April2018 News

Our seedhouse is in full swing!  It's filling up quickly and all you see are green... and there are some reds and purples too!

In a couple of week we would have to take some of our own transplants out for hardening before planting and  to make room for more new trays of seeds that needs to be sown.  We just hope that Mother Nature will finally have enough of April Fool's on our weather so we can finally experience the real Spring!

Just like our seedhouse, our CSA Membership is filling up as well.  So if you haven't joined yet, NOW IS THE TIME!  We still have spots left in our various locations across Long Island.  Get your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to join our CSA as well! If you want to receive 20 weeks of our fresh organic produce straight from our farm, join our CSA Program now!  

Besides seeding, we started working on our tractor, getting ready before we start plowing the fields. 

We also started getting our fence fixed to prevent wildlife damage once we start planting and growing crops in the field.

In the next couple of weeks, it will be more greenhouse work and hopefully we get a stable warm weather so we can finally start working out in the field.

Earth Day!

Let's Celebrate!

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle! 
Go Organic! Support Local! 
Join a Local Organic Farm's CSAProgram!

March2018 News

With the snow still on the ground from the recent Nor’easter we recently got, we are happy to give you news updates on what’s going on in hopes that it will warm-up and brighten your days to look forward to the upcoming Spring season.

March is Nutrition Month! This year, Nutrition Month’s theme is “Eat right and go further with your food!”.  Read about our simple tips towards a healthier you and how you can go further with your food here.

We started “playing in dirt”!  The sign of actual farm work for the upcoming season begins when we start preparing in our greenhouse.  Mixing and sifting dirt to fill up our seed trays.  We produce our own transplants from carefully sourced seeds.  This way, we make sure that we abide by the organic standards without you worrying about any harmful stuff in your food.  From seed to harvest, we make sure the food you receive from our farm is not only delicious and fresh but also safe.

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It’s still winter but we start sowing our first round of crops at this time whether there is snow, rain or sun.  Freezing cold or a spring-like warmth does not matter.  We have a schedule and we follow the timeline on when to tuck the seeds in.  In a couple of days, those seeds will grow and will pop out of their blanket of dirt shooting out a leaf or two longing for some energy from the sun to be able to grow healthier before they get transplanted out in the field.

It seems that days are going by so fast…. you might not feel it today but Spring is just around the corner.  A promise of longer and a bit warmer days ahead.  Following Spring will be harvest season!  We can’t wait to devour fresh, Long Island grown, organic produce!  That being said, if you want to receive the tastiest, nutritious and high-quality organic produce, join our CSA now! You will have a direct access not only to fresh organic produce but also with us, the organic farmer that grows your food.  The value, quality, and our CSA community are superb!  Our CSA Program is filling-up, but we do still have spots left.  If you have thought of joining our CSA this year, this is the perfect time for you to sign-up.  All you need is a $100 deposit this March and you can avail of the deferred payment plan until May 1st.  We have different locations across Long Island! JOIN NOW!

Last but not the least, hope everyone will have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day this weekend.  You know what they say, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!   To celebrate, here’s a Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe (from Rodale’s Organic Life) that we would like to share with you.  A way to celebrate the holiday and eat your veggies at the same time! And don't forget to opt for Organic!

Corned Beef and Cabbage
Ingredients:
1 ¼ lb small potatoes, halved
3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2” pieces
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 bay leaf
3 lb. corned beef brisket
3 cups water
1 bottle (12oz) dark beer (optional)
1 small green cabbage, cut into 8 wedges
Direction: Combine potatoes, carrots, garlic, sugar, and bay leaf in large slow cooker. Put brisket on top of vegetables and add water and beer. Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours. Add cabbage for last 1 1/2 hours.
Remove beef from slow cooker. Let rest, loosely covered, 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Remove and discard bay leaf. Remove vegetables with slotted spoon and serve with corned beef.

Have fun and be safe! May you enjoy the rest of March and we will be in touch again soon!

Eat Right! Go Further with Your Food!

Happy Nutrition Month!

Following Heart Healthy Month of February is Nutrition Month in March. The beginning of each New Year has been focusing on one’s health and nutrition. Taking the initiative to live a balance and healthy life thru physical activity and a balanced nutritious diet.  But healthy lifestyle should not be just in the beginning of the year but should be a goal for everyone throughout the year.

Did you know that 36% of Americans have no leisure or physical activity and 68% don’t eat fruits or vegetables at least twice a day?  Although most people exercise, there is a probability that a percentage of those who have don’t eat the recommended fruits and vegetables daily.  In the world we live in nowadays there are factors that affects healthy lifestyle, specially a balanced diet such as: taste, convenience, time and effort in preparing meals, environment and media influences.  As every person is different, every diet for each individual is also different.  So it’s important to follow a healthy eating plan that meets your own needs, keeping in mind that balance is always the key.

Here are things you can start doing for a healthy lifestyle:

1.       Choose nutritious foods to eat healthy.  Include a variety of healthful foods on a regular basis: Vegetables, Fruits, Milk or Dairy, Grains and Protein. Try to limit fats, sodium, and intake of discretionary calorie

2.       Plan your meals and snacks to save time.  Be mindful of portion sizes.  Check MyPlate as a guide.

3.       Shop local and fresh that will help not only your health but also the community and the environment.  Support a local farmer, go to farmer’s market or make a commitment and join a CSA Program where you can have access to fresh, in-season local food. 
(Find out more about joining a CSA Program where you can have a direct access on fresh, in-season and locally grown certified organic produce straight from the farm to you.)

4.       Reduce waste by storing your food properly and save more on your food and grocery bills.  Consider the foods you have on hand before buying more.  Purchase only the amount of food that can be eaten or stored within a few days.  Plan ways to use any leftovers within the week.

5.       Don't forget to drink fluids.  Most preferably water.  Water helps you stay hydrated and cleans your system.

6.       Talk to a registered dietitian or nutritionist for assistance.   RDNs can provide you with easy to follow personalized nutrition guidelines that will meet your lifestyle, preference and health needs.

7.       Find activities that you enjoy to be physically active, either just by walking or following instructional classes.  Start slowly and make sure that you consult your doctor what is right for you.

Eat Right! Go further with your food! Have a healthy lifestyle!  You can find more tips from Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Experts on www.eatright.org