.
Also I have already set up a blog to communicate with everyone so if you would look there weekly I will try to keep that current regarding what is available and what to expect in your delivery.
So, I know this is long but I just wanted to get a few things ironed out. Please contact me with questions or concerns at
rebecca.lisell@gmail.com or 463-7117 (h) 242-4729 (c) our blogsite is falunbirchfarm.blogspot.com
Thanks again for your membership and we look forward to seeing you all this summer,
Take care and God bless,
Becky
Hello all you wonderful Falun Birch Organic Farm CSA members-
Just thought I'd give you an update on what is happening on the farm. One of our coolest events was that our miniature horse had a baby boy. We named him Cresent after the little cresent on his forhead and that he was born under the cresent moon. He joins his brother Eclipse and his mother Luna. Charlie and Chancey (the big guys) still aren't so sure they appreciate this miniature invasion, so we are keeping a fence between them for now. Thanks to the gernerosity of one of our employees we are now the proud owners of the most entertaining ducks around. Grey duck-1, Grey duck-2, Black duck-1 and Black duck-2.
By now most of you should have had at least one delivery of spinach, lettuce and possibly some rhubarb. That was just a little teaser (and a thank you for subscribing) of what is yet to come when the regular deliveries begin.
Speaking of regular deliveries, I am sure you are wondering when that will start. I have said not to expect anything until the first week in July and anything before that is a bonus. We are almost completely at the mercy of mother nature so we go by her lead.
We started out SO dry and were watering every day for a solid month, while planting. That is a big job on a 2 acre garden if you can imagine. Then the 3 inches of much needed rain came-about an inch more than what we needed at one time-but we are not going to complain. We were able to get some things done in the greenhouse and in the herb/flower garden that was on higher ground, while waiting for the the main garden to dry out. Presently we are weeding, weeding, weeding. Nothing like 3 inches of rain to get the weeds on a rampage. Of course the upside of that is the produce looks wonderful as well.
Last night I figured out a delivery schedule so here it is. Let me know if there is a conflict for any of you.
Monday- U-PIC Customers and Bonus Picks.
Tuesday- Court House and Social Services between 3:30-4:30pm
Wednesday- Warroad
Thurday- Delivery to everyone else-NOT working at the Court House or SS between 3:30-4:30pm
Friday- U-PIC Customers and Bonus Picks.
One request I have from each of you is that you email me back a list of your likes and dislikes. When I make out the labels for your delivery boxes I would like to add this information to the label, and then I have a better idea of whether or not I should or should not include something in your weekly delivery. I have more help this year so we are going to make a big effort to taylor the packages more than we were able to last year.
I have a friend that is setting up a facebook page for our CSA so if anybody would like to share information such as recipes, that would be the place to do it. I'll get you that address when she confirms it has been done.
Also I have already set up a blog to communicate with everyone so if you would look there weekly I will try to keep that current regarding what is available and what to expect in your delivery.
So, I know this is long but I just wanted to get a few things ironed out. Please contact me with questions or concerns at
rebecca.lisell@gmail.com or 463-7117 (h) 242-4729 (c) our blogsite is falunbirchfarm.blogspot.com
Thanks again for your membership and we look forward to seeing you all this summer,
Take care and God bless,
Becky
Monday, March 12, 2012
Falun Birch Organic farm CSA Shareholders Options for 2012
Falun Birch Organic Farm CSA Shareholder Options for Season 2012
Option #1
A full share delivered will be $385.00 plus a one-time $10.00 charge for the container I purchased which will have their name on it and will belong to them at the end of the year. This container holds apx.1 bushel of produce enough for a family of four people. These are very nice sturdy containers which will last for many years.
This option also includes coupons for 3 free 1 bushel harvest U-picks on the farm over the 12 week season which will be July-August-September.
Option #2
A full share picked by the customer on the farm will be $385.00 plus a one time charge of $10.00 for the container as above. Everything is the same on this option EXCEPT the customer gets to pick an extra 1 bushel for themselves EACH time they come out to the farm. That is 12 free harvest U-picks.
Option #3
A half share delivered will be $192.50 plus $10.00 for the container. This container holds apx.1/2 bushel of produce. Enough for a family of 2 people. With this option the customer will get coupons to come out and pick 3 free harvest U-picks of 1/2 bushel of produce throughout the 12 week season.
Option #4
A half share picked by the customer on the farm will be $192.50 plus $10.00 for the container. The details are the same as above EXCEPT this customer will be able to pick an extra free 1/2 bushel for themselves EACH time they come out. That is 12 free harvest U-picks.
I am also going to try and offer some a la carte, but this will be based on weekly availability.
This will be communicated to customers via the CSA blog which is http://www.falunbirchfarm.blogspot.com
Monday, March 5, 2012
Hello CSA members,
Welcome to the Falun Birch Farm CSA blog. I will be using this means to communicate with you throughout the growing season and hopefully you will be using it for the same purpose.
Today is March 5th and there is still a beautiful covering of snow on the ground, but before you know it the planting will begin!
I have ordered our seeds and as soon as they arrive I will start some indoors.
I am looking forward to working with each of you this summer and thank you for investing in our farm.
Take Care, Becky
Welcome to the Falun Birch Farm CSA blog. I will be using this means to communicate with you throughout the growing season and hopefully you will be using it for the same purpose.
Today is March 5th and there is still a beautiful covering of snow on the ground, but before you know it the planting will begin!
I have ordered our seeds and as soon as they arrive I will start some indoors.
I am looking forward to working with each of you this summer and thank you for investing in our farm.
Take Care, Becky
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)