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Month: January 2025
Local
LOCAL
Local
LOCAL
LOCAL
We do the “usual” farm things like canning, freezing and drying produce in one form or another but in today’s environment it’s almost impossible to be totally self-reliant. Going to the local grocery is almost unavoidable so when you have a chance to purchase your food from a fellow farmer it can be very rewarding.
Recently I was introduced to a farmer in Parkman that grows some 600 acres of organic grains and produce. An amount almost unimaginable by me.
The beauty is that I was able to use his whole grain flour to produce the bread we eat. Replacing flour from various far away sources with unknown handling practices with locally grown, organic flour produced by hardworking farmers who take personal pride in their craft.So, I thought what other benefits are there to buying local?
- Freshness: Locally grown produce often travels shorter distances to reach your plate, meaning it’s usually fresher and more flavorful.
- Nutritional Value: Fresh produce tends to retain more nutrients. Plus, local farmers may prioritize sustainable practices over maximizing shelf life.
- Supporting Local Economies: When you buy from local farmers and producers, you help boost the local economy and support small businesses in your community.
- Environmental Impact: Local food often has a smaller carbon footprint since it doesn’t need to be transported long distances. This can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower overall energy consumption.
- Seasonal Eating: Eating locally encourages you to consume foods that are in season, which can lead to a more varied and balanced diet.
- Connection to Food Sources: Knowing where your food comes from helps you build a deeper connection to what you eat and fosters a greater appreciation for farming practices.
- Community Building: Farmers’ markets and local food events create opportunities for community engagement and help build stronger social ties.
So, next time you’re at the market, you might find that buying local is not just a tasty choice, but a feel-good one, too! 🌱🍅
The flour I speak of can be purchased from the Rusted Rooster Farm
Pita Bread
Homemade Pita BreadEquipment
- 1 Large Bowl
- 1 Pizza Stone
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Warm Water
- 2 tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
- 3 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour we used local Turkey Red Flour
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast and sugar and stir until dissolved. Stir in1/2 cup of flour and let sit for 15 minutes, until mixture foams.
- Add oil, salt and 2 1/2 cups flour, (reserving 1/2 cup) and stir with a wooden spoon until shaggy mass forms. Dust a clean surface with some of the reserved flour and knead until smooth and elastic, about 7 minutes. Adding more of the reserved flour if the dough is too sticky. Dough should be soft and moist.
- Place dough in a clean large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Leave in a warm place until dough has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Place pizza stone or large cas-iron skillet in your oven and preheat to 500f. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Punch down dough and turn it out onto surface. Divide dough into 8 pieces and roll into balls. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Working one at a time, roll each round into a 1/4" thick circle about 6" wide, sprinkle dough with flour if starts to stick.
- Working quickly as possible, open your oven and place as many pitas that will fit on your skillet or stone without touching. Let bake until air pocket ballon and the pita begin to turn golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining rounds.
- Cover baked pitas with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
Maine Maple Syrup
The practice of making maple syrup was first developed by the Indigenous peoples of Northeastern North America. They discovered that the sap from maple trees could be collected and boiled down to create a sweet syrup. Legends from various tribes tell different stories about how this discovery was made, often involving accidental spills or divine intervention.
Maine Maple Syrup
Although we have a little more modern spin than the original inhabitants of the Northeast, basically it’s made in the same way.
Making maple syrup is a labor of love and a bit of alchemy! To produce one gallon of maple syrup, it typically requires about 40 gallons of maple sap. This ratio can vary slightly depending on the sugar content of the sap, but 40:1 is a commonly accepted standard.
The process involves collecting the sap, then boiling it down to evaporate the excess water, concentrating the sugars to create that rich, sweet syrup we all love.
Many larger operations use RO machines, (Reverse Osmosis) to remove a lot of the water content in the sap prior to boiling. This reduces the energy required to make the finished product. Unfortunately, we do not have an RO machine at this time. We just boil the ole fashion way.
Rip, (the dog) and I started replacing all the tubing. We phased out buckets for the most part for a number of reasons.
Using tubing to tap maple trees offers several advantages over traditional collection buckets:
1. Efficiency
Tubing systems allow sap to flow continuously from the trees to a central collection point, reducing the need for manual labor to gather sap from individual buckets. This streamlines the collection process and saves time and effort.
2. Hygiene
Tubing systems are more hygienic because they minimize the exposure of sap to open air and contaminants. Buckets can sometimes collect debris, insects, or other impurities, which can affect the quality of the sap.
3. Consistency
Tubing ensures a more consistent flow of sap as it is less affected by weather conditions such as wind or rain, which can cause buckets to tip over or fill with water.
4. Higher Yield
Tubing systems often lead to higher sap yields because they can be set up to maximize the number of taps per tree and optimize sap flow. This can result in a more efficient and productive sap collection.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
In the long run, tubing systems can be more cost-effective, despite the initial investment in equipment. They reduce labor costs and increase production efficiency, leading to higher profitability for maple syrup producers.
6. Sustainability
Tubing systems can be more sustainable for the trees as they allow for less invasive tapping methods and can be set up to minimize damage to the trees over time.
Overall, tubing provides a modern and efficient method for maple syrup production, ensuring higher quality and quantity while reducing labor and improving sustainability.
Maple syrup is a fantastic natural sweetener that offers several benefits:
Natural and Minimal Processing
Maple syrup is derived from the sap of maple trees, undergoing minimal processing. This means it retains more of its natural nutrients compared to heavily processed sweeteners like white sugar.
Rich in Nutrients
Maple syrup contains essential minerals like manganese, zinc, calcium, and potassium, as well as vitamins like riboflavin. These nutrients can provide some health benefits and support overall well-being.
Lower Glycemic Index
Maple syrup has a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for managing energy levels and avoiding the sharp spikes and crashes associated with high-glycemic sweeteners.
Distinct Flavor
The unique, rich flavor of maple syrup makes it a versatile sweetener that can enhance a variety of dishes. Its earthy sweetness pairs well with both sweet and savory recipes, from pancakes and waffles to marinades and glazes.
Antioxidants
Maple syrup contains antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These compounds can contribute to overall health and may offer protective benefits.
Natural and Vegan
As a plant-based product, maple syrup is suitable for vegans and those seeking natural alternatives to animal-derived sweeteners like honey.
Versatility
Maple syrup can be used in cooking, baking, and beverages. It can substitute for sugar in recipes, provide a natural sweetener for drinks, or serve as a topping for various foods.
Overall, maple syrup offers a natural, nutrient-rich, and flavorful alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, making it a great choice for those looking to add a touch of sweetness to their diet.
I’d say we use maple syrup as a sweetener 80% of the time. Did I mention maple candy?
Oatmeal Molasses Bread
Baking your own oatmeal molasses bread is a delightful and rewarding experience, offering several benefits:
- Control Over Ingredients: You can choose high-quality, organic ingredients, avoid preservatives, and adjust the recipe to suit dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Freshness: There’s nothing quite like the taste and aroma of freshly baked bread. Home-baked bread is free from the additives and preservatives found in store-bought versions.
- Nutritional Value: Homemade bread can be more nutritious. Oatmeal is rich in fiber and essential nutrients, while molasses adds iron, calcium, and magnesium.
- Customization: You can experiment with different flours, add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits, and adjust the sweetness or texture to your liking.
- Cost-Effective: Baking at home can be more economical in the long run, especially if you bake regularly.
- Therapeutic Activity: Baking can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity, offering a sense of accomplishment and creativity.
And hey, it’s a wonderful way to fill your home with the comforting, inviting scent of freshly baked bread.
Oatmeal Molasses Bread
Simple oatmeal and molasses bread.Equipment
- 2 Large Bowls one for mixing and one for letting the dough rise in
- 2 Loaf Pans 2 large loaf pans(13X5) or 3 smaller ones (9X5)
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Water Boil
- 2 Cups Quick or cut oats
- 3/4 tsp Cinnamin opt
- 1/4 Cup Sugar
- 3 tbsp coconut oil Can substitute
- 3 tsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Flax Seed
- 1 Cup Molasses Can cut with maple syrup if using less sugar
- 8-9 Cups Bread Flour Organic non-bleached
- 2 1/8 tsp dry yeast
Instructions
- Add oats, cinnamon, sugar, oil, salt, flax seed, molasses and or maple syrup in a large bowl.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a full boil and add to dry ingredients. Mix well.
- Allow mixture to cool to 109-115, (no higher) before adding yeast.
- After yeast is well mixed in, add flour and kneed for 5 to 10 minutes creating a soft ball. Put dough in large slightly oiled bowl and allow to rise for 90 minutes.Keep warm 98-105F or place in bread proofer. Dough should almost double in size.
- After 90 minutes, take dough out of the proofer and spread out on a board roughly the length of the pans. Split in two halves, (or thirds) and place into pans lined with parchment paper.
- Place bread pans in a warm place and once again allow it to rise. 60 minutes.
- After the bread has risen, put a small amount of whole oats on the top of the loaves and gently press in.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees, once up to temperature bake for 46 minutes or until the center of the loaf is 200F.
- Take bread out of the pans and place on a wire rack and allow to cool.
- ~ENJOY~
Maple Syrup
100% locally sourced and harvested maple syrup. Tasty dark
$12.00 – $22.00Roxiva Light Therapy
Taking care of our bodies should include taking care of our minds and emotional wellness as well.
The RX1 lamp uses audio-visual entrainment (AVE), where synchronized light and sound rhythms stimulate the brain, promoting creativity, introspection, and moments of clarity. It’s designed to help users achieve benefits similar to those of long-term meditation or psychedelic experiences, but in a safe, controlled, and drug-free manner
By incorporating Roxiva light therapy into your health routine, you can create a holistic approach to well-being that addresses both mental and physical aspects.
Roxiva light therapy offers a range of potential benefits, including:
- Pain Management: By reducing inflammation and promoting circulation, Roxiva light therapy can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Muscle Recovery: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often use this therapy to speed up muscle recovery and reduce post-exercise soreness.
- Skin Health: It is believed to support collagen production and improve skin tone and texture.
- Stress Reduction: The immersive light and sound experience can help induce a state of deep relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Improved Sleep: The therapy can promote better sleep by helping users achieve a more relaxed state before bedtime.
- Enhanced Focus and Clarity: By guiding the brain into states of heightened awareness, Roxiva light therapy can improve focus and mental clarity.
- Emotional Balance: The therapy can help users achieve emotional balance and resilience, similar to the effects of long-term meditation.
These benefits make Roxiva light therapy a versatile tool for enhancing overall well-being and personal development.
Roxiva light therapy is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:
- Safety Questionnaire: Before starting a session, users are required to complete a safety/informed consent questionnaire. This helps identify any potential risks, such as sensitivity to strobing or flickering light, which could trigger seizures in rare cases.
- Facilitator Supervision: Sessions are typically supervised by trained facilitators who ensure your safety and comfort throughout the experience.
- Adjustable Intensity: The light intensity can be adjusted to suit individual comfort levels, and users can cover their eyes or move away from the light if it feels too intense.
- Hydration and Rest: It’s recommended to arrive hydrated and well-rested to get the most out of the experience.
Note: This post is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Trademarks are acknowledged and respected.
Apple Tree Pruning Time
It’s that time of year again-apple pruning time.
Pruning apple trees is typically done during the late winter to early spring months. Here in Palmyra, Maine, this generally means you can start around February and continue through March or even early April, depending on the weather. This period is ideal because the tree is still dormant, which minimizes stress and allows for better wound healing as the growing season begins.
Pruning during this time also helps shape the tree, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve air circulation, all of which are essential for a healthy apple crop.
Pruning apple trees is a key part of maintaining their health and productivity. Here are some basics to get you started:
Tools You Need
- Sharp Pruning Shears: For small branches.
- Loppers: For medium-sized branches.
- Pruning Saw: For large branches.
Steps for Pruning
- Remove Dead or Diseased Wood: Start by cutting away any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. This helps prevent the spread of disease.
- Eliminate Suckers and Water Sprouts: These are unwanted shoots that grow from the base of the tree or along branches. Removing them helps direct the tree’s energy towards fruit production.
- Cut Back to a Bud or Branch: When making a cut, do so just above a bud or side branch. This promotes healthy growth.
- Thin Out the Crown: Remove branches that are crossing or crowded to improve air circulation and light penetration. Aim to have an open structure with well-spaced branches.
- Shape the Tree: Maintain the tree’s desired shape, often a central leader (one main trunk with branches forming a pyramid shape) or an open center.
Tips
- Prune Regularly: Annual pruning is best to keep the tree healthy and productive.
- Be Patient: It might look drastic at first, but proper pruning encourages better fruit production in the long run.
- Disinfect Tools: Clean your tools between cuts, especially when dealing with diseased wood, to prevent spreading disease.
Pruning can seem daunting, but with practice, it becomes much easier. 🍏🌳 If you have any questions, feel free to ask. If I don’t know the answer I probably know someone who does.
Why Heirloom Seeds Are Important
why are heritage seeds important?
Heritage seeds, also known as heirloom seeds, play a crucial role in preserving agricultural biodiversity and cultural heritage. Here are some key reasons why they are important:
- Genetic Diversity: Heritage seeds maintain a wide range of genetic traits, which can help crops resist diseases, pests, and adverse environmental conditions. This diversity is essential for the resilience of our food supply.
- Cultural Heritage: These seeds are often passed down through generations, preserving traditional varieties that have historical and cultural significance. Growing heritage crops helps maintain the connection to our agricultural past.
- Flavor and Nutrition: Heirloom varieties are often prized for their superior flavor, texture, and nutritional value compared to many modern hybrids. They offer unique and diverse tastes that are often lost in commercially grown produce.
- Sustainability: Heritage seeds are typically open-pollinated, meaning they can be saved and replanted year after year. This practice promotes sustainable farming and reduces the dependence on commercial seed companies.
- Environmental Benefits: Many heirloom varieties are well-adapted to local growing conditions, requiring fewer chemical inputs like pesticides and fertilizers. This can lead to more environmentally friendly farming practices.
Preserving and growing heritage seeds is a meaningful way to support biodiversity, sustainability, and cultural heritage in our food systems. 🌱
Non-GMO Verses GMO
Growing non-GMO (non-genetically modified organism) plants is a great choice for many reasons. Here are a few benefits:
- Natural Selection: Non-GMO plants are naturally bred, which means they maintain the genetic diversity that is crucial for resilience against diseases and environmental changes.
- Health and Safety: Some people prefer non-GMO products because they want to avoid the potential health risks associated with genetically modified foods. While there is ongoing debate about the safety of GMOs, choosing non-GMO can be a way to minimize exposure to anything you’re unsure about.
- Environmental Impact: Non-GMO farming often involves more sustainable practices. Many GMO crops are engineered to withstand certain herbicides, which can lead to increased herbicide use and potential environmental harm.
- Biodiversity Preservation: By growing non-GMO plants, you’re helping to preserve the genetic heritage of crops. This is essential for maintaining a wide variety of plants that can adapt to different growing conditions and climates.
If you’re looking to start a non-GMO garden, make sure to look for seeds labeled as “non-GMO” or “heirloom.” These will ensure that you’re growing plants that haven’t been genetically modified. Happy gardening! 🌼🌽
Where to Find Non-GMO Seeds
Here are some reputable websites that specialize in non-GMO, organic, and heirloom seeds:
- Seed Savers Exchange: A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds. They offer a wide variety of non-GMO seeds and have a strong focus on heritage varieties.
- Johnny’s Selected Seeds: Known for their organic seeds and plants, Johnny’s has been farming organically since 1979 and is a signer of the Safe Seed Pledge.
- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds: They offer a large selection of heirloom seeds and are committed to non-GMO seed production.
- Botanical Interests: This company provides a variety of organic, non-GMO seeds and plants, including heirloom varieties.
- Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply: They offer a range of organic and non-GMO seeds and gardening supplies.
These companies are committed to sustainable and socially responsible practices, ensuring you get high-quality, non-GMO seeds for your garden. Happy planting! 🌱
Composting to Build Better Soil
Compost is like a magic potion for your garden. It’s a nutrient-rich material created from decomposed organic matter, such as food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings. When you compost, you’re essentially letting nature break down these materials into a dark, crumbly substance that can be added to soil to help plants grow stronger and healthier. Plus, composting is a fantastic way to reduce waste and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Starting a composting project is both environmentally friendly and great for your garden. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
- Choose a Compost Bin: You can buy a compost bin or make your own. The size depends on how much compostable material you produce.
- Select a Location: Find a dry, shady spot near a water source for your compost bin.
- Add Compostable Materials: Layer your compost with a mix of “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials like fruit scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials like leaves, straw, and cardboard).
- Maintain Moisture: Keep the compost moist, but not too wet. Think of a wrung-out sponge as your moisture guide.
- Turn the Pile: Every few weeks, turn the compost to aerate it. This helps speed up the decomposition process.
- Wait and Harvest: In a few months to a year, you’ll have dark, crumbly compost ready to use in your garden.
The main difference between hot composting and cold composting lies in the temperature and the speed at which the composting process occurs. Here’s a brief comparison:
- Hot Composting:
- Temperature: The pile heats up to temperatures between 130°F to 160°F (54°C to 71°C).
- Speed: Decomposes quickly, often producing usable compost in 1 to 3 months.
- Management: Requires more maintenance, such as frequent turning and monitoring of moisture levels.
- Materials: Needs a balanced mix of greens and browns, chopped into smaller pieces for faster decomposition.
- Advantages: Kills weed seeds and pathogens due to high temperatures.
2. Cold Composting:
- Temperature: The pile remains at ambient temperature, usually below 100°F (38°C).
- Speed: Decomposes slowly, taking 6 months to 2 years to produce usable compost.
- Management: Requires minimal maintenance, with occasional turning and watering.
- Materials: Can handle larger pieces and a wider variety of organic matter.
- Advantages: Easier to manage and requires less effort, but may not kill all weed seeds and pathogens.
Both methods have their benefits, so the choice depends on how quickly you want compost and how much effort you’re willing to put into it. Happy composting! 🌱
3. There is a third way to compost, using worms. This method is called vermicomposting and it’s a fantastic way to compost kitchen scraps and other organic material using worms. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
- Choose a Bin: A shallow, plastic or wooden bin with a lid works well. Make sure it has drainage holes at the bottom and ventilation holes on the sides.
- Prepare Bedding: Shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir make great bedding. Moisten it until it feels like a wrung-out sponge.
- Add Worms: The most common type of worm used for vermicomposting is the red wiggler (Eisenia fetida). You can usually find them at a garden center or online.
- Add Food Scraps: Feed your worms small amounts of fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods. Bury the food in the bedding to minimize odors.
- Maintain the Bin: Keep the bin in a cool, dark place. Monitor the moisture level and add water if it gets too dry. Every few months, you can harvest the worm castings (the compost) and add fresh bedding.
Vermicomposting is an efficient and fun way to reduce waste and produce nutrient-rich compost.
Using wooden pallets as a compost bin.
Materials Needed: Gather four wooden pallets and some sturdy wire, zip ties, or screws to secure them together.
Assembly:
- Stand three pallets on their sides to form a three-sided box. Secure the corners where the pallets meet.
- Use the fourth pallet as the front door. You can either secure it with hinges to make it easy to open, or simply leave it loose so you can remove it when you need access to the compost.
Location: Place your compost bin in a convenient, shady spot with good drainage.
Usage: Start adding your compost materials (greens and browns) to the bin. The slats in the pallets provide good aeration, helping the composting process.
It’s a simple, cost-effective way to create a compost bin. 🌿👍
Feel free to ask me if you have any questions. I compost lots of kitchen waste and also on a larger scale cow manure.
Good Health Through Natural Foods
Doesn’t Matter Where You Start From
It being the first of the year it’s a logical time to start eating healthy and being more active but if you’re reading this in July for instance, July works as well.
On this blog the goal isn’t to sell anyone anything really, the hope is to spread a little bit of awareness, hope or inspiration.The Doctor Appointment
Towards the end of December, I had my annual physical and I was asked a surprising question by the doctor: Are you on any special diet? I answered “no, not really”. It wasn’t until a few days later that I recalled that question and thought about it. Being about as close to 60 as you can be and not having to take any medications puts me in the minority of Americans. Hmmm, genetics certainly play a role but what about my diet? I thought a bit more and looked at what I eat normally- Lots of oats, fresh chicken, home grown or at least fresh vegetables, black coffee, lots of chaga, turkey tail tea and not much in the way of red meat. I also make my own bread and yogurt. So, I guess in comparison to many Americans I am on a special diet.
Started Watching a Few Documentaries
After a while you start seeing the parallels between personal health and soil and forest health, a healthy personal biome and a healthy forest biome. Where everything big and small play an intricate part of the whole. In order for a forest to be healthy it has to have diversity as do people pertaining to diet. If you can “see” the overall trend of your diet, you can almost anticipate certain outcomes.
We sat and watched a documentary about diet as it pertains to heart health and learned many things. I’ll try and recap a few points here.
Heart disease and cancers are epidemic in the United States and is a growing problem worldwide. As we all speed through our daily lives everyone feels the pressure of having limited time for our health, especially when it comes to eating. So in many cases we grab what we can on the go, many times that means we are offered worst choices. Over time those choices have consequence, and our bodies will no longer be able to perform their functions without fault.
In one documentary they looked at data from China. Why China? Because the data offered a view at millions of data points from millions of people over a large geographic area and lifestyles.
As China grows into the new millennium and their urban areas and population habits begin to mimic American population eating habits it’s no surprise that their cardiovascular disease and cancer rates should increase to mirror our own.
Interesting enough, in the more rural areas and the poorer populations cardiovascular disease and cancers and almost unheard of. The main difference in the two groups is diet and exercise. Poorer communities eat more vegetables and little or no red meat and are generally more active.The doctors and scientists touched on other interesting things like how ineffective big pharma is at treating our ailments. Installing stints to bypass or clean out plaque that has grown in the artier walls of the heart has become almost routine in the U.S. Most of those efforts are a temporary fix and cost thousands, (big pharma must love them). Now, these doctors and scientists in the documentary showed where not only can plaque buildup be avoided but can also be reversed without surgery through diet and exercise.
The human body is amazing, and you can affect how it looks and behaves through diet and exercise.
Check out this video to start your own personal journey to living a healthier life. Short clip from documentary Rip Esselstyn’s Scenes in Forks Over Knives Documentary
