Morsels Articles
By Topic

 Apples

 Bees

 Community   Supported Agriculture

 Composting

 Worm Tea

 Farmers Market

Gardening   Community Garden
 Starting Seeds
 Seeds
 CNC Courses

Herbs
 Fresh

 NVFN

Recipes
 Winter Squash and   Garlic

 Salmon

 Wheat

 

Morsels

Morsel articles are fun little articles about local initiatives in our area, gardening and food facts, tips, and suggestions for all things related to producing food for others or for ourselves. If you have an interesting idea for an article that you'd like to share, please email us!

5 Reasons to Preserve your own Food!

Eat from known local food sources year round!

Fill your cupboards with foods free from chemical additives or preservatives.

Lock in peak flavors and nutrition by preserving the bounty of the season

Taste the flavors of homemade: store bought brands just can’t compare

Preserve foods while they’re plentiful, and the benefits last all year with tastes you won’t soon forget!

www.heraldpress.com

Consider:  Canning, Freezing, Drying or storing in a cold room or root cellar
 

Vanderhoof Community Garden Grows Again!

Vanderhoof Community Garden

Location: Vanderhoof Community Museum

In 2011 we planted 24 plots each 15 x 15 feet, and 7 community shared plots. There is still room to grow, so we look forward to next year and dividing up the garden for the community to use.

All interested families, individuals, or groups of all gardening experience levels can have 1 or more plots for free. Experienced gardeners are available to help beginner gardeners. And this season lots of seed and plant starts were donated by people in the community.

This year we had seven plots planted for community use. The intend of the community shared plots is for anyone from the community to come and participate in the preparation, seeding, weeding, and maintenance of the garden. The community is then welcome to share in the harvest. This garden is good for those who don't have enough time or resources to care for their own plot, but what to be involved in the process when they can.

This year the community plots are marked with a tall stake painted red at the tip. You can also see the layout of the entire community garden from the map on the bulletin board next to the garden.

Plans for this fall and next year:

 1: Erect large greenhouse for use next spring

 2: Complete fencing

 3: Build tool shed

 4: Purchase tools and rotor tiller

 5: Continue building soil with organic matter

To become part of the community garden or to help support this initiative, please call:

Maya at 250-570-2194 or email bytes@nvfoodnetwork.ca

Starting Your Seeds Indoors

Starting Vegetable Seeds – Beginning of April is generally the best time to give your vegetables a head start.

Steps to Starting Your Seeds Indoors:

1. Prepare set up locations near to sunny windows in your house gather suitable containers. Containers must be clean and have drainage.

These are just a few possible ideas for containers:

Prepare Containers

2.  Prepare Growing Medium: The medium should be thoroughly damp but not wet.

3.  Fill Container and firm soil.

4.  Plant seed and cover with growing medium.

5.  Label Containers and create Mini Greenhouses for your seeds. Place each container inside a plastic bag and secure the bag to keep the air out but still allow easy access for watering.

6  Move the container to either a bright or dark location depending on the needs of the seed for germination.  Water by gently misting the soil surface from above.

7.  Once seeds have sprouted, move to a bright location but not one with strong sunlight as plants may receive too much heat in relation to light.

For more details on this process, please read From Seed to Bloom by Eileen Powell.  

Reasons to Choose Rabbit Meat

According to the US Department of Agriculture's extensive tests:

1.  Domestic rabbit meat is the most nutritious meat known to
     humans

2.  Rabbit is lower in % fat than chicken, turkey, beef, and pork and rabbit meat have the highest % in protein.

3.  Unsaturated fatty acids account for 63 % of the total fatty acids in rabbit meat.

4.  Rabbit has 795 calories per pound while chicken has 810,
     veal 840, turkey 1190, lamb 1420, beef 1440, and pork
     2050.

5.  Rabbit meat is all-white meat. 

6.  A doe rabbit that weighs 10 pounds can produce 320
     pounds of meat in a year. This is more than a cow and it takes two acres of land to raise a cow.

Newsat farms

Vanderhoof Farmers Market

Vanderhoof Farmers MarketVanderhoof Farmer's Market is Back

11 AM - 3 PM
Riverside Park
Every Thursday
Until September

Fresh Produce Hot Sausage on a Bun or Hamburger Fresh Juices  Homemade Pie and Salads Home Preserves Plants Rustic Planters and Furniture Local Honey and Beeswax Candles and jewelry boxes Grass fed Beef (Stew Meat, Hamburger, Roasts, and more) Natural Skincare and Bodycare products  Home baking Bread  Local Grown and Ground Whole Wheat  Fancy Cupcakes  Cloth Diapers  Granola -
Enjoy the Festival Atmosphere!  See you there!

Bee ID

There are roughly 3000 species of bees in the world. The honeybee is the most complex and important bee of them all. Below are some fun facts about bees and other critters.

HoneybeeHoneybees

Bubble Bees

Bubble Bee

Wasps

WaspMistaken identity! Bees are often mistaken for wasps and vise versa, yet ‘wasp’ is a general term for parasitic insects that are not bees. Hornets and yellow jackets are species of wasp. Although they are thought of as pests, wasps prey on pest insects and play an important role in pest insect control.

For more info on bees, go to these useful sites.

www.agf.gov.bc.ca/apiculture

www.bcbeekeepers.com

www.beeswithoutborders.org

www.pollinator.org
 

Worm Tea: Composting Magic!

What is Worm Tea?

Worm tea is worm castings that have been soaked in water and oxygenated. The extra oxygen causes a bloom of the good bacteria, plus the added benefit of nitrogen, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, and potash. The liquid that drains out of a worm composting bin is leachate. Leachate contains solids and some potentially harmful bacteria. However, it can be aerated as described below and used.

Benefits of Worm Tea

Some of the benefits of the tea include:

How to Make Worm Tea

Tea can be purchased from an organic supplier or you can make it yourself. To make your own tea, you will need:

Instructions:

Your tea is now ready for use.

Using Worm Tea

Since the tea is alive and full of microbes, it has a shelf life. The quicker you use it, the greater the benefit. It can always be re-aerated using the instructions above.

If your tea stinks, it has gone bad, and don't use it.
The most common way to use the tea is to put it in a hand sprayer and spray your plants with it. You can even spray the lawn. Aerated tea will not burn your plants, and it helps repel certain insects.

Think of worm tea as a natural immune system booster for plants. It provides good microorganisms and nutrients needed for plants and soil to repel insects and disease.
You can also water your plants with it. It's great for seedlings since it provides nutrients but absolutely will not burn.
Source: www.organic-raised-bed-gardening.com

According to Bentley, at redwormcomposting.com, you can feed tea to your worms. Soak cardboard in the tea and then place it in the worm bin. This gives the worms bacteria to feed on. Nice!

Salmon Stocks in Crisis

The summer of 2009 marked perhaps the worst year on record for sockeye salmon returns in the Fraser River, including the Nechako runs. Only about 7% of the 8.7 million sockeye salmon that were expected survived to return.

Salmon face a multitude of challenges:

         -water quality, quantity and temperature issues

         -deforestation and habitat loss

         -hydroelectric dams

         -decreases in ocean survival rates

         -climate change

         -overfishing

         -sea lice infestation from salmon farms

sockeye salmon

There are still salmon runs in this area, but they are a far cry from what they have been and are in danger of being lost altogether. On November 5th, 2009, after lengthy petitioning by many concerned organizations, and under significant political pressure, the federal government announced a federal inquiry into the decline of the Fraser River salmon stocks.

Salmon are an integral part of our northern ecosystem. Their decline is a great loss on many levels. You can find out more about this complicated issue, and also find out ways you can help at the following sites.

http://www.adopt-a-fry.org/?page_id=21

http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.html?id=2951

http://www.friendsofwildsalmon.ca/

http://www.sierraclub.bc.ca/campaign-spotlights/save-bc-salmon/?searchterm=salmon

www.seachoice.org

If you are interested in trying to help salmon on a local level, contact bytes@nvfoodnetwork.ca

~Contributed by M.Sullivan

Fresh the Movie

Fresh the movie

FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers, and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system.

This movie is uplifting and hopeful, featuring real people who are forging healthier, sustainable alternatives to industrial agriculture. They offer a practical vision for the future of our food and our planet. 

 

A Home Grown Holiday

Tasty winter squash and garlic recipe that is sure to spice up your holiday feast. This holiday season, we encourage you to prepare your meals with locally grown produce and meats. For a list of producers and products available in our area, view our 

Cooking the Winter Squash

~Cut the squash in half, vertically with a large knife. If you are using a large squash, you may need to quarter it.
~Scoop out the seeds. You can save these to bake later.
~Spread the exposed flesh with olive oil. Place the cut side down on a baking sheet.
~Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 30-45 minutes depending on the size of the squash.
~The flesh should be easily pierced with a fork.

Roasting the Garlic

~ Cut off the top of a garlic bulb.
~Pour a bit of olive oil into over the exposed cloves and wrap the bulb in tinfoil.
~Cook at 400°F for 20 - 30 minutes until the cloves are soft and a sweet, garlicky aroma wafts from the oven (check periodically).

Putting it all together: Winter Squash with Roasted Garlic

~1 Winter squash, roasted 
~1 bulb of garlic, roasted
~2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil (amount depending on the size of squash)
~Salt and Pepper to taste
Scoop out the flesh from the cooked squash and put it in a bowl. Add butter or olive oil, salt, and pepper. Squeeze the roasted garlic from its skin and add to the squash. Mash with a potato masher. Sometimes the squash skin is edible after roasting and can be mashed along with the rest of the squash.
ENJOY!

**You can purchase locally grown garlic from BearFoot Acres 250-567-2125.**

A Check-in with Local Wheat Growers

Telephone interview with George Labrash:

Unfortunately, George was unable to produce wheat this season as the weather did not cooperate. However; he planted a small sample plot last season, which produced around 5 kilos of wheat. He was very impressed with the success of the season when his findings added up to 80 bushels of wheat per acre. One of George’s objectives is to determine which types of wheat cope well in northern BC, as you must have 88 days of frost-free weather to successfully grow a wheat crop.

Telephone Interview with Gary & Judy Blattner:

The Blattners had anticipated to carry out an experiment with their wheat crops where they would be planting different strains of wheat in four by four plots, but their experiment could not be completed as their family dogs dug them up. However; Garry and Judy have decided to rise to the challenge next season in hopes of a more successful outcome. To make this possible, they plan to plant bigger plots and allow for more test spaces.

Freezing Herbs

Steps are taken from eHow.thyme

Step 1
Most herbs are simple to freeze. Smaller plants like thyme can be frozen on the stem, and basil will need to be blanched or else they will turn black when frozen. Other herbs will not have to be blanched before freezing

Step 2
Spread herbs either chopped up or whole flat on a baking sheet and then put in the freezer. When frozen use a large freezer bag to collect them, marking the outside of the bag with the name of the herb so it is easier to select for use later.

Step 3
Frozen herbs are easier to use in soups and cooked dishes, but if you want to use them in salads then you will need to thaw them out first and then pat them dry. They should come out just like their fresh counterparts.

Step 4
Herbs can be frozen in a puree as well. Take the herbs and blend them with just enough water to make a paste-like semi-liquid. Pour into an ice-cube tray and freeze. You can keep these in freezer bags just like the normal herbs, and later use them in soups and stews with ease.

Step 5
Frozen herbs can be used as a garnish. Thaw first and pat them dry. Arranging them will be a little harder as they will not have the stiffness of fresh herbs.
 

Types of Apples that Should Grow Well Here

In Vanderhoof, we are in Zone 3.  Be aware that just because a plant is labeled as hardy to zone 3 does not mean it will produce. It only means it shouldn't die.

Fruit trees are more challenging to grow in cold climates; however, there are prairie hardy varieties available that are suitable for the cooler, shorter growing areas of BC.

applesMost fruit trees are propagated by grafting a scion or top part of the tree, onto a rootstock which becomes the root and crown part of the tree.  The rootstock has an influence on the size and hardiness of the tree, but the scion determines the type of fruit produced.  It is important both the rootstock and scion are winter hardy.

 

The Government of Canada website suggests these 3 varieties for our area:

Haralson apple: medium-sized fruit.  Red striped to deep red.  Crisp, juicy, firm.  Good for fresh eating and juice.  Excellent for baking.  Stores for 4-6 months.  The tree is biennial [heavy crop followed by a light crop]. Ripens in Sept-Oct.

Honeycrisp: a cross of Macoun and Honeygold. Skin is mottled red over yellow ground cover.  The flesh is very crisp.  Excellent quality. Better than McIntosh or Red Delicious for fresh eating. Ripens in late September. The tree is an annual bearer.

Sunnybrook: fruit ripens in late August. The fruit is medium-sized. Good for pies.

NuGrowth and Maxine's Nursery in Vanderhoof both have a variety of apple trees including Fall Red, Honeycrisp, Goodland, and Parkland.

Art Knapps in PG has Battleford [good for cooking], Goodland [great for storing, eating and cooking], Parkland [similar to Spartan], September Ruby, Honeycrisp, Fall Red [similar to a Gala], Norland [doesn’t store well], plus more.

Take control of your food source!

Get going on a vegetable garden. No matter how small your plot of ground, it is a start! And a smart way to start is with the right seeds. These are just two possible sources.  Check out these websites.

http://www.saltspringseeds.com/

http://www.westcoastseeds.com/product/Vegetable-Seeds/

NV Food Network Community Meeting "Growing Together"

In 2009, the NV Food Network held a community discussion of local food issues. Facilitated by Dr. Theresa Healy
(Regional Facilitator for BC Healthy Communities) with Ms. Christine Glennie -Visser HEAL North Regional Coordinator (Healthy Eating and Active Living). Monday, January 12th, 7- 9:30 PM, Vanderhoof Public Library. Everyone Welcome!

SUMMARY OF MEETING: Ranchers, farmers, consumers, gardening enthusiasts, and educators gathered to discuss local food issues. There was a tremendous turn-out of over sixty people for a standing room only meeting in the Vanderhoof Public Library Meeting Room. The NV Food Network also presented our goals and some of the tools we are developing to assist the growth and distribution of local agricultural products. The NV Food Network offered to continue to host community planning sessions with Dr. Theresa Healy and also to start work on a volunteer database for community food projects. A Community Action Report will be distributed through email by the Network which will summarize the ideals, barriers, and actions which the community identified for developing the local food 'scene'. The next community planning workshop will be on February 2. So, get ready to keep the planning momentum going!

"Growing Together" Agenda

Welcome, Introduction, and Purpose
Opening Round: who you are and what is your dream for the community

Nechako Valley Food Network Briefing Panel Presentations

1. Why Buy Local? the challenges and joys of buying local

2. Supporting Community Supported Agriculture. linking local farmers and
local consumers

3. Linking Ourselves. the technology that can improve our efforts

4. Virtual and Real Websites. the elements of communication

5. Growing Together. using the tools to unite our efforts

Break

Traffic Lights Workshop
Small groups: what are the barriers, ideal states, solutions?

Facilitator: Strategic Directions and Tasks

For Background Information:
Available on The Bean Bookshelf, download it from here.

A Seat At the Table: Resource Guide for Local Governments to Promote Food Secure Communities

Community Food Assessment Guide

Making the Connection: Food Security and Public Health

Community Supported Agriculture

Customers 'subscribe' to a farm by buying a share of a farm's harvest, paying either at the beginning of the season or at a set weekly price.

Customers

Producers

Help make Community Supported Agriculture a reality for Spring - Fall 2009 in the Nechako Valley! Experienced mentorship is available for interested producers.