Salisbury Farmer's Market Newsletter- June 1, 2013

Summer Squash, sugar snaps arriving at the market! Darrell Blackwelder/For The Salisbury Post   This may be the last week for strawberries at the Salisbury Farmers Market as the weather warms and the season winds down. Salisbury Farmers Market Manager Harry Agner has this market update for local shoppers:   ·Local summer squash are now here with yellow and zucchini as well as patty pan squash. ·Superior grown cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and lettuces. ·Collards, normally produced in the fall, are now available. ·Asparagus is also available at the market. ·Fresh local garlic. ·Sugar-snap peas are also available at the market this week. ·Goat milk soap for those with skin problems. ·Homemade dog treats are available. ·Home baked goods continue to be a market favorite.   It is important to shop early to get best selection as some items may be limited. Local growers make a special effort to produce clean and safe produce for their shoppers. The temptation is almost overwhelming not to eat a fresh berry right out the container. Be safe and help the vendors by washing all fruit and vegetables thoroughly for consumption.   The market opens at 8 a.m. to noon. The market has relocated to the corner of South Jackson and West Fisher Streets in downtown Salisbury near Rowan Public Library earlier this spring. Go to www.salisburyfarmersmarket.com for more information about the market and its vendors.     Plenty of Annuals Available at the Salisbury Farmers Market this Weekend!       Mark Your Calendars!   Those who sell produce and other items by weight must have their scales certified each year. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture will be certifying weigh scales on Wednesday, June 5, at the Salisbury Farmers Market from 8:30 until 11 a.m. The market is now located on the corner of South Jackson and West Fisher Streets in downtown Salisbury. Scales need to be NTEP approved to be legal for use in North Carolina to comply with laws dictated by the N.C. Department of Agriculture. Contact Richard Sigmond with NCDA at 919-218-3871 should you have any questions concerning your scales or the certification process.

NEW Location and Hours!   The Salisbury Farmers Market will be located this summer at the former Wrenn House Restaurant parking lot located across the street from Rowan Public Library, at the corner of West Fisher and South Jackson streets. The market will continue to operate two days a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon.       Same Great Vendors!   The market will continue to have the same farmers and vendors selling local produce, meat, flowers, baked goods and handmade crafts. Meet our 2013 vendors.  Check back weekly here  for an update on the market's vendors!    Vendor Applications   The Salisbury Farmers Market is still looking for vendors for the 2012 market season. Vendor applications can be completed through the Salisbury Farmers Market website.  Use this quick link to submit your application today!    Quick Links   Website Contact Us Articles Vendor Applications Market Rules Create a Shopping List

Cow roams Greer apartments after escape from butcher

I will warn you this story does not have a happy ending for the cow.  But I found the story very interesting...make sure you watch the news clip.


http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/22453273/cow-runs-free-in-greer-apartment-complex?hpt=us_bn8

WTF News- May 31, 2013

Happy Friday!!!

 

This is definitely a TGIF week here at WTF.  We just finished up processing our first full batch of chickens this week so we'll be restocked on those this week.     

 

Rosty and Charlie are now taking orders for their first batch of pasture raised ducks.  This is a project that they started on their own as a way to make some money for the summer.  Hopefully, if this batch is successful, they will do a couple more batches this summer.  There are only a limited quantity available so if you are interested email me and I'll send you details & put you on the list.  

 

 

 

Come get your WTF Fix at the markets tomorrow

 

Davidson Farmers Market  8-Noon

Salisbury Farmers Market 8-Noon

 

 

Don't forget to check out our Wild Turkey Farms Facebook page and "like" us to get the most up to date info.

    

 

We hope that you'll support some of the chefs & businesses that support us & other local farmers.

Customshop Restaurant- Charlotte

Chef Charles Catering - Charlotte/ DFM

Whiskey Warehouse- Charlotte

Pure Pizza (at 7th St Market) - Charlotte

The Bradford Store- Davidson

Black Mountain Farmers Market- Black Mountain

Salisbury Wine Shop- Salisbury

300 East- Charlotte

Greeneman Farms @ 7th Street Market- Charlotte

The Wooden Vine- Charlotte

The Prickly Pear- Mooresville

 

 

Thanks for your support, have a great weekend, and we'll see you at the market.

 

Lee, Domisty, Rosty, & Charlie

Wild Turkey Farms LLC

China Grove, NC

WTF News- May 24, 2013

Happy Friday!!!

 

It's Memorial Day which means it's GRILL BABY GRILL TIME!!!   Hope you all have a great weekend!

 

We'll be restocked on chicken and beef this weekend too!

 

Grill Baby Grill Special Just $12

        1 pack of ground beef or burgers

        1 pack of brats or hotdogs 

 

 

 

Come get your WTF Fix at the markets tomorrow

 

Davidson Farmers Market  8-Noon

Salisbury Farmers Market 8-Noon

 

 

Don't forget to check out our Wild Turkey Farms Facebook page and "like" us to get the most up to date info.

    

 

We hope that you'll support some of the chefs & businesses that support us & other local farmers.

Customshop Restaurant- Charlotte

Chef Charles Catering - Charlotte/ DFM

Whiskey Warehouse- Charlotte

Pure Pizza (at 7th St Market) - Charlotte

The Bradford Store- Davidson

Black Mountain Farmers Market- Black Mountain

Salisbury Wine Shop- Salisbury

300 East- Charlotte

Greeneman Farms @ 7th Street Market- Charlotte

The Wooden Vine- Charlotte

The Prickly Pear- Mooresville

 

 

Thanks for your support, have a great weekend, and we'll see you at the market.

 

Lee, Domisty, Rosty, & Charlie

Wild Turkey Farms LLC

China Grove, NC

Salisbury Farmer's Market Newsletter May 25, 2013

C   Seasonal Spring Fruits and Vegetables   What's in Season in Spring?   If you know a bit of what to expect when you get to the farmers market, making decisions at each vendor’s location is much easier. Learn what grows in your area when and talk to the growers about what will be coming to market in upcoming weeks.   Look for these spring fruits and vegetables at the market this Saturday, May 25 for the best flavor (and value) when in season.   ·         Arugala ·         Asparagus ·         Baby Bok-Choy ·         Bok Choi ·         Broccoli ·         Cabbage ·         Cauliflower ·         Collards ·         Garlic ·         Greens ·         Kale ·         Kohlrabi ·         Lettuces ·         Napa Cabbage ·         Onions ·         Radishes ·         Salad Mix ·         Spinach ·         Spring Onions ·         Swiss Chards ·         Turnips ·         Tomatoes ·         Japanese Greens ·         White Bok-Choy ·         Strawberries ·         Basil ·         Cilantro ·         Parsley ·         Celery ·          Fennel ·          Leeks ·          Endive ·          Radicchio     For more information for what fruits and vegetables are in season in North Carolina use this guide from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Goods!         NEW Location and Hours!   The Salisbury Farmers Market will be located this summer at the former Wrenn House Restaurant parking lot located across the street from Rowan Public Library, at the corner of West Fisher and South Jackson streets. The market will continue to operate two days a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon.       Same Great Vendors!   The market will continue to have the same farmers and vendors selling local produce, meat, flowers, baked goods and handmade crafts. Meet our 2013 vendors.  Check back weekly here  for an update on the market's vendors!    Vendor Applications   The Salisbury Farmers Market is still looking for vendors for the 2012 market season. Vendor applications can be completed through the Salisbury Farmers Market website.  Use this quick link to submit your application today!    Quick Links   Website Contact Us Articles Vendor Applications Market Rules Create a Shopping List

Mission Statement The Salisbury Farmers Market provides an opportunity for local producers to sell fresh produce and other commodities directly to consumers while providing consumers opportunities to buy locally grown produce and other locally produced commodities.

CSA Weeks 4 & 5

CAULIFLOWER

 

Sorry I missed last weeks CSA post, last week was literally a blur but not only am I back with the blog post we will be back at the Salisbury Farmer's Market & the Davidson Farmer's Market this Saturday.  Thanks for understanding that every once in awhile we need a Saturday off.  Plus, we will be restocked with pork & chicken.

 

 

For the past couple of years we have grown purple cauliflower so I thought it would be fun to research it a little.  I can honestly say that as a child I never ate purple cauliflower, I may have liked it then if it was purple!

 

I will admit that cauliflower is not my favorite.  I do eat it occasionally because I want the boys to eat it but not my favorite.

 

This is what Speciality Produce has to say about purple cauliflower:

 

Purple cauliflower is a cool-season biennial cruciferous vegetable, botanical name Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, belonging to the plant order Capparales. Purple cauliflower's color is due to the presence of the antioxidant anthocyanin, which can also be found in red cabbage and red wine. Purple cauliflower also goes by the variety names Sicilian Violet, Violet Queen and Grafitti cauliflower.

 

Displaying vibrant violet hues, Purple cauliflower may be different in color than its white counterpart, however, on the outside, that is the only difference. The entire plant (floret, stalk and leaves) is edible. The stems and trunk are firm and tender and the florets have a dense yet soft and crumbly texture. It's flavor is milder, sweeter, nuttier and free of the bitterness sometimes found in White cauliflower

Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C with a half cup of florets providing nearly half of ones daily requirement for vitamin C. It also provides a fair amount of fiber, vitamin A, folate, calcium and potassium as well as selenium, which works with Vitamin C to boost the immune system. Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower are known for their high levels of cancer-fighting phytochemicals know as glucosinolates.

 

Purple cauliflower can be chopped in to individual florets and eaten raw, or roasted and paired with additional flavors such as garlic or balsamic vinegar. The vibrant color is a nice visual counterpoint for green hued vegetables like green beans, peas or broccoli. Blend steamed cauliflower with beans for a unique spread for toast or crackers. Use within a few days of purchase for best color and texture.

 

*******

 

Roasted Cauliflower

 

Cauliflower

Olive Oil

Garlic

 Lemon Juice

 Salt

Black Pepper

Grated Parmesan Cheese

 

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

 

Place cauliflower in roasting pan & drizzle with olive oil

 

Add seasonings

 

Bake for 15-20 minutes

 

Remove from oven & sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese

 

 

**Use what you have on hand or what you like with the cauliflower like Dijon mustard, Balsamic Vinegar, fresh herbs,  Have fun & be creative!

WTF News- May 17, 2013

Happy Friday!!!

 

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but something has come up &

 

WE WILL NOT BE AT THE FARMERS MARKETS THIS WEEKEND

 

 

We will be back on May 25th & should be restocked on chicken, beef, and pork!

 

 

 

Don't forget to check out our Wild Turkey Farms Facebook page and "like" us to get the most up to date info.

    

 

We hope that you'll support some of the chefs & businesses that support us & other local farmers.

Customshop Restaurant- Charlotte

Chef Charles Catering - Charlotte/ DFM

Whiskey Warehouse- Charlotte

Pure Pizza (at 7th St Market) - Charlotte

The Bradford Store- Davidson

Black Mountain Farmers Market- Black Mountain

Salisbury Wine Shop- Salisbury

300 East- Charlotte

Greeneman Farms @ 7th Street Market- Charlotte

The Wooden Vine- Charlotte

The Prickly Pear- Mooresville

 

 

Thanks for your support, have a great weekend, and we'll see you at the market.

 

Lee, Domisty, Rosty, & Charlie

Wild Turkey Farms LLC

CSA Week 3

 

 

 

TURNIPS

 



Turnips are a root vegetable commonly associated with potatoes or beets, but their closest relatives are radishes and arugula, which are also members of the mustard family.

 

Turnips are available all year long, but are at their best in fall and spring, when they are small and sweet. Larger turnips necessarily develop tougher skins and a stronger flavor, but are great for mashing and or adding to soups and stews. Like most root vegetables, turnips are a great storage vegetable to use when you want to keep eating locally throughout the winter.

 

If you buy turnips with their greens attached, remove the greens when you get them home. Clean, store, and cook the greens as any cooking green. Store turnips loosely wrapped in a plastic bag in the crisper of the fridge or, if you're lucky enough to have one, loose in a root cellar. Like any root vegetable, they want a cool, dark, dry environment.

 

Contrary to conventional wisdom, turnips can be eaten raw. Baby turnips can be cut into wedges and served as crudites with dip or sliced and added to salads for a crisp, lightly zippy tang.

 

Turnips are more commonly cooked, however, and lend themselves to a variety of preparations. They are delicious roasted (a process that mellows and yet concentrates their sometimes watery flavor at the same time), mashed, baked, or added to soups or stews. The "hot" flavor associated with turnips makes them particularly well suited to mixing and matching with other root vegetables. Add a turnip or two to your favorite mashed potato recipe, for example, or to a pan of  roast vegetables.

 

This information is from about.com.

 

 

******

 

Normally, when I cook turnips I cook turnip greens.  I then take the the turnips slice them thinly & add to the greens.  They definitely have a different taste then collards so our kids don't care for them as much.

 

******

 

Last year, I decided to try turnip chips.  Not my favorite.  Recipes vary but it basically slices of turnips with olive oil & your choice of seasonings.  Bake at 400 degrees anywhere from 20 - 40 minutes.  I have since read that you should boil the turnips in lightly salted water and also that you should steam the excess water before placing on a baking sheet.  Not sure if any of that would have made a difference but if you try it let me know.

 

******

 

And my ole trusty recipe.  Roasted vegetables.  When it is time to clean out the vegetables in the refrigerator I usually just toss them all in a roasting pan with olive oil & seasonings & roast at 400 degrees for about an hour.  This is one of my favorite ways to eat vegetables & it doesn't matter what you put in there it is ALL good!!

CSA Week 2

BOK CHOY

 

 

About.com tells us that bok choy is classified as a cabbage.  Cultivated in China since ancient times, bok choy is found in soups and stir-fries, appetizers and main dishes. Bok choy's popularity comes from its light, sweet flavor, crisp texture and nutritional value. Not only is bok choy high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and calcium, but it is low in calories.

 

Mention the word bok choy, and most of us think of the plant with dark green leaves; however, in Hong Kong over twenty varieties are available. You can also find Shanghai or baby bok choy, a miniaturized version of bok choy, at Asian markets. Cookbook author and television show host Martin Yan notes that westerners have a "bigger is better" philosophy when it comes to Chinese vegetables. The opposite holds true in China, where the smaller varieties are valued for their tenderness. An added benefit is that recipes often call for them to be cooked whole, reducing preparation time.

Yet another member of the bok choy family is choy sum or bok choy sum. Distinguishable by its light green leaves and tiny yellow flowers, choy sum - also known as Chinese flowering cabbage - is the cream of the bok choys. Grocers normally sell only the trimmed leaves and stalks of choy sum instead of the whole plant. Expect to pay more for it, in the same way that celery hearts are more expensive than a celery bunch. You may even find choy sum called bok choy sum hearts; in Asian Vegetables, Bruce Cost notes that the word sum in Cantonese literally means heart.

 

 

 

************

 

Roasted Bok Choy

 

Heat oven to 400

 

Halve bok choy, toss with olive oil, kosher salt & pepper

 

Spread in single layer on cookie sheet

 

Roast until leaves are crispy & begin to blacken (8-10 minutes)

 

**this recipe can also be done on the grill**

 

 

 

WTF News- May 3, 2013

Happy Friday!!!

 

I hope everyone is enjoying the cool monsoon season we've been having lately.   I have to keep reminding myself not to complain, it'll be 100 degrees and bone dry soon enough though that seems hard to remember standing ankle deep in a muddy garden.  Today I overheard a couple of the pigs complaining about the mud so it must be bad.  

 

 

 

 

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo WTF style this year with our Mexican Chorizo Sausage Special  $5.99/pack while supplies last.

 

 

 

 

 

Davidson Farmers Market this Saturday 8am-noon.

 

Salisbury Farmers Market this Saturday 8-Noon

 

 

 

Don't forget to check out our Wild Turkey Farms Facebook page and "like" us to get the most up to date info.

    

 

We hope that you'll support some of the chefs & businesses that support us & other local farmers.

Customshop Restaurant- Charlotte

Chef Charles Catering - Charlotte/ DFM

Whiskey Warehouse- Charlotte

Pure Pizza (at 7th St Market) - Charlotte

The Bradford Store- Davidson

Black Mountain Farmers Market- Black Mountain

Salisbury Wine Shop- Salisbury

300 East- Charlotte

Greeneman Farms @ 7th Street Market- Charlotte

The Wooden Vine- Charlotte

The Prickly Pear- Mooresville

 

 

Thanks for your support, have a great weekend, and we'll see you at the market.

 

Lee, Domisty, Rosty, & Charlie

Wild Turkey Farms LLC

China Grove, NC