CSA from Possum Creek Herb Farm

A PSA about a CSA from Possum Creek

 

 

Sometimes it's the little things that make a person really happy. Sometimes it takes something really big that has been a part of you for a while and that thing just falls into place like it was meant to be. I think this may be just that thing.  After several months of planning I am happy to say that I can now offer shares in an Herbal CSA here at the farm. What is an Herbal CSA you ask? Please read on and I hope you will join me in this endeavor.

Herbal CSA

 Herbal CSA (community supported agriculture) Full and Half Shares are an easy way to have quality herbal products at your fingertips all year long from a company you have trusted for almost two decades. As part of the herbal community you help the farmer by prepaying for a full or half share of the herbal bounty. A full share is an entire year (four quarters) of herbal products while a half share is a half year (two quarters).

Nov./Dec. 2012 Readying for Winter: An assortment of herbal tinctures to combat the cold and flu season (Elderberry, Echinacea, Holy Basil), Winter Thyme Tea, Basil Roasting Mix Seasoning, current issue of The Essential Herbal Magazine, lip balm, recipes and handout explaining how to use everything you receive. 

Feb./March 2013 Spring Cleaning: An assortment of helpful cleaning kits that you can add simple household ingredients to in order to create healthy products to rid your home of winter's blahs, Tinctures of Nettles or other springtime tonic tincture, laundry sachets, tea, current issue of The Essential Herbal Magazine, recipes and handout. 

May/June 2013 Planting Thyme: An assortment of seeds and 10 plants to get your garden growing for the summer, full color garden plan to inspire you, current issue of The Essential Herbal, recipes, tea and soap to wash off the dirt at the end of the day. 

Aug./Sept. Harvest Thyme: An assortment of products to enjoy all Fall long. Teas (2), Bonfire Chai, Seasonings or dried herbs (2), a kitchen wreath to snip from when creating wonderful Fall soups, a cookbooklet written by Possum Creek Herb Farm, and some good smelling stuff such as a room spray or potpourri.

 Disclaimer: there is always a possibility that one or more items may not be available. However, I shall insure that you are satisfied with each share that you receive. Weather and other life events do sometimes throw a wrench in the works. You will be notified of any changes to the current lineup of shares.

 What does it cost?  Full Shares are $200.00 and half shares are $110.00.   Shares can be mailed or picked up with prior notification at farmers markets during the regular season.

 Only twenty full shares will be sold so please order soon.   

Thank you for your support of this new endeavor! 

Michele Brown

www.possumcreekherb.com

Fall Festivals

Last weekend was a culmination of many weeks of hard work. Growing plants, mixing batches of potpourri, bath brews, salts, vinegars, making wreaths and not to mention getting it all where it needed to go was a little wearing, but once everything was set up and the tent raising was mastered, it was smooth sailing after that. We had a fantastic time meeting old and new friends. We had a perfect spot along the river (another blog entry) and the weather could not be more perfect.

I thought I would share a couple of pictures of the spot we had and some of the products we brought. Enjoy.

You say "tomato" I say "tomAHto"

Ah, Fall. My favorite time of the year. Harvesting is in full swing if, unlike me, you were lucky enough to get your tomatoes to grow this year. We are in a third year drought that has devastated the gardens sending tomato consumers to the farmers markets, roadside stands and sneaking into their neighbor's tomato patch for the juicy fruit. Tomato sauces, tomato pies, chili, spaghetti, canned and frozen. We have been putting "them by" as we say here in the south for winter's soups and stews.

I thought you might enjoy a few recipes for that abundance of tomato harvest. Even a green tomato recipe for those of you who can't bear to wait. :)

Green Tomato Chutney

Yield: 4 half-pints if you're canning

3 pounds green tomatoes, cored and chopped

1 pound sweet green peppers, cored, seeded and chopped

1 pound apples, cored and chopped

1 pound onions, chopped finely

1 cup raisins

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 fresh red or green hot pepper, cored, seeded and minced

1 pint tarragon vinegar (recipe to follow make ahead)

2 cups packed light brown sugar

1 tablespoon non-iodized salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin seeds

1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a heavy-bottomed, nonreactive pot. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring frequently. Follow standard pressure canner method of preserving if so desired.

Tomato Dressing

Can be served over salad greens or raw veggies

2/3 cup tomato juice

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 basil sherry vinegar (recipe to follow)

2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, minced

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped fine

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Whisk all ingredients together in a nonreactive bowl. Cover and refrigerate for one hour before using to allow flavors to blend. Store in a tightly covered jar in the refrigerator.

Herb Vinegar

Yield: One cup

10-20 sprigs of any favorite herb such as tarragon, basil, rosemary, chive or mint

1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns, whole

1 cup white wine vinegar (white vinegar can also be used as long as it is 5% acidity)

Rinse and dry herbs. Bruise all the herbs with a wooden spoon and place in sterilized container such as a jar. Add vinegar and seal. Store is cool, dark place for at least three weeks. Strain into decorative bottles. Store in a cool, dark place and use within four months.