You know the phrase, "grows like a weed?", enough said.

For the last two weeks Kaitlyn and I have been in the fields weeding. I really don’t stress about it because it takes your mind to another place and it's kind of relaxing…if you can imagine that.

It’s not without its hazards though. You are on your hands and knees, in the baking sun, pulling everything but the very plant your are trying to protect. The rows go on for as far as the eyes can see and six hours goes by in a blink.

You really don’t know land and the soil until you’ve done this simple task. It’s so necessary.

​Today we head back out to fight the good fight!


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In temperate regions, we notice that the sun is higher in the sky throughout the day, and its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, causing the efficient warming we call summer. 
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This summer solstice is the day with the most hours of sunlight during the whole year. At the winter solstice, just the opposite occurs, the sun is at its southernmost point and is low in the sky. Its rays hit the Northern Hemisphere at an oblique angle, creating the feeble winter sunlight.


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Reference: The Farmer's Almanac
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Strawberries have been on our stand for over a week now and they are always met with great fanfare. We think of them as dessert or a quick snack, but did you know how awesome they are for you? 

Rich and vitamin C strawberries boost the system and contain chemicals that offer cancer protection.

Strawberries rank very high in antioxidant activity. They are extremely rich in vitamin C (an average portion contains the entire recommended daily amount for an adult) and this helps to boost the immune system and help wound healing, prevent arterial damage, promote iron absorption, and strengthen blood vessel walls. They also contain other antioxidant phenolic plant chemicals such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which can block cancer cells and can help prevent some cancers. Lastly they contain good amounts of fiber, folate and potassium.

The Good Stuff:

• excellent source of vitamin C
• contains ellagic acid, a compound with anticancer and antioxidant properties
• contain anthocyanins, which can help lower bad blood cholesterol
• useful source of fiber and soluble fiber, potassium, folate, and zeaxanthin for healthy eyes

Facts:

• peak season June to August

Tips:

• choose strawberry is that the plumb and glossy, dull ones are usually past their best
• Smaller strawberries tend to have higher levels of ellagic acid, concentrated in the outer layer and have more flavor
• once washed strawberries will spoil quickly only watch immediately before serving or use this kitchen hack to extend shelf life 
• store in a container with air holes in the refrigerator for three days but bring them to room temperature before using

Related:

• Berry-Berry Fresh

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Reference: 100 Best health Foods, Eat This Not That, Cooking Light What to Eat
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Supplies:

• apple cider vinegar
• dish soap
• a small mason jar, dish or bowl

Preparation:

• pour a cup of apple cider vinegar into a jar or small bowl
• add a couple drops of dish soap to the jar
• place the trap in the area where you've see the fruit flies

Why This Works:
Fruit flies are attracted to the smell of the vinegar and will attempt to land on the surface. However, since the dish soap breaks the surface tension of the vinegar, the fruit flies fall in and sink to the bottom. 

Benefits:

• no harsh fumes
• inexpensive
• environmentally-friendly

Tips:

• keep out of the reach of children
• a bottle with a small neck can also be used
• keep a fruit fly trap on your kitchen counter, even after you've trapped your fruit flies... it will prevent future flies. 
• use a decorative container, so it doesn't stand out
• the vinegar evaporates over time, so just top it off whenever it gets low

Prevention:

• be diligent about eating fruits and vegetables before they become overripe or go bad... fruit flies like fermented produce
• be sure to take your trash and recyclables out regularly... small amounts of juice or wine left at the bottom of bottles is enough to catch the attention of a fruit fly
• if you can't remember the last time you cleaned your kitchen trash can and recycling bins, be sure to give them a quick wash before the fruit flies remind you are long overdue

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Reference: 100 Best health Foods, Eat This Not That, Cooking Light What to Eat
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Romaine lettuce is so versatile in our kitchens. It can be served raw and cooked, but did you know it packs an incredible healthy punch?

Our farmstand is stocked with the Greentower variety. It's beautifully green, crunchy and mild, read why it should be on your dinner table tonight!

Mildly sedative, lettuce can help promote sleep. It is also a useful, low-calorie, high-fiber food for dieters.

There are dozens of different types of lettuce available both in the stores and to buy as seed but, when making your choices for health reasons it makes sense to pick varieties that are mid to deep green. These contain more carotenes and vitamin C than the more paler lettuces. Romain lettuce for example contains five times as much vitamin C and more beta-carotene than Iceberg lettuce. These more colorful heads will contain good amounts of folate, potassium and iron. Lettuce is high in fiber very low in calories and low on the glycemic index.
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The Good Stuff:

• nutritious low-calorie food for dieters
• mildly sedative
• high in antioxidant vitamin C and carotenes
• high in vitamin K which is needed for bone health and blood clotting
• 712 micrograms of beta-carotene per cup
• studies show beta-carotene inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells
• high in folate for heart and arterial health

Facts:

• peak season year-round
• in most countries, lettuce is usually eaten raw, but in France it is cooked
• China uses lettuce in stir-fries and other cooked dishes

Tips:

• refrigerate head for 5 to 7 days in a plastic bag
• if a whole lettuce head is too much for one meal pick leaves from the outside rather than cutting the head in half, as the cut side will turn brown. 
• eating lettuce with oil increases absorption of carotenes, but at your dressing just before serving so the leaves don't deteriorate
• perfect go-to green for sandwiches and salads

Related:

• Up Your Salad Game
• Mason Jar Salads
• 3 Simple Salad Dressings

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Reference: 100 Best health Foods, Eat This Not That, Cooking Light What to Eat
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