Fresh Salad with Organic Greens from Poplar Ridge Farms
Thursday May 12, 2011
Another wild storm paid a visit to the Charlotte area last Tuesday night, trees down, power out in some areas, heavy rain, wind and lighting strikes, Mother Nature showing her strength.
Wednesday morning the sun peeked out and began the process of drying out the fields. Rain or shine, Wednesday was the first day that I participated in the work share program at Poplar Ridge Farms, the fields were muddy, some of the plants a bit windblown but the sun was shining filling the plants with the warmth they require to flourish.
As I drove in the front gates of Poplar Ridge Farms I felt a tug from the past, and the minute I walked into the “workroom” I was overwhelmed with memories of Rancho Requeza, our flower and plant ranch where I spent my High School years in Encinitas, California. The ranch was sold many years ago and condo’s now stand where the Ranch use to be, however know one can replace the memories. More on the ranch another day.
What an exhilarating day, I assisted in cutting Micro Greens, worked for a short time in the fields and then the CSA members began to arrive to retrieve their first box of organic vegetables and herbs. Reference blog 2/21/2011 for details regarding Poplar Ridge Farms or visit www.poplarridgefarmnc.com for more information.
There are many varieties of Micro Greens, they are harvested once the seed establishes roots and at the first sign of leaves, about 10 to 21 days depending of the environment. Micro greens are the second phase of a seed’s germination and could consist of any number of edible plants; basil, arugula, basil, kale, cilantro. The combinations are vast and micro greens are used as garnish, in salads, soups and stews.
Yesterday’s bounty consisted of Cherriette Radishes, Tango Lettuce, Prize Pac Choi, Siberian Kale, Arugula, Spinach, Red and Green Mustard Greens, Collards, Sugar Snap Peas, Micro Greens, Rosemary and Oregano
Last night I could not wait to arrive home and prepare a salad with my just picked organic veggies! I rinsed off some arugula, spinach, tango lettuce and sugar snap peas, tossed them with just a dash of my homemade Oil and vinegar dressing, delightful.
The taste of fresh organic vegetables does not compare to packaged vegetables and herbs, so fresh and delicious. I feel better just knowing that the vegetables and herbs that I am eating are organic and locally grown by a fantastic team at Poplar Ridge Farms.
Thanks Marianne, Katherine and TJ for a great first day working with all of you!
Buy from local organic growers and farmers market, we are what we eat! Cheers!
Thursday May 12, 2011
Another wild storm paid a visit to the Charlotte area last Tuesday night, trees down, power out in some areas, heavy rain, wind and lighting strikes, Mother Nature showing her strength.
Wednesday morning the sun peeked out and began the process of drying out the fields. Rain or shine, Wednesday was the first day that I participated in the work share program at Poplar Ridge Farms, the fields were muddy, some of the plants a bit windblown but the sun was shining filling the plants with the warmth they require to flourish.
As I drove in the front gates of Poplar Ridge Farms I felt a tug from the past, and the minute I walked into the “workroom” I was overwhelmed with memories of Rancho Requeza, our flower and plant ranch where I spent my High School years in Encinitas, California. The ranch was sold many years ago and condo’s now stand where the Ranch use to be, however know one can replace the memories. More on the ranch another day.
What an exhilarating day, I assisted in cutting Micro Greens, worked for a short time in the fields and then the CSA members began to arrive to retrieve their first box of organic vegetables and herbs. Reference blog 2/21/2011 for details regarding Poplar Ridge Farms or visit www.poplarridgefarmnc.com for more information.
There are many varieties of Micro Greens, they are harvested once the seed establishes roots and at the first sign of leaves, about 10 to 21 days depending of the environment. Micro greens are the second phase of a seed’s germination and could consist of any number of edible plants; basil, arugula, basil, kale, cilantro. The combinations are vast and micro greens are used as garnish, in salads, soups and stews.
Yesterday’s bounty consisted of Cherriette Radishes, Tango Lettuce, Prize Pac Choi, Siberian Kale, Arugula, Spinach, Red and Green Mustard Greens, Collards, Sugar Snap Peas, Micro Greens, Rosemary and Oregano
Last night I could not wait to arrive home and prepare a salad with my just picked organic veggies! I rinsed off some arugula, spinach, tango lettuce and sugar snap peas, tossed them with just a dash of my homemade Oil and vinegar dressing, delightful.
The taste of fresh organic vegetables does not compare to packaged vegetables and herbs, so fresh and delicious. I feel better just knowing that the vegetables and herbs that I am eating are organic and locally grown by a fantastic team at Poplar Ridge Farms.
Thanks Marianne, Katherine and TJ for a great first day working with all of you!
Buy from local organic growers and farmers market, we are what we eat! Cheers!
Karen, you were the best last Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteHopefully we'll keep getting a good amount of traffic at our Wednesday market stands and you'll be able to spread the organic veggie and delicious recipe love to everyone who visits!
(For any readers, the stand is open from 2-6 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1619 Waxhaw Indian Trail Road South, Waxhaw, NC 28173.)
-Katherine Dyer