In our wondrous winter wonderland, it's easy to forget that our local farmers STILL have plenty of fresh produce for sale. The majority of this fresh produce is in the form of roots. Many vegetable plants store their own "food" in their roots, typically in the form of carbohydrates. Today we'll be focusing on locally produced taproots in the form of turnips, parsnips, rutabagas, carrots, beets and burdock. For now, we won't confuse our taproots with tuberous roots like yams, potatoes or sunchokes...Here is a rundown of our current local taproot supply:
Beets come from Harmony Valley Farm in Viola. Experts at certified organic growing, post harvest storage, cleaning and packing, Harmony Valley provides us with a consistent supply of roots throughout the winter. You may be familiar with their 3# bagged soup mix which we stock with vigor while it's available. A simple solution to your evening meal quandry is a bag of soup mix with a few recipes right on the bag. You'll also find burdock root, a culinary thistle that was the inspiration for Velcro, organically grown by Harmony Valley on the shelves. Burdock is also a traditional medicinal herb that is used for many ailments.We've got carrots coming out our ears. Easily the most popular taproot out there, and
our signature product, we've always got carrots in stock. You will find California carrots on our shelves - and we carry these for a variety of reasons. Our local supply of carrots can vary in quality, size and appearance. The California Carrots are consistently great, and we carry these out of convenience for those of you looking for the standard American carrot! From time to time throughout the winter we do happen upon local carrots, and we are happy to present a variety of carrots brought to us by our friends at Six Rivers Cooperative based in Barron, WI. These bright orange carrots were grown by Dragsmith Farms, who you know from their incredible Mississippi Greens. Maurice is pictured at right with carrots grown on his farm.
Rutabaga and turnips, interestingly enough, are from the genus brassica, whose esteemed family members are also referred to as cabbages, mustards, and cole crops. Rutabaga and turnips are associated with the same potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity as their relatives. Thanks to Grandma Ingrid up in Hayward, nothing says "holiday!" to me like a pot of boiling 'bagies on the stove. These roots also come to us from Six Rivers Cooperative and are sourced from a variety of Amish and English farmers north of Eau Claire.
In sad news: Jalapenos are on short supply, Piney Hill Salad with Pizazz won't be back until the middle of January and we're sold out of Sylvan Hills garlic for the season!
our signature product, we've always got carrots in stock. You will find California carrots on our shelves - and we carry these for a variety of reasons. Our local supply of carrots can vary in quality, size and appearance. The California Carrots are consistently great, and we carry these out of convenience for those of you looking for the standard American carrot! From time to time throughout the winter we do happen upon local carrots, and we are happy to present a variety of carrots brought to us by our friends at Six Rivers Cooperative based in Barron, WI. These bright orange carrots were grown by Dragsmith Farms, who you know from their incredible Mississippi Greens. Maurice is pictured at right with carrots grown on his farm.Rutabaga and turnips, interestingly enough, are from the genus brassica, whose esteemed family members are also referred to as cabbages, mustards, and cole crops. Rutabaga and turnips are associated with the same potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity as their relatives. Thanks to Grandma Ingrid up in Hayward, nothing says "holiday!" to me like a pot of boiling 'bagies on the stove. These roots also come to us from Six Rivers Cooperative and are sourced from a variety of Amish and English farmers north of Eau Claire.
In sad news: Jalapenos are on short supply, Piney Hill Salad with Pizazz won't be back until the middle of January and we're sold out of Sylvan Hills garlic for the season!
. We would like to have your orders by November 19 to help out our suppliers scheduling.. Plan to pick up your fresh Beaver Creek Ranch turkey (avg 20#) on Friday, November 20th about noon.. The Sunnyside Farms certified organic pasture raised fresh turkeys (avg 10-15#) will be available Saturday, Nov 21st about noon. The Coon Creek Family Farm certified organic frozen turkeys are available now, but please give us a call (715-552-3366) if you'd like to place an order or sign up on our in-store clipboard by visiting us!
Organic Tangerines (
