Culinary

10/30/2012

To “Happy Valley” for Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins...and Barley.

Fletcher Farm_Pumpkin Patch
Sara Grimaldi & Cheryl Fletcher
They don’t call it the “Happy Valley” for nothing! The Pioneer Valley made up of three counties: Franklin, Hampden & Hampshire; collectively feature much of New England's most fertile farmland. Nestled along the Connecticut River this region is known for its scenery and as a vacation destination, however its agricultural heritage dates back to the 1600’s. On a recent beautiful fall weekend, Agricultural Markets Program Coordinator Julia Grimaldi traveled west from Boston to pick pumpkins and celebrate a lesser known but emerging crop, barley.

Her first stop, with niece in tow, was to Fletcher Family Farm in Southampton, a dairy farm that also offers a pumpkin patch with pick-your-own pumpkins and a seasonal farm stand. Bob and Cheryl Fletcher along with their three children, Nicole, Elizabeth & Mathew farm over 100 acres of land. They are the recipients of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Agricultural Improvement Program Grant resulting in a new modern dairy facility completed in spring 2011 and in 2010 they received NECN favorite distinction award for “Best Pumpkin Patch in New England”.  Pick up a MassGrown & Fresher pumpkin at a local farmers’ market (most are opened through Thanksgiving week) a farm stand near you, or at a number of pick-your-own pumpkin patches.

Brewers_Wormtown Brewery_Barleyfest
Ben Pratt, Ben Roesch and Tyler Fitzpatrick, brewers from Wormtown Brewery, Worcester

The fall’s foliage complemented Valley Malt’s 2nd year anniversary party at the 1st annual “Barleyfest” at the Young Men’s Club in Hadley. Valley Malt‘s goal is to reintroduce small grains and hops to the area and produce beer that would possess the unique characteristics and flavor from grains and hops grown on native “Valley” soil.  This year’s celebration featured eight beers all produced with malt made from a combination of Massachusetts hops and grains.

Local Beers_Barleyfest
The festival also featured Four Star Farms from Northfield who produce sustainably grown sod, hops and small grains, an antique tractor show, wood fired pizza made with local wheat, apple cider donuts and kettle corn from the North Hadley Sugar Shack, home brew demos, and lives music.


Antique Ford Tractor_Barleyfest

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10/10/2012

Weekly Outdoor Events: Explore Fall!

Nothing’s better than taking a walk on a crisp, fall day surrounded by beautiful scenery. Check out the following programs that get you outside to experience fall.

Take part in the Southeastern Massachusetts Adult Walking Club’s Let’s Take a Walk! program and join them on their weekly walk each Saturday. On October 13 at 1:00 pm, meet at the Wompatuck State Park in Hingham for an easy 2-mile trip around Triphammer Pond. All walkers ages 16 and older are invited to participate.

Attend the Wild Edibles Walk in Massasoit State Park on Sunday, October 14 from 9:00-10:30 am to experience which wild plants you can eat and what you can do with them! Adults and children accompanied by adults can attend and should meet at the main parking lot at 1361 Middleboro Avenue in East Taunton.

If you’re still hungry for more information, take a short break from walking and head over to Dighton Rock State Park to learn about the history of cranberry bogs and agriculture. Sit outside and enjoy the Cannonballs & Cranberries program from 1:00-2:00 pm on Sunday, October 14.

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10/03/2012

Celebrate the Cranberry Harvest!

Thanks to Illissa Palmer, our intern from Simmons College for her contributions to this blog about Massachusetts cranberries! Enjoy!12 HM cranberry hand

Did you know that Massachusetts is one of the largest cranberry producers in the country?! This year’s bountiful crop will yield one of the largest harvests on record and will have you seeing red…in a good way. Many believe that cranberries grow in water, but surprise! They grow on vines and contain small pockets of air, which is why they float. Now is the time for the everyday person to take part in their own personal cranberry adventure. The cranberry was made for more than just sauce on the holiday dinner table, and should be enjoyed all year round.

Massachusetts is home to about 469 hard-working cranberry farms with over 14,000 acres of bog, with 16 farms open to the public for exploration. See the bog, speak with harvesters, purchase berries, products, and join in seasonal festivities. Slip on some waders, splash into the bog, and help with the harvest for the “be the grower” experience. Most farms host school, youth or private groups and are handicapped accessible. To find a bog near you visit http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/index.htm. There are acres to choose from!

The annual Cranberry Harvest Celebration in Wareham is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get to know the fruit and the farmers. This year, the 9th anniversary celebration takes place Columbus Day weekend; October 6 & 7 from 10am-4pm. Featuring  guided tours, helicopter rides, artist/craft vendors, live entertainment, pony and train rides, cooking demonstrations, bounce house, and food vendors, the festival is fun and educational, allowing celebrators to engage in the unique world of cranberry-growing while enjoying the scenic autumn outdoors. It also serves as an annual fundraiser for local non-profit organizations. Visit www.cranberryharvest.org.
11 cranberry
Historically the cranberry was used medicinally to treat wounds, diabetes, liver problems, and stomach ailments. It is a nutritional and antibacterial powerhouse high in vitamins C and K, manganese, and fiber, with phytochemicals that may protect the body’s cells from damage and disease. Cranberries may be beneficial for stomach, heart, and dental health, kidney stones, yeast infections, cataracts, cognitive decline, cholesterol and cancer prevention. To yield health benefits, consuming 1 ½ c. of fresh or frozen, 1 oz. dried, ½ c. cooked berries, or 4-6 oz. of juice daily is suggested.

Don’t wait for Thanksgiving!  Incorporate these ruby red gems into your mealtime with these recipes for Cranberry Avocado Salsa and Grilled Portabella Mushrooms with Cranberry and Sausage Stuffing, courtesy of the CCCGA at www.cranberries.org. Enjoy fresh from the bog cranberries now, and frozen or dried year round. Attend the harvest celebration, visit a farm for an agritourism outing, or cook up something new and enticing this fall season! Deepen your knowledge, nourish your body, and tickle your taste buds as often as possible this cranberry season!

Cranberryharvest

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09/27/2012

Massachusetts Apple Picking Season is On!

Sarah apple picking2What do Governor Deval Patrick, Sarah (pictured in the blue shorts) and little Aaliyah have in common? All love locally grown Massachusetts apples! This year’s apple crop yield is a good one  with popular varieties such as the Macintosh, Honey Crisp, and Golden Delicious in crisp-and-sweet abundance!

Governor Patrick recently joined Secretary Rick Sullivan and Representative Harold Naughton for a visit to Northborough’s Tougas Farm to voice support for local agriculture in the Commonwealth. Owner Maurice Tougas was on hand to talk about the importance of preserving working landscapes and how new technology efficiencies are helping to keep Massachusetts farmers competitive. But in between “business discussions”, there was also opportunity for the Governor to take a ride around the farm for a tractor ride and then to take a walk through the apple orchard to pick his own bag of juicy, sweet apples. “There’s not a bad apple out there,” he smiled.

Sarah had more or less the same idea on a spectacularly clear, first-fall weekend day spent at Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro. Joined by her family, not only did Sarah help pick apples, she also enjoyed a hayride into the orchard. She and her brother then tried  the hay maze and checked out tractor training school. And what would a day at a pick-your-own farm be without some savory local apple cider and apple cider doughnuts at the end? Find delicious apples at a Pick-Your-Own Farm near you!

Gov at Tougas Farm apple picking

Apple Fun Facts: The pilgrims planted the first US apple trees in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In 1623, William Blackstone planted seeds from Europe on Beacon Hill, Boston. Apples are the second most valuable fruit grown in the US behind oranges.

 

Aaliyah eating an apple at Parlee Farm



 

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08/20/2012

Celebrate harvest with agricultural fairs this September

This September, agricultural fairs across the Commonwealth will showcase the bounty of our local harvest and offer fun and entertainment for everyone, in addition to being a cultural and historical highlight of our state. Attending one of these fairs is something you won’t want to miss! I’ve highlighted a few of the fairs below.

The Topsfield Fair is the oldest continuously running agricultural fair in America, and will run this year from September 28-October 8, 2012. Come to this fair to experience the joy of fireworks, a grand parade, a pumpkin contest, animal shows, and sand sculptures. Come to enjoy a caramel apple, a live band, a ferris wheel ride, or simple petting a baby goat or miniature horse.

Photo credit: mike01905 on flickr.com

The Franklin County Fair will occur from September 6-9, this year. The theme will be “Memories, Music and Magic”! It’s organized by the Franklin County Agricultural Society, whose goal is to educate and engage the community. It’s everything you want in a country fair, with everything from carnival rides to cattle shows. One essay even calls the Franklin County fair as “American as apple pie”!

The Belchertown Fair occurs from September 21-23, and this year’s theme is “Poultry in Motion”. Horse and oxen pulls are a main attraction, and the opening parade features community bands, fire trucks, floats and marching groups. The Belchertown Fair is home to one of the best exhibit halls in the state, and features livestock and agricultural displays and demonstrations for all to enjoy. This is the perfect small town agricultural fair to help connect you to our state’s agricultural cultural heritage.

Photo credit: Heyes on flickr.com

Contact Ellen Hart at 617-626-1742 or email Ellen.hart@state.ma.us for a copy of the Agricultural fairs brochure. Be sure to check out the MassGrown interactive google map for a complete listing of agricultural fairs in the Commonwealth. There’s sure to be one near you!

 

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07/18/2012

Save the date for agricultural fairs this August

 

An amazing number of agricultural fairs are held throughout Massachusetts each summer. Most of them have been happening for over 100 years and are deeply rooted in the cultural history of the Commonwealth. The gorgeous Berkshire Mountains will be the backdrop to the 157th Annual Middlefield Fair, an old time country fair that was first established in 1855 as a cattle show. Each year, prizes are given to people of all ages with various skills and products. Events include a horse and oxen pull and a chili cook off. Agricultural producers will compete for prizes awarded for the best agricultural products, including hen eggs, fruits and vegetables, flowers, honey and more. There’s even a children’s essay prize.

You won’t want to miss the local, fun, friendly flair of the Hardwick Community Fair, which takes place August 17-18. In addition to being the oldest fair in the United States (it originated in 1762), this fair hosts unique events such as a 5-mile road race, a lumberjack contest, a frog jumping contest and a children’s parade! And it wouldn’t be a true Massachusetts fair if it didn’t showcase the best in local agriculture, which it does through displays of baked goods, vegetables and flowers that will compete for the illusive blue ribbon.

Photo credit: ctomt on flickr.com

The 95th Annual Heath Fair from August 17-19 will offer fun activities and opportunities to learn about agriculture. Last years’ program included square dances, a ham and bean supper, and even talks on the art of composting and urban agriculture, along with traditional fair events like a tractor pull.

Photo credit: bendystraw on flickr.com

In Southeast Massachusetts from August 17-26, be sure to visit the 145th Annual Marshfield Fair. Competitions will be held in 4-H, arts and crafts, and agricultural and horticultural events. Fair organizers hope that everyone who comes will have fun and leave with a greater sense of the importance of agriculture and horticulture in our society.

A copy of the 2012 Fairs Brochure is yours if you contact Ellen Hart at 617-626-1742 or email Ellen.hart@state.ma.us. Be sure to also check out the MassGrown interactive Google map for a complete listing of agricultural fairs in the Commonwealth. There’s sure to be one near you!

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07/16/2012

Weekly outdoors events: Farmers market feature

Support your local farmers' market and enjoy some fresh, Massachusetts-grown food this week at some great farmers' market events happening across the state. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy farm fresh produce by visiting a farmers' market in your area. To discover the markets close to you, check out the MassGrown map.

Farmers Market 1 7-12-2012 1-47-56 PM
                           Davis Square farmers' market in Somerville

This Wednesday night from 5 to 8 p.m. come out to enjoy Jamaican Night Buffet hosted by Coonamessett Farm in East Falmouth. The popular Jamaican grill night features authentic Jamaican cuisine like callaloo, a fresh vegetable soup, batata (sweet potato) pudding, jerk chicken and pork straight from the grill! There will also be live steel drum music, dancing and fun for families and friends.

Don’t miss this unique cultural experience at Coonamessett Farm this Wednesday. Check out the Coonamessett website for more information.

Also at Coonamessett Farm, come enjoy great local food and live music at the Friday Farm Dinner at 5 to 8 p.m. This and every Friday evening through August, Coonamessett farm hosts a family dinner made with delicious farm produce and local pulled pork from the grill. The dinner also features fresh soups, salads and vegetarian entrees. 

Looking for a new market to explore? Come to Somerville to enjoy a warm summer evening and take a leisurely stroll at the Union Square Main Street market this Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. Building on the vibrancy of the Saturday morning market, the Thursday evening Swirl and Slice market takes place every Thursday evening throughout the summer at Union Square on Main Street. Swirl and Slice features specialty foods like wines, cheeses, jams and other locally produced refineries by Massachusetts farms. Come to Somerville this Thursday to sample some great local food, enjoy live jazz and various educational demonstrations from vendors. View the Swirl and Slice for more information on vendors.

 

GrownImage
                                massfarmersmarkets.org

North of Boston this weekend, come enjoy the Blueberry Pancake Breakfast hosted by Verrill Farm in Concord. This Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. A family farm since 1922, Verrill Farm will be serving up pancakes made with farm fresh blueberries, Massachusetts-made maple syrup, fresh juice and coffee. Bring family and friends to the farm to enjoy a great breakfast and live music by The Yankee Stompers. Check out the Verrill Farm’s website for more information.

Also this weekend, check out the Bedford Farmer’s Market  one-day event. This Sunday in Bedford, check out returning local famers, vendors, artisans and special demonstrative events from Bedford and surrounding areas. Join the Bedford Farmers Market this Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. to enjoy great community fun for the whole family.

Be sure to check out our events calendar for outdoor events and Department of Agricultural Resources' MassGrown calendar for more farmers’ market events coming up in your area.

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07/03/2012

Blueberries, blueberries, blueberries

Sarah Jordan_blueberry pickingSarah Jordan loves to help out at her family’s farm located in Rutland, Massachusetts. Sarah recently joined her grandmother, uncle, aunt, and cousins to pick blueberries for delivery to farm stands and farmers’ markets throughout the area. The berries are picked fresh in the morning, cleaned and then delivered to markets.

This year’s local blueberry crop came a little bit earlier than usual due to a mild spring and are now ripe for the picking. For a fun family outing, there are 67 pick-your-own blueberry farms plus hundreds of farmers’ markets and roadside stands from which to choose.

Native to North America, blueberries, or Vaccinium corymbosum, are perennial flowering plants  in the same family as cranberries. Varieties of blueberries more commonly grown in Massachusetts are Berkley, Bluecrop, Coville and Earliblue. Massachusetts is number two in the U.S. for wild blueberry production and rank 17th for high bush (cultivated) blueberries.

Jordan local blueberriesBlueberries are a great source of antioxidants that may prevent diseases such as cancer. In addition, this small but mighty fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, iron, manganese and fiber. An extremely versatile berry, these fruits can be used in many recipes such as pies, muffins, jams, jellies and smoothies. They are definitely worth the purple tongue you’ll get afterwards from eating them!

For more information and directions to Massachusetts' blueberry farms, farmers' markets, pick-your-own berry farms, and roadside produce stands, visit http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/map.htm.

Blueberry bush 2

 

 

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06/05/2012

Raise your glass of milk to June Dairy Month!

CowJulia Grimaldi, DAR’s Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board Coordinator, and I want to wish you Happy June Dairy Month! Did you know that milk is the top source of calcium in the diet? Experts recommend that you get at least three servings of dairy every day. Milk, cheese and yogurt all count. With nine essential nutrients including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin, and niacin, milk, cheese, and yogurt together pack a powerful nutrient punch! Learn more about the health benefits of dairy at http://www.newenglanddairycouncil.org/page/health-professionals.

Fletcher Family, SouthamptonToday, Governor Patrick proclaimed that June is dairy month in Massachusetts! June Diary Month originated in 1937 as an annual tradition developed to celebrate the dairy industry and its many contributions to our society. In June and all year long, we want to recognize all of the positive contributions our Massachusetts dairy farmers have on local agriculture, working 365 days a year to take the best care of their animals, the land and their communities. Learn more about Massachusetts dairy farming at www.massdairy.com.

Barstow's Longview Farm, Hadley
June is a time when dairy farm families often open their farms to visitors for tours, while stores and other businesses feature delicious dairy products for customers to enjoy. On Saturday, June 9, Drumlin Farm in Lincoln hosts their annual Dairy Day, on Sunday, June 12, Whittier Farm in Sutton celebrates June Dairy Month and on Saturday, June 23 Hager’s Farm Market in Shelburne Falls hosts their annual “Udderly Delicious Day” and Shaw Farm in Dracut has their annual Ice Cream Festival. Visit DAR’s Massgrown and Fresher website for event details.

It’s easy to keep dairy products relevant in your home, and our dairy farmers are happy to supply us with a steady flow of nutritious milk produce right here in Massachusetts all year long. You’ll find a wide variety of dairy products in your local grocery store. Discover wholesome recipes that offer you easy ways to enjoy at least three servings of low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese or yogurt every day - any time of day.

Scenery

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05/15/2012

Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs

Each year, 45 agricultural fairs are held all across the Commonwealth, from Cape Cod to the Berkshires. While fair activities differ from event to event, most include live music, farm exhibits, arts and crafts shows, garden demonstrations, 4-H and children’s activities! These family friendly events offer something for everyone. Some of the fairs that happen earlier in the summer are highlighted below.

The Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair takes  place in Cummington on May 26 and 27. It began 38 years ago to offer a statewide sheep show, and has now evolved to include all things sheep and fiber, from fleece shows, sheep shows, woolcrafts, spinning and handspun contests, and even sheep dog trials. Event organizers will offer fiber workshops on everything from Kool Aid dyeing for kids to knitting, along with demonstrations on shearing and lamb cooking. Over 50 local vendors will showcase wools and yarn for sale.

Single Sheep Photo by Sharon Suchecki

The Barnstable County Fair, an annual summer tradition in Cape Cod for the past 167 years, runs fromJuly 21-28 in East Falmouth. Last year more than 85,000 people enjoyed the animal shows, 4H demonstrations, petting zoos, horticulture displays, rides, games, food, live music and more.

The 38th Annual Adams Agricultural Fair will be held from August 2-5. It’s the quintessential country fair with competitions showcasing the best in agricultural products ranging from herbs and baked goods to canned fruits and poultry. There will also be a quilters design challenge, battle of the bands, and King Arthur Flour baking contest.


Bolton Fair, and old fashioned agricultural fair with 136 years of history, will take place from August 10-12. Animal shows and agricultural exhibits are the heart of the show and food, entertainment, farmers markets, rides and demonstrations also makeup the festivities.

 

If you would like a copy of the 2012 Fairs Brochure please contact Ellen Hart at 617-626-1742 or email Ellen.Hart@state.ma.us. For a complete listing of Massachusetts Agricultural fairs and other agricultural resources, you can visit the MassGrown interactive Google map!

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