My Favorite Things About Farming and Cabbage Wraps

I think today I have made it official: I hate spring. At least, at 9:30 tonight when I am still working and the amount of work that is at crisis level at the farm that needs attention like yesterday is piling up faster than I can even keep track of...I just can't. UGH!

But, I have spent many months writing about how hard farming is because I feel that people are largely ignorant, I know I certainly was before I got neck deep in it! I wanted to share all the hardships and nagging details of how something gets from seed to fruit to packing area to your table. I firmly believe we can create a better, more just, and more beautiful world by getting to know our food and where it comes from. But, I have realized that in trying to tell you all the details, I have done a lot of what sounds like complaining without paying enough attention to the good stuff. I didn't want to put stars in your eyes about how wonderful and romantic life in the countryside was at first, but I am tired of so much harsh reality. Let's talk about the really cool parts of farming!

I love that I am a business owner. I come from what most people would call a broken home and made some very poor choices in my teenage years. It is an after-school special kind of journey that brought me here and I am proud all the time that as a young, queer woman, that I am blazing my own trail now and not letting anyone tell me what I am worth. Also, I love that this operation is a family farm. My amazing wife is so supportive and I couldn't imagine taking this on without her.

Duck showers. Who'd have thought ducks just love showers from the hose in the afternoon? They run to the spray quacking and lift their bodies high to let the water hit them, drinking from the stream. It's pretty much my favorite part of the day.

I love watching things bloom and fruit. I know the science behind it, but I swear it's pure magic. 

I also love that our farm makes a point to sell to food banks and school districts- getting food to the people who need it the most. The way we choose to farm makes veggies super nutritious and it fills me with such satisfaction to know that this really good food is going to our youth and families that have fallen on hard times.

Watching my dog enjoy the farm. I mean except when he barks at people...we're still working on that...

The birds. I mean, seriously, why do people pay for cable? I should charge for chicken watching events. It has to be more quality entertainment than much of what's on T.V. Don't believe me? Come see for yourself!

Painting signs. I love taking a break after lunch and sitting down to stretch my creative muscles. They're no masterpieces, but they're nice little quick paintings for our road signs.

Finding little bits of magic like this.

Or this! If you look up drudgery in the dictionary, there is a picture of me hoeing. But, sometimes, you hoe old veggies down and discover that they were very busy making art.

Afternoon sits watching the chickens.

The firsts of the season. It is so satisfying to come peek at the literal fruits of your labor; watching them take shape, swell, and color up. Tarra and I have a tradition that we make a wish on the first taste of the first fruit or veggie of the season. 

Another of my most favorite things is getting to make really good food with what I grew. Especially when it is super healthy and super good for you at the same time. This recipe (well, guideline really) is one of Tarra's and my favorite go-to when our veggie drawers runneth over.

Cabbage Wraps

Large cabbage leaves- whole

Crunchy veggies- sliced, match sticks, or shredded

(Our favorites are: carrots, broccoli, radishes, par-boiled turnips, snap and snow peas, tender greens)

Sprouts

Herbs and Flowers
(Cilantro and green onions are really great)

Chop ‘em, slice ‘em grate ‘em and toss them into your cabbage leaves. THEN:

Spicy Peanut Butter Wrap Sauce

1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon honey

2 cloves crushed garlic

1 lime

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

OR

Sweet, Sour, and Spicy Wrap Sauce

 

1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon hot mustard
2 teaspoons water
1 -2 teaspoon garlic and red chile paste

Measure and mix! Then slather it on your veggies!

 

You can also really kick things up a notch by marinating your veggies! Try a mixture of lemon juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss your grated and sliced veggies in and let them sit for 20 minutes or overnight.