January Newsletter

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In this issue:

In the Store

Cabbage, lettuce, and squash, oh my! read more

Farm News

It probably won’t surprise you to hear that we’re the kind of folks who get really excited about vegetables. Winter veggies may seem somewhat less thrilling... read more

Crushed Rock

Bob Cannard has been using crushed volcanic rock for over 30 years to increase the vitality of the soil. Properly applied, crushed volcanic rock increases... read more

Upcoming Events

Farm tour, family day, and community workdays... read more

Recipe: Winter Tomato Soup

A blast of summer’s goodness in winter’s favorite form -- soup! Serve with grilled cheese the next time you need some serious comfort food. read more

Recipe: Simple Squash Soup

Try out different kinds of squash for this thick, rich soup, like pumpkin, red kuri, pink banana, and hubbard. read more

Recipe: Hearty Greens with Sausage and Blue Cheese

The bright greens and reds from collards and chard in this dish bring a little color to gray winter days, and sausage adds a little umph! read more

Up and coming

Anyone else feel like 2010 really snuck up on us? Here are a couple things to put on your brand new calendar:

Intern applications due January 15

If you've spent much time at Green String, you've probably heard about what an awesome experience our interns have here. Though the three-month terms go by awfully quickly, the days are packed with all the experience, learning, fun, and good food that they can handle. Interns leave with a diversity of experience and knowledge in sustainable agriculture so they can pursue their own exciting futures in the field! (No pun intended, I swear.)

The deadline for spring applications is coming up, so if you think you or someone you know would like to spend March through May in our little farm immersion program, go ahead and download an application at http://www.greenstringinstitute.org/internships.html.

Farm Tour Saturday, January 2

Our monthly farm tour is this Saturday, and whether you're an intern hopeful or not, we're sure you'll enjoy this educational stroll through the farm. Meet us at the farm store at noon if you'd like to join us. We ask for $5 per person from those who can afford it -- but no one's turned away.

Holiday Hours

Please note our holiday hours:

Christmas Eve, Thursday, 12/24
open 10am to 3pm

Christmas Day, Friday, 12/25
closed

Saturday, 12/26
closed

New Year's Eve, Thursday, 12/31
open 10am to 3pm

New Year's Day, Friday, 1/1
closed

We will be open our regular hours (10am to 5pm) all other days.

December Newsletter

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Download the PDF

In this issue:

In the Store

Topping the list this month, five different kinds of cabbage! Yup, it's winter alright. read more

Farm News

As the year draws to a close, we can't help but reflect on what a great year we've had at the farm... read more

Winter Crops

There are so many blessings of living in our little corner of the world. Our ability to grow crops year-round feels particularly special during these shortest days of the year... read more

Recipe: Kohlrabi Slaw

Swap out celeriac for kohlrabi for a twist on the French classic, céleri rémoulade. This recipe makes a little extra rémoulade, so use it on its own as a salad dressing, on burgers, or on fish... read more

Recipe: Persimmon Pudding

Serve this nutty, rich dessert to finish off a special winter meal. For a moister pudding, try covering the pudding with foil during baking... read more

Green String Fest *Update*

String Fest is only a few days away! Are you ready? We're gearing up over here at the farm: bales of straw flying around the barn, reconstructing the oven, big pots of stock bubbling on the stoves. Oh, and we have some exciting news to share!

We've added two more great bands -- Indian Valley Line and Goldfinch -- who'll be playing acoustic sets throughout the day.

Adding to the fantastic guest speaker line up will be Mark Pasternak of Devil's Gulch Ranch.

Organizations spreading the word on their good work will be the Sonoma Open Space District, Petaluma heroes Daily Acts, Marin Organic, Marin Agricultural Land Trust, goat cheese by Hanna Hart of Toluma Farms, & sustainable farmworker housing architect James Monday.

Don't forget to dress warm -- there'll be fires and heaters and of course the unbounded warmth of good people, dancing and enjoying themselves! Can't wait to see you all!

November Newsletter

Yikes, the newsletter's late this month! Sorry, we've had some internet/computer difficulties recently. The month's almost halfway over, but I hope you enjoy the newsletter anyways!

Read the full newsletter

In this issue:

In the Store

The store's filled with the very last of our summer goodies and the beginning of winter specialties. It's a great time to eat local! read more

Farm News

First, a very exciting announcement: our fall interns are putting on a special event this month, and you're all invited! String Fest will take place on Saturday, November 21, and will feature speakers on sustainable agriculture... read more

Local Handmade Gifts

As a Green String Farm customer, you probably already know how important it is to buy local. We hope that by eating our food, you've also learned how rewarding it can be... read more

Recipe: Glazed Beets

Beets' naturally high sugar content makes for a deliciously rich glaze when you reduce their cooking liquid. Serve this dish with couscous or brown rice (see below) for a satisfying autumn meal... read more

Recipe: Leeky Pilaf

Plain brown rice can taste a bit too much like health food for some of us, but with just a little butter and added flavor it's transformed. Leeks' mild creaminess pairs nicely with the rice's nutty flavor... read more

Recipe: Poached Quince

Quince, the pear look-alike, raises more questions in the farm store than anything else we sell this time of year. The fruit is too hard and bitter to be enjoyed raw, but takes on fantastic flavor when cooked. If you're not feeling ambitious enough to make the traditional Spanish quince paste, membrillo, try poaching instead... read more

GREEN STRING FEST!!!

When: November 21st, 3-10pm
Where: Green String Farm. 3571 Old Adobe Rd. Petaluma, CA 94954
Cost: $10, kids get in free. Barter accepted, no one will be refused.

String Fest is a celebration of the growth of local sustainable agriculture, cuisine and music. Hosted by interns at Petaluma's Green String Farm, the festival will feature local organizations, food purveyors, lectures by several of the Bay Area's most recognized agricultural and sustainability leaders as well as sets of live rock and Americana music by up and coming Bay Area musicians! Join us at the Green String Farm for an evening of education and fun!

Green String Fest Lineup

3pm - Network/ Meet and Greet! This is your chance to meet and talk with local organizations and local food vendors from Marin and Sonoma counties who are creating change in our local communities. Find out who is supplying healthy food for you, your family and friends and how you can support them. Some featured organizations include Slow Food Movement, Petaluma Bounty, Malibu Compost and more!

4pm - Farm Tours Join us for a half hour tour around Green String Farm, interns leading the tour will teach you about natural process farming and a sustainable way of life. Interested in the intern program? A separate half hour tour will be given of the Green String Institute.

5pm - Lecture Series Hear from Bob Cannard (Green String Farm/ Cannard Farms), Aaron Lucich ("We Are What We Eat" movie), and Ross Rubin (Sonoma County Bee Keeper)

8pm - Live Music! Rock out to the sounds of North Bay's group Faith in Phantoms and the Green String Farm Band. End your evening with great tunes and a whole lotta dancing!

Much More... Delicious food from Green String Farm served throughout the day, hot drinks, & kids activities.

See You At the Farm!