Now we are into the third week of the CSA. The chickens had a rough time with the last thunder and lightening storm. They were afraid to leave their coop the morning after and it has hampered egg production.
By now you have likely noticed a newsletter in every basket and though it will occur frequently, it will not be there every week. This week, I have some info on eggs and other things in this basket.
Did you know that commercial eggs come from hens that are confined to “battery” cages that measure 16” by 18”? 4 to 6 hens spend their entire time in this tiny space, unable to even fully open their wings, ever. To prevent the chickens from pecking each other, they have the ends of their beaks cut off, a process called “debeaking”. These hens never see the light of day. I will spare you the gross details.
98% of eggs come from battery chickens. The other 2% come from other environments. Some are pasture raised, organic, free range, free run, farm raised, etc. All of these environments allow a more natural setting then caged chickens. They can flap their wings, peck and scratch for food, walk, run, socialize, bathe, nest, brood, establish pecking order, roost, preen...... all the things that chickens naturally want to do. At A Growing Concern Farm, the “free range” hens can do all of the above whenever they want as well as be outside 9 months of the year at will. Free range pretty much means not caged with access to the outdoors, not including winter of course. Free range eggs tend to have higher nutrient content and I hope you agree... they taste better!
There are some other differences though..... these eggs are not graded for size and quality. That is why you will notice a variety of sizes and shapes. The color is determined by the genetics of the hen. We enjoy offering a wide variety of colors, especially the green eggs. There is no difference between the eggs.... only the color of the shell. Regular eggs are also screened for imperfections inside the egg while farm eggs are not. Sometimes eggs can have a blood spot inside. This is harmless and is caused by a rupture of a tiny blood vessel during formation of the egg. It does not indicate a fertile egg. Sometimes the incidence of blood spots increases during stress.... a thunder and lightening storm for example. So don't be surprised if you find a blood spot this time. The eggs are fine to eat, remove the blood spot with the tip of a knife if you want. Another difference... these eggs are fresher than store eggs. Often commercial eggs are stored in refrigerated warehouses for a few weeks before they reach the consumer. These eggs are stored for a couple of days or sometimes just a few hours.
A few more things.....
This week you will find garlic scapes in your box. This is the garlic plant trying to make tiny bulbs (seeds) up in the air which would drop to the ground and make new plants, if allowed. We remove them, it allows the plant to put more energy into the bulb that is growing in the ground. You can use them just like garlic or chives.
Most of you will also find Kale and if not, you will have some next week. Kale can be steamed or boiled but even better.... sauteed or added to stirfry. This Kale is young and tender so it cooks quickly. You also will have spicy oregano. Tear a leaf off and chew slowly..it is hot! Be careful when adding to dishes.
The leaf lettuce was quickly rinsed but you should wash it again. Otherwise it may be gritty. The chard and kale was not washed, it is certainly gritty. The lettuce heads are a type of boston or bibb lettuce and are actually living because of the roots attached. It is likely to last longer than the leaf lettuce. Check this type of lettuce carefully before serving for bugs nestled between the leaves, an insignificant repercussion of spray free food.
Hope you are liking things so far. We are looking forward to the vegetables to come, but in the meantime it is nice to enjoy the herbs and greens that are at the peak of their season right now.
Cheers!
Spray free Produce and CSA
A Growing Concern Farm is a small hobby farm located inland from Chester, NS, focusing mainly on fresh produce and farm raised eggs from happy chickens with names.
CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture allows a member to purchase a membership which will result in a box of fresh produce each week, all growing season long. The risk is shared, meaning that if something didn't grow well, that will be reflected in the weekly share. Likewise, when something does well, members will reap the benefits.
Members can expect to receive a box or basket of produce beginning around June 8th and ending near the end of September. June and the last half of September will likely be a smaller share than the bulk of the summer.
This year, the membership will include eggs as they become available. A member could expect to receive about a dozen eggs every second week. This is not a guarantee as we can't make chickens lay eggs! The chickens are fed a diet of grains and greens. They are grown without the use of hormones or antibiotics. They do not free range on our property because of hawks and other predators but they do have a large, outdoor enclosure that is covered with bird netting. The chickens are able to go inside and outside when they please.
The fresh produce at A Growing Concern Farm is grown without herbicides or pesticides and is picked at its peak of ripeness and ideal size. (no baseball bat zuchini!!!) There is a wide variety of produce being planted which will hopefully produce tomatoes, tomatillo, beets, swiss chard, spinach, bush beans, zuchini, parsnip, radish, lettuce, leeks, peas, cilantro, parsley, chives, turnip, kale, shallots, onions, garlic, summer savory, dill, new potatoes, pole beans, jerusalem artichokes, carrots, melons, squash, koli rabi, celeriac, cucumbers, oregano, thyme, mint, basil, eggplant, sage, rosemary, chamomile, caraway, okra, soybeans, sunflowers, bee balm, cut flowers and more. There is a wide variety of each type in many cases, so expect a wide variety of color! Items chosen for the weekly basket will depend on what is ripe and available at that time. Remember, availability of items and quantities is all up to mother nature.
Produce will be spray free but should be washed before eating. Expect a little bit of dirt on root vegetables and a few small holes in leafy vegetables. Expect too, superior taste and freshness. Eggs are wiped down but not sanitized. You will notice that these eggs are more flavorful, have a brighter yoke and a greater density when cracked into a pan.
This year, 2010, is a trial year with only 4 members and a small amount of restaurant supply. Hopefully it will continue in 2011 with a larger number of members and a larger area of cultivated land. We will accept new members on a first come, first serve basis. Be sure to notify us in writing as soon as possible if you are interested. Planning for next year's crop actually will begin in the fall!
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