Helpful Info on Market Produce and Product

• I’ve been doing research on Cuban oregano which grows in our backyard as it’s fragrance is SO pungent and enticing. I have found it to have medicinal uses as well as culinary. These facts were super interesting! According to Herbs: Cuban Oregano: Culinary, Medicinal Uses and Nutrition “Cuban oregano leaves also contains volatile oils which have two compounds of particular interest called thymol and carvacrol. Both natural compounds have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and were ingredients originally used in the mouthwash Listerine and also Gold Bond Powder.”
• I am always looking for new ways to cook the eggplant from our garden. I’ve been wanting to combine kaffir lime leaves & coconut milk into a recipe as I’ve never used them before. I believe I’ve found just the right recipe in Eggplant in a kaffir-lime scented coconut-milk curry Cannot wait to try it!
• I have yet to try eating katuk which is easily grown in Florida. There has been a little controversy on whether or not it truly it is safe to eat. With that said, this article on the Katuk Kontroversy didn’t make it sound too dangerous (to me) as long as you don’t exceed reality in your portions.
• I’ve been satisfying my craving for both hummus and collard greens by creating rollups! You may not know that the combination of chick peas and tahini makes a complete protein. I am loving this combo and can make ahead so I can grab and go. Here is my favorite hummus recipe done in my food processor. Simple: Mix 1 can of organic chickpeas (drained), 1/4 to 1/2 cup of tahini paste, 3 to 4 tablespoons of smoked paprika, 1 garlic clove, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, fresh ground pepper. If it’s too soupy then blend in another can of drained chickpease and nothing else. It’s perfect! I keep a bag of stripped collard leaves (or kale) right next to the hummus. I don’t refrigerate my hummus for the first few days as I like it room temp.

SPLG’S FRUIT BASKET
Starfruit aka carambolas & papayas (ripe & green!) locally grown in St. Pete.

ECONOMY SIZED PACKAGING
FRESH picked greens still in abundance this week: arugula, bok choy, broccoli greens, collard greens, Lacinato kale, Swiss chard, turmeric.

ON SALE THIS WEEK
Earthworm castings, ground beef, butter, honey, pork chorizo sausage, and turmeric.

KITCHEN GARDEN INTERNATIONAL
I thought this recipe posted on KGI’s website for “Nasturtium Butter” qualified for an honorable mention just because it’s looks so amazing! Now I have to start growing nasturtiums…

LOCAL HARVEST
This recent article on Local Harvest questions the reality of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to be implemented by 2018 and its impact on small farmers who gross more than $25K annually. “Safe Food or Regressive Regulations?” is worth a skim if you have an interest in supporting local Tampa Bay Area operations who want to invest in feeding us all. I am imagining that many local backyard urban farmers are going to become rock stars for the rest of us. We’ll be lining up to sing their praises!

MARKET MEMBERSHIP FEE is $10 if paid this month
If you have never ordered from us, you should know that the membership fee is $10 per month and doesn’t get charged until your SECOND order. Our Market Season is ending on March 31st when we close permanently.

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!