The Value of Heirloom Seeds

The above is a picture depicting the reduction in genetic variety amongst some popular types of crops grown. What a difference a century makes! This year, give someone on your list the gift of heirloom seeds!

Changing Seasons, Consistent Goals

Two Ways of Moving Produce

The weather has shifted in Marin county, and whereas we enjoyed a nice, extended Indian Summer, it is now certainly about to become a full-fledged winter. For those not familiar with the area, this will not mean snow and hard freezes, but rather rain. Lots, and lots of rain. And that's a good thing, because it gives us great green grass, and allows the aquifers to refill.

Many of lour local farmers have reacted accordingly, and what's available from the field has shifted. There are still a few people out there with apples on the tree, but I'm seeing more persimmons now. Kale and chard are still pretty common, and I still see some squash hanging on. One of the great things about being in such an agriculturally productive county is the abundance of seasonal foods. Celebrating the change in seasons and weather with new food is a joy that some people have forgotten about completely. It's easy to take food for granted, but when one eats with the seasons a new appreciation for subtleties of flavor and texture is cultivated with every bite.

A lot of the food that Marin produces is taken to market in the back of trucks. Sadly, we all can't make it out to the farms, and even if we could, I don't think all the farmers would be overjoyed with the increased traffic. You might have seen the Marin Organic truck on the road around the county, and undoubtedly it had some local produce in the back. We cover a lot of miles in that rig, and recently got some new tires. So rest assured, the Red Chard Rocket has some new shoes and will still be delivering good, locally produced, organic food all across Marin!

In other news, Marin Organic recently celebrated the end of the year with one of our valued partners, Marin Agricultural Land Trust. The open house was held at The Dance Palace in Pt. Reyes Station, and I'd like to think a good time was had by all. It's not every day that a congregation of farmers, fans, and others all get together under one roof! Of course we featured local products, because that's what we're all about. Not only were local edibles on display, but also local music!