Good Food from Healthy Farms
Elliot
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Posts by Elliot
Weekly Produce Report, Week of May 18th, 2013
May 18th
NEW in the Terra Organics webstore:
Apricots
CA. Red Cherries
Local Cilantro
Red Grapes
Haden Mangoes
Orange Honeydew
TerraNEWS & INFO
There has been a single dominant question this last week from many of our customers. . . . “Where’s all the local produce?!” The one thing we can say with certainty is. . . . . it’s out there. . . . in the fields. . . growing. . . . . and oh wow, it’s going to be good! We’re just about there Washington. It’s late Spring, nearly early Summer, and like you, we’re anxious to get our hands on the local, early Summer harvest. Hang in there ’cause there’s a whole summer of local goodness coming your way!
Ever tried dandelion? Yes, dandelion. It seems a foreign menu item but it’s really not much different than your other leafy greens. Mix it into a salad or stir-fry next week! It’s a powerhouse of Vitamin A and provides a nice boost in daily dietary fiber!
Stone fruit? Yes please! We’re reigning in the new season with Yellow Peaches and Apricots ’cause we just can’t wait any longer. The peaches are arriving firm but soften within two to three days on the counter and are juicy and sweet. We should see nectarines in the next couple weeks providing a formal introduction to the stone fruit season. Woo hoo!
As for our favorite local farm, Tahoma Farms is nurturing its initial early season crops an extra week or two just to be sure the first pickin’s are spot on. Look for some baby greens in the next couple weeks! Even better, Tahoma’s infamous Sugar Snap Peas will be available in Terra’s webstore before the end of the month. Before you know it, most of the webstore will be featuring Northwest produce!
Terra Organics is growing in so many wonderful ways. We’re working very hard to bring you more organic, local foods. We’re also working extremely hard to make your entire experience with us as informative, efficient, and convenient as we can. Look for some spectacular updates to our website in the next couple months as we aim higher and higher to make each of our customers’ experiences more unique and intuitive. Each season is another opportunity to try something new. We’re just getting started Washington!
We are a word of mouth company and pride ourselves on customer service. We don’t do a whole lot of self-advertising and have enormous appreciation for our loyal customers. Love local produce delivered to your home or office? We’re pretty certain you know others who would appreciate it too. If nothing else, help us spread the word about organic agriculture and what it means to our local ecosystem and economy. How you eat can directly support your local economy and the health of our natural surroundings. Organic produce is good for the soil, rivers, and all living things but most of all, it just tastes better!
Buy organic. Buy local. Invest in your local food economy.
TerraSPECIALS of the Week
Blueberries, $4.50/6 oz.
Local Rhubarb, $4.00/lb.
Local Red Radishes, $2.50/bunch
Yellow Peaches, $1.25/each
Weekly Produce Report, Week of April 27th, 2013
Apr 28th
NEW in the Terra Organics webstore:
Bacon Avocados
Tomatillos
Jalapeno Peppers
BC Vine Tomatoes
Local Red Chard
Mini Watermelons
Cantaloupe
TerraNEWS & INFO
What a week! Mother Nature really delivered the good weather this week and we’ve seen the results in local crops, backyard gardens, and that little extra “spring” in our steps. Keep it coming please! That said, don’t forget to sprinkle us now and again with some showers to keep things fresh. We’ll do our part and keep things organic.
Tulips were a huge hit with our customers so we’ve brought them back for this week! Add a little extra color to the inside of your home or surprise a loved one with fresh-cut tulips from Washington’s Key Peninsula. Only $5.99 for mixed bunch!
See any patterns with our “New Items” this week? Jalapenos, Avocados, BC Tomatoes? Cinco de Mayo! It falls perfectly on a Sunday this year so be sure to gear up with all the fixings for a good time.
Local produce is moving its way back onto the list and Tahoma Farms is working overtime to bring you much more. Our Green and Red Dandelions, Baby Kale, Nettles, Kale Raab, and Red Radisheswere big hits this last week. The radishes are small and beautifully red with healthy, full greens. Just the right size to toss whole into a salad. We’re just getting started so stay tuned for more fresh offerings in the month of May.
It’s going to be a great summer and it’s your support that allows us to bring you locally grown organic produce. Our CSA program is a great way to contribute to your local food economy. Vote with your fork and join in our efforts to educate our communities on the importance of organic agriculture to our land, rivers, and all living things. In return we promise to continue our search for fun and exciting local goods and produce we can deliver directly to your door!
Have a great weekend!
Buy organic. Buy local. Invest in your local food economy.
TerraSPECIALS of the Week
Limes, $0.75/each
Jalapenos, $0.65/each
Tomatillos, $4.75/lb.
Bacon Avocados, $2.00/each
Local Tulips, $5.99/bunch
Weekly Produce Report, Week of April 20th, 2013
Apr 21st
NEW in the Terra Organics webstore:
Red Bartlett Pears
Local Asparagus
Baby Bunched Turnips
TerraNEWS & INFO
It has been an inspiring week. Terra Organics and Tahoma Farms had the honor of participating in Auburn High School’s Farm to School event. We left the event in awe of the passion the student leadership exhibited and the general curiosity and sincerity of all the students and faculty. The passion, pride, and support for local business, agriculture, and community was overwhelming. Thank you Auburn High School for an amazing experience. There is no better way to begin the next Northwest growing season!
This week we are able to source Local Asparagus for the first time and that makes us very happy! Local rhubarb, Red Russian Kale, Green Kale Raab, Dandelion, Collards, and Leeks have also returned. The weather may not be able to make up its mind but the local veggies are preparing for their entrance!
This week we begin deliveries to two new community pick-up locations! Hale’s Ales in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle and Proctor Frozen Yogurt in North Tacoma! Hale’s Ales is a perfect place to swing by after work for a brew before heading home with a box of Terra’s fresh organic produce. Hey North Tacoma – we’ve partnered with Proctor Frozen Yogurt just in time! The sun is around the corner this week so drop between 3pm and 9pm for a tasty treat and take home a box of organic goodness!
Don’t forget, we’re looking far and wide, near and dear for Bremerton and Port Orchard pick-up locations. If you have any suggestions for a business we can partner with please let us know!
Tahoma Farms is gearing up for an amazing growing season. Our CSA program keeps us going and your support is what fuels our efforts in a local food economy. Sign up for our CSA and be a part of the effort to keep our food local and organic.
Stay tuned as we continue to add more local artisan foods in the coming weeks. Did we say it’s going to be a great year? So many exciting additions around the corner and so many ways to make your Terra Organics experience even more unique and amazing. We’re just getting started Washington!
Buy organic. Buy local. Invest in your local food economy.
Have a great weekend!
TerraSPECIALS of the Week
Local Asparagus, $4.50 – 3/4 lb.
Baby Bunched Turnips, $2.75/bunch
Romaine Hearts, 3 for $2.99
Leaf Lettuce, $2.00/head
Weekly Produce Report, Week of April 6
Apr 6th
New in the Terra Organics webstore:
Mad Hat Teas
Asparagus Tips
Nante Bunched Carrots
NW Oyster Mushrooms
Rhubarb
TerraNEWS & INFO
This is the time of year that the anticipation of our wondrous growing season is in direct competition with the laws of nature. In other words, we must let the excitement of the coming season keep us warm on rainy Spring days and nurture our patience a bit longer. It is nearly guaranteed, however, that each coming week we will see more color in the fields and more variety on our weekly menus.
This next week brings more Northwest produce to you! Local Chard, Collards, Oyster Mushrooms, Rhubarb, and Kale are now in the webstore as crops relocate to our neck of the woods.
We’re on a roll with yet another much anticipated addition to our webstore. . . . Terra Organics is very happy to announce the addition of Mad Hat Teas to our webstore! These artisan teas are Fair Trade, organic, and produced right here in Downtown Tacoma. There is a lot of good tea out there but Mad Hat takes it to another level with an attention to the flavor profile of each blend that is indescribably unique. Add one to your order today and we’re pretty sure you’ll be a an instant believer too.
Woo Hoo! Blend Wine Shop on the Key Peninsula is our newest pick-up location! Terra boxes can be picked up at Blend between 2pm and 8pm on Fridays. What makes this pairing (pardon the pun) even better is you can get your box and stay for Blend’s weekly wine tasting! On a Friday nonetheless! Check out Blend’s website and spread the word! Home deliveries to Bremerton and Port Orchard will also begin next week and we are still looking for community pick-up locations in these areas. If you have any suggestions please write us on our Facebook page or send us an email!
Keep in touch and stay in tune with Terra Organics as we continue to make changes that will improve our services and your experience. We’re serious about organic foods and local business, and we also believe there is always room for improvement. We love what we do and we love our customers! Thank you for your continued support as we head into the 2013 growing season. It’s going to be a great year!
TerraSPECIALS of the Week:
Cucumbers, $1.00/ea
Snap Peas, $3.50/lb.
Local Kale Raab, $3.00/bunch
Local Rhubarb, $5.75/lb
Expanded Home Delivery and New Pick-Up Locations!
Apr 3rd
Terra Organics has been expanding quickly in the last year, adding more home delivery and pick-up locations in neighborhoods all over Western Washington. We are very excited to announce that we are extending our home delivery to the cities of Bremerton and Port Orchard! Additionally, we are on the lookout for community pick-up locations in Bremerton and Port Orchard!
We are also delighted to announce that we have added a community pick-up point on the Key Peninsula. Blend Wine Shop has graciously opened their doors to us on Fridays for order pick-ups! You can locate Blend Wine Shop at 8914 Key Peninsula Highway North, Lakebay, WA 98349. Fridays are a tasting day, so if you are over 21 be sure to pop in and try great new wines, ciders, and beers from all over the world! Please note that home deliveries in the Key Peninsula are not included at this time.
Calling All Tea Fans: Tell Us Which Mad Hat Teas You Want!
Apr 3rd
We are excited to announce a new partnership with local tea company, Mad Hat Tea in Tacoma. In preparation for adding teas to our web store, we’d like your feedback on which varieties you’d like to have available to you. Below is a list of possible choices – you can let us know which ones you’d like to see in the web store by commenting on our recent Facebook post. If you have any favorite tea varieties that aren’t listed below, please let us know about those, as well!
Bai Mu Dan – the ‘original’ tea of china, freshly picked spring leaves and buds, known as ‘white peony’
Mei Lu – Green Tea from Fujian (a Chinese province), multiple steepings, very smooth
Temple of Heaven Gunpowder – Green Tea from Fujian, multiple steepings, strongly ‘green’
Bai Lin Gong Fu – Black Tea from Fujian, velvety smooth and very aromatic
Darjeeling Makaibari – the first organic and BioDynamique estate of Darjeeling
Blackberry – Indian tea flavored with real blackberry pieces and leaves
Egyptian Chamomile – the ‘relaxer’, the best we’ve come across, whole flowers
NW Peppermint – seriously fresh and strong, great for stomach upset
Yerba Mate – wild crafted in Paraguay by the Guarani Indians, the original and the best, a great pick-me-up with no jitters
Dandelion Leaf – a ‘cure all’ tea
Kava Kava – the natural ‘valium’, ours is from Vanuatu (near Fiji), grown without pesticides or herbicides
Honeybush – from South Africa, raspberries and black pepper, caffeine-free
Rooibos – caffeine-free, great for colic and adult stomach problems, more anti-oxidants than green tea, from S. Africa
‘Green’ Rooibos – same as above but not oxidized, beautiful cup of honey-scented goodness
Jiao Gu Lan – wild crafted, known as the ‘immortality herb’, loaded with adaptogens; a natural ‘balancer’ for bodily functions
‘My Throat Hurts’ – no more DM syrup! echinacea, licorice root, ginger, lemon peel and cayenne
Weekly Produce Update, Week of March 30th
Mar 31st
NEW in the Terra Organics webstore:
Red Dandelion
TerraNEWS & INFO
Easter weekend is recognized by many people in many ways. It surely brings a flood of memories to some of us and the colors associated with Easter evoke images of Spring sun and blooms. It’s a refreshing time of year in the Northwest as the sun’s rays become more and more reliable, and it seems all things have a new beginning. It is looking like this weekend will be exemplary as we head into April!
April is filling us with optimism and good cheer already as we anticipate the arrival of fresh local greens like spinach, chard, and kale. Local rhubarb and asparagus are scheduled to make an appearance the middle to late April though we know good things come with patience. Of course, patience is certainly a virtue we may struggle with as the gray clouds of our long winter slowly dissipate. Do not fret, there will be more color in your Terra box soon!
“Eat Local” granola is here and it is sooooo good! Check out the webstore under the grains, breads, and nuts tab for several “Eat Local” granola mixes. Terra Organics is now delivering boxes for pick-up at all the Eat Local locations including Burien, Queen Anne, and Capitol Hill. Drop-in to any store to check them out or give us a call to see how you can make your neighborhood Eat Local store your new Terra Organics pick-up location!
We’re expanding! Know anyone living in Bremerton, the Key Peninsula, or neighboring communities? Spread the word, we’ll be delivering to these communities in the near future and could use a little help with pick-up locations too. Know a local business that shares our values? Let’s talk! We are anxious to meet more of our neighbors!
We know you’ll be eating some fresh produce from Terra Organics this weekend so take a fun Easter photo and connect with us on ourFacebook page!
How many Easter eggs can you fit in an empty basket? Only one ’cause after that it is no longer empty.
Why did the Easter egg hide? Because it was a little chicken!
Have a wonderful (and sunny) Easter weekend!
TerraSPECIALS of the Week
Bluebird Heirloom Grains (see webstore for new lower pricing)
Sweet Onions, $2.75/lb.
Local Kale Raab, $3.00/bunch
Fresh Herbs, $1.99/clamshell
Pixie Mandarins, $3.50/lb.
Weekly Produce Report, Week of March 23
Mar 23rd
TerraNEWS & INFO
Welcome to ummmmm. . . . Spring? It is officially March in the Northwest as the Spring sun battles rogue winter weather systems. It is a new season regardless and optimism is growing alongside new and exciting crops. We will begin to see some local favorites returning to the list though consistency will take some time to solidify. It’s that time of year when growing regions begin to shift with the season; some crops will finish their season one place and begin in another. The best part of Spring however is we are at the very start of our local growing season with only good news to come!
This week for instance, Tahoma Farms is ramping up on its highly favored kales including Green Raab, Lacinato Raab, and Red Russian. Local leafy greens in general will begin to reappear in greater numbers in the coming weeks. Local rhubarb and asparagus should also make an appearance in the next month as Spring digs in.
The Hot Cross Buns were a hit last week! Soft sweet bread filled with currants and a simple frosting drizzled on top. Perfect with an evening tea, morning coffee, or just to satisfy a mild sweet tooth. They will only be available for two more weeks so get ‘em while you can!
If you haven’t tried Sanford’s Eggs, you really should. These are so fresh availability can be limited each week so add them to your order today! We feel a picture is better than words so. . . . .
Organic is great. Local is better. We buy organic because we know its genetic make-up has not been tampered with. We buy organic to protect the health of our ecosystems we and so many other organisms depend upon. We buy local because we know what’s best for each of our communities and the importance of supporting those who work to maintain these standards of living. We buy local because it supports the health of our local economy.Buy organic. Buy local.
Don’t forget to check out some great recipes we’ve dug up specifically for this week’s produce selection. You can find them on the back of your contents sheet in your weekly delivery box. You’ll also find great news and links on our Facebook page! Check us out and stay connected!
TerraSPECIALS of the Week
Ataulfo Mangoes, $1.50/each
Sugar Snap Peas, $4.50/lb.
Fuji Apples, $1.50/lb.
Local Kale Raab, $3.00/bunch
Rio Star Grapefruit, $1.25/each
Weekly Produce Report, Week of March 16th
Mar 17th
NEW In The Terra Organics Webstore:
Kale Raab
Mixed Baby Kale
Wheatgrass
TerraNEWS & INFO:
It’s an exciting time for Terra Organics which means there is plenty for our customers to be excited about too. To begin we’ve added a Juicing Box subscription to our weekly offerings per the requests and suggestions from some of our seasoned and beginner juicing customers. We think it will be a great addition and hope you’ll agree. Feel free to offer more suggestions for contents as juicing can be a unique experience for every individual.
Next in exciting news, Terra Organics is talking with local businesses in the Key Peninsula, Bremerton, and Port Orchard as partners for new customer pick-up locations. Have a suggestion? Please let us know if you do! Pick-up locations make a great alternative to home delivery for many customers and these new locations will extend our services to communities we know have been asking for it. Stay tuned for more details as we solidify these partnerships.
Did someone say “Hot Cross Buns”? That’s right! Essential Bakery is offering these tasty treats for three weeks only starting this week so be sure to check them out in our webstore under the “breads, grains, and nuts” tab.
We’re entering a new transition period in the world of produce and the attention is about to shift back to the great Northwest! Some great Spring favorites like asparagus and rhubarb are in the ground and looking good. There is still some time ahead and as stated, it’s a delicate time of year as we move from cooler weather to . . . .well. . . . slightly warmer weather. Hey, if it’s enough for the plants, it’s good with us!
Finally, if you haven’t had your fill of citrus there is still time as the late season arrivals take up the helm with ease. Pixie Mandarins were the real winners last week. Small, perfectly sweet and seedless, they are sure to please this week too! Honeygold Grapefruit are cult favorites and worth the attention as their season is often short-lived. If you haven’t already, we recommend adding a couple to your box to see why they are so loved.
Don’t forget to check out some great recipes we’ve dug up specifically for this week’s produce selection. You can find them on the back of your contents sheet in your weekly delivery box. You’ll also find great news and links on our Facebook page! Check us out and stay connected!
TerraSPECIALS of the Week:
Pink Lady Apples $2.13/lb.
Pixie Mandarins $4.25/lb.
Local Baby Mixed Kale $4.00/half lb.
Local Kale Raab $2.75/bunch
Weekly Produce Report, Week of March 9
Mar 9th
NEW in the Terra Organics webstore:
Baby Arugula
Pixie Mandarins
Red Radishes
Turnips
Rutabagas
Yukon Gold Potatoes
Yellow Bell Peppers
Orange Bell Peppers
TerraNEWS & INFO
We’re elated to announce our new partnership with Eat Local in Seattle’s Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and Burien neighborhoods! Beginning this Tuesday, March 12th Eat Local becomes our newest additions to an ever-expanding selection of neighborhood pick-up sites. Eat Local is a unique and savvy set of stores committed to providing ready-made meals prepared with local and sustainable ingredients, including organic produce! Eat Local also has an impressive selection of local artisan foods, including their own granola and baked goods. This brings up our next bit of exciting news. . . . .beginning the week of March 18th, Terra Organics will begin offering some of Eat Local’s exclusive granola and baked concoctions in our own webstore! This means every one of our members will have access Eat Local’s inspired foods! If you have an Eat Local in your neighborhood we highly recommend dropping in to get acquainted with them. Even more, parking is always free or can be validated, making any of their stores a convenient alternative to home delivery.
As for produce in the news, we are still in cool weather mode. The sunny days have us yearning for more variety and it will come though we have a few weeks before some Spring produce begins trickling in. Citrus remains the big winner this time of year and with good reason. New this week, and much loved, are Pixie Mandarins from the Ojai Valley in California. These have a bit of a cult following as they are seedless, small, easy to peel, and perfectly sweet. Cara Cara Navels are personal household favorites and Valencias are always reliable. Texas grapefruit has enjoyed, and earned, a spotlight this year that looks to shine for a bit longer as prices and availability stay consistent and easy on the wallet.
You will begin to see some exciting renovations to our website very soon. Terra Organics is expanding its offerings and services which means our website must also evolve. We’ve had some excellent suggestions from our customers with regard to basic navigation and content that we hope to include in our renovations. The changes will occur slowly at first because we want it to grow the way all things should. . . . . organically!
Have any thoughts on what you’d like to see more of in our weekly newsletter? Send your suggestions to info@terra-organics.com!
TerraSPECIALS of the Week
D’anjou Pears, $1.00/each
Artichokes, $0.75/each
Minneola Tangelos, $1.50/lb.
Broccolini, $3.25/bunch
Slicer Tomatoes, $1.25/lb.
