Does Popeye know this?

Thanks to Kristine of Persephone Market Garden for this scoop on spinach:
Spinach is a member of the Chenopodiacae family (try saying that fast three times!) Other members of the family include beets, Swiss chard and quinoa. Wild spinach is not known to exist, though it is thought to have been domesticated in what is now Iran. In the 12th century it was brought to Spain by the Moors and from there travelled to the rest of Europe. It took until the end of the Middle Ages for spinach to become a common feature of Central European gardens, but then its adaptability, high yields, good taste and rapid growth made it a popular crop.

It's Easy Being Green

Rain and sun ...and more rain. The spinach, lettuce, arugula, mustard greens, radishes, mint, garlic scapes are all growing like mad. If there were ever a time for a salad, this is it! And as those first strawberries come out they make a pretty contrast sliced on a salad.

Strawberries need sun to set the sugar, so give them a little more time to sweeten up. Try a box now and wait a bit to go out and pick your flats for freezing and jam. Remember to buy or cut some rhubarb too for that delicious strawberry-rhubarb combination in pies and jam. Rhubarb freezes so well for a year-round taste of spring. Check http://www.foodlinkgreybruce.com to find the right Pick your Own for you.

Watch for farm tours coming up in the area, and if you're dreaming of your own, contact Georgian College for a new workshop starting in the fall - Exploring Your New Farm Dream. www.georgianc.on.ca/campuses/owensound/

Where does your meat come from?

Once upon a time, a mere 15 years ago, we had 900 small bsinesses in Ontario that processed our meat and poultry. Today there are 130. Grey and Bruce have been more fortunate than most regions, but we too have fewer businesses that can provide safe, fresh meat raised by our neighbours.

The local farm organizations and the Malcolm Women's Institute are hosting a public forum on Wednesday, June 9 at 8 p.m. at the Elmwood Community Centre to provide information and conversation on the impact of government action on farming and access to local food in our area.

For more information call Around the Sound Local Food Market at 519-370-2333