Our Local Foods - Organic Vegetable Farm and Local Food in Charleston, SC

CSA Update – August 17. 2010

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:51:13 +0000

Just a note to remind everyone that there is no CSA this week. You may remember that we sent an email at the beginning of the season listing the dates for this season because we are taking a four week break…We’re pretty sure no one wants to get ten pounds of okra for four weeks! The last two weeks of the late summer CSA will be Sept 14 – 17 and Sept 21 – 24.

We will be at the Pawley’s Island Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and the Daniel Island Farmer’s Market on Thursdays from 4:00 to 7:00 pm with a small amount of produce and a selection of our meat and dairy products.

Early Fall CSA will continue beginning the week of Oct 4th. If you are paying as the seasons go along, please let us know now if you plan to continue in the fall so we can get the lists ready.

For those of you who are also Kitchen table Cuisine customers, your August orders will be delivered next week ( August 24 – 27) at the usual locations.

We hope everyone enjoys the last few weeks of summer!

The Team at Our Local Foods
…always local….always in season.

Proud partner of Adaptive Gardens of the Lowcountry…a project of Coastal Community Foundation.
www.ourlocalfoods.com
www.kitchentablecuisine.com

Farm Store News – Closed for August

admin — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 19:12:42 +0000

Taking a Break

With the end of the summer growing season on us, we’ve closed the Farm Store for the month of August. We’ll still be delivering our CSA, KTC, and Chef’s orders, as well as appearing at the Daniel Island Farmer’s Market, but we won’t have the store open.
We’ll reopen the store at the beginning of September, and will put an announcement up on the web as well. We thank you for your continued support and apologize for any inconvenience.

Enjoy!

News from the farm – June 15, 2010

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:16:39 +0000

Summer Veggies coming in for some ‘cool cookin’

Cukes and tomatoes are the season’s sensations and we suggest you try a simple gazpacho this week to celebrate. We are now providing you with our organically grown heirloom tomatoes, and hope you will enjoy them.

Our tomato selection this year was chosen from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange catalog, all varieties that are time tested to withstand the humid hot south. Our efforts to baby them along seem to be worth it, as we are harvesting now in abundance. Much better results than last year.

Enjoy!

About the farm…

As I am sure you know, the last week has seen record temperatures around the region. This is especially difficult on the organic garden, as disease pressure mounts and increased pressure from insects. We have had a recent intense outbreak of squash bugs that has been relentless. Half of our summer squash, cucumbers and melons have succumbed. A recent application of Diatomaceous Earth is our hope for mitigation.
Otherwise, things are looking pretty good!

This Week’s CSA

Your CSA box this week contains eggplant, heirloom summer squashes, heirloom tomatoes, tomatillos, green beans, cucumbers, garlic and lime basil! Enjoy!!

News from the Farm – June 2, 2010

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:16:50 +0000

Kitchen Table Cuisine Now Open for June Orders

As you place your orders for the month of June between now and 11:59 pm on June 7th, you will notice changes in the organization of our online catalog that we hope will make ordering easier. Please let us know your comments about these changes.
We have two great new items:

a wonder summer Chicken and Corn Chowder
and a new flavor of ravioli from Rio Bertolini Pasta the Bacon, Corn, and Crab Ravioli

We have removed a few items from our inventory that have proved difficult to procure.

Last month, there were some difficulties and disappointment with the dairy products. Happy Cow Creamery has asked us to apologize and to explain that there is a seasonal decrease in milk production every year as their cows take the time to calve. This year that decrease coincided with a large increase in retail sales from their farm store in Pelzer, SC. This is a temporary set back for us and, with the help of the dairy, we will do everything we can to have your milk for you this month.

We appreciate your patience and understanding of the nature of farming.

Store Inventory Increasing

More at the Farmer’s Markets as well

We are broadening the selection of regionally grown certified organic produce that we will have for sale both at our farm store in McClellanville, SC and at our booths at the farmer’s market. We’ll have more items such as potatoes and onions.

Thank You Lowcountry Local First and Charleston Cooks!

On Thursday May 27th, Maria attended a wonderful CSA cooking class hosted by Lowcountry Local First and Charleston Cooks! She brought two large CSA boxes with her and the class developed several great recipes right out of the box! These recipes will be sent to you as bag notes in an email later today.

This Week’s CSA

Your CSA box this week is truely a transition from spring to summer: the last of the spring greens, potatoes, beans, summer squash, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.

There will be eggplant, tomatoes, sweet corn, and blueberries ripening for your CSA boxes in the next couple weeks.

Support Walk for Autism-Charleston

admin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:00:52 +0000

Our Local Foods Urges You to Support Walk for Autism-Charleston

In addition to selling the Autism Ribbon Floor Puzzles, we would like to encourage you to participate in the 2010 Walk for Autism-Charleston on Saturday April 17th at Hampton Park. Registration begins at 9:00 am and the Walk begins at 10:00 am. Registration is $15 for an individual or $20 for a family.

Refreshments will be provided with live music, jump castles, a sensory play area, therapy dogs, sponsor tables with information on autism, crafts, and more. Haircuts by Great Clips will be available and there will be a great silent auction to support Walk for Autism-Charleston.

See you there!

Outstanding in the Field coming to Thornhill Farm!

admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:41:02 +0000

The folks from Outstanding in the Field (www.outstandinginthefield.com) will be setting up their famous “Long Table” at Thornhill Farm on Sunday, September 26, 2010! Their mission is tore-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it. Outstanding in the Field is a roving culinary adventure – literally a restaurant without walls. Since 1999 they have set the long table at farms or gardens, on mountain tops or in sea caves, on islands or at ranches. Wherever the location, the consistent theme of each dinner is to honor the people whose good work brings nourishment to the table. Ingredients for the meal will be almost all local, with much of the produce coming from Thornhill Farm.

The meal will be prepared on site by award-winning Chef Sean Brock, of McCrady’s Restaurant in Charleston with the Our Local Foods team providing the assist! We encourage you to come join us and have a wonderful day on the farm!

We are so happy that the folks from Outstanding In The Field have chosen to include Thornhill Farm as part of their 2010 National Tour. We are also grateful that a portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Thornhill Farm’s resident non-profit organization, Adaptive Gardens of the Lowcountry. Please visit www.outstandinginthefield.com to learn more or to purchase tickets.

PLEASE READ – CSA Pickup Schedule

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:50:17 +0000

Information about Your Pick-up Location

Please Scroll Down To Find Your Pick-up Location

James Island/West Ashley pick-up

- Will remain at Normandy Farms Bakery on Windemere Blvd on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. A big thank you to Normandy Farms for continuing to be our pick-up location and to our volunteer Andrea Tremols who will be there to make sure everybody gets the right bag and add-ons!

Downtown Pick-up Location

- Is the East Bay True Value Hardware store at 18 Society Street on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:30. A big thank you to Kimberly for offering the store as our pick up location and to our volunteer Grace Rice who will be there to make sure everybody gets the right bag and the right add-ons!

Shellmore Mount Pleasant pick-up location

- Is the Sprout Café in the Eco Fitness center on Johnnie Dodds Blvd on Fridays from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. A big thank you to Mickey for offering the café as our pick up location and to our volunteer Denise Collins who will be there to make sure everybody gets the right bag and the right add-ons!

Park West Mount Pleasant pick-up location

- Is Alexandria’s Salon at the intersection of Hwy 17 and Hwy 41 behind the CVS and Sonic on Fridays from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. A big thank you to Shannon for offering the salon as our pick-up location and to our volunteer Carrie Bates and her daughter Julia who will be there to make sure everybody gets the right bag and the right add-ons!

Daniel Island pick-up location

- Is Lucia’s Pet Store across the street from the Tennis Center in the Publix Shopping center on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. When the Daniel Island Farmer’s Market begins, we will move back to the Tennis Center. A big thank you to Katherine for offering her store as our pick-up location and to our volunteer Katherine Swisshelm (different Katherine) who will be there to make sure everyone gets the right bag and the right add-ons!

Summerville pick-up location

- Orders will now be delivered directly to your home on Thursdays between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. If you will not be home for your delivery, please leave a cooler on your porch that we can put your Kitchen Table Cuisine order and your vegetables in. If you need to make any special arrangements, please call or email us immediately.

Georgetown pick-up location

- Is Anne Starne’s home on Wednesdays after 10:00 am and a big thank you to her for making her home available for this! We are happy discuss alternate arrangements for your convenience.

Pawley’s Island pick-up location

- Orders will be delivered to your home on Wednesdays after 11:00 am. If you will not be home for your delivery, please leave a cooler on your porch that we can put your Kitchen Table Cuisine order and your vegetables in. We are happy discuss alternate arrangements for your convienence.

Myrtle Beach pick-up location

- Is Charlie’s Market on 8th Avenue on Wednesday s from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. A big thank you to Charlie Caldwell for making his market open to us!

March KTC to be Delivered

March orders for Kitchen Table Cuisine will be delivered this week as well. Please remember the new Charleston location as well as the two new Mount Pleasant locations. Again, if you have any questions about the pick-up locations, please send us an email immediately.

CSA Weekly Add-Ons

You will once again have the option to add dairy products to your CSA delivery.
Order forms will be available each week for the following week. For your first order, please call the store at 843.887.3500 to set up your credit or debit account at the store for these purchases.

Please remember that when you fill out the order form, you will be ordering for delivery the following week.

One Gallon Whole Milk $5.98 each

One Half Gallon Whole Milk $3.97 each

One Half Gallon Chocolate Milk $4.27 each

One Half Gallon Strawberry Milk $4.27 each

Salted Butter, 2lb $11.57 each
Unsalted Butter, 2lb $11.57 each

One Dozen Eggs $4.00 each

March Kitchen Table Cuisine to be Delivered

March orders for

Collards!

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:54:46 +0000

Collard Greens are considered to date back to prehistoric times. The ancient Greeks and Romans grew kale and collards. Collard greens came to North America with the arrival of African Americans, and became an important satisfying meal for members of the slave community in times of poverty of nutrition. It is said that scraps of meat from slave owners tables were left over for meals for the slave component of the family, and it is still traditional to cook low value cuts of pork with greens for a flavorful dish.

Collard Greens can be enjoyed without meat as a flavor base, instead sautéed lightly in olive oil with garlic. They will maintain their bright green color and high degree of nutrient value when cooked this way. A dash of good quality balsamic vinegar when served will provide the acid needed to help the flavor pop.

If you are taking a break from the CSA right now, our next season starts March 8^th, and we are signing up now on line at http://ourlocalfoods.biz/products-page. Please join us in 2010 as we continue to grow and provide fresh, certified organic produce from the farm to your kitchen table.

CSA Update

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:23:40 +0000

Our Local Foods CSA (Customer Supported Agriculture) is now accepting subscriptions for the session starting in Late Spring (we’ve sold out the Early Spring). We are still offering 2 subscription models:

Full Year subscription – Five six 6-week sessions
Single 6-week subscription – you can subscribe to one or more of these during the year, just 6-weeks at a time (next session starts Late Spring- April 19)

For those of you want to subscribe for the Full Year, we have reduced the price accordingly and your deliveries will start with the Late Spring session. For those of you who want to subscribe to a Single 6-week session, deliveries will start with the Late Spring (rather than Early Spring) session. In both subscription types, we are still offering the Large and Medium sizes to help you best match your produce needs.

Here are the planned delivery dates:

Session	Start Date	End Date

Early Spring	SOLD	OUT
Late Spring	April 19, 2010	May 30, 2010
Early Summer	June 1, 2010	July 11, 2010
Late Summer	July 12, 2010	Aug 20, 2010
Early Fall	Sept 13, 2010	Oct 24, 2010
Late Fall	Oct 25, 2010	Dec 3, 2010

We appreciate the subscriptions we have already received for 2010, and look forward to the start of deliveries. We’ll keep you posted by email, but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us on (843)887-3500 or email us.

Thank you-

Maria Baldwin

Happy New Year 2010!!

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:33:51 +0000

You have a component of our local history and current traditional New Year fare in your CSA bags this week!

Reezy Peezy or Hoppin John!

The Southern tradition of preparing for health, wealth and good luck by enjoying field peas, collard greens and cornbread has its roots right here along the sea islands of coastal South Carolina and dates back to the days of slavery. There is much history to explore and realize in our culinary traditions. The familiar terms “pease porridge hot” and “reezy peezy – a Gullah traditional recipe” are related to field peas as an important source of protein and sustenance for the population living along the coastal south.

At Thornhill Farm, we have been growing Sea Island Red Peas, an important heritage variety of field pea. We received our seeds and the encouragement for this special crop from Chef Sean Brock at McCrady’s Restaurant and Glenn Roberts of Anson Mills. This holiday season, we are sharing our harvest with you to wish you health, wealth and good luck in the coming year!

For a traditional recipe of “reezy peezy”, please visit our friend Anson Mill’s Glenn Roberts web page at http://www.ansonmills.com/recipes-rice-15.htm.

For Hoppin’ John, soak the peas overnight. Cook them in clear water after soaking – about 1 hour. While peas are cooking, sauté ½ diced sweet onion, a mixture of diced colorful peppers (about 3/4 cup), and ½ cup diced celery. Add ½ tsp. good quality curry powder to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Add to cooked peas and continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Traditionally, the Hoppin’ John is served over rice. Hot pepper sauce is a nice accompaniment for those who enjoy a little spice.