Bluebird Market Announces New Coffees and Teas CSA Bonus Box

We are delighted to now offer bulk Georgia Roasted and Fair Trade Coffees, our own Bluebird Blend Georgia Roasted Coffee, as well as flavored teas, herb teas and blossom teas in a Bluebird CSA Bonus Box.  This box is an assortment share and will also include when available local honey, fresh Stevia, and/or sugar cane (for making swizzle sticks).

The cost of this bonus box quarter share for 1 person is $15.00.  You may purchase weekly or as a one time bonus box purchase.  You must be signed up for the Bluebird CSA Veggie Box Program to order the special bonus share deals.  You may preorder and pay-by-the-week at Bluebird Market one week and pickup your box at Bluebird  Market the following Saturday from 8 am until noon. 218 N. Center Street, Thomaston, GA.

Bluebird Market CSA Share Box ID

 Sat. March 13, 2010 CSA share ($15./wk)

Click here for recipe stream.

Locally grown winter veggies include turnips, collards, cabbage, spring onions. Herbs include fresh dill, lemongrass, cilantro, fresh dried tarragon, dried lavender, dried blended Herbs of Provence, dried parsley. Spices include red peppers, whole garlic, whole ginger, whole cloves. Seeds include caraway, sesame, poppy. Peas include dried early English peas, Red lentils. Other lemon granules and millet.

Farm Fresh free range eggs from Little Red Hen Farm available $3.00/dozen.

Reserve your share box for March 20th this week at Bluebird Market.  $15.00/sample box.

Bluebird Market Top 3 Benefits of Miss America and Miss Bluebird Festival

1. A Successful Miss America preliminary pageant can draw hundreds of people who spend money locally on hotels, restaurants, attractions, shopping.
2. Miss America Organization is the largest provider of scholarship assistance to women in the world.
3. Miss America aims to produce role models representing positive wholesome American values.

 

We will crown one Miss Bluebird Festival and one Miss Bluebird Festival Outstanding Teen.

 

2010-2011 Miss Bluebird Festival and Miss Bluebird Festival Outstanding Teen Pageant

Miss Bluebird Festival Scholarship Pageant

Saturday, May 8th

Thomaston Georgia

Bluebird Market Invites You to Green Drinks Thomaston…Sustainable Connections

 

Celebrate with us on the First Day of Spring and National Ag Day to launch Green Drinks Thomaston on March 20, 2010!

Find photos on GREEN DRINKS

Join Green Drinks online

How it all started

“In 1989, at a pub called the Slug and Lettuce in Northern London, Edwin Datschefski was sitting with his green design colleagues Yorick Benjamin and Paul Scott when he noticed an enviro-minded acquaintance at a nearby table. As it turned out, the friend was sitting with a few of his own eco-conscious mates, so they pulled some tables together. And so a movement was born.

The concept evolved into Green Drinks and now it’s global.“

Visit GREEN DRINKS Thomaston

Bluebird Market ‘KidsFest..avenue of fun’ On the Square May 8th in Thomaston

Children will learn all about healthy locally grown veggies from funny characters at the Thomaston Bluebird Festival on the square in Thomaston Georgia…May 8th!  Tomatoes, carrots, cabbages….we are delighted to be working with Creative Costumes to bring fun to our local children as they learn how veggies make us strong and bright!

Teachers and parents welcome!  Thanks to Artisan Guild of Griffin, Bluebird Artisan Guild and MOMS Club for bringing festival fun to our local children!

Welcome to Bluebird Market an Eco-Friendly Place for local artisans and growers to market their products.

 Bluebird Market is a local organic co-op where artisans and growers market their goods.  Hatch and grow your business at the Bluebird Market.  We are an incubator for local small business owners in Middle Georgia.  This is a Bluebird Victory Garden community gardening sustainability initiative.

Join our efforts for local growers and artisans…buy local for your business by dealing with local market vendors. Shop the market for your business and family. Saturdays 8 am until noon, 215 Barnesville Street, Thomaston, GA.

Bluebird Market Growers and Artisans Hatch an Eco-Friendy Version Farmers Market

Bluebird Market CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)…All the Best

Bluebird CSA…all the best.

Bluebird Market Partners with James Family Farm for CSA

 

Christmas Eve on James Family Farm.

Bluebird Market Will Choo Choo into 2010 at Historic Downtown Train Depot

‘All aboard the Bluebird Express’ for an arts and harvest train ride into 2010.  We have so much exciting news coming to you this week and into spring!  Let’s start 2010 together at the very beginning…a very good place to start!

Since last summer on June 6, 2009, Bluebird Market has been growing each and every Saturday from 8 am until noon.  Join us this Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 as we celebrate ‘All the Best’ Local Flavors at the former Thomaston Train Depot! 

This location is rich in local  and Georgia heritage and we are so honored and fortunate to bring Bluebird growers, artisans and bakers into this historic and fun venue. 

Bring your old-fashioned hand carved train whistles to celebrate a new chapter for Bluebird Market with local fun, friends and foods.

For those of you who don’t know the Train Depot has benefited from recent renovations by Andy York of Ponderosa Steakhouse which is open on Thurs., Fri., and Saturday evenings currently.   In former years, the Depot also housed Akins Feed and Seed.  

Come and set up in the parking lot and front porch with Georgia Made Georgia Grown products!  The cost remains the same as always…no charge to set up and only $5.00 AFTER you sell over $20.00 of products.  The former downtown depot will be open for Bluebird Market inside but if Saturday is as beautiful, bright and sunny like today, you will want to be outside at 218 North Center Street, in Thomaston, meeting and greeting all the friends and shoppers that pass by on this central street of our downtown business community.  This part of downtown Thomaston formerly had a farmers market venue across the street in the United Bank parking lot and we love the convenience a local market in this neighborhood will again bring to loyal patrons.

It is an honor for us to experience and be embraced with growth in our community.  The market has brought over 50 warm and friendly artisans, bakers, growers, culinary experts, and hundreds of area patrons who come out each week for fresh and local arts and harvest.

Join us at the Historic Downtown Train Depot this Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 and please stop by Cook’s Market and tell Andy York thank you for his work to preserve this lovely part of our local culture.

Please feel free to email:  bluebirdmarket@gmail.com

Bluebird Market Top 6 Reasons CSA Partnered with James Family Farm

 Top 6 reasons it is a true delight to be partnered with James Family Farm for the multiple-farm Bluebird CSA :   

1. Certified organic garden
2. received 100 on Certified Kitchen by the Dept. of Ag
3. ranked as a top vendor by neighboring farmers markets
4. Best Overall Grower, Nat’l Farmers Market Week at Bluebird Market 
5. Blue-Ribbon Award Winner on veggies and products  
6. Local Harvest approved




 

 

Bluebird Market Offers 3 Ways to Share All the Best Winter Harvest of Multiple-Farm CSA

Download the 12 Week Bluebird CSA contract.

3 ways to participate as a shareholder of the Bluebird CSA weekly shares:

Quarter Box Shares suitable for 1 person                  $15.00/weekly

• 2-3 items weighing 2-3 lbs.

Half Box Shares suitable for Family of 2 people        $30.00/weekly

• 4-5 items weighing 4-5 lbs.

Full Box Shares suitable for Family of 4 people        $50.00/weekly

• 8-10 items weighing 8-10 lbs. 

Click here for Bluebird CSA.  Shares available now.  BluebirdCSA@gmail.com

Winter shares available now for 12-week winter season include winter greens, lettuces, leeks, pecans, apples, collards, green onions, radishes,  parsley,  turnips  and other winter local produce as available in the middle Georgia growing region.

Bluebird Market Loves Local CSA Growers…Gonna Fly Now

Thanks to Middle Georgia Growers like:

James Family Farm

Holland Apple Farm

John Hall

SunRay Farms

Landers Vineyard

Russell Farms

Newman Farms

Project 365 V–Versemann Garden Live WebCam

Juliette Hightower

Kris Thomas

On Ramsey

Elliott Farms

Dickey Farms

Greens & Berry Farm

Busy Bee Honey Farm

and other Bluebird Multiple Farm CSA growers

And everyone who supports their efforts to keep our local people strong!

 

 

Bluebird Market Agrees Every Family Needs A Farmer. Do You Know Yours?

 

Every Family Needs a Farmer, Do You Know Yours?

Every Family Needs a Farmer. Do you know yours?     

Visit us Year Round Rain or Shine, Saturdays 8 am until noon, Bluebird Market, 218 N. Center Street, Thomaston GA, Historic Downtown Train Depot

to meet local growers and sign up for your Bluebird Multiple Farm CSA share boxes…

Local Harvest has approved our Bluebird Market rural Middle Georgia Multiple Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and states the CSA nationwide effort is “a simple enough idea, but it’s impact has been profound.” Because of globalization, rarely do local and regional small farmers’ bring their produce to an infrastructure system of super markets. As a result, CSA cooperatives are growing at a tremendous clip across the country. They offer an effective solution for us to again directly reconnect with our local rural growers.

Why should I become a member of a rural Georgia CSA co-op?

Americans are signing up for CSA programs because farm fresh produce in their weekly share boxes tastes better and is more nourishing. Grocery chains and superstores would like very much to ‘cash in’ on the better tasting and more nourishing local food demands of customers but the very nature of their structure prevents it. Super store operations are set up so they can place a few gigantic orders with a few gigantic distributors or with distribution divisions. They are not set up to deal with individual rural area growers and small farmers growing seasonal crops and it would be prohibitive for them to attempt.

Who profits from a CSA cooperative program?

Community supported agriculture is structured to profit our rural farmers directly in return for dedicated community service to provide us with all the best of their harvest. They become our personal growers and aim to directly serve us with all the best tasting and healthy produce.

Are farmers markets growing during a tough economy?

The nationwide demand for better tasting and healthier local produce is one reason farmers markets have nearly doubled in our country over the last decade.

Where do super store veggies come from and who is growing that food?

It is vital for prosperity that ‘old things become new’ and we once again know our growers and invest with them. This is one prudent reason people are signing up across our country for Community Supported Agriculture programs. Many super store foods are imported and warehoused by ‘industrial’ growers and far off gigantic food corporations. My advice is prepare now to plant a small spring veggie garden and sign up today with Bluebird CSA for all the best tasting and nourishing local produce. Know who is growing your food and if they care enough about your family to use organic practices.

Who can participate in a CSA program?

 The Bluebird CSA program is a cooperative partnership between our local rural farmers market community, local farmers and community members of the CSA. Members may purchase subscription shares of farm produce in return for a weekly box of fresh farm veggies. Also affordable are boxes of seasonal and local fruits, eggs, flowers, and top Cottage Industry certified baked goods. Growers insure CSA shareholders get all the best of their seasonal produce.

Who are the local growers?

Bluebird CSA is your opportunity to support and share the harvest of James Family Farm, and other dedicated rural farmers actually growing much of Middle Georgia’s finest Award Winning vegetables. We have been enjoying and sharing the turnips, collards and lettuces from James Family Farm which are delicious and nourishing. We also are highly pleased with apples and pecans from Mr. Holland’s Apple Farm. Partnered for the Multiple Farm Bluebird CSA are certified organic farms like James Family Farm and organic practices farms like SunRay Farms in Barnesville with organic blueberries. If you would like to be a CSA grower or want to sign up for a weekly box of fresh veggies, contact bluebirdcsa@gmail.com . Small gardeners might want to order seeds now to plant herbs like fresh basil and Stevia, or heirloom produce which is in high demand.

What will I receive in my CSA share box?

The CSA program is available now with winter greens and, when you sign up, you will receive lettuces, turnips, local pecans, apples and more winter season produce. In 12 short weeks, seeds and plants will begin producing an array of spring and summer strawberries, blueberries, figs, peaches, blackberries, melons, heirloom and ‘Ark of Taste’ tomatoes, squash, fresh herbs, cucumbers, eggplant, onions, peppers and much more from all the best area growers. You may also want to choose affordable bonus boxes filled with farm-fresh certified eggs, local honey, oatmeal and stone ground wheat breads from Certified Farm Kitchens, homemade healthy salad dressings, fruit and sweet potato pies, Blue-Ribbon winning jellies, pepper sauces, sweet onion relish and all the best local flavors.

What size share boxes are available?

Shares come in boxes to meet individual needs like a full box share subscription for a family of 4 people, a half share suitable for 2 people or a quarter share box for 1 person. For convenience and Seniors, prepared foods are available like flavorful soups and casseroles using local organic farm fresh products. Affordable prepared dishes and baked goods are offered by professional culinary experts such as ‘Bread of Life’.

What are the benefits of a CSA?

Participating with your rural CSA cooperative program provides delicious farm fresh produce that is actually grown in our area rather than purchased from other regions and warehoused. Our rural Georgia CSA preserves our local family farms and rural Georgia economy with a sustainable local food system. It helps keep our local money in our community where it belongs. Your food travels less food miles and is therefore more fresh and more nutrient-rich. And our rural CSA reconnects you and your family with your source of food rather than with corporate warehouses and cross country trucking systems. Thank you to everyone who asked to sign up for the Bluebird CSA program last summer and waited patiently for it to be successfully developed and available now.

When can I sign up for a box of veggies?

You are invited to sign up now for a box of winter veggies with Bluebird CSA to get on the ‘right track’ with 12 weeks of farm fresh vegetable shares. You will get all of the fun ideas on how to prepare this nutritious and bountiful local harvest. You will reap a bounty of heart-healthy nourishing veggies and, as Local Harvest states, it is “a simple enough idea, but it’s impact has been profound.”

Where are the Pick-Up Locations for Bluebird CSA?

Bluebird Farmers Market, 218 N. Center Street, Historic Downtown Train Depot, Thomaston, GA,  Saturdays 8 am until noon

Enrich your life on Saturdays at Bluebird Market in the historic downtown train depot located at 218 N. Center Street, Thomaston. Explore with us each week to discover simple ways we can affordably contribute to sustainable and renewable eco-friendly living.

Find resources online at http://www.bluebirdmarket.com and http://www.planetgarden.wordpress.com. Email rural CSA questions to: bluebirdcsa@gmail.com .

Bluebird Market Thanks Middle Georgia Growers for Multiple Farm CSA Participation

We are so fortunate to have a multiple farm CSA that provides all the best from our Middle Georgia growers.

Bluebird Market…What is a CSA?

Every family needs a farmer.  Do you know yours?

Bluebird Market Implements Multiple Farm CSA Program

Read more from The Wellness Lady on what she received in her Bluebird CSA share box.

This is a picture taken by Angelica Clayton of farm fresh products her family received in their Bluebird CSA share box on January 23, 2010.

Email:  BluebirdCSA@gmail.com

Bluebird Market CSA Focus is Providing Beautiful Organic Harvest for Members

We encourage all of our friends to become active participants in the Bluebird CSA Program…read more.

It’s easy and we have an affordable Pay-by-the-Week program for a quarter share sample box!  Come by the market this Saturday Jan. 30, 2010.  Place your order for $15.00 and on February 6th, you will have a delicious and nutritious assortment of all the best Middle Georgia growers have to offer!

If you are delighted and want to assure your family is on board for the spring and summer harvest season you can subscribe for the 12-week CSA shares.

Bluebird Market CSA Shareholders Directly Benefit from Georgia High Tunnels Extending the Growing Season

Bluebird Market CSA farmer, Dave Bentoski, of D & A Farms, is quoted in the news release announcing a new USDA pilot study in Georgia to use high tunnels, or hoop houses, to increase availability of locally grown foods.

Read more of what Farmer Dave is quoted saying here…

Bluebird Market CSA encourages Georgia farmers to use high tunnels to extend the growing season…here’s why…

NRCS will fund one high tunnel per farm in Georgia.

Farmer Dave took us on a golf cart tour of his farm to the high tunnel and we walked inside to view how the lettuces had survived the frost.  Farmer Dave hand picked these artisan certified organic lettuces for our CSA share holders.  Other unprotected crops in the field were heavily damaged and completely brown in color from the freeze burn.  This week’s Multiple Farm CSA shares included these certified organic lettuces that survived the arctic blast of freezing weather in January 2010 in Middle Georgia…Tender lettuces were safely tucked in the D & A high tunnels.  As a result our CSA shareholders directly benefited with fresh local lettuces in January, 2010.  Salads were enjoyed using locally grown lettuces in an extended growing season through January.  High tunnels are proven effective during a hard freeze in Georgia and CSA shareholders directly benefited with locally grown organic lettuces in January.

Organic lettuce survived the freeze in a High Tunnel of D & A Farms, GA, and was used in this salad Jan. 2010, from Bluebird Multiple Farm CSA shares.

Every family needs a farmer. Do you know yours?

USDA is offsetting costs for one high tunnel per farm.  Georgia farmers should go into GA NRCS office to find out more about high tunnels, or hoop houses, and the pilot study. 

Click here to read about the study.  Georgia is one of the 38 states selected to participate in this study. High tunnels can cover as much as 5% of 1 acre.

mary.mcquinn@ga.usda.gov

Link to application.

Bluebird Market CSA Shareholders Will Receive Locally Grown Valentine Flowers

Because Bluebird CSA loves it’s shareholders and is so appreciative of our Founding CSA Members, each will receive a lovely locally grown Valentine Flower Bouquet in this week’s share boxes. 

What is the meaning of Gerber Daisies as a flower gift?  …expressing cheerful sentiments, beauty and innocence.

Read more about Gerbers expressing the gift of cheer and brightness.

Read more about Gerber Daisies ranking #4 in NASA’s Top 10 Clean Air Plants Study.

Thanks to another top local grower– who is Certified Georgia Grown– in our Middle Georgia CSA program, our shareholders will receive gorgeous gerber daisies for all the best wishes for a Happy Valentine’s.  Color selection will be chosen by the grower as shown in the manner of the photo of their bright colored gerbers.

Valentine Flowers Bring Meaning

1. Carnations…love and fascination
2. Gerber Daisies…beauty and innocence
3. Iris…faith, hope and wisdom
4. Orchids…rare and delicate beauty
5. Lilies…friendship and devotion
6. Roses…love and appreciation
7. Sunflowers…warmth and adoration
8. Tulips…perfect love

Bluebird Market Will Be at Historic Downtown Train Depot During Lovely Winter Snow

Bluebird Market Snow 2010…Weather Advisory…Market Update

Update for Bluebird CSA shareholders:  Please email directions to your residence and we will be delivering CSA boxes this afternoon and Sunday.  Email: bluebirdmarket@gmail.com or on Facebook search: Bluebird Market.  We will make every effort to open Bluebird Market on Saturday until noon.  Our shareholders may pick up boxes there at the train depot.  Our advice is to follow safety rules recommended for driving conditions before you venture on the roads. 

If you are unable to make it to the market, please email your address and directions and we will make every effort to deliver your share box over the weekend on Saturday afternoon or Sunday when the roads are expected to warm up.

Enjoy the beautiful Valentine snow with your friends and family, please be safe and prudent and take care to drive according to road condition alerts.

Find Driving Safety Tips from Weather.com here .

Please email driving directions to your residence for box delivery to :

bluebirdmarket@gmail.com

Kindest regards,

Bluebird CSA Team

Bluebird Market CSA Share with Locally Grown Valentine Flowers and Middle Georgia Snow 2010

CSA shares 021310

Snow in Georgia..out the window in the morning …flowers and veggies were grown in high tunnels to allow our CSA share holders to enjoy fresh veggies and flowers through snow in Georgia.

Certified Organic Lettuces (buttercrunch, green leaf, red leaf), turnips, cabbages, spring onions, sweet potatoes, collards, Gerber daisies, dark sweetened chocolate, Chicago Steak Seasoning.

Bluebird Market Happy Valentines Georgia Grown Flowers for our CSA Members

Bluebird Market CSA Boxes to be Delivered to Member Residences Due to Valentine Snow 2010

Because of ice and snow on the Middle Georgia roads, we will be delivering our CSA members share boxes for the week of Feb. 14, 2010…please email directions and address to bluebirdmarket@gmail.com or facebook search Bluebird Market.

Thanks for working with us through our Middle Georgia Valentine Snow 2010.  Snow on Vineyard Road at our residence is heavy therefore driving will be delayed and market and deliveries will be open after 10 am today.

Have fun in the Valentine snow and please take care and be prudent.

Bluebird Market CSA Shares Smoothly Delivered in Georgia Snow 2010

Thank you to all of our CSA shareholders for working together flawlessly to see that everyone received their share boxes during the Georgia Snow 2010 by 5 pm on Saturday.

We are so appreciative and impressed at the communications and cooperative spirit we experienced from our amazing shareholders!

Here is our trip through the snow covered vineyard to the market…thank you again to everyone who came to the depot to pick up their share boxes and to receive deliveries smoothly!

Bluebird Market Launches Thomaston Bluebird Festival On the Square Saturday May 8, 2010

Bluebird Market is delighted to team up with Main Street Association and Downtown Business Authority for the First Annual fresh and local foods and handmade arts spring festival….Thomaston Bluebird Festival. 

For a Taste of Thomaston weekend, 30 top local foodies and artisans will gather around the square in Thomaston Georgia bringing all the best locally created arts and crafts as well as locally grown veggies, flowers, fruits, honey, herbs along with artisan breads, fruit pies and baked goods to the Thomaston Marketplace.  In addition there will be lots of fun entertainment and demonstrations like an Iron Chef Battle and a Bluebird KidsFest..avenue of fun!

Bring your family and enjoy local artisans and locally grown foods in this spring ’boutique festival’ celebration of all the best of our 30 top local growers, bakers and artisans! 

Vendors of fresh and local foods and artisan baked goods as well as jellies, preserves,  garden plants, herbs, and artworks are welcome!

Thomaston Bluebird Festival….locally grown fun!

Email:  ThomastonBluebirdFestival@gmail.com for information or to register your booth.  Booth Fee is $25.00 for the day.   8:00 am until 7 pm. Saturday, May 8th, 2010, around the square in Thomaston, Georgia.

Become a Fan on Facebook

Read more…

Thomaston Bluebird Festival Bringing Locally Grown Fun! “What we are trying to do is provide a fun Thomaston Marketplace for all of our local talent to give them an avenue for what they do best.” The possibilities to bring vibrancy to our downtown square and local economy is in good hands…local people just like you!
With the Taste of Thomaston on Thursday, live entertainment on Friday at the Ponderosa and Thomaston Bluebird Festival on the square on Saturday, May 8th, this will be a spring weekend worth celebrating!
Our local community is growing stronger every day and this is your opportunity to get out and celebrate this spring telling local people what you do best. If you own or operate a Middle Georgia eatery you are invited to come out and sell your house specialties…especially those that are fresh and healthy!! This festival is a celebration of spring in our hometown with foodies, arties and fun for children. In addition to locally grown veggies, all beautiful food is welcome. We aim to encourage locally grown produce from Middle Georgia farms to chefs, schools and tables.
The cost of a booth on Saturday May 8 th is only $25.00 and you may sell foods, arts, crafts, baked goods, preserves, anything locally made or grown from Middle Georgia.  Give people a chance to see what you do best.  If you live in the 50 mile area surrounding Thomaston and want to build your customer base locally, this is an opportunity to meet and greet in the Thomaston Marketplace.   Thomaston Bluebird Festival will also be the spring kickoff for fresh and organic Bluebird Market.  Join us on Saturdays from 8 am until noon for a spring and summer of local harvest bounty in a State of Georgia approved “Georgia Grown” Farmers Market!
 
The kids zone at Thomaston Bluebird Festival will be vibrant with activities, fresh and healthy foods, arts education, edible schoolyard fun, and a Kids Cooking Stage. Become a Facebook Fan of Bluebird KidsFest…an avenue of fun  offering our local children a fun zone brought by a partnership between Artisan Guild of Griffin and Bluebird Artisan Guild. There will be Backyard Habitat Bluebird Houses, Planet Care with Recycle Man, crafts, face painting, funny characters, a pottery wheel and much more from those who care about our children and bring them positive educational experiences.
Thomaston Bluebird Festival brings together those working every day for a bright future in our hometown. The festival will include an Iron Chef Battle, Mason Jar Awards, live demonstrations, and all the best locally grown and artisan foods along with handmade arts and crafts. We aim to showcase talented local people in what they do best!  Show what you do best this spring by setting up a table and meeting and greeting on the square…or participate on another creative level.  Email BluebirdMarket@gmail.com today or come by Bluebird Market on Saturday at the Historic Thomaston Train Depot.
Enjoy local people, local products and local possiblities together with friends. Celebrate in the fresh air and sunshine on May 8 th at Thomaston Bluebird Festival…locally grown fun! http://www.bluebirdmarket.com
Facebook Fans:  Thomaston Marketplace or Thomaston Bluebird Festival.

Event Lister

Craft Lister

Bluebird Market CSA ID March 20

Your packets will be hand labeled for ID.

Tea blossoms and leaves:  Raspberry Black, Chamomile Blossoms, Peppermint, Green

Other:  Steel Cut Oats, Green Lentils, SunDried Tomatoes

Whole spices:  Allspice

Ground spices:  Coriander, Cumin, Curry, Mild Red Pepper,

Dried spices: Herbs of Provence, Marjoram

Fresh spices:  Basil, Dill, Thyme, Sage

Seeds:  Flax Seeds, Sunflower Seeds

Bluebird Market CSA Herbs and Spice Packets I.D.

Here is the ID code for the extra herbs and spices in your CSA share boxes 03/06/10:

P…Herbs of Provence

L…Lavender

D…Mustard Seed

F…Flax Meal

C…Celery Seed

M…Millet Organic Whole

Warming Spices: Cayenne peppers (dried), whole garlic, whole ginger, whole nutmeg, bay leaf.

Fresh Herbs:  Dill, Parsley, Thyme

Recipes using these herbs and spices on Facebook Fan Page:  Bluebird CSA…Become a fan for recipes and tips in your newsfeed.  Thank you Bluebird CSA shareholders!!

Bluebird Market Celebrates Ag Day, First Day of Spring at Green Drinks Thomaston

Celebrating the Wonders of American Agriculture
All Americans are asked to enjoy and admire the wonders of American agriculture as National Agriculture Day is celebrated on the first day of Spring, March 20, 2010.
Green Drinks Thomaston, affiliated with an international non-profit, will hold it’s launch on March 20, 2010 from noon until 2 pm at 218 N. Center Street, following Bluebird Market. You may make sustainable connections, celebrate the first day of spring, Drink a Green Smoothie and enjoy National Ag Day with eco-friendly people at the Historic Downtown Train Depot.
Today’s farmers understand the importance of improving the quality and quantity of food available to the world. According to the US Census Bureau, it is estimated that there will be 7.5 billion people in the world by the year 2020 (we’re currently at 6.2 billion). It’s agriculture’s job to find a way to feed those people. Advancements in crop technology, equipment technology and information management will make that possible. American farmers and others involved in the agriculture industry have met and will continue to meet this challenge again and again.
As usual, the annual celebration of ag takes place in March. National Ag Week is March 14-20, 2010, with National Ag Day celebrated on the final day, March 20, 2010. This year’s theme is: “American Agriculture: Abundant. Affordable. AMAZING.”
“The focus for 2010 and beyond is to capture the attention of consumers who think they have no relationship to agriculture,” said Linda Tank, Ag Day committee chairman. “Our new campaign reinforces that American agriculture is a part of all of us.”
Ag Day will also be celebrated in Washington, D.C., with an Ag Day Luncheon and Celebration of Ag Dinner on March 18, 2010, with the Secretary of Agriculture as the featured guest.
“The fight to save family farms isn’t just about farmers. It’s about making sure that there is a safe and healthy food supply for all of us … It’s about a better America.” Willie Nelson
 
Celebrate National Ag Day in Thomaston at our local year round farmers market, Bluebird Market, and speak to local area farmers about how they bring us an abundance of locally grown foods. Enjoy a Green Smoothie made from locally grown collards and be a founding participant in Green Drinks Thomaston. Also on March 20th we will enjoy the first day of spring bringing us the spring ”Equinox” which means, literally, “equal night.” With eggs as a symbol of rebirth and nature in the spring season, we celebrate the White House egg rolling and Easter egg hunts. The spring universal “tipping point” has been observed for thousands of years and it has been shown that you can balance a raw egg on end on the first day of spring. Find farm fresh egg sources at Bluebird Market in a rainbow of colors including dark brown, light brown, blue, green and white.
March 20^th brings us 3 fun ways to celebrate including the first day of spring, Green Drinks Thomaston and National Ag Day.
Email: bluebirdmarket@gmail.com for more information on Green Drinks Thomaston, National Ag Day or fun ways to celebrate the first day of spring.
 
　
　
　

Bluebird Market Turnip Testimony

 

These are amazing. The recipe is from one of the best restaurants in NYC, Union Square Cafe, and any time I am there I have to have these. Even people who HATE turnips love these:

Mashed Yellow Turnips
with Crispy Shallots

1 1/2 cups light olive or vegetable oil
9 tbs butter
5 to 6 shallots, peeled and sliced into thin rings
2 large yellow turnips (rutabaga), about 4 pounds
2 tsp kosher salt
1 cup milk
6 tbs butter
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

1. In a saucepan, heat the oil with 3 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat until it begins to bubble. Reduce the heat to low, and the shallots, and cook until they are a rich golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Stir the shallots occasionally while they are cooking to make sure they brown evenly.

2. Remove the shallots from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Once the shallots have dried and crisped, in about 15 minutes, they can be stored in a cool place, covered, for several days. Serve the shallots at room temperature.

3. Peel the turnips to remove their waxy skins and cut them into generous 1-inch chunks. Place them in a saucepan with water to cover and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, until easily pierced by a paring knife, about 35 minutes.

4. In a separate saucepan, heat the milk and remaining 6 tablespoons butter over low heat until the butter has melted and the milk just begins to simmer.

5. Drain the turnips and puree (in several batches, if necessary) in a food processor. With the motor running, add the melted butter and milk in a steady stream. The turnips should be very smooth.

6. Return the turnip puree to the saucepan, season with 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper and reheat, stirring over a medium flame. Serve piping hot, sprinkled generously with crispy shallots.

Bluebird Market Encourages Regional Chefs to Buy Locally Grown Produce at Thomaston Bluebird Festival

Locally Grown Produce is much in demand and where better to find all the best than the festival bringing farmers together in Middle Georgia.  Find locally grown produce from area farms, growers and nurseries at the Thomaston Bluebird Festival on May 8th, 2010 on the square in Thomaston Georgia.  Mark the date to meet and greet everyone who loves beautiful food grown locally by beautiful people.  Come to the Thomaston Marketplace and network for farm to chef, farm to school and farm to table with those growing and harvesting locally in Middle Georgia.  Email: bluebirdmarket@gmail.com