July 1st Fresh Box: Independence via Local Food

"I know of no pursuit in which more real and important services can be rendered to any country than by improving its agriculture, its breed of useful animals, and other branches of a husbandman's cares."  -George Washington

This week we have an opportunity to experience the season's first root crops and fresh garlic from Hobbs Family Farm.  Dan Hobbs is not only a remarkable organic farmer near Pueblo, but also works for the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, is a founding member of Arkansas Organic Valley Growers (AVOG), and has been a tremendous force for the inception of the Valley Roots Food Hub. He is a great example that its is possible to have a regular job AND be a farmer! 
Together with our partner food hubs including AVOG, High Plains Food Coop, and Southwest Farm Fresh, were are launching the Colorado Food Hub Network.  This is re-writing the food system where Colorado Local is the standard.  Diverse, fresh, efficient.

Here's the box: 

 High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Non-GMO, Colorado Mills, Lamar, CO       1          bottle

    This is a special product at Valley Roots.  I have a letter from the National Sunflower Board that says sunflowers have had ZERO trans-genetic tampering.  That means that you can be sure your sunflower oil hasn't been infected by GMO genetics.  Colorado Mills says: "CM Sunflower Oil is naturally extracted from high oleic sunflower seeds in Southeastern Colorado. This is a totally Colorado product, from processing to label.  This oil is perfect for sautéing, frying, baking, and making your favorite salad or dipping oil.  The all-natural extraction process uses NO solvents in removing the oil from the seeds, only the pressing process. We also do not winterize our oil after refining, which is why you will notice a small amount of sunflower wax in the bottom of the bottle. This leaves the oil in its more natural state and does not affect the cooking quality of the oil.  There are 3 types of common fat in a diet. Monounsaturated (Oleic) fats are essential in a balanced diet while large amounts of Polyunsaturated (Non-Oleic) and Saturated fats should be avoided. Linolenic Polyunsaturated Fats can become unstable when heated over a period of time, producing trans-fats."
Living Green Kale Plant, Brightwater Farms, Monte Vista, CO.         1          Plant
Organic Tieton Sweet Cherries, Black Bear Orchards, Palisade, CO.    2         lbs
Spicy Mesclun Mix, COG, Ring a Ding Farms, Howard, CO              1        1/2 lb bag
Tomato, Beefsteak.  Graber's Produce, Alamosa, CO                        3        lbs
Red Radish, COG, White Mountain Farm, Mosca.                           1         bunch
Baby Purple Carrots,COG, Hobbs Family Farm, Boone, CO                1        bunch
Baby Red Beets, COG, Hobbs Family Farm                                     1        bunch
Fresh Garlic, COG, Hobbs Family Farm                                          2          heads

Grilling onions and portabellas are on the horizon!
Yes, potatoes are done until the new crop comes in.

We have 8 shares still available for this season's CSA!  THIS WEEK WILL BE THE LAST WEEK TO SIGN UP.
We also could use 1 more Working CSA Shareholder.  
Late subscribers will get credits in the market, stay tuned.

COOLERS, BOXES, CLAMSHELLS:  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  Send them back with your box!

Happy 4th!  Independence means local food!