Spud-tactular News
Spud-tactular News
Are you enjoying all the benefits of eating in season? We hope so, and wish to introduce you to a spud-tacular vegetable in season right now, Potatoes! Potatoes are a plant with large leaves with the edible part of this plant being the tuber that grows underground. Potatoes are naturally fat free, cholesterol free and… Read More »
Are you enjoying all the benefits of eating in season? We hope so, and wish to introduce you to a spud-tacular vegetable in season right now, Potatoes! Potatoes are a plant with large leaves with the edible part of this plant being the tuber that grows underground. Potatoes are naturally fat free, cholesterol free and said to be a great source of vitamin C, potassium (if skins are consumed) as well as are a nutrient dense complex carb containing protein, fiber and antioxidants.
The origins of potatoes go way back and it is said that the Inca Indians in Peru were possibly the first to cultivate potatoes around 8,000 BC to 5,000 BC. Historians believe that the Incas used potatoes in a variety of ways including medicinal. Potatoes eventually made their way to Europe around 1570 aboard the Spanish conquistador ships and believed to have originally been a crop used to feed livestock. According to USDA National Potato Promotion Board, Potatoes are said to have arrived to this area, the then early Colonies, in the year 1621 as a result of Nathaniel Butler, the Governor of Bermuda, sending two large cedar chests full of potatoes to Governor Francis Wyatt of Virginia at Jamestown.
Potatoes are eaten mashed, baked, scalloped, made into French fries, home fries, hash browns, chips, dumplings, gnocchi and potato pancakes. They are also a great thickener for soups and stews and can easily be incorporated into recipes to increase your vegetable intake. If you want to keep potatoes on hand for long periods of time, make sure they are completely dry before storing them in a cool, dry and dark space.
We grow six acres of potatoes on our farm and they are in season typically August through October, weather permitting. We grow six different types including red, gold, white, blue, russet, fingerling which include twelve different varieties altogether.
Green beans are in season July through October on our farm and we have quite a good crop this year! We farm three types of Green Beans on ten acres including; green, yellow wax and Italian which include five different varieties. Green beans are known by many names, including French beans, string beans, snaps, snap beans, and the French call them haricot vert, and they are members of the legume family. Green beans are seeds that come in pods technically making them a fruit . Beans are eaten in the pod stage of immature development before they become mature seeds. If left to mature they would dry out and would be ready for re-planting. Green beans are enjoyed whole, raw in salads or cooked in soups, stir-fries, and other dishes and are said to contain folate, thiamin, riboflavin, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Green beans are a favorite go to when you are looking to add color and crunchy flavor and texture to dishes.
Want to learn some tips on storing beans? Our culinary specialist Miss Jenn has
prepared these helpful hints! When you get your beans home, remove them from the plastic bag and be sure that the beans are dry before storing. When dry, store in a paper bag or layer the beans with a paper towel in a covered container. For longer term storage try this method of preparation, break off the tip at the stem end and blanch in a pot of boiling water for 3-4 minutes or steam for about 8-10 minutes. The color should brighten, and they should be fork tender, yet crisp. Blanching or steaming will extend storage time and the beans will be ready to add to a recipe or make into a salad when you need them. You may also freeze the beans at this stage by storing them in a freezer safe bag or container and then adding to soups or stews when needed to add more vegetables into your meals, especially in the long months of Winter.
Loved what you learned about Potatoes and Green Beans grown on our farm? Try experimenting with this easy recipe prepared by Miss Jenn using many of our homegrown vegetables and aromatics that are in season right now namely; red potatoes, yellow onions, garlic, and green beans.
Best wishes from our farm kitchen to yours!
