Something Good Organics

To:​carolyn somethinggoodorganics.com​

Mon 4/22/2024 12:08 PM

My dear Community,

There’s an expected lull on the farm right now. I always predict it when it’s freezing and raining outside, but the effects of that weather come months after not being able to consistently plant because it’s too muddy or we get sudden mildew on the plants because of the heavy fog.

I’ve talked about Food Safety in the past. You can read more here (Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Audits | Agricultural Marketing Service (usda.gov) Although it claims to be voluntary, and not free, the threads of our farm can’t function if we don’t comply. We will no longer be able to sell our products wholesale and there’s a possibility this might extend to farmers markets in the future. I can’t help but spread the word on this subject as it mostly happens behind the scenes and consumers tend to know nothing about it. The theory of GAP is, in my eyes, turning farms into sterile environments, chlorinating the water, dictates excessive hand washing, bans reusing boxes and no box can ever touch the ground. Really, a box unable to touch down on organic soil? Those are some of the rules behind “food safety.” Clearly, they aren’t remotely concerned with the health of our soil, the biodiversity we create that works in harmony with our ecosystem or our complex composting system. The rules and regulations simply create a job for someone at the farm to simply fill out paperwork and check off boxes. It’s hard for me to sit behind the scenes quietly so I appreciate this blog as an outlet. I’m not sure if there’s a solution as the Federal Government has already been implementing this for years and we’re apparently the last to either sign up or shut down.  

So what to do from here? It’s always been so important to support your local farmers, but now more so than ever – get your produce straight from the source. Thanks for being a part of our CSA, spreading the word and shopping at your local farmers market.

Be good to each other.

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
RED LEAF LETTUCE
LACINATO KALE
STRAWBERRIES
SUGAR SNAP PEAS
BABY SPINACH from JAYLEAF ORGANICS
BROCCOLI from CAPAY ORGANICS
SWEET POTATOES
SWEET SPRING ONIONS from SUNRISE ORGANICS
ARTICHOKES from SUNRISE ORGANICS
BIG BOX ADD: SUGAR SNAP PEAS, ROMAINE LETTUCE, STRAWBERRIES, CARROTS, RED BEETS

JUST the BASICS:
CARROTS
RED leaf
BROCCOLI
STRAWBERRIES
SUGAR SNAP PEAS
BABY SPINACH

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI APPLES
RED CABBAGE
BABY SPINACH
EUREKA LEMONS
RED BEETS
FENNEL
STRAWBERRIES
CILANTRO

FRUIT EXPANSION: CARA CARA ORANGES + STRAWBERRIES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Week of April 24th”

My dear Community,

It’s always hard to predict how heavy rain is going to be until it actually comes. When you live and work outside it can be a bit of a gamble. I definitely lost this weekend as we got really heavy, nonstop rainfall. When the clouds pass and the sun shines through, I am always so thankful for the beauty that surrounds us. I’m hoping all this rain ensures a productive fruit crop this summer from our orchard.

Spring is here despite the very wet weather. I need to reiterate that your strawberries had to endure the rain – so it’s probably best to enjoy them first. We have a few different pea crops that landed at the same time- how springy is that?! You can eat the sugar snap peas as you’re shelling the delicious English peas from Tutti Frutti farms, down the road from us in Buellton. We’re starting to get creative with beets and cabbage as we go through the crops. Cabbage seems to be abundant for a few months, but will soon disappear. Take advantage of the versatility of this veggie and the sheer abundance of health that it brings. It can be enjoyed raw in salads, fermented as sauerkraut or kimchi, steamed, stir-fried or added to soups and stews. 

In between reorganizing and cleaning chicken coops, rotating animals to new pastures and tackling mounds of paperwork that organic farming has become in keeping an unprecedented amount of records, I’m looking forward to some sunshine this week.

Our bread lady is on vacation next week so grab a loaf of bread in the store if you’d like one (limited quantities available).

Be good to each other.

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
RED BUTTER LETTUCE
RED BEETS
SUGAR SNAP PEAS
ENGLISH PEAS from TUTTI FRUTTI
GARNET YAMS
HASS AVOCADOS
RED CABBAGE
COLLARD GREENS
STRAWBERRIES
BIG BOX ADD: SUGAR SNAP PEAS, RED LEAF LETTUCE, CARROTS, CAULIFLOWER from TUTTI FRUTTI, ASPARAGUS from DURST FARMS

JUST the BASICS:
CARROTS
RED BUTTER LETTUCE
SUGAR SNAP PEAS
STRAWBERRIES
AVOCADOS
COLLARD GREENS

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI APPLE
RED CABBAGE
BUNCHED SPINACH
EUREKA LEMONS
RED BEETS
BLUEBERRIES
STRAWBERRIES
CILANTRO

FRUIT EXPANSION: BLUEBERRIES + CARA CARA ORANGES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Week of April 17th”

My dear Community,

I want to talk gut health. Did you know that the state of your gut can impact not only your physical well-being but also your mental health? When I think about hormone imbalance, auto immune health and many other whole body topics, everything points to the foundation of gut health. Having a diverse and thriving microbiome is a strong foundation for your overall health.

When I wander grocery store aisles, I find myself gravitating towards the same familiar foods week after week. Do you? That’s why I’m so passionate about the diversity our CSA program offers. It’s not just about providing you with seasonal, locally grown produce—it’s about expanding your culinary horizons and nourishing your body in new and exciting ways.

With over 75 different varieties of organic fruits and veggies available throughout the year, our CSA subscription ensures a wide range of nutrients, flavors and colors with every box. From vibrant summer tomatoes to hearty winter squashes and everything in between, each week is packed with goodness that supports your gut health and overall well-being.

Let’s embrace diversity in our diets and commit to prioritizing gut health together. Plus, trying new foods can be a fun and delicious adventure! Who knows, you might discover a new favorite vegetable or recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen. Here’s to vibrant health and culinary exploration!

Be good to each other.

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
GREEN ASPARAGUS from DURST FARMS
BLUEBERRIES from HOMEGROWN ORGANICS
ITALIAN PARSLEY
GREEN CABBAGE
RED BEETS
GREEN LEAF LETTUCE
LACINATO KALE
BROCCOLI from CAPAY ORGANICS
GREEN GARLIC
BIG BOX ADD: RED BUTTER LETTUCE, CARROTS, ASPARAGUS, BLUEBERRIES, HASS AVOCADOS

JUST the BASICS:
GREEN LEAF LETTUCE
RED BEETS
CARROTS
BLUEBERRIES
ASPARAGUS
LACINATO KALE

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI APPLE
GREEN CABBAGE
BUNCHED SPINACH
EUREKA LEMONS
RED BEETS
BLUEBERRIES
LACINATO KALE
CILANTRO

FRUIT EXPANSION: BLUEBERRIES x2
LETTUCE of the WEEK: RED BUTTER
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Week of April 10th”

My dear Community,

Hope everyone had a nice, albeit rainy and cold weekend. The local mountains even received some snow! We’re picking strawberries for our CSA boxes from our farm, John Givens, this week, but they should be eaten pretty quickly. As if you needed a reason to eat them right away. We’re still on the coattails of the winter season and this is prime time to reach out to neighboring farms to supplement our CSA program to have the variety we have come to rely on here in Santa Barbara County. 

Local fisherman Davey is offering his sustainable, wild caught Alaskan salmon for sale as a farm pickup option on April 3rd. If you’re interested in placing an order and picking it up at the farm order check out his website: https://www.nancyjeanswildsalmon.com or reach out to him at 360-821-1708 Check out his Instagram (hyperlink) https://www.instagram.com/nancyjeansalmon

If you live in the valley, feel free to connect with me for pick up at our Buellton farm.

Be good to each other, no foolin’ 

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
BROCCOLI from CAPAY ORGANICS
HASS AVOCADOS
BLUEBERRIES from HOMEGROWN ORGANICS
ASPARAGUS from DURST FARMS
RED BEETS
RED CABBAGE
GREEN LEAF LETTUCE
STRAWBERRIES
BUNCHED SPINACH
BIG BOX ADD: ROMAINE LETTUCE, CARROTS, ASPARGUS, BLUEBERRIES, CILANTRO

JUST the BASICS:
GREEN LEAF LETTUCE
HASS AVOCADOS
STRAWBERRIES
BROCCOLI
CARROTS
BUNCHED SPINACH

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI APPLE
RED CABBAGE
BUNCHED SPINACH
EUREKA LEMONS
RED BEETS
BLUEBERRIES
STRAWBERRIES
CILANTRO

FRUIT EXPANSION: BLUEBERRIES + STRAWBERRIES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Week of April 3rd”

My dear Community,

I was happy to connect with Sunrise Organics based in Buelltonfor our strawberries starting this week. This puts us about a month ahead of schedule. Jesus, the owner, was our foreman at John Givens farm for about 36 years. Partnering with Sunrise is like a family reunion. It’s nice to have a reason to reconnect with old friends over good food! 

We’re finally able to plant a lot on the farm. Peppers, corn, zucchini and more are going into the ground. We’re still stretched for variety however. Even though it’s technically spring we’re still living in the winter as far as crops go. It always takes a little while to catch up with the seasons, which feels nice when we head into winter, but a little harder coming out the other side. 

Lots of greens are in the CSA boxes this week. Make sure to enjoy the arugula first as it seems to be the most delicate of the lot. Spinach can follow or freeze it for smoothies. Collards and beet greens tend to be a little heartier. Share a meal with friends, family or just have a cozy meal at home this week. Happy Springtime to all.

Be good to each other.

CSA Contains:
CARROTS from SUNRISE ORGANICS
RED BEETS
GREEN CABBAGE
COLLARD GREENS
RED LEAF LETTUCE
ARUGULA
STRAWBERRIES from SUNRISE ORGANICS
BABY SPINACH
GARNET YAMS
BLUEBERRIES from HOMEGROWN ORGANICS
BIG BOX ADD: ROMAINE LETTUCE, CARROTS, STRAWBERRIES, BROCCOLI from CAPAY ORGANICS, HASS AVOCADOS

JUST the BASICS:
CARROTS
RED LEAF LETTUCE
STRAWBERRIES
BABY SPINACH
GREEN CABBAGE
GARNET YAMS

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI APPLES
LACINATO KALE
GREEN CABBAGE
CILANTRO
CELERY
BABY SPINACH
EUREKA LEMONS

FRUIT EXPANSION: BLUEBERRIES + STRAWBERRIES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Week of March 27th”

My dear Community,

My apologies for not adding recipes to the blog last week. After I took my Health and Wellness Coaching board exam on Monday, a workload on the farm was waiting for me on Tuesday and it felt overwhelming. On the bright side I’m done with my exam and should know the results in about 6-7 weeks. I also made a mistake and ordered pints of blueberries instead of half pints. That was a costly mistake, but I hope you enjoyed them. We’ll continue to look forward to half pints moving forward. I was wondering!!

Between winter mud, which slows planting down to a halt and a missed round of planting carrots, we’re really stretched thin this week for items in our CSA boxes.  We’ve reached out in gratitude to neighboring farms. Being able to support local, organic neighboring farms continues to align with our mission to create food security for our community and generate a working relationship. We’re able to give them back all their boxes to create a truly minimal packaging experience. 

I want to highlight cabbage this week. I think it’s one of those humble vegetables that doesn’t carry the glitz and glam of say a tomato or strawberry, yet so versatile and delicious raw in slaws or topped on a taco, roasted in the oven to sweet perfection or cooked for a quick and healthy stir fry. I made a bunch of sauerkraut this weekend. It’s a short prep that results in deliciousness a few weeks later and an easy way to add a boost of nutrition to your day. Feeding your gut microbes fermented veggies really help the good bacteria and yeasts in your body thrive which in turn helps foster a healthy immune system and more. Add a scoop to your salad, use it as a side or topping, or enjoy it as a snack on its own.

Be good to each other.

CSA Contains:
CARROTS from SUNRISE ORGANICS
RED BEETS
GREEN CABBAGE
BROCCOLI from CAPAY ORGANICS
BABY SPINACH
RED BUTTER LETTUCE
LACINATO KALE
BLUEBERRIES from HOMEGROWN ORGANICS
SPAGHETTI SQUASH from SUNRISE ORGANICS
ITALIAN PARSLEY from SUNRISE ORGANICS
BIG BOX ADD: RED LEAF LETTUCE, CARROTS, BLUEBERRIES, FINGERLING POTATOES, LEEKS

JUST the BASICS:
RED BUTTER LETTUCE
CARROTS
RED BEETS
BLUEBERRIES
BROCCOLI
BABY SPINACH

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI APPLES
FENNEL
GREEN CABBAGE
ITALIAN PARSLEY
CELERY
BABY SPINACH
EUREKA LEMONS

FRUIT EXPANSION: GOLDEN NUGGET TANGERINES + BLUEBERRIES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: RED BUTTER
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Week of March 20th”

My dear Community,

As we turn the clocks forward this spring, winter feels short to me. I’m not sure why we actually move the time around anymore, and even though I don’t enjoy it at all I try to just roll with it. 

After many months of studying, I’m taking my Health and Wellness Coaching Board Exam today so I’ll add recipes to the blog tomorrow. It’s been my passion to help people find their inner strength and purpose and leverage that in a purposeful way to discover their highest potential. I hope as a certified coach I will be able to make a difference while undoubtedly tying in the components of the farm and healthful eating. 

Signs of spring have been popping up all over the place. Take a moment of pure gratitude for our weather which seems so forgiving and nurturing to the food we grow on most occasions. The chickens are always one of the first signs when they start picking up production, then asparagus spears and ripe red strawberries start to appear. It will be a while before there’s enough to include in our CSA boxes, but it’s a sure sign we’re on the path to all the variety that warm weather and longer days will bring.

Be good to each other.

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
BABY SPINACH
BROCCOLI
BLUEBERRIES from HOMEGROWN ORGANICS
GREEN LEAF LETTUCE
LEEKS from TUTTI FRUTTI
LACINATO KALE
GARNET YAMS
RED ONIONS
RED RADISHES
BIG BOX ADD: ROMAINE LETTUCE, CARROTS, BLUEBERRIES, BOK CHOI from SUNRISE ORGANICS, BUTTERNUT SQUASH

JUST the BASICS:
BABY SPINACH
CARROTS
BLUEBERRIES
ROMAINE LETTUCE
RED ONIONS
BROCCOLI

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI APPLES
LACINATO KALE
BLUEBERRIES
BABY SPINACH
CELERY
FENNEL
CILANTRO

FRUIT EXPANSION: BLUEBERRIES + FUJI APPLES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE
MUSHROOM MIX: A MIX FROM GOLDEN STATE PAPAYA

My dear Community, 

I hope this message finds you well and cozy after the last storm. While rain around here is almost always welcome, it also presents challenges on the farm, particularly when it comes to planting new crops in muddy conditions. Nevertheless, we’re adapting to the elements and finding innovative ways to keep farming. I’m seeing signs of our strawberry crops starting to produce so in about a month we’ll be back in the berry business.

I’m excited to share that we’ve set up a new chicken run in part of our orchard! We recently adopted a huge chicken house, which will soon be home to our newest flock of 175 chickens. Our current laying flock is thriving, and we’ve started adding subscriptions for our truly organic and pasture-raised eggs to those on the waiting list. If you’re interested in receiving a dozen of our delicious eggs, please let us know.

Despite the seasonal obstacles, we’re honored to present you with this week’s box of winter veggies. Thanks for trusting us to feed you. Each item has been harvested within 24 hours of making your box with loads of love and care. We hope these fresh, nutritious goodies bring joy and nourishment to your table.

Thank you for your continued support of our farm. We’re grateful for you.

Be good to each other.

If you’ve been enjoying our CSA program, please take a minute to help us get the word out to the community by leaving a review on Google.

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
COLLARD GREENS
BABY SPINACH
RED BEETS
GREEN CABBAGE
RED ONIONS
BLUEBERRIES from HOMEGROWN ORGANICS
ROMAINE LETTUCE
CILANTRO
DELICATA SQUASH
BIG BOX ADD: GREEN LEAF LETTUCE, CARROTS, BLUEBERRIES, BROCCOLI, HASS AVOCADOS

JUST the BASICS:
BABY SPINACH
CARROTS
BLUEBERRIES
ROMAINE LETTUCE
RED BEETS
GREEN CABBAGE

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI APPLES
LACINATO KALE
COLLARD GREENS
CILANTRO
CELERY
BABY SPINACH
BLUEBERRIES

FRUIT EXPANSION: BLUEBERRIES + FUJI APPLES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: GREEN LEAF LETTUCE
MUSHROOM MIX: WILD HARVESTED CHANTERELLE MUSHROOMS from SY VALLEY

Continue reading “Week of March 6th”

My dear Community,

I’m watching spears of asparagus slowly push through the dirt and the chickens are beginning to pick up the pace of laying. Sure signs spring is right around the corner. In the meantime we are still in the midst of our California winter. That means soggy fields and not a lot of opportunity for much diversity. Until those strawberries start coming in I’m getting real with the brassicas in my life.

I love how our CSA program has become a cornerstone of accessibility to fresh, organic produce in our community in addition to the farmers markets. By offering convenient access to locally grown fruits and veggies, we get to ensure that everyone has nutritious options. Fostering a direct connection between our farm family and the community not only supports people working in the community, but also supports sustainable agricultural practices and reduces the footprint associated with food transportation and excessive packaging. Thanks for being a part of our mission to strengthen our local food systems.

Be good to each other. 

*CSA Contents are now organized by what things should be consumed first to what till last the longest in your fridge

CSA Contains:
LACINATO KALE
RED LEAF LETTUCE
ITALIAN PARSLEY
BUNCHED SPINACH
BLUEBERRIES from HOMEGROWN ORGANICS
BROCCOLI
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
RED CABBAGE
CARROTS
SWEET POTATOES
BIG BOX ADD: CARROTS, ROMAINE LETTUCE, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, RED ONIONS, HASS AVOCADOS grown in GOLETA

JUST the BASICS:
CARROTS
RED LEAF LETTUCE
BLUEBERRIES
BROCCOLI
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
LACINATO KALE

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI APPLES
FENNEL
LACINATO KALE
CELERY
ITALIAN PARSLEY
BUNCHED SPINACH
RED CABBAGE

FRUIT EXPANSION: BLUEBERRIES from HOMEGROWN ORGANICS + FUJI APPLES from VIVA TIERRA
LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE
MUSHROOM MIX: CHANTERELLES wild harvested in SY VALLEY

Continue reading “Week of February 28th”

My dear Community, 

I hope everyone stayed dry and safe during the rain this weekend. Mother Nature bestowed upon us a generous amount of rain last night and throughout the weekend; a much-needed gift for our thirsty crops. However, as grateful as we are for the water, it has temporarily put a damper on our farming operations. The fields are saturated and muddy making planting a challenge, which forces a pause to our usual bustling activity. The cold weather accompanying the rain also presents a hurdle, slowing down the growth of our current crops and making it harder to harvest. We are really stretched this week and will look to our neighboring farms to keep the CSA box running through winter. Your continued support means the world to us, and we’ll keep you updated on our progress as we work towards bringing you the freshest and tastiest produce. I’ll be staying warm inside with thoughts of strawberries, sugar snap peas and zucchini dancing in my head.

If you’ve been enjoying our CSA program, please take a minute to help us get the word out to the community by leaving a review on Google.

MANY THANKS in advance!

Be good to each other.

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
BABY SPINACH from JAYLEAF ORGANICS
HONEY TANGERINES from BJ RANCH
RED BUTTER LETTUCE
BROCCOLI from
YELLOW FINGERLING POTATOES from SUNRISE ORGANICS
COLLARD GREENS
RED ONIONS
GREEN CABBAGE
EASTER EGG RADISHES
BIG BOX ADD: ROMAINE LETTUCE, CARROTS, BLUEBERRIES from HOMEGROWN ORGANICS, DELICATA SQUASH

JUST the BASICS:
TANGERINGES
CARROTS
BABY SPINACH
BROCCOLI
GREEN CABBAGE
LETTUCE

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI LADY APPLES
CELERY
FENNEL
BABY SPINACH
LACINATO KALE
ITALIAN PARSLEY
HONEY TANGERINES

FRUIT EXPANSION: FUJI LADY APPLES + BLUEBERRIES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Week of February 21st”