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A Box and a Quest

We rolled out our new Recipe Box last week and are pleased to see that it is meeting a need for many of our customers. For some time, I have been ruminating on a new box for our customers to try and this is it. A few years ago, we introduced the Essentials Boxes, then came the Northwest Box, then the Harvest Box, and last year the Juicer Boxes. All of these boxes originated because of customers like you communicating with us about what best met your needs.

The Recipe Box is built around its own recipe and contains all the ingredients available to make the recipe. The box is unique in that it may have pasta or beans or salsa or olive oil, in addition to the fruit and vegetable portions necessary for making the meal. It will also be portioned to serve 4 people. I am very excited for this new box and I hope you will enjoy it as well.

food-rulesOur Annual “K” Quest

It is that time of the year again! Time for the “K” Quest! Once again, we give our customers the chance to win a prize by embarking upon our virtual quest. Each day of the quest, we will hide the Klesick (our seedling logo) on a new page within our website. When you find it, click on the logo, enter your name and e-mail address, submit, and you will be entered into the prize drawing (one entry per day per customer). Two lucky “K” questers will receive a copy of Michael Pollan’s latest book, Food Rules!

Follow Klesick Family Farm on Facebook daily to receive clues on where to find the hidden “k”. The quest will take place February 3-11, 2014. The prize drawing will be February 11th and the winners will be notified immediately thereafter. Happy Questing!

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Crocuses!

1554468_734052239963100_1809979314_nAs Chungo, our friendly black lab, and Myliss, our friendly cat, were soaking in the sun from our front porch this beautiful winter day, one couldn’t help but feel a little touch of spring in the air, but I am not easily fooled. As I walked up the steps to the ever-inviting tail wagging of Chungo, calling out to me for a scratch around the ears, I was treated to the first flush of crocuses! On our farm, they are the first telltale sign of what is to come. I love to see them as they start to peek through the flower bed mulches that have been keeping them warm and nourished since October. Those first shoots are so green, with that dark vibrant green that is overflowing with life. It is invigorating to my soul and serves as a reminder that spring is just around the corner.

And with the encouragement of the first crocuses, comes a little extra energy bump and reminder to pick it up a little. We still have fences to mend, gates to build, trees to prune, raspberries to tie off and transplant, and scion wood to collect for this year’s grafting. We are still busily deciding where to plant what, when and how much. We are going to try some early greens in one of our greenhouses and some baby ginger in another one. It is amazing how a little sunshine can provide the burst of energy to get those winter projects buttoned up! Stay tuned.

The Recipe Box

This week, we are rolling out the new Recipe Box. I have been ruminating on a new box for our customers to try and now we have it. A few years ago, we rolled out the Essentials Boxes and then we introduced the Northwest Box, which features only locally grown items. Next, we introduced the Harvest Box and last year we introduced the Juicer Boxes. But all of these boxes originated because of customers like yourselves communicating with us about what worked and didn’t work for your needs.

In that same spirit, the Recipe Box has come to life and is now available. This box will be built around its own recipe and will contain all the ingredients available to make the recipe. The box will be unique in that it may have pasta or beans or salsa or olive oil, in addition to the fruit and vegetable portions necessary for making the meal, and it will be portioned to serve 4 people. I am ultra excited for this new box and I hope you will enjoy it as well.

Cheers to your Health!

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Inhibition can be a Good Thing

potatoesI mean, really, if you think about inhibition, it is a form of self-control, as opposed to prohibition which is a form of outside control. Personally, I am more of a fan of inhibition and self-control than the other. I know, I know, some prohibition is necessary, but I would prefer less than more.

Well, when it comes to potatoes, inhibition has gone wild. As a farmer, I would encourage you to eat as many as you like. There are so many great ways to eat them: boiled, roasted (my favorite), baked, in soups and even in pancakes. There are also many different sizes, colors and shapes. We have reds, blues, yellows, bakers, fingerlings, heirlooms and hybrid. One might conclude there is a different potato for every palette.  So, toss all inhibition to the wind, but don’t overdo it and fall into the trap of gluttony—nothing worse than ruining a good meal by eating too much. I know that they taste incredible, but a little inhibition on over doing it will go a long way toward not feeling stuffed! And everyone knows that things that are stuffed don’t usually have much life in them!

Now, sadly, the chemical minded farmer shows very little inhibition on something that should definitely be on the prohibition list. They grow the beautiful potato from seed and abuse it with chemical fertilizers and sprays all season long. Then at the end, as if adding “salt” to an injury, they spray the potato with sprout inhibitors. That is terrible. Most of the potatoes Americans are eating have been sprayed with sprout inhibitors, unless you buy organic or local from a farmer direct.

Storing potatoes is big business and keeping those “fritters” from sprouting is of paramount importance to the USDA, the potato growers, and the grocery and restaurant supply chains. But is it more important than our nation’s health, your health? I say not, so I won’t use them!

Now, don’t let a little sprout here or there become the inhibitor to eating my potatoes. A sprout just means that a potato is being a potato—you know, acting just like God intended it to.  So, if you see one of those sprouts “peeking around the corner,” do the same thing as farmer Tristan and his clan—“pop” it off and get to cooking a mess of something awesome, like Tuscan soup!

And if you ever do spy a sprout, you can send a thank you to your farmer for showing some inhibition to using a chemical sprouting inhibitor on the food he is growing for you.

Cheers,

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Juicing vs. Blending

THANKWhat’s The Difference?

JUICING

Juicing is a process which extracts water and nutrients from produce  and discards the fiber.  

Without all the fiber, your digestive system doesn’t have to work as hard to break down the food and absorb the nutrients. In fact, it makes the nutrients more readily available to the body in much larger quantities than if you were to eat the fruits and vegetables whole.

This is especially helpful if you have a sensitive digestive system or illness that inhibits your body from processing fiber. The fiber in produce helps slow down the digestive process and provides a steady release of nutrients into the blood stream.

Freshly squeezed vegetable juices form part of most healing and detoxification programs because they are so nutrient rich and nourish and restore the body at a cellular level.

A word of caution: When you remove the fiber from the produce, the liquid juice is absorbed into your blood stream quickly. If you are only juicing fruits, this would cause a rapid spike in blood sugar and unstable blood sugar  levels can lead to mood swings, energy loss, memory problems and more!

Fiber is also filling and without fiber in the juice, some people tend to get hungry again quickly.

THE BENEFITS

  • Makes nutrients more readily available to the body in larger quantities.
  • Nourishes and restores the body at a cellular level.
  • Gives the digestive system a break so cells can focus on rest and repair.
  • Makes it easier to consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables daily.

TIP: Swish your juice or smoothie in your mouth for 20-30 seconds before swallowing it to facilitate digestive enzymes in your mouth and prevent bloating and gas.

BLENDING

Unlike juices, smoothies consist  of the entire entire fruit or vegetable, skin and all and contain all of the fiber from the vegetables.
However, the blending process breaks the fibre apart (which makes the fruit and vegetables easier to digest ) but also helps create a slow, even release of nutrients into the blood stream and avoids blood sugar spikes. Smoothies tend to be more filling, because of the fiber, and generally faster to make than juice, so they can be great to drink first thing in the morning as your breakfast, or for snacks throughout the day.

By including the fiber in your smoothie, the volume will increase. Also, you can pack more servings of fruits and veggies into a single serving of juice than you can into a smoothie.

THE BENEFITS

  • More filling than juice, so you are likely to stay satiated for a longer period of time.
  • Can often serve as a meal replacement.
  • The high fiber content helps balance blood sugar levels.
  • Helps to regulate and support digestion by pushing toxins out of the colon.

Juicing and Blending Rules

1. It’s best not to combine fruits and vegetables (unless it’s apple). This can affect how well your digestive enzymes function. 
This doesn’t seem to matter too much in green juices and smoothies, but vegetables like carrots, beetroots, broccoli and zucchini don’t combine well with fruit due to their high starch content. In his book Food Combining Made Easy, Dr. Herbert Shelton explains that starchy foods have to be eaten alone because starches are digested with enzymes different from those used for any other food group. Combining starchy foods with fruit may cause fermentation and gas. However, Dr. Shelton found that green leafy veggies combine well with pretty much everything.

2. Try to drink your juice or smoothie straight away. After 15 minutes, light and air will destroy much of the nutrients. If you can’t drink it straight away, transfer to a dark airtight container until you’re ready.

TIP: Swish your juice or smoothie in your mouth for 20-30 seconds before swallowing it to facilitate digestive enzymes in your mouth and prevent bloating and gas.

Sources:
http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/juicing-vs-blending-which-one-is-better
http://lucasjamespersonaltraining.com/juicing-vs-blending/3087/

 

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Happy New Year!

During this season, I have a little more time on my hands and get to do a little more cooking. One of my favorite squashes is Delicata. Its delicate flavor and edible skin make it a great addition to roasted vegetables or as a standalone entrée.

Well, for Christmas, I decided on a roasted Delicata and pear dish. Don’t you just love the Internet for finding great recipes? I stumbled upon the one listed below. It was the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The chili powder really helps the squash to engage those taste buds. I didn’t have any pears on hand, so I substituted apples. The apples worked great, but knowing how pears roast, I would definitely opt for pears as my first choice. Overall, I would rate this recipe a smashing success. Enjoy!

What entrée was your favorite this holiday season?

Chili-Brown Sugar Delicata Squash with Pears from www.eatingwell.com
Pears and delicata squash tossed with brown sugar, chili powder and bacon is a delectable combination. To make this vegetarian, omit the bacon and toss the squash and pears with the brown sugar and chili powder during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
(4 servings, about 3/4 cup each | Active Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes)
Ingredients:
1 pound delicata squash (about 1 large)
2 medium ripe but firm pears, sliced
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 slices bacon
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Cut squash in half lengthwise; scoop out seeds. Cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. Toss in a large bowl with pears, oil, salt and pepper. Spread on a large baking sheet.
Roast the squash and pears until just tender, stirring once or twice, 20 to 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Discard all but 2 teaspoons fat from the pan. Over medium heat, stir in water, brown sugar and chili powder. Add the squash and pears; toss to coat. Crumble the bacon on top.

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Cleanse, Detox, Reboot!

ID-100219272If you have seen Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. You were probably as impressed as we were with results of juicing! Here are some of Joe’s tips and recommendations for a successful reboot:

What is a Reboot?

A period of time where you commit to drinking and eating only fruits and vegetables, herbal teas and water in order to regain or sustain your vitality, lose weight and kick-start healthy habits that recharge your body and get your diet back in alignment for optimal wellness.

Is a Reboot for everyone?

Rebooting is for almost everyone with a few exceptions. Please don’t attempt a Reboot if you are pregnant or nursing, under 18 or have a severe medical condition. Check with your doctor if you are unsure. If you are currently on medication, ask your doctor before starting this or any diet program.

Get Your Questions Answered.

Juice or smoothie? How should I navigate social events? Can I chew gum? Check out Joe’s FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions.

Get support.

Rebooting can be hard but you don’t need to do it alone. We recommend having a Reboot-Buddy to help you through the process.

Purchase a juicer (if you don’t already have one!)

We can personally attest for the Champion Juicer – An easy to use, versatile, powerful and durable Juicer. Designed with simplicity in mind, the Champion 2000+ Juicer doesn’t require nuts, bolts, screws or clamps. Assembly can be completed in seconds. Cleaning is equally quick and painless. In addition to fresh juices, this unit can also make fruit sauces, baby foods, nut butters, ice cream, sherbets and everybody’s favorite – fruit smoothies.

Get juicing.

A copy of the Juice Revolution Cleanse Plan with all the recipes will be included with each order. For details and more information please visit: http://www.klesickfamilyfarm.com/cart/index.php?route=product%2Fproduct&path=7&product_id=1500

Get moving.

Just because you are on a Reboot doesn’t mean that you have to stop your regular exercise routine. Nor does it mean that you have to start one either. However, we strongly believe that fitness is an important component of a healthy, happy, and vibrant life, and key to helping you maintain your weight loss. So fill up on those fruits and veggies, get off the couch, get your heart rate up (it only takes 20 minutes) and get moving!

Share your success.

Congratulations. You’ve done it. The plant-powered energy you’ve been consuming during your Reboot has given you the mental and physical awareness to leave the junk foods behind and live a healthy, vibrant life. You deserve to share your success and help inspire others on their Reboot. Share your story with us.

Content inspired and adapted from: http://www.rebootwithjoe.com

Image courtesy of tiverylucky / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Year in Review 2013

Supporting Local Farms  Since the inception of our home delivery business in 1999, we have always focused on purchasing our fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers first. Every week, we contact our farmer friends to find out what they currently have available for our boxes. If we need to find more produce, we then source it from farms outside our area. As your personal farmer, I really appreciate your dedication to the local farm community. With your purchases this year, you have blessed several local farm families:

Bartella Farm, Beld Family Farm, Blue Heron Farms, Bunny Lane Fruit, Earth Conscious Organics, Filaree Farms, Hazel Blue Acres, Hedlin Farms, Highwater Farm, Horse Drawn Farms, Living Rain Farm, Middleton Organic Specialty Foods, Moondance Farm, Motherflight Farms, Neff Farm, Okanagan Producers Marketing Association, Paul & Janice Madden Orchards, Ponderosa Orchards, Ralph’s Greenhouse, Rents Due Ranch, Skagit Flats Farm, Skagit Valley Farm, Viva Farms, and of course, the Klesick Family Farm.

Helping Local People  Another core principle at Klesick Family Farm is to give back to our community. One of the ways we do this is by offering our customers the opportunity to donate a box of good to local area food banks. We currently support food banks in Anacortes, Stanwood, Camano Island, Marysville, Lake Stevens, Everett, Monroe, Snohomish, and Edmonds. For every four boxes donated by our customers, we donate an additional box. This year, with the generous support of our customers, Klesick Family Farm delivered over 859 boxes of good (approximately $22,000 worth of quality organic fruits and vegetables) to local area food banks! This number includes the donation of 165 Thanksgiving Holiday Boxes and 35 Christmas Blessing Boxes. There is no way our farm could meet this need without your help. This is one of the most satisfying aspects of our business. I love meeting local needs with local resources! Thank you for partnering with us.

If you would like to join us in helping provide quality organic produce to local food banks, either give us a call or order a food bank box under the Boxes category of the Product page of our website.

Thank you for a great 2013! We look forward to next year!

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This Season, Give the Gift of Good!

gift_of_goodWe want to partner with you in our mission to bring GOOD FOOD to as many families as we can! If you’re a food conscious person, chances are you’ve got other food conscious people in your life. We’ve got a really good suggestion of what to give your loved ones. The gift of good!

You’ll not only introduce friends and family to our convenient and delicious service, by gifting Klesick Family Farm products, you are not only connecting people with a good source of healthy food, you are also helping support sustainable organic farming and the local food economy, while reducing the toxic load on the planet. More importantly now than ever – together – we are saying NO to genetically engineered foods, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides with each box of good delivered! More organic and sustainable agriculture means less industrial factory farming, less chemical toxins, healthier soil structures, and stronger communities.

You can choose to give one week, two weeks, or a full month of good. Simply call our office at 360-652-GOOD (4663) or visit our website and we’ll make the arrangements for you!

* Rules and Restrictions apply, please contact our office for more information.

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Hosting Tips

ID-100167699Throwing a holiday get-together doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few tips for hosting a wonderful Christmas gathering without breaking a sweat.

1) Determine whether you want a sit-down dinner or something more casual, like a cocktail party.

2) Buffets make dinner parties easy: You can get dishes out quickly and keep them warm while guests can help themselves. Individual portions are a great way to ensure everyone gets to taste your delicious preparations.

 

3) With early arrivals or family cooking, always have something ready and available for your guests to nosh on. It will take the pressure off the cook!

4) Make the beverages just as important as the food. Consider a perfect tea or a tea that gets a little bit of love from fall spices, late garden mint or early citrus or a signature drink for granny! Regardless, make beverages a part of your experience and your guests will find that layered excitement for the meal.

5) Delegate tasks among friends, family or kids. The person cooking shouldn’t have to set the table, light the candles or fill the water pitchers.

6) Fresh floral goes along way, let your house be alive with fresh seasonal fruits and flowers as it gives life to a house.

7) Music – make a playlist the week before – a little background sound always makes a party or event feel livelier.

8) Make the day or evening special with real candles! The flicker of real burning candles will always enhance the character of a table.

Image courtesy of Apolonia / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Adapted from blackberryfarm.com

 

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Spreading Cheer this Holiday Season

Looking for that special something for that special someone? Let us help…

breadfarm_ccokiesBreadfarm’s Holiday Assortment Cookie Box  $28

Ease your holiday frenzy by giving your friends and family a tasty cookie box full of Breadfarm’s best-selling seasonal shortbread cookies (approx. 26 per box).

Available Nov.-Dec. only.

fruit_medley

Fruit Medley Gift Basket  $26

Perfect for that special teacher, or as an office or hostess gift. A beautiful selection of our finest seasonal fruits, decoratively packaged in a willow basket & wrapped in a cello bag with a festive bow and card. Free gift message available upon request.

eco_spa_gift

Eco Spa Gift Set  $14.75 (+tax)

Created by EcoSations, this organic set is the perfect gift for someone who deserves a little extra pampering this season! Contents: Citrus Salt Spa Bar (5 oz.), Bath Cookies (3 ct.), Brown Sugar Scrub (5 oz.).

Theo_holiday

Theo Holiday 4-Bar Collection  $16

Essential seasonal flavors captured in four of Theo Chocolate’s festive, popular holiday bars (3 oz. each), wrapped in a decorative sleeve and ready for gifting. Contains: Peppermint Stick, Nutcracker Brittle, Gingerbread Spice, Coconut Mint.

satsumas

5-lb. Box Satsumas  $10 

Juicy Satsuma mandarins with the e-z peel that clings so loosely to its flesh that it can be peeled with just a couple of tears. The perfect convenient healthy gift! Especially if the recipients involve children. Satsumas are perhaps the sweetest tangerine and the sweetest known citrus variety.
To add them to your order please visit: http://www.klesickfamilyfarm.com/cart/index.php?route=common/home