Operations Assistant, Nicole Roush, shows off these massive and beautiful organic golden ball turnips from Who Cooks For You Farm. Just be sure to cook up the greens too--they are super nutritious! These hardy turnips are an example of a product that doesn't need its own bag within our farm boxes.
PLASTIC PACKAGING Packaging is an ongoing discussion here at Harvie Farms Pittsburgh. First of all, how can we keep our environmental footprint small? And secondly, how can we distribute a diverse set of products at the right temperature and in top condition while accounting for a wide variety of factors? Currently the answer relies on a mix of reusable items and some single use items.
Generally, we rely on plastic to 1) keep wet/dry products separated, 2) contain items that have lots of small parts, and 3) protect delicate items. We pledge to work at limiting our plastic use and looking for better alternatives.
The good news regarding packaging is that you can help by returning the cardboard boxes, insulated liners, and ice packs so that a substantial amount of our packaging gets reused (learn how to do so in our FAQ's)--a much improved system compared to most home delivery services. But the challenge is that single use plastic is still a useful and hard to replace part of delivering fresh and frozen foods. We likely all have some concern about plastic consumption, and rightfully so! I am still confident, however, that our shortened food miles from farmer-->to Harvie Farms-->to you uses a lot less packaging and resources overall compared to the conventional food systems that ship items all over the country and world. Here's to a time when plastic is not the best option for preserving and transporting food!
#ThankALocalFarmer One of our favorite non-profits, Pasa (www.pasafarming.org) is organizing a fundraiser called #ThankALocalFarmer. Businesses all across the region are finding fun and creative ways to donate money to support their mission of building a more economically-just, environmentally-regenerative, and community-focused food system through education and research that directly supports farmers. Harvie Farms Pittsburgh will be donating $2 for every delivery made this week. So check out Pasa, and hashtag #ThankALocalFarmer and #HarvieFarmsPittsburgh while posting awesome pics of your local food this week!
CHOI SUM ASIAN GREENS Grow Pittsburgh has some delicious greens they had to harvest early this week. Because they will need to be consumed sooner than later when you receive them, we are offering them as half price seconds. If you're in the mood for Asian greens, don't miss out on the bargain.
PEQUEA VALLEY FARM YOGURT Did you notice that we now carry Pennsylvania made yogurt? If you have not tried it, we recommend giving it a try. It is absolutely delicious--and habit forming, in a good way. :)
CHEESE SHARE Alpha & Omega feta from Clover Creek Cheese Cellar. They start with the recipe for a Greek-style feta, brine it for sixty days, and then continue to age it in its’ natural whey brine. The sharp salty flavor and crumbly texture are perfect. This excellent cheese is delicious for topping salads, pasta, and steamed fresh vegetables.
WINTER FARM SHARES If you are hoping to continue your Harvie farm shares into the winter (and beyond), we would be thrilled to have you. And the good news is--you don't need to do a thing. In October we will be sharing about our winter program, and you will have the chance to opt out or auto renew. Super easy, we promise.
Okay that's all for now. Have a great week and continue to stay safe out there!
--Neil Stauffer, on behalf of the Harvie Farms Crew
