We’re not nutritionists over here at Making It Real, but we do value well-balanced eating. And we know that vegetables do a body good: It’s generally recommended that adult women consume at least two and a half cups of vegetables per day, and adult men should aim for at least three cups of veggies.
As veggies go, asparagus can sometimes get a bad rap. With its speared shape and notorious ability to make pee smell weird, many of us avoid making asparagus a regular part of our diets. But we definitely should be eating it because asparagus, which reaches its peak harvest season in April, is a detoxifying superfood.
ASPARAGUS: MADE FOR DETOX
As we explained in last month’s post, foods that come into season in early and mid spring are overflowing with nutrients like zinc, selenium, prebiotics, and a wide range of vitamins including A, B6, B9, B12, and K - exactly what our bodies need in early spring to cleanse the organs and prepare for warmer temperatures and increased activity.
Like leafy greens and cruciferous veggies, asparagus is loaded with sulfur and chlorophyll, which helps to detox heavy metals like mercury and lead, but asparagus packs several other added punches, too. It’s an excellent source of glutathione, a detoxifying compound that aids in purging carcinogens and free radicals from the body, and asparagus also contains a chemical called asparagine that helps to flush out excess waste from the kidneys. Since the kidneys are responsible for maintaining appropriate pH in the bodies, the diuretic cleansing effect of asparagus also helps keep our cells appropriately alkaline and disease-resistant.
And, thanks to its ability to break down toxins in the liver, asparagus even works as an excellent hangover remedy, reducing alcohol toxicity by increasing liver enzymes and encouraging healthy liver function.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE WEIRD-SMELLING PEE?
We’d be remiss if we didn’t at least mention the slightly inconvenient downside of asparagus: It makes your pee smell weird. But only for a little while. And it’s a perfectly normal side effect.
The reason you may notice malodorous urine after chomping down on some asparagus is because asparagus contains a chemical aptly called asparagusic acid. When digested, this acid breaks down into sulfur-containing compounds. These compounds are volatile, meaning they can vaporize into the air, allowing you to smell them. But because asparagusic acid on its own is not volatile, asparagus doesn’t smell the same way your urine might. If you’re still concerned, well, maybe you’ll be lucky: Not everyone can smell these sulfurous compounds. Some people don’t notice any smell at all.
GET YOUR ASPARAGUS ON
Ready to add asparagus to your spring menu? It’s easy! First, you’ll want to select your variety. American or British asparagus is green, French asparagus is purple, and the Spanish or Dutch variety is white in color. Don’t stress over your choice, though: All of them taste pretty much the same.
In terms of menu planning, it’s easy to incorporate asparagus into your weekly meals. Roasted asparagus is incredibly easy (and even more delicious with Lemon Basil herbed salt from this month’s local featured farm, Hummingbird Gardens), but asparagus is also surprisingly tasty eaten raw. Whether roasted or raw, sliced or chopped, or even lightly steamed asparagus makes an excellent topper for a detoxifying spring salad. Or you can get creative and turn your spears into fries!
BUY LOCAL, EAT LOCAL, LOVE LOCAL
Want even more good news? Asparagus is rarely sprayed with pesticides or herbicides thanks to the fact that it’s harvested so quickly. The tasty spears are the first shoots of the asparagus plant that come up in spring, and they’re trimmed almost as fast as they appear. There’s no time for damage to occur before harvest, so no treatments are needed. While it’s still best to look for asparagus grown in organic soil because of the added nutrients, you’re safer consuming non-organic asparagus than many other spring veggies.
Organic or not, your local farmers’ market is always the first place to look for firm, fresh asparagus this time of year. Whether you head out to Manakin Market in Goochland or stop by St. Stephens’ Farmers Market on Grove, remember to look for Making It Real’s booth, too! MIR owner and head chef Ginger is happy to chat about what’s available and where and introduce you to RVA’s local farmers.
Some say mealtime is more elegant with flowers on the table, and the folks at local flower farm Anthomania would likely agree. Growing over 300 different kinds of flowers ranging from snapdragons to anemones to flowering herbs like basil and pineapple sage, Anthomania is central Virginia’s floral hotspot - a flower authority if ever there were one.
It’s a fact: Farming isn’t for the fainthearted. Spending long hours outdoors, dealing with unpredictable weather, and battling incessant weeds and pests requires commitment and hard work. But for some farmers, running a successful, local farm is a childhood dream come true. For Bob Jones, one of the two owners of Newcastle Bee & Berry Farm in Louisa, Virginia, the dream of providing his neighborhood with tasty local strawberries started when he was just eight years old.
With sweet childhood memories of venturing across the street into his aunt’s strawberry patch each spring to steal plump berries straight off the vine, Bob knew early on that he wanted to continue the tradition of having a neighborhood strawberry patch. Decades later, Bob and Newcastle Bee & Berry co-owner Debbie Ryman are still fueled by the desire to share the joys of pick-your-own berry harvesting with the next generation.
Though they’ve faced critics who told them they couldn’t succeed without using commercial chemicals, Bob and Debbie recognized that spraying their plants wasn’t an option if they wanted a safe, non-toxic, pick-your-own patch. Citing a need to keep plants, bees, and berry lovers safe from the toxic chemicals found in commercial pesticides, they stood strong in their commitment to a no-spray approach. Thanks to their commitment to their dream, today Newcastle Bee & Berry Farm provides the same safe, sweet berry-picking experience that sparked Bob’s dream so many years ago.
Since Bob’s initial foray into farming back in the mid 80’s, Newcastle has branched out significantly from the original dream of a little local strawberry patch. Currently, they grow a wide array of veggies including corn, asparagus, onions, tomatoes, peppers, beets, turnips, lettuces, garlic, radishes, cucumbers, and pumpkins. Their berry offerings have also expanded beyond strawberries to include blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, and even gooseberries. Visitors to Newcastle, which is open most days from 8am to 7pm (call to confirm hours and U-Pick availability!), can also purchase potted plants, flower arrangements, and local honey from the farm.
As is the case for many local farms, spreading the word about their diverse offerings is one of Newcastle Bee & Berry’s main challenges. Bob and Debbie are definitely open to test-driving new and unusual crops, but to make the effort worthwhile, they want to know there’s enough demand for what they grow. So they’re focused on finding new ways to connect with the community, local chefs, and RVA foodies to identify what consumers really want. Their partnership with Making It Real is a perfect example, allowing them to showcase their local, organic approach while also receiving feedback on new types of high-demand produce.
Though they’ve already come a long way from a simple strawberry patch, Bob and Debbie aren’t done dreaming yet. Their plans for the future of Newcastle Bee & Berry include adding another high tunnel as well as a 60-foot greenhouse, expanding the blackberry patch to include several more rows, fencing in an area for goats (already on the farm) and cattle (a future addition), and eventually building a barn that will house a cooling room for berries and veggies, a dedicated area for creating flower arrangements, and plenty of space for classes focused on cooking, crafting, canning, and preserving. Both Bob and Debbie would also love to see the farm evolve into a bed and breakfast featuring delicious, homegrown berries for breakfast.
Want to support the dream over at Newcastle Bee & Berry Farm? You can! Gather the kids and grandparents, and plan a family-friendly berry-picking outing, or simply place your weekly order with Making It Real to bring homegrown deliciousness straight to your table.
Stop by any farmers market this time of year, and you’ll find oodles of beautiful, freshly-harvested summer squash. But with countless varieties to choose from, how to choose which to take home? Our comprehensive guide will help you make the most of this squash season.
Zucchini, Yellow Squash, and Globes
There’s a reason we’re all familiar with these quintessential summer squashes: they’re easy to grow and perfectly average in almost every way, which makes them absurdly common and beautifully versatile. With a somewhat sweet flavor and a decently thick skin, zucchini and yellow squash can be incorporated into tons of delicious summer recipes. They’ll neither overpower nor go completely unnoticed in whatever you’re cooking; instead they’re more likely to be a favored “supporting actor” for summer dishes. Try either variety (or opt for the less common, slightly sweeter, but equally versatile golden zucchini) sauteed in real butter, shredded into salads, sliced for dipping, spiraled into fresh veggie noodles, incorporated into casseroles, or baked into everyone’s favorite - zucchini bread.
Though we love our zucchini and yellow squash, a quick trip to the farmers’ markets reveals summer squashes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Instead of sticking with the basics this season, jazz up your summertime meals (and convince your friends and family you’re a five-star chef!) by reaching for some of the more unusual summer squashes.
Patty Pans
Fun to look at with round with bumpy, scalloped edges, patty pan squashes range in color from creamy pale green to bright yellow. Don’t be fooled by their hue, though - they all taste about the same with a mild squash flavor. With a thicker skin than zucchini or yellow squash, patty pans will easily hold up in soups, stews, and chilis. You can also grill or roast them without worrying that they’ll disintegrate into mush (as yellow squash in particular is prone to do).
These short and squat squashes share zucchini’s color and mild flavor but offer a unique shape. Thanks to their round nature, globes are the perfect summer replacement for heavy bread bowls. Simply slice off the top, scoop out the seeds, and fill with a cold summer soup.
Zephyr Squash
Similar to the patty pans in texture but with a straight, more traditional squash shape, zephyr squash stands out with its unusual, dual-tone coloring. With a yellow top half and a pale green bottom, zephyrs are firmer than either yellow squash or zucchini, and, like patty pans, they hold up well to longer cook times or high-heat grilling.
So now that you’ve got your eye on the right varietals, how do you make sure you choose quality squash - and once you’ve carefully selected your produce, how do you ensure it lasts long enough for you to cook it all?
It starts with careful produce selection. While summer squashes grow quickly and can get quite large, smaller is actually better when it comes to squash. As the fruit matures, the plants funnel their nutrients into their seeds, so the longer a squash is on the vine, the woodier and less flavorful it becomes. Once you’ve found small, firm squash, seek out bright pigmentation and smooth skin (wrinkles are a sign of age, even for squash!). Carefully check each squash for bruises, mold, or soft or wet spots (precursors to rot) before loading up your reusable bag.
You’ll want to use your purchase quickly. Unlike their winter counterparts (butternut squash, acorn squash, pumpkins, and the like), summer squash has a short shelf life and will only keep for a few days. To maximize storage time, ensure your squash is dry, then store it in your refrigerator's crisper drawer in a plastic bag. If summer’s abundance is proving too much to use before it spoils, you can also freeze summer squash by slicing it, blanching, and packing it in sealed freezer bags. For slightly firmer squashes like zucchini or patty pan, you can also grate and freeze raw - simply drain away the liquid released when you thaw it out for use.
With so many beautiful squashes available, step outside your comfort zone this summer! Grab a few locally-grown zephyrs or patty pans, and try swapping them into some of your favorite zucchini or yellow squash recipes. If you’ve purchased more than you can readily eat (easy to do when we have such fantastic local farmers sharing their abundant harvests at market), choose recipes, such as zucchini relish (a favorite of ours!) that allow you to can or freeze the extra. You can easily enjoy summer squash deliciousness well into the fall and winter.
Does DIY sound like too much work? Making It Real has you covered! We’ll hit the markets for you as we prepare local, organic meals that define farm to table. All you have to do is place your weekly order.
When it comes to farming, nothing replaces good, old-fashioned, hands-on experience - almost 40 years of experience for the owners of this month’s featured farm. Deer Run Farm in Hanover, VA is run by husband and wife team Chris and Britney Rudolph, and though they’ve officially been in business since they purchased their land in King William County in 2005, their journey began far earlier.
Farming runs in the family: Chris’ parents are also farmers, and the family-run Pleasant Fields Farm offered Chris and Britney an early opportunity for hands-on learning. Starting in 1979, they found their passion for farming, and when it came time to venture out on their own, they decided to keep family farming efforts close to home by purchasing the land literally across the street from Pleasant Fields.
Though they purchased Deer Run Farm in 2005, it took a few years for the Rudolphs to ramp up production. After pursuing farming on the side for four years, tending to plants late in the afternoon and on weekends, they decided to go all in. Today, Chris, Britney and their two daughters, Emily and Sydney, tend the land together - a true family affair. While it remains to be seen whether either of the Rudolphs’ daughters will be interested in continuing the farm as a long-term plan, as with everything on the farm, time will tell.
With nearly 100 acres of land in production today, the Rudolphs are able to grow a wide variety of produce, including heirloom and regular tomatoes, potatoes, beans, cucumbers, zucchini and squash, beets, onions, blueberries, peppers, and eggplant. In all, they grow over 40 different varieties of fruits and vegetables, and their offerings also extend beyond produce with local honey, herbs, eggs, flowers, and even hay.
Deer Run Farm in Hanover, VA
Though Deer Run Farm is considered a conventional farm, the Rudolphs pride themselves on curbing disease and supporting healthy plants the old-fashioned way. They strive for sustainability while also making the most of each planting and harvest. Regular crop rotation keeps both plants and soil happy and healthy; the family also employs trickle irrigation, an efficient and effective alternative to overhead watering. In overhead watering, up to 30 percent of the water evaporates before it reaches the root zone, and the moisture left on plants leaves them more susceptible to disease. Furthermore, because the soil is kept consistently and evenly moist, plants grown with a drip irrigation system often yield larger and more prolific vegetables. These tactics, coupled with the fervent requests from consumers not to spray their crops, make Deer Run Farm a far more sustainable environment than their conventional designation suggests.
The Rudolphs’ willingness to meet their buyers’ demands for clean, untreated produce is admirable, especially given consumers’ desires for perfect and beautiful fruits and veggies, which are much harder to grow with organic methods. But thanks to partnerships with organic proponents like Ginger Rucker, owner and chef of Making It Real (who has been purchasing from Deer Run for over a decade), these local conventional farmers are listening, learning, and trying new techniques.
Setting up the market stall
Want to support Deer Run’s efforts? They’ve made it easy to do so by bringing their crops to market all around town. Seek out their booth at Birdhouse Farmers Market, Ashland Farmers Market, Manakin Market, or Lakeside Farmers’ Market, or snag their tasty fresh produce through the online co-op run by Fall Line Farms. With so many ways to access their produce, Deer Run Farm is practically bringing convenience to you. But you’ll still have to cook it yourself… unless you ask Making It Real to whip up a homemade meal full of Deer Run produce just for you!
At the heart of every community is food. But local, organic food isn’t just food: it’s connection, collaboration, nutrition, and the heart-warming stories of those who lovingly grow and care for the plants and animals that provide the very best kind of nourishment.
Connecting the RVA community with the farms that feed us is an integral part of the Making It Real mission, so we’re thrilled to introduce our very first featured farm: ShireFolk Farm in Palmyra, VA, located just 30 minutes west of Goochland!
