Category Archives: Farm Fresh Blog

What a year!

Friends:

What a year 2020 has been! I write to you tonight both exhausted and filled with hope…that 2021 will usher in a return to life that feels somewhat familiar.

Like everyone else in 2020, farming and agriculture felt the weight of COVID-19.

Before we turn out the lights for Buy Haywood’s annual winter break, I wanted to wrap up 2020 with some thoughts on how you can support local businesses and bring a little extra joy into your lives. Who couldn’t use a little more JOY!

* In the era of COVID-19, our partners and local stakeholders have struggled (to say the least) like all independant resturants and businesses. We want you to take the greatest care of your family first and foremost (like we’re taking of ours) until this nightmare is behind us. Before pursuing anything on this list, please follow all CDC guidelines, recommendations from Governor Cooper’s office, any local ordinances and what feels right for you and your family.


Shop small, enjoy a taste of local for the holidays.

Can you imagine a place where farmers grow hundreds of acres of fresh produce, maintain multigenerational family-owned and operated farms, graze cattle, raise trees, herbs and bees?

Welcome to Haywood County, a place where the rich landscape of local ingredients and cultural memory nurtures unique collaborations between farmers and makers. A place where award-winning artisanal products like Peach-Shine Jam & Suburst Trout Caviar are born.

Search our online directory to explore a plethora of uniquely local flavors created by innovative artisanal producers right here in Haywood County. Any and all of these make wonderful additions to your dinner table…and the best gifts for those you love (several businesses offer shipping too!).


Eat and drink like a local.

Southern food is less about any particular ingredient and more about a state of mind. Appalachian cuisine is deeply rooted in our heritage—born through centuries of “making do,” never wasting and seeing delicious opportunities everywhere. History, resourcefulness and farm fresh flavors come together to create innovative menus and a vibrant farm-to-table experience. Discover why Haywood has earned a gold star on the regional gastronomy map! Visit the “Local Flavors” section of our 2020-21 Find your Adventure! Agritourism Guide

Feel like dining in? You can do that. Feel like take out? You can do that. Feel like buying a bottle of beer and/or spirits or a jar of jams, jellies, pickled or preserved flavors, fillet or other trout products or a dozen of local eggs for your favorite family recipe at home? You can do that! Stay safe. Stay well. Support local. That’s what we’re trying our best to do.

Visit our directory here to see what’s available where and when, do what feels most comfortable for you to support local folks.


Breakfast, lunch, dinner & in-between…made fresh right at home.

Visit our recipes page for meal inspo with farm fresh flavors that you can create right in your own kitchen. Looking for something in particular? In the search bar, type in any ingredient to find a recipe(s) that includes that item.


Gift Giving

Over the years, we’ve found some lovely gift ideas at Shelton House Museum of NC Handicrafts, Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon, 828 Market, celebrated plein air artist Jo Ridge Kelley’s studio, Sunburst Trout, Elevated Mountain Distilling Company, Blue Ridge Books (those gals are FABULOUS about ordering anything they don’t have on hand…we especially love cookbooks and anything penned by local authors), Bosu’s Wine Shop (their gift shop section is super fun…and same on the ordering what they don’t have on hand), The Market at Frankie’s Italian Trattoria, Waynesville Soda Jerks gift shop, gift certificates to any local flavors spot and the Ginn Project just to name a few! Visit our 2020-21 Agritourism Guide and online directory for an expansive list.

*The above list of local opportunities for nifty one-of-a-kind gifts is not exhaustive. Just a starting point!


Holiday decor.

Christmas trees. Wreaths. Garlands galore! Haywood County farms have everything you need to make your holidays unforgettable! More here.


Plan your farm stay.

Have friends and/or family visiting for the holidays or into the new year? Consider suggesting agritourism accomodations! Fresh air and room to roam…see more here.

Images courtesy of Buffalo Creek Vacations


Most importantly, take care of yourself and those you love. Wishing all our Buy Haywood stakeholders a safe and prosperous holiday season and blessed 2021. Together we rise!

Warmest regards,

Tina Masciarelli, MLA
Project Coordinator, Buy Haywood
tina@sofiolpress.com
(828) 734-9574

2018 Grape Growers School

Guest blog post:
Henderson County Cooperative Extension
Production Updates for Anyone Interested in Growing Grapes Commercially

Hendersonville, N.C. – NC is home to 186 wineries and provides an economic impact of $1.97 billion annually. To help growers stay competitive and current in the wine industry, NC Cooperative Extension is offering a day long school highlighting various areas of grape production. The agenda includes the following: Click Here for Complete Agenda

9:00-10:00 Vineyard Weed Management: Wayne Mitchem, Research and Extension, NCSU

10:00-11:00 Late Season Fruit Rots: Bill Cline, Plant Pathology Extension Specialist, NCSU

11:15-12:15 Vineyard IPM: Pests and Diseases: Dr. Mark Hoffman, Small Fruits Extension Specialist, NCSU

12:15-1:00 Lunch and Networking: Great Food for Any Mood Catering

1:00-2:00 Vinifera Varieties & Rootstocks for Western NC: Dr. Cain Hickey, Professor of Viticulture, UGA

2:00-2:45 Desired Grape Qualities/Varieties from Field to Bottle: Stephen Rigby, Yadkin Valley Wine Company Vintner

2:45-3:15 Vineyard Pruning Demo, Spur vs Cane Pruning: Dr. Cain Hickey

Location: Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, 588 Chestnut Gap Rd, Hendersonville, NC
Date and Time: February 28, 2018 8:00am-4:30pm; Registration starts at 8:00am
Registration Information: Register by calling the Henderson Co. Extension office at 828-697-4891 or you can register online at http://go.ncsu.edu/hcgrapeschool2018.
Lunch included. $20 registration fee the day of the event.

Any question regarding the meeting can be directed to Extension Agent, Karen Blaedow, karen_blaedow@ncsu.edu

Why I am dedicated to being a Farm Agent

Guest blog post:
John Patterson, CLCS CISR
Stanberry Insurance

When I was growing up I lived in an area that depended on farming. I lived near strawberry farms, second only in scale to those in California. I was a bike ride away from Citrus groves where oranges were delicious when fresh off the tree. I walked past acres and acres of cattle pasture on my way to the bus stop each morning. These are all things that I look back on fondly, but didn’t truly appreciate or understand until I was older.

Today some of those orange groves are shopping centers and that cattle pasture is a subdivision. Due to economic change or harsh weather, some of these farmers couldn’t keep going. While agriculture is still important in area that I grew up, my home town which is set between two larger ones, has seen a decline in farming as the demand for developable land has taken hold. This is a real life example for me of not knowing what you’ve got until it’s gone. So the question is, what can I do about it now?

For many years now I have lived in the mountains of Western North Carolina. This is my home. The beauty and majesty I see each and every day fuels my soul. I got married here, I am raising my children here, and I will be glad to live out the rest of my days here. As a father I think about my boys growing up in an area that has a rich history in agriculture and I don’t want them to watch our local farms slowly turn into shopping centers and subdivisions like I did.

Agriculture in America has always been critically important. As an industry it is connected to some many things, from Jobs, to Health, to National Security. I am determined to do my part to help and support our local farming community. As an Insurance Agent, I want farmers to know what their options are and what these coverages can do for them so they can protect what they have worked so hard for. I am also determined to get to know our local farmers and take the time to build the relationships that let them know and trust that I care about their livelihood and I will be there for them today and years from now.

When you care about something, you take the steps needed to show it and to help where you can. Writing this blog will be one of those steps for me. I hope to address issues that impact farmers and their families and to demonstrate how agriculture impacts not only our nation, but the world.

I hope that you will follow along with me on this journey,

John M. Patterson


John Patterson is a dedicated farm agent with Stanberry Insurance serving Western North Carolina. He and his wife Amanda live in Jackson County and have two boys, Liam & Ian. The rest on John’s family is largely spread across Western North Carolina from Asheville to Murphy. John grew up in central Florida in a region that to this day has large production numbers in Citrus, Cattle, & Strawberries. He also has 10 plus years of experience in large scale food & beverage operations where fresh and quality Produce, Meat, & Dairy products were critical to the success of the meals his team prepared for thousands of people.

John is a member of the United Methodist Church as well as Rotary International. He is an Ambassador for the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce and the Vice Chair for the Young Professionals of Haywood County organization. John has completed the Leadership Haywood class as well as the Homegrown Leadership program from the NC Rural Center. He also works with the Wesley Foundation at WCU which is a youth ministry for University Students and with local animal shelters fostering and often adopting dogs in need of a home.

As an Independent Agent, John works with multiple Insurance Companies to find the best solutions for his clients in agriculture from Crop Insurance products to all the coverages needed for your entire farming operation.

To Contact John use any of the information below

Phone: (828)-676-9497

Email:  jpatterson@stanberry-ins.com

Follow The AGventures of John Patterson on Social Media:

Insure Farm 2 Table on Instagram, Facebook, & YouTube

farm2tablewnc on Twitter

Canton Farmers Market Returns!

The farmers marketing in downtown Canton, located at the Sorrell’s Street Park, has returned for a new season. Market days are Monday & Thursday, 12-6p.

The market features local fruits, vegetables and edible value-added products. In season now:

  • Green beans (Greasy, Blue Lake & White Half Runners)
  • Peppers (mixed varieties)
  • Zucchini, Patty Pan & Yellow Squash
  • Onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Cabbages

Seed planning, seed saving!

Guest blog post:
Kathy Olsen
Haywood County Public Library

The time to start thinking about seed saving is now! I know, it seems like something you will tackle at the end of the growing season but, actually WHERE you

put your plants is important when it comes to saving seeds. Some plants are more likely to cross-pollinate than others. Here’s some helpful information:

Garden Planning Basics

1) Know whether your parent plant is a hybrid or open-pollinated variety. Hybrids, which are created by crossing plants of two different varieties, generally do not produce offspring with the same traits as the parent plant. Seeds saved from open-pollinated varieties, on the other hand, will produce plants identical to the parent. Heirloom seeds, are open-pollinated varieties with a history of being handed down from generation to generation. The Seed Library of Waynesville only has open-pollinated seeds so you can trust that your plants will be ‘true-to-type”

2)Know your plants’ specific name [genus and species]. Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen between plants. To save pure seed, you want to prevent cross-pollination between two different varieties in the same species. Planting just one variety in a species will help ensure you save pure seed.

If you know your plants’ scientific name, you will know which ones may cross-pollinate. This is especially true with squash. For example, squash commonly grown could fall into one of three species: Cucurbita maxima, C. moschata, and C. pepo. These species won’t typically cross-polinate. On the other hand, Brassica oleracea includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, and kohlrabi, all plants you might think wouldn’t cross-pollinate, but actually do. Read up on the cross-pollination habits of the plants you are saving seeds from to ensure you won’t run into issues.

3)Know how your plants pollinate. Understanding how garden plants are pollinated will help you prevent cross-pollination. Some plants will self-pollinate before the flowers are even open, making them less susceptible to cross-pollination. Examples of “selfers” are tomatoes, peas, and beans, On occasion, insects can cross-pollinate selfers. Plants that are insect-pollinated (squash or cucumbers) or wind pollinated (corn and spinach) are more likely to cross-pollinate.

4) Understand the life of the plant, know when it’s best to save the seed

Some fruits are ready for eating long before the seed is mature. Examples of this include cucumbers, eggplants, peas, beans, and cabbage. Take into consideration spacing and timing when planning your garden for seed saving. Also, allowing certain plants to ‘over-mature’ will ensure that the seed is as viable and healthy as it can be.

For beginners, keep it simple and don’t get discouraged! Remember, some plants are easier to save seeds from than others. Saving seed from “selfers” is a good way to get started. There are ways to prevent cross-pollination, but if you’re just starting out, planting just one variety per species, can ensure your seed has not cross-pollinated.

As always, if you have questions don’t hesitate to ask! If I don’t know the answer, I can find it for you. 

Some of this information was gleaned from the Seed Savers website. They have a wonderful selection of Heirloom seeds and a wealth of information

http://www.seedsavers.org

Kathy Olsen, Programming Librarian and Seed Library Administrator
Haywood County Public Library
828-356-2507/ kolsen@haywoodnc.net

Haywood Community College Small Business Center

 

Guest Post
by:
Katy McLean Gould, ME
Director, Small Business Center
Haywood Community College
SBC.Haywood.edu
828-627-4512

The Haywood Community College Small Business Center is Your Partner for Business Success.

Customized to meet the unique needs of new and existing businesses in Haywood County, the HCC Small Business Center offers:

  • FREE confidential, One-on-One Confidential Counseling
  • Educational Seminars & Workshops
  • Resource Referrals

Visit the HCC Small Business Center site for a complete list of upcoming training opportunities and/or to register for counseling assistance.

Rural Food Business Assistance Project

The SBC is a proud partner of the Rural Food Business Assistance Project. The project supports current and aspiring entrepreneurs that are farmers, value-added processors, and food service businesses in order to stimulate successful and thriving agribusinesses across rural North Carolina.

What Does the Rural Food Business Assistance Project Offer?

  • Training scholarships for farm or food business development classes and other relevant trainings to increase your knowledge base and teach you tools for successfully developing and operating your business.
  • Assessment of your entrepreneurial skills and readiness so you know your strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Connections to a regional food business support network made up of stakeholders who support you and your business in the months and years to come.
  • Business coaching with a coach to help you navigate how to start or grow your business, with advice and support at each step. Your coach will also link you to the best available local, regional and state level resources.
  • Access to capital so you can start or grow your farm, food, or agribusiness. Your coach will help you through the loan application process with the Rural Center’s MLP, a USDA IRP lender, or other capital providers in your area.

I am interested in Participating. Now What do I do?

Contact the Haywood Community College Small Business Center to join the expanding pipeline of Agribusinesses in North Carolina.

Ready, set, plant! Free gardening classes at the Canton Library

Guest Post
by:
Mannie Dalton Crone
Assistant Director
Haywood County Public Library
(828) 356-2531

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced gardener, the free gardening classes led by Master Gardeners as part of the annual Giving Garden program have something to offer everyone. This season, learn how to create a Monarch garden, plan a low-labor garden, prevent pests naturally and more. All of these events are held at the Canton Library, and families are encouraged to attend with children – all of the gardening classes will include a separate children’s program for kids ages 3 years and older! Here’s a list of upcoming gardening classes, and stay tuned for more to be announced later in the season:

  • Thursday, March 9, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.Master Gardener Volunteer Marcia Tate will present “Creating a Monarch Garden.”
  • Thursday, March 16, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.Master Gardener Volunteer Hughes Roberts will present “Planning a Small-Space, Low-Labor Garden.” Participants will view this model in process at the Canton Library’s Giving Garden.
  • Thursday, April 6, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.“Natural Pest Control” with Sarah Scott, Haywood Extension Agent.
  • Thursday, April 20, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.“Hands-On Seed Starting” with Sara Martin from Two Trees Farm in Canton. Come prepared to get your hands dirty and get your seeds off to a healthy start. Participants will leave with seed starts.

Located behind the Canton Library, the award-winning Giving Garden features raised-bed vegetable, herb, and flower boxes, as well as a certified Monarch Waystation. The garden is used to teach various aspects of gardening, as well as to raise awareness of the plight of the Monarch butterfly, which is at risk of being endangered. The Giving Garden is an education-oriented joint initiative of the Haywood County Public Library, Haywood County Cooperative Extension Center, and the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. The garden is generously supported by the Haywood County Friends of the Library and the Haywood County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association, and is maintained by the work of volunteers. Seeds for the garden are graciously donated by Sow True Seed. All produce is donated to The Community Kitchen in Canton.


For more information on the upcoming gardening classes, call the Canton Library at (828) 648-2924 or visit http://haywoodlibrary.libguides.com/givinggarden. Or contact the library if you’re interested in volunteering in the garden this season with planting, watering or harvesting. New volunteers are always welcome!

Agritourism takes root in Haywood County

It is that time of year!  Buy Haywood is currently collecting listings for the “Find your Adventure! 2017 Haywood County Agritourism Guide.”  The guide is designed to appeal to a vibrant and diverse traveler—highlighting the rich farming and agricultural heritage of our county.  This unique and popular publication crisscrosses Haywood County offering year-round opportunities to explore many agritourism adventures. Deadline to apply is Friday, February 24, 2017 @ 5:00pm

Eligible Haywood county sites include:

  • Farms that accept visitors (even seasonally or “by appointment only”);
  • Plant nurseries and landscaping businesses retailing stock that has been propagated in Haywood County;
    • Value-added and Specialty Retail stores featuring products with Haywood County grown ingredients;
    • “Farm to Table” restaurants and “local flavor” entertainment spots supporting local products consistently throughout the growing season by featuring Haywood County ingredients in their menu items—including products grown or raised by chefs/restaurants as well as products purchased from local farms/growers and farmer markets;
    • Local breweries featuring Haywood County hops or other farm products in seasonal brews, and/or local food items;
    • Sites and organizations dedicated to preservation of our rich agriculture heritage;
    • Farmers markets, roadside stands, tailgates and on-farm markets that retail Haywood County grown/produced products (can operate seasonally);
    • Other farming/agriculture related or educational opportunities;
    • Local festivals/events with a farming component or agriculture related theme.

For more information or to request an application, contact: Tina Masciarelli, Buy Haywood Project Coordinator, at 828.734.9574 or by emailing ttmascia@alumni.unca.edu with BUY HAYWOOD in the subject line.

Boyd Tree Farm (Photo courtesy of Ashley Rice at Visit NC Smokies)

Forest, Farm + Garden, 1966 – 2016

Forest, Farm + Garden, 1966 – 2016
The Campus Arboretum of Haywood Community College
Celebrating the First Fifty Years of Stewardship

(Guest post courtesy of Tamara Graham and Haywood Community College)

In 1966, A. L. Freedlander, then president of the Dayco Corporation, issued a challenge to the Haywood County community to match his donation to build a new campus for its local college, and transform the site of a former farm “into the most beautifully landscaped area in Haywood County.”

A half century later, the Campus Arboretum of Haywood Community College’s landscapes, gardens and expansive collections have indeed become “one of the most beautifully landscape areas in Haywood County.” The Arboretum’s collections, cultivated over decades by local naturalists, master horticulturists, work study students and community volunteers, have expanded to include productive greenhouses, a dahlia garden, an orchard, working vegetable gardens, a rhododendron garden, and a mill pond with operable grist mill – a tapestry of landscapes that together capture the heritage of the Blue Ridge mountains and its people. The Haywood Community College Foundation celebrates this legacy with “Forest, Farm + Garden, 1966 – 2016” an exhibit of recent photographs by Benjamin Porter and historic plans, maps and photographs documenting the site’s transformation over the past half century from open pastureland with a remnant stand of woodland to the lush, shaded Arboretum today.

This project has been made possible through generous gifts from the International Dendrology Society and individual members.  Proceeds from the sale of the exhibit catalog, photographs and posters will be used to further education, outreach and ongoing stewardship of the Campus Arboretum of Haywood Community College.

Mary Cornwell Gallery
Professional Crafts Building
Haywood Community College
October 1 – November 19, 2016

Reception: Tuesday, October 18, 2016, 5 – 7 PM

August in Haywood!

August is for Al Fresco Dining and Sunsets

The summer growing season is in full swing this month making August the perfect time for al fresco dining and spectacular sunsets. Take your passion for great flavors on the road by turning farm fresh ingredients into the perfect finger food. Local farmers markets, roadside stands and on farm markets have a wide variety of products available.

bruschetta2Try making Caprese Bites with farm fresh tomatoes, basil, local mozzarella, served on artisanal bread.

Slice bread into thick pieces. Top each with a slice of tomato, a single leaf of basil and a wedge of fresh mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, a splash of aged Balsamic vinegar and pinch of sea salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste). Place a toothpick through each little bite to hold it together and wrap in your favorite on-the-go container. Grab a cold six pack of Waynesville Soda Jerks (mixed flavors) and a handful of colorful straws, a picnic blanket, and you’ve got the perfect culinary treat to enjoy a spectacular sunset.

For more farm fresh recipes available, market and roadside stand locations, grab a copy of our Find your Adventure! 2016 Agritourism Guide or, download a digital copy.

Want an outstanding farm-to-table meal prepared for you? Visit one of our Local Flavor spots. Click here for a full listing of Uniquely Local Farm-to-Table partners.

Don’t miss all the special events in Haywood. Visit our Special Events calendar regularly for updates!

Find your Adventure! 2016 Agritourism Guide

Our “Find your Adventure! 2016 Agritourism Guide” is now available! Printed guides are free and can be found at locations across Haywood County including:

Haywood County Visitor Center & Tourism Office
Serving Maggie Valley, Waynesville,
Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde
1110 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley 28751
(800) 334-9036 / www.VisitNCSmokies.com

Haywood County Chamber of Commerce
28 Walnut Street, Waynesville 28786
828.456.3021 / www.HaywoodChamber.com

Bosu’s Wine Shop, Waynesville

Buffalo Creek Vacations

Cataloochee Guest Ranch, Maggie Valley

Coffee Cup Cafe, Clyde

Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon, Waynesville

Downtown Waynesville Visitor Kiosks

Frances Grist Mill, Waynesville

Frankie’s Italian Trattoria, Maggie Valley

Frog Level Brewing Company, Waynesville

Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon, Swag Bags

The Giving Garden, Canton Library

Haywood County Cooperative Extension

Haywood County Garden Tour, Swag Bags

Kanini’s, Waynesville

Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce

Red Barn Garden Center, Waynesville

Seed Library of Waynesville, Waynesville Library

Sunburst Market, Waynesville

Tupelos Furniture, between Waynesville & Maggie Valley

Agritourism as an enterprise is being hailed as a primary force in our modern economy drawing millions of visitors to North Carolina who spend upwards of $13 billion dollars each year.  The 2016 Agritourism Guide has been designed to appeal to a vibrant and diverse traveler, from empty-nesters to modern families. This unique and popular publication crisscrosses Haywood offering year round opportunities to enjoy a variety of experiences celebrating our rich farming and agricultural heritage.

The 2016 Guide includes: farmer and tailgate markets, roadside stands, on farm markets, U Pick farms, specialty retail shops, rustic hospitality venues, historic preservation and local gardens, Christmas tree farms, plant nurseries, a 2016 Calendar of heritage related events, a listing of farm-to-table restaurant and other local flavor entertainment spots.

The guide also features a spectacular hand drawn map of Haywood County by local naturalist, Ken Czarnomski, breathtaking photos by Ed Kelley and a delicious Summer Fruit Salsa recipe from Chef Jackie Blevins of Perfectly Seasoned.

A digital version of the 2016 guide is also available for download.

Featured photo by Rachael McIntosh, Chef Jessica DeMarco of Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon visiting the U Pick farm at Ten Acre Garden


This project would not be possible without community support

Buy Haywood is a project of the Haywood Advancement Foundation. Our agritourism efforts receive vital funding support from community partners such as the Haywood Advancement FoundationBethel Rural Community Organization, and Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. 

Other supporting partners include Smoky Mountain Living,
WNC Magazine, Rapid River and Plough to Pantry.

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) serves
as a valuable resource—working to support local food, strong farms
and healthy communities across the region. asapconnections.org

Acknowledgements

We want to acknowledge the spectacular vision and talent of Blue Ridge Naturalist, Ken Czarnomski, for contributing the hand illustrated Haywood County map.  Ken responded to our request almost immediately with a yes and then proceeded to exceed all of our expectations.  You can find other examples of Ken’s extraordinary work at area Visitor Centers – including his Purchase Knob guide.

Our gratitude goes out to Ed Kelley,  the one & only Ridge Runner, who we consider to be an extraordinary photographer, creative inspiration, generous friend and avid supporter of preservation.   His various contributions add tremendous visual impact to our guide.

Thanks to Chef Jackie Blevins of Perfectly Seasoned for donating the signature recipe for Summer Fruit Salsa featuring some of Haywood’s most delicious farm fresh ingredients.

Above all, we want to acknowledge the farmers, growers, producers, dedicated preservationists, small business owners, chefs & restaurateurs – without whose hard work, love of the land, determination and dedication to our community there would be no agritourism to speak of.  The Buy Haywood team is deeply honored to work for you and look forward to many more fruitful seasons!

Simple pleasures, local strawberries!

There is nothing like the flavor of a juicy local strawberry, fresh off the vine, to confirm that SPRING is here to stay!

While the season for berries is relatively short,  local farmers grow a number of different varieties allowing consumers to enjoy the sweet pleasure of farm fresh berries for weeks to come.

Local strawberries are available at farmers markets, U-pick farms, tailgates, road-side stands & on-farm markets throughout the month of May and into early June under the right conditions.  Visit our ONLINE DIRECTORY for locations!  Danny Barrett and our friends at Ten Acre Garden in the historic Bethel community offers a U PICK berry patch throughout the growing season when fruit is ripe.  Call Ten Acre Garden to check the seasonal availability of the U PICK options @ 828.235.9667

Strawberries are high in antioxidants, dietary fiber, anti-inflammatory properties and essential phytonutrients that support the body’s natural defenses against many diseases.  For example, one cup of strawberries contains an incredible 136% of the RDA of vitamin C—an effective antioxidant that helps to lower blood pressure and support a healthy immune system.  Strawberries are also a good source of iodine necessary for healthy thyroid function.

Strawberries, best consumed raw, are low in fat and calories making them a healthy snack option for any time of day.  Enjoy them on their own or throw them into yogurt, cereal or a smoothie for an “on the go” treat.

Enjoy this uniquely local recipe that incorporates strawberries with mixed spring greens and other in-season ingredients for an unexpected punch of flavor & nutrition!


 Mixed Spring Greens with Strawberries &
Balsamic-Green Onion Vinaigrette

Visit our Online directory for locations to purchase local ingredients

Ingredients

Mixed spring salad greens or arugula
Fresh strawberries, washed and cut in half
Local goat cheese & toasted pecans—as a garnish (optional)

Vinaigrette

1 green onion, roughly chopped (about 3 inch piece, with white and green parts)
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
1/2-3/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

Combine vinaigrette ingredients.  Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or food processor. Taste for acidity and adjust to your liking.

Steps of Preparation

Wash salad greens, pat dry and toss in a large bowl. Add strawberries to top. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss to coat. Salt and Pepper to taste. Garnish the top with (optional) goat cheese and toasted pecans.

Chef’s Note:  Substitute other local in-season ingredients for the strawberries—such as blueberries, blackberries, red raspberries, apples, or roasted beets—to make this healthy and nutritious dish throughout the growing season!

Recipe courtesy of Tina Masciarelli,
Buy Haywood Project Coordinator