Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Chesterhill Produce Auction

So, why a bit on the Chesterhill Produce Auction in "eat with the season"? Because the CPA is an opportunity to get fresh, seasonal produce, and meet the growers. The following is from our (Rural Action) press release for this year's opening auction. We hope to see you there!


Chesterhill Produce Auction Opening Day

Rural Action Sustainable Agriculture Announces the 2010 opening day celebration of the Chesterhill Produce Auction, Thursday May 20, 2010, festivities begin at 3:00pm, the Auction starts at 4:00pm.

A produce auction is a form of agricultural market where produce is sold at auction in a variety of quantities, to a variety of buyers. Buyers and sellers are issued numbers, a clerk records the transactions, customers pay at the end of the auction, and growers are given weekly checks for what they sell. Produce is brought in by the farmers and laid out on pallets for customers to inspect.

Produce Auctions offer a unique view of the production capabilities of some of our agricultural communities. Chesterhill has now become a destination in South Eastern Ohio for local produce and other farm and craft products. Since its inception in June of 2005, thousands of people from throughout Ohio and West Virginia have come to the Produce Auction for the quality of goods and the camaraderie. The Chesterhill Produce Auction is now owned and operated by Rural Action through community support.

Buyers at the auction include restaurants, grocery stores, road side stands, individuals looking to preserve food and share with neighbors, and since 2007 Ohio University Dining Services. Whether your needs are personal or business related, this is an opportunity to support your friends and neighbors, and get the next freshest thing to harvesting your own. The action is fast paced and exciting, and offers a sense of community as well as an opportunity to purchase high quality farm products. Starting May 20th the Auction will run every Thursday through mid-October, Monday auctions will start on June 7th.

The Auction is located at 8380 Wagoner Road, 43728 , between Route 555 and Route 377, southwest of Chesterhill, Ohio in Morgan County. Auction prices and products are posted weekly on www.ohiofoodshed.org.


For further information contact:

Tom Redfern by phone at 740-767-4938 or by e-mail at tomr@ruralaction.org

Or Bob Fedyski at 740-767-4938 or email bob@ruralaction.org.

Rural Action is a local membership-based nonprofit organization promoting social, economic and environmental justice and working for sustainable communities, economies and environments in Appalachian Ohio.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Stewed Rhubarb





One of the things I loved about spring as a kid was Stewed Rhubarb, and I still do. Served piping hot over fresh churned vanilla ice cream is a real delight! You can even add strawberries or blueberries, and take even further by adding a crisp topping like granola, sprinkled over it. Here's a very simple recipe for stewed rhubarb, which makes me wonder why more people don't make it. Enjoy!







Ingredients

  • 1 lb. rhubarb
  • 1/2 cup organic light brown sugar, or your choice of sweetener (molasses or honey make for unique flavor, rice syrup also works well)
  • 1 tsp. ginger
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 Tbl. water
Directions
  1. Wash and cut rhubarb into 1-1 1/2 inch pieces.
  2. Put in pot with water.
  3. Add sweetener, ginger, and cinnamon.
  4. Cover and cook over medium heat 'til tender and stewed.
  5. Serve as desired. I like it over fresh-churned ice cream, with yogurt, and/or with granola sprinkled over it.
  6. Eat and enjoy!