Farm2Fork Connection | SPRING 2024

SPRING 2024

SEASON OF HEALTHY CHOICES

Let’s continue our healthy food choices with salad season. Eat more Lettuce! In this Spring edition we have included Lettuce and Salad guides with tips. Learn with us about other urban farms and where to visit farms yourself for “you pick” harvesting. Keep up the connection with your local food bank with a list of local Florida and Georgia pantries in the back. The food resources give you a place to receive help or give your help by donating.

Embrace the farm to fork connection and have a healthy spring season!

FOOD IN HISTORY

HISTORY OF SALAD

The concept of salad dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations such as the Romans and Greeks enjoyed a dish made from raw vegetables, herbs, and oil. The word "salad" itself is derived from the Latin word "salata," meaning "salted," a reference to the practice of salting greens and vegetables for flavor.

During the Middle Ages, salads were primarily made with raw leafy greens, herbs, and other garden vegetables, often seasoned with oil, vinegar, or spices. As trade routes opened and new ingredients became available, salads evolved to include a wider variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheeses.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, salads became more elaborate, and chefs began experimenting with a greater variety of ingredients and dressing combinations. The introduction of new foods from the Americas, such as tomatoes and avocados, further expanded the possibilities for salad ingredients.

Salads gained popularity in the 20th century as awareness of healthy eating grew. Chefs and home cooks alike began to explore a wide range of salad types, from simple green salads to more complex combinations featuring proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Today, salads are an essential part of many cuisines around the world. They are celebrated for their versatility, nutritional value, and ability to incorporate a variety of fresh and colorful ingredients. Salads continue to evolve with culinary trends and the availability of new ingredients.

WHAT’S IN SEASON

BLUEBERRIES

BROCCOLI

CABBAGE

CANTALOUPE

CARROTS

CELERY

CUCUMBER

EGGPLANT

ENDIVE

ESCAROLE

GRAPEFRUIT

GUAVA

HERBS

MUSHROOMS

ORANGES

PAPAYA

APRIL

PEACHES

PEPPERS

PINEBERRY

POTATOES

RADISHES

ROMAINE LETTUCE

LEAFY GREENS

SNAP BEANS

SPINACH

SQUASH

STRAWBERRIES

SWEET CORN

TANGERINES

TOMATOES

WATERMELON

https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/whats-in-season

WHAT’S IN SEASON

BLACKBERRY

BLUEBERRIES

CABBAGE

CANTALOUPE

CARROTS

CELERY

CUCUMBER

EGGPLANT

ENDIVE

ESCAROLE

GRAPEFRUIT

GUAVA

HERBS

MANGO

MUSHROOMS

ORANGES

MAY

PAPAYA

PEACHES

PEPPERS

POTATOES

RADISHES

ROMAINE LETTUCE

LEAFY GREENS

SNAP BEANS

SQUASH

STRAWBERRIES

SWEET CORN

TANGERINES

TOMATOES

WATERMELON

https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/whats-in-season

WHAT’S IN SEASON

AVACADO

BLUEBERRIES

BROCCOLI

CABBAGE

CANTALOUPE

CELERY

CUCUMBER

EGGPLANT

GRAPEFRUIT

GUAVA

LYCHEE

MANGO

MUSHROOMS

ORANGES

PAPAYA

JUNE

PASSION FRUIT

PEACHES

PEPPERS

POTATOES

RADISHES

ROMAINE LETTUCE

LEAFY GREENS

SNAP BEANS

STAR

FRUIT

SQUASH

SWEET CORN

TANGERINES

TOMATOES

WATERMELON

https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/whats-in-season

5 Points Farm FRESH FROM THE FIELD

“

We are an Aeroponic Farm that grows fresh vegetables and herbs that are “Beyond Organic” – right here in Jacksonville, Florida. Unlike traditional organic farming that uses nutrient depleted soil for growing produce, our nutrient rich aeroponic technology uses up to 95% less water, 75% to 95% less space and yields crop ranks between 15% to 65% higher than anything grown in the soil – this includes higher nutrient, flavonoid and antioxidant counts.”

Visit 5points Farm in downtown Jacksonville and pick out your own fresh grown leafy green and farm fresh produce. Visit the farm today located at 2033 Post St, Jacksonville, FL 32204

Thursday 10:30AM–6PM|Friday10:30AM–6PM | Saturday10:30AM–6PM

SALAD DRESSING

ITALIAN DRESSING

RED WINE VINEGAR + OLIVE OIL + VEGETABLE BROTH + OREGANO, BASIL, GARLIC, ONION, SALT AND PEPPER

BALSAMIC DRESSING

BALSAMIC VINAGAER + OLIVE OIL + TOMATO JUICE + GARLIC, PARSLEY AND CHIVES

CITRIS DRESSING

LEMON JUICE + OLIVE OIL + ORANGE JUICE + MINT

CURRY DRESSING

CIDER VINEGAR + OLIVE OIL + VEGETABLE BROTH + CURRY, GINGER, GARLIC AND ONION

VEGETABLE SUSHI RECIPES

Ingredients:

1/2 pound Florida vegetables (such as avocado, sweet bell peppers, cucumbers, mushrooms, carrots, celery, squash or radish), julienned 4 cups sushi rice, cooked 4 sheets nori

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

Soy sauce for dipping

Pickled ginger for garnish

Wasabi paste for garnish

Special tools:

Bamboo sushi mat (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for ease of rolling)

Directions:

In a small pot over medium heat, combine vinegar, sugar and salt. Heat until sugar and salt dissolve, cool, then stir into cooked sushi rice.

Place a sheet of nori onto the bamboo mat and scoop 1 cup of rice on top.

Spread rice into even layer, leaving 1 inch on top of nori to create a seal when rolled.

Place desired vegetables on the bottom portion of rice, being careful not to overfill.

Using both hands start to roll the sushi, applying even pressure around the roll as you go. This will help create a tight roll that will stay together.

Cut into bite-size pieces (about 6 to 8 pieces) and serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days until ready to eat.

https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/recipes/florida-vegetable-sushi

SWEET POTATO AND CARROT CUPCAKES RECIPES

Directions:

Ingredients:

2 cups mashed Florida sweet potato (1/2 cup separated)

1 Florida carrot, grated

1 cup Florida pecans, candied and crushed

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1 cake mix, store bought or homemade

Cream cheese frosting, store bought or homemade

Preheat oven to 375 degrees if using the homemade recipe (if using store bought, follow package instructions). Prepare cupcake batter using box mix or homemade recipe provided. Once the batter is prepared, place cupcake liners in the cupcake pan and set aside. In a small bowl combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, white pepper, and sea salt and set aside. In another small bowl combine 1 1/2 cups of the mashed sweet potato and 1/2 of the spice mixture. Fold this mixture along with the grated carrots into the cupcake batter until combined. Using an ice cream scoop, evenly divide the batter into the liners (about two-thirds full); do not overfill. Bake for about 16 to 18 minutes (if using the scratch made recipe) or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted. Set aside to cool completely. Meanwhile, fold in the remaining 1/2 cup sweet potato mixture into the cream cheese frosting. When the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost each cupcake with desired amount of frosting. Sprinkle the crushed pecans and a small amount of the remaining spice mixture on each cupcake. Keep the cupcakes in a cool and dry area until ready to serve.

RECIPES

CREAMY TANGERINE CUSTARD

Recipe: https://www.errenskitchen.com/tangerine-drizzle-cake/

AROUND THE TOWN & IN THE COMMUNITY

Community Garden at Eartha’s Farm & Market

Dates: April 20th, May 4th, and May 20th

Location: 4850 Moncrief Rd Jacksonville, FL 32209

This is an opportunity for new members of the community garden to get an introduction and orientation to the Community Garden.

Volunteers come together to socialize over gardening. Meet your neighbors and hang out with our Community Garden Coordinator, Mika Hardison. EFAM staff and Mika will provide guidance and support from start to finish. The farm provides the seedlings, compost, irrigation, tools, and land to the community free of charge. Children and families are encouraged to participate together to build a strong community in Historic Moncrief Springs. There is a one time $10 Membership fee per person for the 2023-2024 Community Garden Season (Approximately October 2023-April 2024) that is payable at the Eartha's Farm & Market Table. VISIT FOR TICKETS AND EVENTS

AROUND THE TOWN & IN THE COMMUNITY

45th Historic Springfield Tour of Homes & Gardens

Apr 27, 2024 at 12:00 PM EDT - Apr 28, 2024 at 5:00 PM EDT

Springfield Preservation and Revitalization 1321 North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

COST: $15 -$20

Beautiful architecture and a vibrant social scene bring people to visit the Springfield Historic District, but it’s the sense of community that keeps them coming back. For one weekend a year, visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the unique character and quirks of the neighborhood by exploring some of the beautiful homes and gardens that line its tree-shaded streets. The 45th Historic Springfield Tour of Homes and Gardens, presented by M&M Homes, takes place on April 27 and 28, hosted by the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR).

Tour hours for both Saturday and Sunday are Noon to 5 PM. Tickets purchased may be used for either day.

Want to see these historic homes while enjoying a breezy bike ride? The 2024 Bike Tour Ride is led by local history expert Leigh Burdett. Leigh provides guided rides through Jacksonville's most historic neighborhoods and is intimately familiar with the sights and history of Springfield. You’ll stop at each home along the tour route to walk through, and visit some additional sites of note. There is no extra charge to participate in the bike tour, but it is BYOB — bring your own bike. A regular Home Tour ticket is all that's required. To reserve a spot on the tour please call (904) 9451571. The bike tour departs from 1321 N. Main St. on Saturday, April 27 at 1 PM. It takes approximately three hours to visit all the homes and highlights along the way.

Tent camping is FREE with General

AROUND THE TOWN & IN THE COMMUNITY

Fourth Annual Garden Tour

DATE: May 11, 2024

LOCATION: 2623 Herschel St, Jacksonville, FL 32204

The Riverside Avondale Preservation Garden Tour returns on Saturday, May 11, from 10 AM to 4 PM. This special event brings neighbors and businesses together to share the transformative nature of front yards, backyards, gardens, and landscapes that are sure to give inspiration and encourage budding gardening ideas to bloom. Tour admission includes access to several backyards with varying garden styles, some even featuring live music, refreshments, and activities. Flower gardens, vegetable gardens, native yards, and beautiful backyards make this tour a great way to spend a Saturday–perhaps with Mom for Mother’s Day!

General Admission is self-guided, although guided tours are available through Go Tuk'n, Art Bikes Jax, and via the Bicycle Tour led by ZenCog. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event.

Get YOUR TICKETS NOW!

AROUND THE TOWN & IN THE COMMUNITY

Botanical Painting

Myrtle Ave Brewing: Botanical Painting

Wednesday, May 01, 2024

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Myrtle Avenue Brewing 633 Myrtle Avenue North

Jacksonville, FL 32204

Thursday, May 16, 2024

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Tepeyolot 2130 Kings Avenue

Jacksonville, FL 32207

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Palms Pantry 14500 Beach Boulevard

Jacksonville, FL 32250

We all have the desire and love to create! Let’s enjoy making art and discovering our creative process together. With Gogh Create we believe in a customizable approach and provide you with the resources to help you create something that will bring you joy!

Create like a botanist artist with acrylic paint. Learn how to draw and paint from observation different plants and discover your own painting style. With our customizable instruction you’ll get to create a painting of sensational succulents, marvelous monstera or fabulous florals. We will have live plants on site but, participants are encouraged to bring pictures that would assist with inspiration as well.

$35-Cost includes all supplies and your first beverage.

AROUND THE TOWN & IN THE COMMUNITY

ArtintheGardenFestival

Saturday,May11|Sunday,May12

10:00AM-3:00PM

CelebratecreativityinallitsformsduringtheArtinthe GardenFestivalatJacksonvilleZooandGardens.This vibrant,2-dayeventisyourchancetoexperienceintriguing art,curatedmusicandextraordinarylivingpicturesall withinourlushgardens.

Strollthroughtheparkenjoyingandappreciating interactiveartfromlivesketchesandpaintings,tomuralists andchalkdrawings.Listentolivemusicintheopenairand shoplocalvendors.Supportlocalbusinessesandvendors bybringinghomeyourownartandgoods.Complimentary pickupofpurchasedproductsisavailableasyou'reexiting theZoo.Auniqueselectionoftastyfoodandrefreshing drinkswillalsobeavailableforpurchase.

AdmissionisincludedwithdailyZootickets. Ticketsmustbepurchasedonline,inadvance.

AROUND THE TOWN & IN THE COMMUNITY

Horticulture Corner: UNF Gardens

June 4 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm | FREE

There is so much to take in at the UNF Botanical Garden!

Discover the beauty of the garden and natural lands blooming with opportunities for exploration and growth with a virtual tour lead by horticulturist Rhonda Gracie. This immersive experience will tantalize your senses and is one you won’t want to miss.

Garden Club of Jacksonville

1005 Riverside Avenue

Jacksonville, FL 32204

PHONE: 904-355-4224

Register TODAY

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training

A one-day course for produce growers and packers who fall under FSMAs Produce Safety Rule.

• April 17th – Naples

https://psa041724.eventbrite.com

• April 18th – Belle Glade

https://psa041824.eventbrite.com

• April 25th – Live Oak

https://psa042524.eventbrite.com

• May 23th – Fort Pierce

https://psa052324.eventbrite.com

Sign up for an On-Farm Readiness Review!

A free educational opportunity intended to prepare growers for FSMA Produce Safety Rule inspection. Participants must have taken a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. An On-Farm Readiness Review is an educational opportunity intended to walk producers through what an actual inspection on their farm may look like, before a real inspection is conducted. To sign up for an On-Farm Readiness Review, complete and submit the form.

To sign up for an On-Farm Readiness Review, visit: www.fdacs.gov/ofrr

https://psa050724.eventbrite.com

For registration questions, contact sarahmccoy@ufl.edu

For general food safety questions, contact taylorlangford@ufl.edu

AGRITOURISM & U-PICK EVENTS

CONGAREE & PENN

Wildflowers, Blackberries and Grapes

https://www.congareeandpenn.com/you-pick

THURSDAY 4PM - 10PM

FRIDAY 4PM - 11PM

SATURDAY 10AM - 11PM

SUNDAY 10AM - 10PM 11830 Old Kings Road Jacksonville Florida 32219

AGRITOURISM & U-PICK EVENTS

AGRITOURISM & U-PICK EVENTS

Strawberry U-pick

3831 NW 156th Ave., Gainesville, FL, United States, Florida

+1 386-462-2406

Wednesday(4/10) 10am-4pm

Saturday (4/13) 10am-5pm*

Sunday (4/12) 2-5pm*

*or until picked out - please check social media for the fastest updates

U-pick strawberries are $4.00/lb

Pre picked strawberries are $4.50/lb when available

Ordering ahead via messaging, text, or call recommended

Parking, admission, and wagon ride to strawberry field are free

Farm Store shopping available

Concessions Menu

Other produce is often available

Playground armbands $3 each to enter

2yr old and under are free

Cash, credit card, and mobile forms of payment accepted

NO PETS permitted in accordance with regulations

https://www.facebook.com/rogersfarmfla

https://www.crossroadsfarmandapiary.com/events/strawberry-u-pick

U-PICK BLUEBERRIES

Blu By U Farm

Blueberry picking season for 2024 begins April 27, 2024.

Blu By U Farm Est. 2015 is a local, Christian family-friendly U-Pick blueberry farm, Petting Zoo.

Location

5571 Long Branch Road, Jacksonville, FL, United States, Florida

We provide buckets for picking and bags for you to take them home in.

We accept credit cards and cash.

Drive Slow! When you arrive at the Farm please park at an angle in the same direction as other cars. Please pay attention to all signs. Once you have parked you will see an overhead sign in the field that says ENTER, you will check in with a staff member there.

After you are finished picking you will proceed to the country store where we will weigh the berries yo picked and you are able to look through the country store for Local Honey, Jams, Peanut butter, popsicles, snow cones and even order food.

https://www.facebook.com/blubyujax

http://www.blubyujax.com/home.html

Late May - Early June

Hours: See Facebook page for details

https://www.facebook.com/TheBlueberryR anch/

Location: 852042 US Highway 17, Yulee, FL, 32097

(904) 415-0337

We are a local family-owned Blueberry & Vegetable farm that specializes in our organic practices. Such as being( pesticidefree, and using mostly all-natural fertilizers)...

Our blueberry open dates should be late May through Summer.

*Call or visit their Facebook page listed below before you go to ensure they have blueberries, find their hours, and get current prices. Always bring cash, water, and snacks!!

Hilliard Assembly of God

550920 US Hwy 1

Hillard, FL 32046 (904) 845-3656

PANTRY: By Appointment Only

Yulee Methodist Church

86003 Christian Way

Yulee, FL (904) 225-5381

PANTRY: Wednesday 9am- 11pm

Northeast Florida Community Action Agency

96 North Lowder St.

Macclenny, FL (904) 259-4481

PANTRY: Third Thursday of Every Month

Callahan First Baptist Church

45090 Green Ave.

Callahan, FL (386) 328-1595

PANTRY: Wednesday 9am- 11pm

Barnabas Center

1303 Jasmine St, Ste 101

Fernandina Beach, FL

PANTRY: Tuesday- Friday (904) 879-1833

10am- 12pm

CrossRoads Church Callahan

542284 US Hwy 1

Callahan, FL

PANTRY: Monday- Thursday (904) 879-1833 9am-12pm 12pm-1pm

The Journey Church

Authentic Impact Inc.

95707 Amelia Concourse

Fernandina Beach FL 32034 (904) 261-8310

PANTRY: Tuesday 9am1pm & 5pm-7pm

BCMA

6444 US Hwy 90

Glen St. Mary, FL 32040 (904) 259-1199

PANTRY: Monday, Thursday, and Saturady 10am-1pm

FIND A PANTRY

Folkston Church of God

1004 Third Street

Folkston, GA 31537

912-390-2870

Pantry Hours: 4th Thursday 10am

Eagles Wings Judah Worship

300 N Julia Street

St Marys, GA 31558

912-674-5627

Pantry Hours: 4th Tuesday 11 am

JVL / The Refinery

9014 Central Avenue

Waycross, GA 31503

912-674-7512

Pantry Hours: 4th Tuesday 5:30 - 6:30 pm and Emergency

Woodbine Methodist

405 Bedell Avenue

Woodbine, GA 31569

270-957-3632

Pantry Hours:

Tuesday - Thursday 10 am - 12 pm

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

165 Camden Woods Parkway

Kingsland, GA 31548

912-227-5256

Pantry Hours: Fridays 3 - 6 pm

Centro Cristiano Renacer Inc

1008 Mc Dowell St

St Marys, GA 31558

912-227-0320

Pantry Hours: 2nd Friday of each month

5pm until out

4 C MISSION

108 Nutgall Drive Kingsland, GA 31548

302-222-2125

PANTRY 3rd Friday 11am-1pm

Kingsland First MC

120 E. William St

Kingsland, GA 31548

727-735-1002

Pantry Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9 am - 12 pm

Helping Hands

100 Pine St

St. Marys, GA 31558

912-576-8105

Pantry Hours: Tue, Wed & Thur from 9-11:45 am

Grace Communion Woodbine

990 10th st

Woodbine, GA 31569

912-552-1919

Pantry Hours: Sundays 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm 1st

and 2nd Wednesdays 10 am - 12 pm

Grace Assembly of God

2324 Rayonier Road

Jesup, GA 31598

912-402-7271

Pantry Hours: 3rd Saturday 10 am - 12 pm