It is impossible to have a healthy and sound society without a proper respect for the soil. – Peter Maurin | Surprise! There are a couple of red-faced farmers at Harvest Haven. And it's not from being out in the sun. They are too well tanned for that. Awhile ago I told Martin that Luna's milk tasted off and that she should be dried up (they should stop milking her) because she was preparing to calve. "I don't think she's going to calve. I've seen a few signs that would indicate that she isn't. We may just sell her. But, we need to stop milking her anyway." Last week Jeannie asked me, "Did you hear about what they found in the corral this morning?" "No, but let me guess. A calf?" "Yep." "Yes! I was right! It was the taste in the milk." Sure enough, there was a wobbly, shiny black heifer calf sucking Luna. Surprise! | Because she has so much milk, Martin bought a newborn calf from a feedlot operator. Feedlots are not kind to calves. They are in the business of raising beef to gain weight as fast as possible and calves are not part of the equation. Sometimes heifers get bred along their way to the feedlot, and these calves need to find other homes. One of these orphans found its home at Harvest Haven. Luna now has two little heifer calves to feed and care for. | James continues to tend to the broiler chicks as they grow quickly. The weather was too hot for them to be on pasture, so our mindful chicken man set up a swamp cooler in the broiler barn to keep them comfortable. At the time of writing, it's now too cold and rainy to put them on pasture. In a couple of days, it'll be nice again and they will get moved out. The weather around here changes quickly. It was 35°C (95°F) one afternoon and 8°C (46°F) the next morning. That's too big a temperature change for broiler chicks to handle well. However, the turkeys have grown to their invincible stage and are happy out in the fresh air, sunshine, and green pastures. They have a shelter to keep them cool when it's hot and warm when it cools off and rains. | Talking about shelter…Martin and James were able to get more work done on the structure for the beef cows. The metal panels that are placed on the poles are so big and heavy that James uses his largest excavator to lift them in place. It's a solid structure. Our friend who is an electrician was working on a job where the company was throwing away light fixtures that are perfectly suited for the shelter…big, but not too bright. Another provision for which we are thankful. As we've noted before, James gets to play with his toys around here. His next job will be using his small excavator to dig trenches for electricity and water for the building project. This will be a cozy shelter for the beef cows this winter. It's been a busy and productive summer. And now, we ramp up for the super busyness of the fall. All hands on deck! | Time to place your order for our fresh pasture-raised chicken. We raise the chicks in the barn for about 5 weeks until they've grown enough feathers to survive cooler nights. At this point they're ready for pasture. The birds are split up into 10-foot by 10-foot cages on shorter, trampled grass, which provides more suitable bedding and renders the bugs easier to catch. And the tender pasture regrowth is much easier for the birds to digest than mature grasses. Every morning after the dew comes off, each cage is moved ahead by a full ten feet, providing the birds with a fresh salad and a side of bugs, which they take full advantage of before resorting to their grain feeders. It should go without saying that we provide exclusively organic grain and revitalizing Grander Living Water. This system also moves the birds away from their manure, which means they are never exposed to any pathogen load. It keeps everything and everybody healthy and clean. Our birds have full access to sunshine and fresh pasture breezes that are free of ammonia. The healthy pasture grasses make immediate use of the nitrogen in the manure to prevent any odors or runoff. The whole system is beautiful and clean, naturally providing meat that is flavorful and nutritious. Fresh WHOLE broiler chicken will be ready Friday, September 14th and Sunday, September 17th. Fresh chicken PARTS will be ready Sunday, September 17th. PLACE YOUR ORDERS NOW. | Tis the season for fresh from the garden cucumbers. Here are a few facts to help you enjoy them even more. 1. The term "cool as a cucumber" is actually derived from the cucumber's ability to cool the temperature of the blood. Also, when applied topically, cucumber really does cool the blood and ease facial swelling, which is why cucumbers are so popular in facial regimens.
2. Out on a date and realize that you forgot gum or breath mints? Relax! Ask your waiter for some sliced cucumber with your meal. Take a slice and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria that are responsible for causing bad breath.
3. Cucumbers contain Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6, folic acid, Vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Who needs a multivitamin?
4. Stressed? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma. How's that for a quick and easy stress-reliever?
5. Do you have a problem with your bathroom mirror fogging up after your morning shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror. It will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.
6. Do you have a hard time drinking your eight glasses of water per day? Try munching on some cucumbers. They are made up of 95% water! Snacking on cucumbers can also help curb hunger.
7. Using a pen and made a mistake? Move over, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! Take the outside waxy coating of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing.
8. Want to brighten up your bathroom without harsh chemicals and still have all of your surfaces streak free? Look no further: Take a slice of cucumber and wipe it on any surface that needs a little TLC — your faucets, sinks, stainless steel, etc. — and it will remove tarnish and built-up residue and leave it looking beautifully clean and shiny.
9. Had a few too many? We've been there. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in balance. Eat a couple slices before bed and wake up headache-free!
10. Need a burst of energy in the afternoon but no time for a nap? Stay away from sugar-loaded energy drinks! Cucumbers are a great source of B vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that afternoon pick-me-up that can be just the jolt that you need.
| 1. | The term "cool as a cucumber" is actually derived from the cucumber's ability to cool the temperature of the blood. Also, when applied topically, cucumber really does cool the blood and ease facial swelling, which is why cucumbers are so popular in facial regimens. | | 2. | Out on a date and realize that you forgot gum or breath mints? Relax! Ask your waiter for some sliced cucumber with your meal. Take a slice and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria that are responsible for causing bad breath. | | 3. | Cucumbers contain Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6, folic acid, Vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Who needs a multivitamin? | | 4. | Stressed? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma. How's that for a quick and easy stress-reliever? | | 5. | Do you have a problem with your bathroom mirror fogging up after your morning shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror. It will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance. | | 6. | Do you have a hard time drinking your eight glasses of water per day? Try munching on some cucumbers. They are made up of 95% water! Snacking on cucumbers can also help curb hunger. | | 7. | Using a pen and made a mistake? Move over, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! Take the outside waxy coating of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing. | | 8. | Want to brighten up your bathroom without harsh chemicals and still have all of your surfaces streak free? Look no further: Take a slice of cucumber and wipe it on any surface that needs a little TLC — your faucets, sinks, stainless steel, etc. — and it will remove tarnish and built-up residue and leave it looking beautifully clean and shiny. | | 9. | Had a few too many? We've been there. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in balance. Eat a couple slices before bed and wake up headache-free! | | 10. | Need a burst of energy in the afternoon but no time for a nap? Stay away from sugar-loaded energy drinks! Cucumbers are a great source of B vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that afternoon pick-me-up that can be just the jolt that you need. | Source: 10 Facts You Didn't Know About Cucumbers | Naked Organs nutraceuticals is organic, grass-fed and finished, and affordable. Their description of who they are and why they make these products says it all. Naked Organs was founded by a diverse group of family and friends including an Indigenous shareholder in Southern Alberta in 2022. Coming from cross-functional backgrounds in small business, health, wellness and with a passion for livestock, we know what many don't...yet. That is, bison and beef organ meats are the most nutrient dense and bioavailable whole foods humans can incorporate into their daily routines. But we, like most people, don't find eating organs the "funnest", tastiest, or the most convenient. With all that in mind, we set out to tackle a few key issues and now offer our customers something truly amazing. • Our products offer consumers an alternative for getting the benefits and nutrients of organ meats conveniently through a freeze dried and capsulized nutraceutical. • We wanted our consumers to feel like the products they purchase are contributing to a more sustainable livestock industry here in Alberta. • We wanted our consumers to have confidence that the products they get are 100% organic and come from grass fed and finished ruminant animals. Locally farmed and produced in Alberta. • We want our consumers to be able to achieve health and wellness without breaking the bank. • Our business model and products are designed to put money back into our consumers' pockets by eliminating unnecessary synthetic supplements. • We wanted to offer consumers more options, which in our case is bison. In a nutshell Naked Organs believes our products should be "O'Natural" (naked so to speak) with N.O. Bullshit. We hope you enjoy! Naked Organics offers three products: Bison Liver, Bison Heart, and Bison Trifecta (Heart, Liver, and Kidney). https://www.nakedorgans.ca/ | Harvest Haven Beef Bresaola – You'll find this specialty meat in the deli section of our freezer. Made from the top round of our pasture-raised beef, the paper-thin slices are very lean and tender, with a deep ruby red shading. This lean, cured meat is especially good when drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon. Serve sliced bresaola as part of an antipasto platter with Italian cheeses, olives, and nuts. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh arugula salad and salty cheese like Parmesan. Or make a no-cook meal of bresaola, Harvest Haven bread, and salad. Harvest Haven Flour Tortillas – These have become very popular with our customers. And here's why. Made from our fresh-milled whole grain flour, Granderized water, Harvest Haven beef tallow, and a touch of salt, they are thin, tender, and tasty. Because they are very soft and don't break when rolled, they make great wraps, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. So versatile! Bioitalia Caserecce Pasta, 500 g – Bioitalia pasta is made from the best organic durum wheat from the regions of southern Italy, replicating a handmade process according to Neapolitan pasta makers' methods. The drying is slow and the bronze extruding machines give it a rough and porous surface perfect for the sauce to stick on. Caserecce are short twists of pasta which appear rolled up on themselves. It pairs well with cream, cheese, meat, napolitana, seafood, pesto, and vegetables. Harvest Haven Basil – Our basil has loved this hot summer and produced a bumper crop of aromatic excellence for that finishing touch to pizza, chicken, fish, and every tomato dish. Organic BC Nectarines – It's time to enjoy the fresh, sweet flavor of nectarines with all their juiciness. Here's an interesting tidbit: at the stem end, you find a yellow stripe across the top that is indented. As the fruit ripens on the tree, it pushes against the branch. This creates the indent and shades it from the sun, preventing the skin from turning red. Tree-ripened nectarines will have a yellow mark from where it ripened on the branch, which means the fruit will soften and have good flavor. Orchid Organic Vanilla Extract, 100 g – This vanilla extract is made from the world's finest ingredients right here in Canada. Orchid Vanilla Extract is produce through a careful extraction and aging process, using only the best fair trade, organic bourbon vanilla beans from Madagascar and India. Ingredients are filtered water, organic alcohol, and organic vanilla bean extractives. | Please note, all ingredients in our recipes are organic. | BLT Roast Beef Wrap 2 Harvest Haven flour tortillas
2 Tbsp ranch dressing
2 Tbsp bbq sauce
1/4 cup plain cream cheese
4 slices Harvest Haven beef bresaola
2 leaves romaine lettuce
1 roma tomato, thinly sliced
2-3 slices cooked Harvest Haven beef bacon Lay tortillas on cutting board. Mix together ranch dressing and bbq sauce in small bowl. Spread cream cheese over entire tortilla. Layer remaining ingredients onto tortilla in order leaving 2 inches at the top of the tortilla. Drizzle sauce over all the layers. Roll wraps tightly and slice in half on a diagonal. | Lemon Basil Pasta Salad For the pasta salad:
1 bag Bioitalia caserecce pasta
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1/4 cup fresh Harvest Haven basil, sliced thin
Optional toppings: lemon zest, extra parmesan cheese & sliced fresh basil For the lemon-basil vinaigrette:
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Harvest Haven garlic cloves
2 Tbsp fresh Harvest Haven basil, sliced thin
Pepper, to taste Place the lemon juice, olive oil and garlic in a food processor and season with pepper to taste. Blend the ingredients until smooth. Pour the dressing into a separate container and stir in the sliced basil. Cook pasta according to the directions. Once it's done, set it aside to cool. (You want the pasta to cool completely so it won't melt the cheese.) Once cooled, add the pasta, parmesan cheese, and basil to a large bowl and toss with your vinaigrette. Sprinkle with extra parmesan, basil, and a little lemon zest right before serving. | Nectarine Crumb Bars For the crust and crumble topping:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter cold, and cut into small pieces
1 large Harvest Haven egg, whisked For the nectarine filling:
5 cups sliced nectarines about 4-6 large nectarines
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13" baking dish with butter. Set aside. In a large food processor, add the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pulse until combined. Add the butter, pulsing until crumbs form. Add the whisked egg, and pulse until a dough forms. If it seems like it's not coming together in the food processor, transfer it to a large bowl and stir together with a spatula or your hands. Press a little over half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the nectarine filling. In a large bowl, stir together the nectarine slices, sugar, and cinnamon. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined, and then pour over the nectarines. Fold with a spatula to combine. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the nectarines to the baking dish, layering them over the crust. You don't want all of the juices, so use a slotted spoon. Sprinkle the rest of the crumb topping over the nectarine mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool completely. Cut into squares, and serve! | Are you missing this misunderstood mineral? Probably. Most people are. Martin explains why and what to do about it. | | |
