Northeast Georgia Locally Grown:  Locally Grown - Availability for May 20th , 2015

Hey Local Food Lovers,

Greetings from half way around the world. This message is being sent from Tapei, Taiwan which is about 8,000 miles away from North Georgia. I think this is what you call truly “getting away from it all!”

It’s been two years since my last trip here, so let’s refresh on some of my favorite things….and some of the more unusual aspects….of traveling in Taiwan and Asia more generally.

I’ll start with the basics. The U.S. and western countries in general tend to think horizontally. Buildings, vehicles, even our own bodies tend to spread outward on the sides (You know what I’m talking about). Since Taiwan is a very small country (at least 3 Taiwan’s would fit inside of the state of Georgia), yet the population is 4 times larger at 24 million, and it’s also an island, space is a precious commodity. So everything is about maximizing space, especially vertical space.

For example, my in-laws house is modest, yet has 4 stories plus a rooftop with a great view of the sunrise…pretty much like every house in the area. The width of the front entrance is probably only 16 feet across, which includes a garage door for parking their van. The van itself is tall and skinny, just like all the trucks here. Two cars can easily pass each other on a narrow alleyway.

Businesses on the main streets are very dense, one right after the other so all the signs are oriented upright vertically, long and skinny, and span several floors of the buildings they are affixed to. People here are skinnier too, but not due to lack of food. Food is everywhere! And the Taiwanese love to eat. There are markets with fresh fruit. In season right now is mango (my favorite, more on that later), water melon (shee qwa) and pineapple. Fresh cut meat is displayed each morning on the carts of butchers lining the roadway with little spinning fans with long strings hanging down to keep insects away.

The primary modes of transport are scooters and trains. Many, many people jetting around on scooters is a sight to behold. It’s even more fun to be on the scooter jetting yourself. You kind of know what it feels like to be a single blood cell being pumped through a circulatory system. Having a baby in a stroller this time around, we’ve found you literally can’t walk down the sidewalk for all the scooters parked there. I’d guess there are more than 50 but less than a 100 scooters for every single block you walk.

So what about the food? This isn’t a travel blog after all…. tell us about the food. Well I should start by saying that most meals so far have been at home, since my father in law is an incredible cook. I’d choose his cooking over most other Taiwanese food any day. Just as in most of the world, preparing meat for guests is a sign of generosity. However, the method of preparation is very different compared to the states.

Chicken and duck for instance is salted and streamed then chopped with a large butcher’s knife into diagonal cut pieces. These cuts go straight through the bone, so you are constantly picking little pieces of bone out, or chewing around them. But, since you aren’t just eating the thigh or breast meat, you often get more dark and white meat mixed together, for a greater diversity of flavor. An accompanying orange dipping sauce is very tasty too.

Our first night here, right off the plane we had stir fry noodles with seafood which included squid, octopus, and shrimp. Taiwanese love all chewy foods, and after several trips here I’ve acquired a taste for some of them too. Cuttle fish is another squid substitute that is quite good.

Pork is a backbone to much cooking here, though never in big pieces like a pork chop, usually it is cooked for a long time in different types of sauce then pulled apart and used as a flavoring in different dishes. Though we did have some whole ribs cooked in a soy based sauce that was so good! Tender salty meat falling off the bone. All meals are eaten with a small rice bowl in hand and chop sticks then you pick and choose from all the dishes in front of you. You can have a few bites of pork, then a few of chicken, then some stewed squash or napa cabbage (this one with mushrooms, pork and little tiny dried shrimp).

For breakfast we’ve had two options most mornings. Little cafes around town specialize in what’s called egg pie, which is just a rice flour tortilla type thing on a griddle with a scrambled egg poured on top to cook. Before flipping it closed and sliced into pieces you can add many different fillings. One of my favorites is dried pork (which is kind of fluffy and hair like) with corn, and a sweet mayo sauce. Our other breakfast has been these amazing traditional Tawianese pastries. I’ll describe those for you later.

Since I’m almost out of time for today, let me wrap up with my favorite sweet treat that I had yesterday (oh there are so many I hope to describe). It’s a mango shaved ice. Shaved Ice is a taiwanese speciality I’ll try and describe later, but for this version the ice is actually flavored like Mango, then fresh mango pieces are frozen and put on top, then two scoops of mango ice cream, and some condensed milk over it all, with little chocolate sprinkles. It’s very refreshing, and very Mango!!

There are many more tales to come. On Tuesday, we’re on our way to Japan, so that should be all new experiences to describe.

Not missing Georgia yet, but I’m sure that’ll happen before the end of the trip.

I hope everyone orders big this week! Keep your bellies full of good food while we’re away!

and EAT WELL,

Justin in Taiwan
Chuck in Rabun
Teri in Clarkesville
Andrew in Gainesville

Dawson Local Harvest:  Oh, Boy, Bok Choi!

DAWSON LOCAL HARVEST for May 22nd

Oh, Boy, Bok Choi!

HI EVERYBODY!

Several vendors are back on The Market this week.

LEILANI’S is adding Bok Choi this week and Romaine Lettuce, Buttercrunch head Lettuce and Kale are available again along with Salad Mix, Turnips, Swiss Chard and one or two others. Check the Vegetable listings.

MY DAILY BREAD has a full product slate; I just got one of their Rye-Pumpernickel Loaves and thought it was great (plus high in fiber and low glycemic for blood sugar watchers).

Don’t forget FIVE HENS FARMS have great-tasting free-range chicken Eggs in 3 sizes. These are serious difference makers if you like quiche, omelets, or egg pie. You need to try them.

To see everything available in The Market just click that tab and look at the Product Listing down the left side. Any heading with numbers beside them have products to be explored. There’s some interesting items here.

THE MARKET IS NOW OPEN!

REMEMBER! You can order until Tuesday night at 8pm. Pick up your order at Leilani’s Gardens Friday afternoons from 4 to 7pm.

You’ll find the DAWSON LOCAL HARVEST at http://dawsonville.locallygrown.net

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible! We guarantee your satisfaction with all products in the DAWSON LOCAL HARVEST.

Have a happy and healthy week!

Alan Vining
Market Manager

Madison GA:  The Market is Open!!!!!

See everyone Wed!!

Fresh Harvest, LLC:  Fresh Harvest for May 17th

Market News

Hello!

It is high strawberry time in these parts. The berries are at their peak – sweet and juicy and abundant! Now is the time to take full advantage of their goodness, as their season is short and they won’t be around much longer. These strawberries are grown right here outside of Nashville by Drury Family Farm and Rocky Glade Farm, and are grown organically. which means they are a perfectly healthy choice for your family! They are picked ripe and ready to eat! Stock up for winter by freezing or making jam. Yum!! There is nothing like strawberry time!

Once again this year we will have The Peach Truck set up next to us for Wednesday deliveries. They will be there at 4:00 – 6:00 every week through their season. We invite The Peach Truck to set up next to us as a service for you, our dear customers! However, please know that we are not responsible for their product – they are a separate entity than Fresh Harvest and we are not affiliated with the farms that grow the peaches that they sell. While ALL of Fresh Harvest’s produce is grown organically, the peaches from The Peach Truck are NOT organic. They are considered “low spray”. If you have further questions about what that means, please contact the Peach Truck directly.

It’s the last week of school for many. How about bringing your child’s teacher a sweet bouquet of bachelor buttons to show your appreciation for all their hard work this year? Or a trio of Little Seed Farm soaps, wrapped in a pretty bow?

Please remember if you have signed up for the Pre-Paid bouquets, please place your order in the “Pre-Paid Bouquet” box on the Market page.

We still have a nice selection of tomato and basil plants available for your garden. More of the classic pesto variety ‘Genovese’ as ready this week. but if your haven’t yet, please do try a lemon or lime basil ! The flavor and smell are amazing!

There of course is a fabulous selection of cheeses up, and Dozen bakery’s delicious, fresh baked artisan bread – the baguette and the country loaf, as well as the brown sugar shortcakes, for instant strawberry shortcake dessert!

As always, thanks so much for your support, and we look forward to seeing you on Wednesday

John and Tallahassee

Coming Events

Champaign, OH:  The Look Of Love

That’s the look, that’s the look…
The look of love…
(ABC – The Look Of Love)

So, this past weekend was the graduation of the Cosmic Co-Ed, who is now the Cosmic Graduate? Anyway, sitting at the ceremony, crying, and feeling so proud of my daughter, I listened to the speeches as they spoke about many things that come with being an alumni of EKU. It made me think of my own EKU pride, my own reflections back to the some of the most amazing times, amazing bonds, and amazing memories and accomplishments.

I graduated in the mid 1980s. I remember it like it was just yesterday. The college years, the music, the sorority, the clubs, the friends, the classes..as we left the ceremony, on Friday, with the excitement of the day, the many hugs with the graduates that I have grown close with, over the past four years, big hugs to my own graduate, and many memories, I took a quick buzz through the campus, one last time. I took a buzz through the pretty little college town. I remembered each downtown place, each club, each hangout. 80’s music was blasting in my brain. And, this song totally summed up my thoughts, my goodbye, my closure. Will I go back? Yes, I will be back for homecoming festivities, sorority alumni functions, but to actually make trips down to be with my daughter, no, not so much.

Anyway, this song also has popped into my brain to describe my day, yesterday, after scouting out multiple surrounding county farmers’ markets. I am not going to name the counties or the markets. It was for an education, of sorts. Research. But, in the midst of this, I stumbled on some very amazing findings.

The Look Of Love…our little local market of love. This sentiment never rang more true…

After the research, I would like to give the vendors of this little local market a HUGE dose of love!!! And, of thanks!!!

Hands down, the products offered on this market are superb to some that I ran into on my research frenzy. The vendors of this market? OMG…you are the best!!!!! You sell your booties off, you are SO customer friendly, your products sell on their own but our customer base LOVE seeing your smiling faces, when they can, with your products. Price points? TOTAL love fest, here!!! Your prices and your dedication to making sure you keep your prices at an affordable price point for our customers are what makes this market soar!!! The product offerings on this little local market of love? Totally blows other markets out of the water!!

So, as market manager, fellow vendor, market cheerleader, I thank vendors and customers from the bottom of my heart!!! Pride, love, pricing, product quality…you do it all, you do it with the look of love, and you make this market what it has become!

The look of local was never filled with so much LOVE…

The market is open, the products are outstanding, the seasonal products will be short lived, and we would love to show you what local love looks like!

Peace, Love, Good Vibes…
Cosmic Pam

Russellville Community Market:  RCM Opening Bell

Welcome to another RCM Market Week!

Be sure to check out the newly listed items this week! Lots of great, local products to be had!

Happy shopping! Eat Local!

Check out the “Featured Items” section as well as the “What’s New” section at the top of the market page for all the latest products available.

Be sure to “Like” our Facebook page for updates and food-related events in your community!

To ensure your order is placed, make sure you click the “Place My Order” button once you have completed your shopping. Remember, you have until 10:00pm Tuesday evening to place your orders.

Happy Shopping! See you on Thursday!

Russellville Community Market

FRESH.LOCAL.ONLINE.

Stones River Market:  The Market is Back Open

Market News

The Market is back open this morning and produce is starting make a bigger appearance. New varieties of lettuce are available as well as an abundance of other greens. Garlic scapes have arrived too.

The weather has been consistently warm and if you are interested in starting a home garden, we have plenty of different plants that are perfect for anyone to grow. Now is the time to get your growing.

Notes from our vendors this week:

From Chef Jenny with JENuine Health

Strawberry Sweet Treats – this special treat was made especially for the Franklin Farmer’s Market strawberry festival. It’s a delightful mix of toasted sunflower, pumpkin, and poppy seeds that are sweetened with freeze dried strawberries, agave, and coconut sugar. For more information about the products visit the new website at: www.sostn.com.

From Linda with Dogwood Valley Greenhouse

We have only one succulent planter and one windowsill herb garden left, so get yours soon! We do have lots of beautiful hanging baskets as well, nice for your patio this summer. Pick up an Aloe vera plant to help when you get sunburn – because you know you will!! Our tomato plants didn’t like the warm temperature in the plant room and are taller than planned, but still very healthy, and now reduced in price. Among perennial friends flowering this week are the astilbes, beard-tongue, carnations, coral bells, pincushion flowers, small sedums, yarrows, gauras, and lavenders. The many types of ferns and herbs are all looking really nice. Gift certificates from Dogwood Valley Greenhouse are available in any denomination on the market.

Thanks so much!

Blessings,
Linda

From Sean with Nuance Coffee & Tea

Nuance Coffee & Tea has added four new coffees, to our offerings, this week. A Colombian “Dulima”, Tanzanian Peaberry, Honduran (FTO) and a D.R. of Congo “Triple Picked”. Don’t forget that we have Bodum brand, 70th Anniversary Edition, French Press and Assam teapot sets. Just go to the “Coffee and Tea” category and then click on “Brewing Accessories” to order these great new items. They make great gifts for Father’s day! Enjoy!

There are plenty of other products available this week. Browse the categories to see what your will find.

Thanks so much for your support of Stones River Market, all of our growers, local food, and our rights to eat it. We’ll see you on Wednesday at Southern Stained Glass at 310 West Main Street from 5:00 to 6: 30 pm!

Recipes

Please, share your recipes with us on the Recipes tab. We’d all love to know how you use your Stones River Market products, so we can try it too!

I am taking a break from recipes. Look for them to return soon.

South Cumberland Farmer's Market:  Dogwood Valley Greenhouse

We have only one succulent planter and one windowsill herb garden left, so get yours soon! We do have lots of beautiful hanging baskets as well, nice for your patio this summer. Pick up an Aloe vera plant to help when you get sunburn – because you know you will!! Our tomato plants didn’t like the warm temperature in the plant room and are taller than planned, but still very healthy, and now reduced in price. Among perennial friends flowering this week are the astilbes, beard-tongue, carnations, coral bells, pincushion flowers, small sedums, yarrows, gauras, and lavenders. The many types of ferns and herbs are all looking really nice. Gift certificates from Dogwood Valley Greenhouse are available in any denomination on the market.

Gwinnett Locally Grown:  Sunday Market Reminder! Welcome Back BeeBerry Farms!

The Market is open Thursday at 9 – Monday at noon After that, ordering is disabled until Thursday morning. Pick up your order Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. only at Rancho Alegre Farm at 2225 Givens Road, Dacula, GA 30019. New to The Market? Learn about how it works here.

MARKET NEWS

Welcome back BeeBerry Farms!

Kevin at BeeBerry Farms has wonderful Certified Naturally Grown strawberries! As the season progresses they will have blueberries, blackberries and raspberries! Yum!!
You can choose from fresh that are picked within 24 hours or fresh frozen that are both sweet and juicy!
Check out their Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/BeeBerryFarms

Get your strawberries this week!

Workshops
Join us for a workshop! You’ll be amazed by the plethora of information and lessons offered by our fantastic workshop instructors. Our workshops cover subjects such as gardening, nutrition, nutrient dense foods, natural remedies, essential oils, and much more!
Our goal is to host one workshop a week which will always be on Tuesday. The workshop schedule will rotate from 10:30 AM, 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM for the community’s convenience. The farm brings workshops to the community as an outreach to share the wealth of knowledge we have attained over the years. We do not charge for these events but allow the speakers to charge a fee to cover their time and supplies. We hope everyone will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Please share this with all your friends and family and RSVP via FB Eventsand/or Meet-Up.

Workshops @ the Farm

*Easy Paleo Meals with Keila Workshop – Lose Weight, Have More Energy
Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00pm
RSVP on Facebook or Meetup.com
*

_As Always….
_Please share with friends and family about us so that we can give more people the opportunity to buy and eat healthy! Local farmers need our support to keep providing us with all the fresh foods! If we don’t give them enough business, it’s hard for them to continue to deliver to us. Please let’s not let that happen! Tell your friends about us so we can keep the Growers supported as this is how they make their living. *_

Thank you to all of you who support Gwinnett Locally Grown!

If there is something you’d like to see in the Market, please let me know! I would love your imput!

Remember…
The Market is open from 4:00 to 7:00pm!
Having said that, if you place an order with us, PLEASE remember to pick it up on Tuesday. As I am so grateful for your orders, I also have a family at home waiting on me too! We cannot hold orders, especially cold items due to limited refrigeration space, so please be courteous and come for your order.

CLICK HERE NOW to Shop Gwinnett Locally Grown!

Thanks for all your support!

Shop often and eat well!

Cheryl Gelatt
Market Manager
grow@ranchoalegrefarm.com

Fresh Wishes,
Pilar Quintero
Market Host
Rancho Alegre Farm

Please email grow@ranchoalegrefarm.com for questions pertaining to Market or Raw Milk. It is very difficult to return phone calls. Remember to interact with us on Facebook and follow us on Meetup to get notification on all our wonderful events and news.

CLG:  Opening Bell: New Grower, ANP & Plant Sale!!!

Good afternoon,
Two bits of good news for CLG: First, Arkansas Natural Produce will deliver this Friday so look for their wonderful products. Second, we are happy to introduce a new Grower! Weal and Woe Farm. I’ve been out to the farm and found an impressive array of vegetables that will be available during the year. Please take a look at the photos Katie has posted and you’ll see the promise of a fruitful season.

A Note from Weal and Woe Farm:
Weal and Woe Farm is just a stone’s throw from Conway in Perry County. It is run by Katie Beaton and Andy Olson, and is home to a flurry of activity, providing Central Arkansas with high quality vegetables and cut flowers. Weal and Woe Farm is dedicated to growing delicious and seasonal food for Arkansans in a manner that is environmentally friendly to the farm and land we call home. We don’t use synthetic chemicals, choosing intensive management and a good dose of hard work to deal with pest and weed pressures. We welcome your feedback and questions and are excited to be a part of the Conway Locally Grown market!

A Note from Barnhill Orchards:
New this week: cabbage & cauliflower, offered individually and in combinations!

We would also like to thank Jerry Markham from Bluebird Hill Berry Farm for giving each customer and volunteer a complimentary dozen eggs on Friday! He brought 66 dozen eggs to say THANKS for your support.

Come early on Friday for the best selection from the EXTRAS table.

The market is now OPEN for orders. Please check your email about 5 minutes after you place your order to make sure you get an order confirmation. Thank you for being a valuable part of CLG!

Have a great week!
Steve

ONLINE PAYMENT OPTION. When you are done shopping, just hit the “proceed to checkout” button in your cart. You will then see the option to “Pay Now” with credit card near the bottom. Just follow the prompts to add your card. Be sure to read the screen until you see “Thank you for your order” on the top. If you need help, please call 339-7958. A 3% online payment convenience fee will be added when your card is charged.

How to contact us:

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. Instead…

Phone or text: Steve – 501-339-1039

Email: Steve – kirp1968@sbcglobal.net

Our Website: www.conway.locallygrown.net

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Conway-Locally-Grown/146991555352846