Food Preservation, CSA(s), Farmers Markets, Other Food Savings Sites

Play Drums and others--

Just thought I would post how to save money on produce for this Summer's bounty due to come in at local Farmers Markets, CSA(s) (Community Supported Agriculture), PYO Farms (Pick Your Own Farms), Organic Food Buyers Club, Organic Food Cooperatives, and other Money-Saving Ideas.

Since my husband and I grew up on Mennonite farms and also farm now--I will inform you how to "Quick Freeze" berries and grapes.

1. After you have purchased your produce--wash the produce thoroughly.
Then "pat dry" with a paper towel to remove all water.

2. Then place the produce once dried on a FLAT cookie sheet lined with
parchment paper, wax paper, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap. Place the
cookie sheet with the produce spread apart (like you are making cookies)
on a shelf in the freezer. This method is called "dry packing" fruit. You
can add sugar to berries if you wish. We do not add sugar.

3. After the produce is frozen SOLID--remove produce from cookie sheet
and place frozen produce in freezer bags/freezer containers. The
produce will last up to 12 to 18 months in the freezer. Great way to freeze
for shakes, smoothies, ice cream, etc.

I recently preserved over 10 gallons of strawberries and made half (5 gallons) into freezer jam. Freezer jam is easy to make and lasts up to 12 months in freezer and 2-4 weeks in fridge once opened. If interested--ask and I will give details on how to make jam, etc. Web site info for freezing produce and canning (food preservation) that I recommend. University of GA is where I attended for my Food Science degree and is a great resource. Jarden Home Canning is where Ball (Mason Jars) are sold.

www.uga.edu/nchfp/questions/FAQ_jellied.html (UGA's National Canning for Home Food Preservation info site.)

www.jardenhomebrands.com (Jarden carries Food Preservation info, books, plastic and glass canning products, etc.)

If you also wish "tips" on how to save on groceries (web sites for coupons, etc.), I will provide if interested. Organic Food Buying Clubs are also available in the Northern VA areas.

If interested, I will provide info. United Foods is the largest food distributor for organic foods and other foods. We belong with a group of like-minded people to a Buyers Club and save monthly about 30% on our purchases. United Foods delivers to a designated location and we separate our ordered foods. They carry baby foods, diapers, produce, meats, canned goods, dry goods, paper products, etc. Every thing a grocer carries. Yes, the refrigerated trucks deliver milk, etc. There is no cost/fees to join. Web site is--

www.unfi.com (United Foods web site.)

I will also provide CSA(s), etc.--you can still join at this late date.

Good eats--

Foodie

 

cool freezing tip. we are doing the great country farm co-op this year. thanks!

 

Hi Sunny

We're doing the farm this year too. What are you doing with all those collard greens? Any good recipes? We should share recipes for some of the stuff we get every week. I'm always so excited when Tuesday comes around to see what the farm brought.

Lori (Jordans mom from Daisies)

 

Koajeri, Sunny, and Fellow Foodies--

Yes, Kate at Great Country Farms and her family are friends of ours. We frequent their farm when we can.

As far your question regarding preparation of collard greens and other greens, since I am grew up in Georgia on a farm--here is a simple, NO FAT way to prepare any FRESH GREENS (i.e. collards, mustard, turnip, salad greens, spinach, beet greens, etc.)--

1. Wash your greens thoroughly to remove ALL dirt. Pat dry with paper
towels.

2. If you wish, to add flavor to greens instead of lard or shortening (like
my "granny" used to)--add UNSALTED chicken broth to greens.

3. Simmer greens in water (steam greens in a little water in a pan and
add the chicken broth for flavor.) After greens have steamed with liquid,
remove greens from stovetop. You have "wilted" the greens and can
add crumbled bacon or garlic for added flavor. If you do not wish to
use chicken broth, just steam greens until they "wilt". The greens will
"shrink" in pan (skillet) and reduce in pan. That is called "wilted greens"
by chefs.

4. For "extra kick"--try HOT PEPPER sauce with green tabasco peppers in vinegar--
Texas Pete or other brands found at Harris Teeter stores. You can add
extra vinegar to keep tabasco peppers "fresh". Pepper sauce lasts for
more than 12 months in fridge after opened. Also, Texas Pete makes red sauce.
Cracker Barrel also uses this method for flavoring their greens.

5. Also, you can eat the green tops of beets and carrot tops. Great source
of nutrition. My quads eat greens all the time. You can also make
vegetarian lasagna with greens. Alternate with layers of eggplant or zucchini and
other squashes (crookneck yellow squash, spaghetti squashes, etc.).

Sunny--glad you enjoyed my "tips"! Also--if any one wants CSA(s) with grassfed meats, dairy, Amish cheeses and artisan cheeses, homemade yogurts, organic meats, etc.--contact me and I will provide info if interested.

Also, continue to check under my HELPFUL HINTS (SITES) thread for added web sites and other food-related info. Also, check on this thread frequently.

If any one would like Amish recipes for donuts and fritters (for you Dunkin Donuts fans!)--let me know and I can tell you how to make donuts/fritters without frying them. Less fat, etc. Just like you find in Amish markets--I also bake same foods with my Mennonite background. I change my recipes to delete added fat/oils also.

Good eats--

Foodie

 

OK, foodie, that last paragraph got me. I grew up on a dairy farm, so am no stranger to canning. Haven't done it in eons; used to can tomatoes and concord grape juice, mainly. (Had to repaint my kitchen once after a grape juice spill!) Used to have a large garden, too, as I have a little over an acre, but my local deer expanded their tastes to include everything - I mean, zucchini vines, tomato vines, okra - you name it. So now, I grow tomatoes in pots on my patio. It's really kind of pathetic.

Back to the last paragraph. Yes, yes, yes - I would love to try your recipes. When passing through Ohio, I sometimes try to make a stop in Sugarcreek, if you're familiar with that area, and the baked goods are out of this world. Baked Amish-stye donuts sound like heaven!

 

Charlotte and others--

Yes, I will post recipes when I get a "breather". Right now, I am finishing up some last minute coursework for my post grad classes. Kinda been crazy around our home. Yes, we are familiar with Sugarcreek, OH and Holmes County, OH. We have friends and relatives in that area.

Charlotte--look at the thread under Nature forum where I posted web sites/info regarding Natural Pest Control Methods and Deer Control.

Maybe I will get a chance to do that this week--if not--I will do it next week. Yes, you can reduce Amish and country cooking recipes. I only gained around 15 pounds or so more than 6 months ago when I had my twins. About 25 pounds when my quads were born more than 6 years ago. I went back to exercise classes quickly after both births and got back into shape--lost all weight--thank goodness!

You can also substitute applesauce for oil when baking cakes for a lowfat version of the same recipe. Any fruit-flavored sauce (plum or apple) will reduce fat in baking recipes. Apple has sweeter flavor. Experiment and try it out. I use unsweetened applesauce with no sugar.

Foodie

 

Fellow Foodies--

From--Foodie

Also, register online for Manufacturer's E Newsletters for coupon and other discount offers, rebates, etc. NOT JUST FOR GROCERIES BUT ALL PRODUCTS! I will keep adding to this list periodically--keep checking back!

Here is the list of Coupon Sites that I promised (also check out the thread Coupon Exchange... under General Topics Forum--also listed grocery tips!)--

www.betterbudgeting.com (Better Budgeting is a Great resource for coupons, grocery tips, etc. Click on the links "Grocery Saving Tips and Grocery Coupons" for a plethoria of information!)
www.eatbetteramerica.com (Eat Better America lists coupons and other info.)
www.couponbar.coupons.com (Coupon Bar is a software tool that you DOWNLOAD for FREE and register for coupons, etc.)
www.couponmom.com (Coupon Mom is Great! FREE Ebook with tips, grocery coupons, etc.)
www.dealcatcher.com (Deal Catcher is NOT just for grocery coupons; but the web site also lists electronics, computers, and other merchandise coupons.)
www.eversave.com (Eversave is also a great resource for couponing.)
www.valpak.com (Valpak is a NATIONAL AND LOCAL site for restaurants, grocers, and other merchants for various discounts/offers.)
www.coolsavings.com (Cool Savings is another coupon site.)
www.smartsource.com (Smart Source is another coupon site.)
www.clippermagazine.com (Clipper Magazine is also NATIONAL AND LOCAL site for restaurants, grocers, and other merchants.)
www.mygrocerydeals.com (My Grocery Deals shows ALL grocers NATIONAL AND LOCAL weekly circulars for grocery sales.
Also, coupon offers, etc.)

 

Hey Lori!
Foodie's recipe sounds good to me. I have trouble identifying the greens that we get, much less know how to cook them. I am going to steam some swisschard tonight!

 

Sunny and others--

Glad you found the food information helpful! If you wish anymore recipes/suggestions, etc. for food preservation (freezing/canning/drying foods), please do not hesitate to post or ask questions.

Charlotte wished for an authentic Amish/Mennonite recipe for homemade donuts that you deepfry in oil or can bake without oil. Since I have a Mennonite background, I have alot of "old-fashioned" nutritious recipes. I will post the donut recipe next week if others also wish it. I can also send a Private Message to anyone if you desire other info regarding foods, etc.

Try mixing swiss chard along with other greens. Swiss chard contains alot of nutritional value as well as other dark, green leafy vegetables. Try to saute or steam some spinach, arugula (which is a "peppery-flavored" lettuce), or other dark greens along with the swiss chard.

Good eats--

Foodie

 

Thanks for all the great info. You truly ARE a Foodie! (back to reading)

 

Play Drums and others--

Play Drums--Thanks for the kind and thoughtful comments regarding my food-related information on food shopping, etc. If you (or anyone else) wishes other Consumer-Related Information (Homeowner Concerns, Homemaking Hints, Food Questions, etc.), just ask and I will PM or post on appropriate thread (for those of you not wishing to read my information).

If you "foodies" would like information on where to purchase from the same Wholesale Food Companies that the Amish/Mennonite Markets uses for their businesses--just ask and I will be happy to provide information. The Amish uses an "English Middleman" (non-Amish food purveyors) for their Markets.
You can purchase Amish Cheeses, Amish Meats, Bulk Foods (Baking Supplies--including for Glutein-Free Diets, Spices, Cereals, Candies, Dried Fruits, Dried Vegetables, Jams/Jellies, Syrups, Molasses, Popcorn, Amish/Mennonite Cookbooks, Granola, Chips, etc.) DIRECT ORDERED from the Wholesalers. You do not have to have a large family (like we do) or a business to purchase in Bulk Foods. The Amish Markets just "repackages" and "resells" to their customers like other grocers. You can order online or mail order the foods.

Also, for those of you in search of a "holistic and healthy" diet, I can provide reading information (books, scientific journals, cookbooks, etc.) if you wish. If you are wishing to know of other farms or CSA(s) not listed in the newspapers or with local Extension offices, PM me and I will give you some local farms (withing a 150 mile radius) where you purchase DIRECT from the farmer. You can also order online or pick-up at the farms. Grassfed Meats (all kinds), Artisan Cheeses, Artisan Breads/Baked Goods, Flowers, Produces, Dairy, etc. is easy to come by if you are tired of the local stores. Yes, I know that you have local Farmers Markets; but there also are other "unique niches" in the "Food Chain". Great way to save money on your food budget!

Charlotte had asked for lowfat baked Amish donut recipes. I will PM her or post on forum if interest is shown. I can provide Amish/Mennonite recipes on other types of food. I have been told that my donuts BEATS Dunkin Donuts. Maybe I will give you samples if asked? Now that my classes are finished for the Spring Semester--I can provide info if asked.

Good Eats--

Foodie

 

Fellow Foodies--

Here are some web sites that promotes "Sustainable, Healthy, and Local Foods"--

www.slowfoodusa.org (Slow Food is an international and national organization that promotes eating local foods--not just organic foods. Great resources for info, cookbooks, and other books.)

 

Fellow Foodies--

If you wish to go to a great destination for PYO (Pick Your Own) Farms--check out in Thurmont, MD the Catoctin Mountain Orchards. Catoctin Mountain Orchards has PYO cherries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, plums, apples, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, and too many other produce items to mention.

We just picked cherries and raspberries this week for preserving. Kids play area also. PYO hours are 7 am to 12 pm Monday through Saturday. Check web site for details and call before you go to see if produce is ready to be picked. You can also purchase products and already picked produce in the store also.

On your way to the orchard farm--eat at Mountain Gate Family Restaurant in Thurmont, MD. Homestyle cooking and breakfasts under $5 (full breakfasts and buffets). Mountain Gate is great for menu items and serves a FULL SERVICE buffet of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. Great restaurant.

Web site for Catoctin Mountain Orchards is--

www.catoctinmountainorchard.com (Catoctin Mountain's site.)

Good eats--

Foodie

 

Thanks for the info, Foodie.

My neighbors went early Monday morning and shared their efforts with me - black raspberries and sour cherries. I froze some black raspberries, made jam with some and a blackberry cobbler. The cherries are going into a pie and preserves. I believe that WashPost recently reviewed an old-fashioned candy store near that restaurant, too (?)

There's also Homestead Farm in Poolesville, MD - another large PYO operation. Take White's Ferry across and it makes for a very tranquil day.

I grew up near a huge cherry farm and have many fond memories of going there with my grandma and mom and getting cherries. Of course, they had pitting machines; I have to pit my own now, but it's well worth the effort!

 

Charlotte and others--

Thanks for your feedback regarding PYO farms. We enjoyed the orchard farms. We also had cherry trees on my parents' farm in Georgia as well as peaches. Great memories too.

If you wish Amish Donut recipes--I will PM you later. Thanks.

Foodie

 

Re: Food Preservation, CSA(s), Farmers' Markets, Other Food Savings Sites

CSA(s)--Community Supported Agriculture and Farmers' Markets Sources--

The history behind the local and sustainable food movement owes much to its start to a pioneer in CSA movement to Robyn Van En. Her vision for a group of producers, farmers, and local people to intermingle in a local food movement has sparked all types of people meeting and knowing where their food sources are located.

Wilson College has a link for CSA(s) and other resource info for Farmers' Markets, CSA(s), and other food information. It makes great reading for "foodies".

www.wilson.edu (Wilson College's site and CSA(s) information.)

www.localharvest.org (Local Harvest is an organization that shows where you can purchase produce, meats, and other food sources from farms, cooperatives, health food stores, restaurants, and other businesses nationwide and locally. It links people directly to farmers, etc.)

 

More Misc. Farmers Markets, CSA(s), & Other Food Savings Sites--


***NOTES--Check out my posts below for ORGANIC FOODS & PRODUCTS INFO, UNITED FOODS BUYERS CLUB INFORMATION, AMISH MARKETS & OTHER MARKET SOURCES (NOT JUST AMISH/MENNONITE), MISC. ETHNIC MARKETS, ETC. INFORMATION--this is where you will find resources for food-related Consumer Information grouped together by subject matter. Enjoy!

Also, PM me or post on post of interest. I will be posting or PM'ing info for upcoming CSA(s), Farms/Farmers Markets, etc. regarding subscriptions to 2008 CSA(s). There 100(s) of places to shop for food if you wish to use Local and Sustainable Food instead of food shipped across country. I can tell you how to never sit foot in a grocery store for food if interested.

Web sites are below--

www.newfarm.org (New Farm's site/info is for farms, CSA(s), etc. for nationwide food sources. Some are Organic and/or use Organic Farming methods for meats, grass fed meats, produce, etc. Click on "Farm Locator" tab link.)

www.eatwild.com (Eat Wild is a Grass Fed food portal for Grass Fed Meats and Dairy products in all states and shipping available.)

 

More Misc. Food and CSA(s) Info/Web Sites to Read--


www.organicconsumer.org (Organic Consumer Association's site for great info for Cooperatives, Buying Clubs, etc. of all kinds.)

 

Fellow Foodies--

Here is web site link for Frederick, MD Farmers Markets, CSA(s), etc.--click on Farmers Market link.

www.discoverfrederickmd.com/farmersmarket/html/detail.htm?cat=112&store=1168 (Discover Frederick, MD's site/info on Farmers Markets, etc.)

 

My mom's secret to greens is chicken broth, a little finely chopped onion and a smoked turkey leg or wing- so delicious!