Spring is advancing and our farm team is doing all we can to exploit the sun’s increasing available hours. Still, on the chilly and gray days when April (snow) showers prevail, it increases the pandemic’s grip on mood and mind. But as Phil Scott and so many strong governors and medical leaders remind us daily, we are in this crisis together and we will get through this. In fact we will grow through this.
Peace to all whose pain is unbearable. And for any of the moments we can, we must lift our gaze and celebrate all we create together. On a farm in Spring daily sprouting seeds, romping piglets, and lately our team baby, remind us of the constant miracle of birth and growth.
Speaking of birth and joy…
…Underbaked, overproofed, underproofed, overbaked. These are words that have been heard floating around at GMGF for the past year as farmers have become hooked on the Great British Bake Off. In honor of the generations of folks who have sweetened our lives with delicious desserts, and of the show that is inspiring and challenging us to bake more, we’re unveiling this year’s naming theme of…Favorite Baked Goods and Pastries!
Perhaps that little piglet jumps in the air so frequently that she deserves the name Meringue? Perhaps one of her rolly polly sisters could be named Cannoli? You tell us! Per usual, we’ll be looking for your suggestions for names as we continue to get bouncing piglets, fluffy chicks, and more!
Don’t hesitate to bake your nomination’s namesake and send photos with your name nominations.
Now that we all have our minds on baking…
Seems like a perfect segue to introduce the availability of lovely, local, ecological fruit from Champlain Orchards this week! Our own farm’s applesauce is what remains for us of last year’s memorable fruit year.
So to tide us all over while we dream of summer fruit and save us all trips to the store, stock up on these lovely storable apples and celebrate the texture, taste and virtuous tending by eating these apples and pears whole, cut up and dancing in your salads of spring greens or featured in some baked deliciousness!
Varieties available this week
large Asian Pear with wonderful texture, flavor, & longevity
Community Apple special: MCINTOSH Fresh, pies
This very popular apple has a white, tender, crisp flesh that’s spicy, highly aromatic, and full of juice. It was named after John McIntosh, a farmer in Ontario, Canada who found and introduced it in 1870. Macs are the best selling apple in New England and Canada!
ROXBURY RUSSET: 1600s, Massachusetts Late Season – Fresh, pies, cider
Believed to be America’s oldest apple, the ‘Roxbury Russet’ was brought by the pilgrims and first grown in Roxbury, Massachusetts in the mid 17th century. This apple offers a satisfying crunch filled with juice and spice along with refreshing hints of pear and citrus.
CRESTON: 1998, British Columbia Late season – Fresh
A fun, juicy, and crisp apple with a sweet, rich honey flavor reminiscent of its parent, Golden Delicious. Enjoy pear and melon tones when eaten fresh.
JONAGOLD: 1953, New York USA Mid Season – Fresh
One of Europe’s most loved apples, this Jonathan, Golden delicious cross is a beautiful and sprightly apple with a balanced sweet-tart taste and a touch of spice. Great for fresh eating and baking.