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  • Published on

    Thoughts on haying...

    homegrown-news Wisdom
    1. Okay, it's time to bale hay, no big deal, we do this every year.
    2. This is so easy! Why do I normally complain?
    3. Oh yeah, that was just mowing and racking, that's always the easy part.
    4. Is that a rain cloud? Better not be a rain cloud, someone check the forecast.
    5. What are the chances that I'll getta just drive the tractor this year?
    6. Slim to none, got it.
    7. Okay, that's fine, it's not that bad.
    8. These bales aren't even that heavy, this is totally fine.
    9. Just kidding they get heavy after a while.
    10. Why is does it always have to be so hot when we do this? I'm actually dying.
    11. Man I'm not in as good of shape as I thought I was.
    12. Yes Grandpa I promise we're stacking them tight enough.
    13. Maybe they could be a little tighter, readjust.
    14. Oh hey dust and allergies, I don't need to see or breath or anything like that.
    15. My arms ich.
    16. Need. Water.
    17. Are we done yet?
    18. This field never seems that big til hay time.
    19. Only ___ of laps to go, I'm totally fine.
    20. Man, I just wanna take a cold shower and eat everything in the house.
    21. I'm gonna sleep so good tonight.
    22. If one more person tries to tell me how to do this!
    23. Need more water please, time out.
    24. Alright, last wagon. I. Can. Do this.
    25. Hallelujah, the end is in sight, God is good.
    26. ...what do you mean we still have to unload everything into the loft? I quit.

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  • Published on

    Healthy Green Smoothie

    homegrown-news Recipes

    ​Kale-Banana-Celery-Apple Smoothie

    ​This smoothie is best made in a high powered blender, but if you have a standard one here are some tips to help you along.
    ​INGREDIENTS
    • 3/4 c chopped kale, ribs + thick stems removed
    • 1 stalk celery, chopped
    • 1/2 banana
    • 1/2 c apple juice
    • 1/2 c ice
    • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or lime juice
    DIRECTIONS
    Remove the kale stems and tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. This will help prevent the leaves from getting stuck around the blade. Chop the celery and banana into half-inch pieces and really let it blend for a minute or two. Scrape down the sides of the blender and blend again. Sip unitl your hearts content, so good!

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  • Published on

    In the weeds...

    General homegrown-news
    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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  • Published on

    What is the summer solstice?

    General homegrown-news
    The timing of the solstice is not based on a specific calendar date and time.  It really depends on when the sun reaches its northernmost point from the equator.
    Picture
    The word solstice is from the Latin solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), reflecting the fact that the sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice).
    "Deep snow in winter, tall grain in summer." - Estonian proverb
    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. 
    ​
    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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  • Published on

    Did You Know: Strawberries

    Did You Know homegrown-news
    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? 
    Picture
    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:

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

    Bye-Bye Fruit Flies

    homegrown-news Kitchen
    It's that time of year. We all have fruits and veggies on our counters and sometimes a piece of produce goes bad with out us knowing. Boom, we have a fruit fly problem. Here's a quick and easy hack to solve this!  

    By simply pouring apple cider vinegar into an open cup or bowl and adding a drop or two of dish detergent you can easily make an incredibly effective trap for ridding your kitchen of fruit flies. Place it near your fruit bowl or trash can and within a day you will have nipped the problem in the bud.
    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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