Berries, beans, broccoli, and everything in between – local food all winter long through Winter Sun Farms of Western North Carolina.

 

In 2010, the Winter Sun Farms program of Blue Ridge Food Ventures will process enough local food for 300 winter shares, each consisting of 24 to 28 items total per member. Each share costs $120. Large families or big eaters can order more than one share. We can also pack in larger quantities for restaurants.

 

From December 2010 through March 2011, members will pick up their monthly share of 6-7 items. The items will vary, depending on the weather during the 2010 growing season and what our farmers grow. Examples of the local foods you will enjoy include:  

 

FROZEN LOCAL FRUITS

  

·     Blueberries and Blackberries, grown by River Road Farm, a small berry farm located in the mountains between Highlands and Franklin. Blueberry muffins, blackberry cobbler, very berry smoothies – all possible with berries.

 

·     Red Raspberries of the freshest and sweetest kind, grown by Zimmerman’s Berry Farm in Marshall.  Mix  'em up in your smoothie, or yogurt and enjoy the taste of quickly frozen, fresh berries in the middle of winter.
 

·     Black Raspberries, of the best taste, come from a certified organic Riverview Farms.  Top your ice-cream, pancakes, or make some oven fresh muffins.   
 

·     Strawberries from the organic family farm at Riverview Farms in Henderson County. Whole berries for a smoothie, as part of a fruit salad or made into compote to top pancakes all winter long. 

FROZEN LOCAL VEGETABLES

 

·     Broccoli, including both florets (use for stir-fry or side dishes) and puree (add broth , favorite herbs and enjoy a flavorful soup). Broccoli is grown by Wiebe Farmin’, a certified organic farm in Burnsville. 
 

·     Butternut Squash, grown by Crossing Point Farm, a small farm operated by a UNCA graduate in Swannanoa. Choose from one of our interesting recipes and make Harvest Squash Loaf Bread, Butternut Squash Lasagna or a pot of Mexican Chile Squash Soup.
 

·     Collards, grown and harvested by caring hands of their owners and crew at Jake’s Farm, a certified organic farm in Candler. 

 

·     Edamame, organically grown by Jake’s Farm in Candler. Steam, then sprinkle with one of our seasoned salt suggestions for a healthy (and addictive!) snack.

 

·     Eggplant, grown by Gladheart Farms, a certified organic farm in Oakley.  Make a warming, winter soup, or an eggplant spread.  Check out our recipe page for ideas!

 

·     Green Beans, grown by Moores Pond Farm, a small sustainable farm in Fairview.  Serve them with your holiday meal.

·     Kale, a colorful mix of green and Red Russian, grown naturally by Hominy Valley Organic Farm in Candler.  
 

·     Peppers, sweet and colorful, grown by Holly Hill Farm near Brevard. Sliced and diced and ready to use in a quick stir-fry or as a ready-to-use ingredient in soups and stews.

 

·     Summer Squash, organically grown by Gladheart Farms in Candler and ready for an old fashioned squash casserole or part of a healthy vegetable soup. 

 

·     Super Sugar Snap Peas of the sweetest variety, grown by Meadow Cove Farm in Weaverville. Just heat and eat.

 

·     Tomatoes. Juicy tomatoes grown by Meadow Cove Farm in Weaverville and the meaty kind grown by Moores Pond Farm in Fairview.

OTHER LOCAL FOODS

 

·     Fresh, crisp lettuce, from the green houses at Kay Farm in East Flat Rock – even during the winter! (No, we don't freeze it! We just thought you might like something fresh and green.)

 

·     Look for surprise treats from the specialty food producers at Blue Ridge Food Ventures.