Community Supported Agriculture- Week 1

My friend Sarah and I are sharing a harvest box through the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).  We are each paying $300 shares ($25 goes to the local food bank) for the year to receive half a box ration each of produce weekly from today (June 26) until late October.  All the produce is grown locally using volunteered residential properties.  We pick it up weekly at a location in Mount Pleasant.  It's really great incentive to eat more greens! This is the selection that I received this week. 

my harvest box (asian greens, kale, swiss chard, spinach, bok choy, radishes and garlic scapes)

 

A volunteer CSA residential farm



my first meal - bean, rice and veggie stirfry

  



Farmer's Market Buys

I visited the Trout Lake Farmers Market on Saturday.  The produce wasn't quite in full swing yet, so my shopping tote was a bit light.  The vibe is always worth the visit though.   I did, however, splurge on some herbal cosmetic products.  A menses tincture with cramp bark to get rid of (guess what?)....cramps!  It's worth a try because I'm generally opposed to pharmacy products but end up popping Advil under duress every month.  I also purchased some natural toothpaste and deodorant. I'm most excited with the toothpaste because I'm always looking for more natural alternatives to the generic superstore brands.  The main ingredient is olive oil and a few others that seem to make up something similar to a natural liquid soap.  The addition of peppermint oil leaves you with a nice aftertaste.  The deodorant smells like lemon balm.  So far so good.   This is the link to there online store. Royal Herbs

Rosemary's Perfect Cream

This recipe is from one of the most treasured and dog eared books I have in my collection. This cream is rich and quenching. And any person that has ever wondered how moisturizing cream is made should try it. You can create your own little science lab in your kitchen.

This is one of my favourite recipes from

Rosemary Gladstar's book Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health

Rosemary's Perfect Cream

Waters

2/3 cup distilled water (or rose water)
1/3 cup aloes vera gel
1 or 2 drops essential oil of choice
vitamins A and E as desired

Oils

3/4 cup apricot, almond, olive or grapeseed oil
1/3 cup coconut oil or cocoa butter
1/4 cup lanolin
1/2 to 1 ounce grated beeswax

1. Combine the waters in a measuring cup. (Tap water can be used instead of distilled water, but it will sometimes introduce bacteria and encourage the growth of mold). Set aside.
2. In a double boiler over low heat, combine the oils. Heat them just enough to melt.
3. Pour the oils into a blender and let them cool to room temperature. The mixture should become thick, creamy, semisolid, and cream coloured. This cooling process can be hastened in the refrigerator, but keep an eye on it so it doesn't become too hard.
4. When the mixture has cooled, turn on the blender at its highest speed. In a slow, thin drizzle, pour the water mixture into the centre vortex of the whirling oil mixture.
5. When most of the water mixture has been added to the oils, listen to the blender. You can slowly add more water, beating it in by hand with a spoon, but don't overbeat! The cream will thicken as it sets.
6. Pour into cream or lotion jars. Store in a cool location.