It is so very satisfying to put a meal on the table that is nearly completely locally produced. Last night we enjoyed a pork roast (from a local farmer), roasted multi colored potatoes from our own fields, applesauce from our own Northern Spy apples and buttercup squash grown in our garden.
This year, we are also enjoying the wild harvest including elk (harvested from the National Forest in Oregon where our daughter lives), venison and turkey from Potter County, wild Alaskan salmon and halibut.
The Christmas tree still stands in the "red room" on the Metzger Farm but this morning, Arthur and I shared coffee and farming plans for 2012. I think it's time to get out the flip chart we bought last year to plan our long visit to Oregon! Part of the plan for 2012 is increased networking and cooperation with other local farmers. Stay tuned for details.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Double Blind Taste Test
I enjoyed a conversation with a dear friend last evening who has been enjoying her supply of a variety of organic potatoes – from Metzger Heritage Farm of course! She related with great delight a tale of a taste test conducted at a weekend gathering. Folks attending the party tasted potatoes from a well-known retailer and organic Butte potatoes from Metzger Heritage Farm and it's no surprise to me that our potatoes were preferred by every one of the tasters! The tasters included folks of all ages and even the children could tell the difference.
And if you still need some convincing that organic potatoes are far superior, how about this article titled "7 Foods So Unsafe Even Farmers Won't Eat Them" from PlanetGreen.com
4. Conventionally Grown (Not Organic) Potatoes
The Expert: Jeffrey Moyer, chair of the National Organic Standards Board.
The Reason: Herbicides and pesticides may not be sprayed directly on root vegetables (since they're underground), but they absorb the chemicals through the soil and water. Because potatoes are considered the nation's most popular vegetable, producing a healthy crop is essential to keep up with demand. In order to maintain their health, the article exposes the scary fact that "they're treated with fungicides during the growing season, then sprayed with herbicides to kill off the fibrous vines before harvesting. After they're dug up, the potatoes are treated yet again to prevent them from sprouting." But here's the scary thing, Moyer says that he's talked to potato growers "who say point-blank they would never eat the potatoes they sell. They have separate plots where they grow potatoes for themselves without all the chemicals.
"The Solution: Another no-brainer— Only buy organic potatoes.
Here's the link to the entire article if you're interested. http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/foods-unsafe-doctors-eat.html
And if you still need some convincing that organic potatoes are far superior, how about this article titled "7 Foods So Unsafe Even Farmers Won't Eat Them" from PlanetGreen.com
4. Conventionally Grown (Not Organic) Potatoes
The Expert: Jeffrey Moyer, chair of the National Organic Standards Board.
The Reason: Herbicides and pesticides may not be sprayed directly on root vegetables (since they're underground), but they absorb the chemicals through the soil and water. Because potatoes are considered the nation's most popular vegetable, producing a healthy crop is essential to keep up with demand. In order to maintain their health, the article exposes the scary fact that "they're treated with fungicides during the growing season, then sprayed with herbicides to kill off the fibrous vines before harvesting. After they're dug up, the potatoes are treated yet again to prevent them from sprouting." But here's the scary thing, Moyer says that he's talked to potato growers "who say point-blank they would never eat the potatoes they sell. They have separate plots where they grow potatoes for themselves without all the chemicals.
"The Solution: Another no-brainer— Only buy organic potatoes.
Here's the link to the entire article if you're interested. http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/foods-unsafe-doctors-eat.html
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