Sponsored Feature:
Sweetwater Meadows delivers healthy, farm-fresh produce
From our weekly issue dated January 06, 2010
Many people choose a healthy diet as one of their New Year“s Resolutions, but not everyone has a green thumb “ or the land, time and energy to garden.
Fresh produce delivered weekly can save a lot of time and money, and provide many delicious meals.
When Sweetwater Meadows became a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm in 2009, the goal was 20 people “ by the end of the season 24 had people signed up. For next season, Sabre & Trudy Stehelin are hoping for 40 or 50, and this appears possible, as satisfied customers already are reserving shares with a $50 deposit.
“We appreciate the support from members, neighbors and friends,“ says Trudy.
Last year Sweetwater Meadows produced more than 80 varieties of fruit and vegetables on nearly 3 acres.
The Stehelins are breaking new ground on a 1-acre field for pumpkins, squash, corn, and melons, and are hoping for artichokes and beets. Their sons, Cedar and Dakota, already have planted several thousand garlic, shallots, and leeks. They soon will lay a pad for a greenhouse, and are working on a cold storage site.
“Last year we didn“t have near enough free-range chickens,“ says Trudy, “so we are building a new chicken house and a big fenced area for meat birds. We might provide holiday turkeys if there“s enough interest.“
The Stehelins use organic compost at the former Baldwin Homestead, and they always need grass clippings and leaves, as well as chicken, horse, and cow manure. “We greatly appreciate John & Christine Gardiner, who donated a truckload of alpaca-poo from Suri Futures,“ says Trudy.
“We are really committed to our land,“ Trudy says with a glowing expression. “We love looking at people“s faces when they get their fresh produce. It is wonderful to provide that kind of service. Some people don“t know what to do with it, so I give them recipes. I am teaching them how to cook and pay attention to what they“re eating.“
Trudy gives her customers homework with their vegetables. Members Virgil & Joanne Lemley included copies of their Zucchini Cookbook in the boxes of produce. CSA members learn to sauté, can, freeze, dehydrate, and use herbs. Fantastic pink, green, white, and yellow Chard can be put on dining tables in water, then used throughout the week.
Customers learn to feel healthier by taking care of themselves, while staying close to home, and not driving. Designated pickup points for the produce during 2009 were parking lots at the Cave Junction Post Office, Junction Inn, and American Legion Post 70 Hall.
The cost of a share “ $540 “ provides a large box of vegetables and fruit for 18 weeks from early June through early October, weather permitting.
Smaller families can opt for a $360 half-share, or split a share with a friend.
Sweetwater Meadows produce includes tomatoes, peppers, squash, potatoes, beans, broccoli, cabbage and carrots. Apples, pears and plums from some 40 trees will be included when in season. Eggs and chickens can be provided as well.
Sweetwater Meadows even caters to the romantic with $5 flower bouquets, as well as a full line of Moon Dance Soap Co. products. They include luxurious eye and dream pillows, body massage oils, soaps, and lavender sachets.
Phone 592-4637 for a brochure, order form or just to talk; or send questions to sweetwatermeadows@yahoo.com. “Localvores“ can mail their $50 deposit to 9375 Caves Hwy., Cave Junction OR 97523.
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