Author: Bryan Housel

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – October 21, 2024

Hi Folks! Beautiful weather we have been having, is it not? – unless you are a farmer! I am sure that you all are tired of hearing me complaining about the weather, but perhaps not as tired as I am of complaining. I hate to be a whiner, but I do need to keep you informed of what is happening on the farm. We had 5 consecutive nights of below freezing temperatures last week, not just a light frost, but a freeze. We covered as much as we could, but the tender crops cannot endure this degree of cold. And, of course , no rain and not much in sight. (more…)

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are native to Central and South America and are one of the oldest vegetables known to man.  They have been consumed since prehistoric times as evidenced by sweet potato relics dating back 10,000 years that have been discovered in Peruvian caves. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – October 14, 2024

Hello All! Every week we wonder what the weather will bring, will it rain, or will it shine, will we freeze or will we bake. This morning when I woke, I checked the weather on my phone, it said rain ending at 9:30. I looked out the window and it was dry as a bone, it seemed the rain ended before it began. (more…)

Onions

Onions

Onions are part of the allium family of vegetables and herbs, which also includes chives, garlic, scallions, and leeks. Allium vegetables have been cultivated for centuries for their characteristic, pungent flavors and for their medicinal properties – these vegetables have been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, including stomach and colorectal. A nutrient-dense food, onions are low in calories and high in beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. (more…)

Cabbage and Onion Torta

Cabbage and Onion Torta

This recipe from the New York Times is a delicious way to use up a LOT of cabbage.  This torta, filled with browned onions, silky cabbage, and plenty of creamy fontina cheese, might just be the best way you’ve ever eaten what is arguably a challenging vegetable.  It’s at its most appealing served warm, with the cheese still a little gooey.  But when fully cooled it becomes picnic or lunchbox fare, sturdy enough to slice up and carry with you.  The smoked ham is purely optional, but is does add a pleasing porky flavor to the mix.  And if you can’t find fontina, try Gruyere, Swiss or muenster instead. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – October 7, 2024

Hello all! So, still no rain and none in sight – oh well. The temperatures have been agreeable, but we are predicted to drop into the thirties for two nights at the beginning of next week. Hopefully, we will squeak by without a frost. (more…)

Spinach

Spinach

Calorie for calorie, leafy green vegetables like spinach provide more nutrients than any other food.  Spinach is thought to have originated in ancient Persia.  Spinach made its way to China in the 7th century when the king of Nepal sent it as a gift to this country.  Spinach has a much more recent history in Europe than many other vegetables.  It was only brought to that continent in the 11th century, when the Moors introduced it into Spain.  In fact, for a while, spinach was known as “the Spanish vegetable” in England. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – September 30, 2024

Hello Folks! We continue to be on the dry side – after four days of drizzle there was barely a quarter inch in the rain gauge. There is not much in the forecast either. At least the light rain was good for germinating seeds and a dry fall is better than a wet one. We will continue to move the overhead irrigation around for now. (more…)