SUMMER 2024
Hello Sunshine!
Welcome to our vibrant summer edition, where the warmth of the sun ignites not just our crops but our spirits as well. As the plants soak in the sunshine, so do we, embracing the bountiful opportunities this season offers for growth and harvest of our summer favorites. Within these pages, you'll discover a cornucopia of delights, from tantalizing recipes featuring your beloved seasonal produce to invaluable tips on selecting the ripest gems at the market. Explore the bustling atmosphere of farmers' markets, where local growers share their freshest picks. Venture to blackberry and blueberry u-pick farms, where the sweetness of summer is ripe for the picking. Dive deeper into the world of agriculture with educational classes and events designed for everyone, whether you're a seasoned farmer or just beginning to cultivate your green thumb. And for those in need, we're here with food resources to both give and receive assistance, fostering a community of support and abundance. Join us in celebrating the joys of a healthy food summer, where every bite is infused with the goodness of the earth and every moment is an opportunity to grow, share, and savor the season's blessings.
HISTORY OF FARMING IN FLORIDA FOOD IN HISTORY
Florida's agricultural history is as vibrant as its sunny climate. Before European colonization, indigenous peoples practiced agriculture, cultivating crops like maize, beans, squash, and even fruits like guava and papaya. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers introduced citrus fruits, sugarcane, and other crops to Florida. However, it wasn't until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Florida's agricultural industry truly blossomed, thanks to advancements in irrigation and transportation, such as the arrival of railroads. Citrus became king in Florida, with oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines dominating the landscape. The state also became known for its vast sugar cane fields, vegetable farms, and cattle ranches. Today, Florida's agriculture is diverse and dynamic. The state leads the nation in the production of oranges, grapefruits, sugarcane, tomatoes, watermelons, and many other crops. Its subtropical climate allows for year-round production, making it a crucial player in the U.S. agricultural market. Looking to the future, Florida's agricultural industry is poised for innovation and sustainability. With the increasing demand for organic and locally sourced produce, there's a growing trend towards small-scale farming and agri-tourism. Technology, such as precision agriculture and hydroponics, is revolutionizing how crops are grown, maximizing efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, climate change presents both challenges and opportunities. While rising temperatures and extreme weather events pose threats to traditional crops, they also open doors for new varieties that are more resilient to heat and drought. O ll Fl id ' icultural future looks promising, with a continued focus on sustainability, i ptability to meet the demands of a changing world while preserving the s al heritage.
RECIPES
WATERMELON & MOZZARELLA SALAD
INGREDIENTS
2 cups Florida watermelon, cubed
2 cups fresh mozzarella pearls
1 cup fresh basil, chopped
1-2 tablespoons scallions, trimmed and chopped
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cups mixed greens
Balsamic vinegar, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
Toss together the watermelon, mozzarella, basil, scallions and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over a bed of greens. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired.
INGREDIENTS
WATERMELON & PORK LETTUCE WRAPS
DIRECTIONS
3 cups Florida watermelon, diced
1 Florida orange, segmented
1 Florida cucumber, diced
1 head Florida lettuce (butter lettuce or romaine)
1 pork tenderloin
https://wwwfollowfreshfromfloridacom/recipes/florida-vegetable-sushi
3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning (your favorite)
1 lime, sliced
2 scallions, sliced thin
Oil for cooking
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Prepare watermelon, orange and cucumber and store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Tear lettuce into serving size portions and store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Preheat large saute pan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Season pork with 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning, salt and pepper. Place rosemary into pan and set pork over top. Sear pork on all sides, transfer to oven safe dish and finish cooking until an internal meat thermometer reaches 145 degrees. Remove from oven, cover and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes. Slice thin or dice small for lettuce wraps. Assemble by placing pork, watermelon, cucumber and citrus segments into lettuce cup. Sprinkle each with remaining all-purpose seasoning, squeeze fresh lime juice on top and garnish with scallions. Serve immediately.
RECIPES
AVOCADO AND MANGO SALAD
INGREDIENTS
1 cup avocado, diced large
1 cup mango, diced large
1 cup cucumber, sliced large
8 ounces bib lettuce, hand torn
1/2 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (if desired for heat)
1 teaspoon sesame seed mix (black, white and toasted), plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce (if desired for heat)
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup vegetable or avocado oil
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Pickled red onion
1/4 red onion, peeled and sliced as thin as possible
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
DIRECTIONS
In a small mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, sesame seed mix, chili-garlic sauce, ginger, soy sauce and vinegar. Use a whisk to mix ingredients thoroughly. Slowly whisk the vegetable or avocado oil into the rest of the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the avocado, mango and cucumber. Add half of the sauce to the fruit and vegetable mixture and carefully stir to coat. Arrange the torn lettuce leaves around the edge of a large serving bowl and add the dressed avocado mixture to the middle. Lightly dress the lettuce leaves with some of the reserved sauce. Garnish the salad with some extra sesame seed mix and pickled red onions. Serve cold. Pickled red onion: Combine ingredients and let sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour before use.
RECIPES
MANGO UPSIDEDOWN CAKE
Ingredients:
2 cups Florida mango, diced small
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipped cream (store bought or homemade)
Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
1 cake mix (store bought or homemade)
Directions:
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 sauce pan over low heat combine the brown sugar, butter, vanilla and mix until smooth. Add the diced mangos and stir to combine. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Once cool, add a tablespoon of mango mixture to each cupcake liner. Using an ice cream scoop, evenly divide the batter into the liners (about 2/3 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. Top with whipped cream and mint sprig, if desired.
PICKING YOUR PRODUCE
Picking A Ripe Watermelon
When picking a ripe watermelon, you can look for these signs:
Weight: A ripe watermelon will feel heavy for its size because it's full of water. Compare watermelons of similar size and choose the heaviest one. As watermelons age, they lose water weight and become dry and mealy.
Ground Spot: Look for a creamy or buttery yellow spot on the bottom of the watermelon, also known as the "field spot". This indicates that the watermelon ripened on the vine and the more yellow the spot is, the riper it is. If the underside is white or green, it was probably picked too early.
Sound: Gently tap the watermelon and listen to the sound it makes. If the pitch is deep and hollow, the watermelon has more water and is likely riper. A higher-pitched, denser sound may mean the rind is too thick and the fruit isn't fully ripe.
Color: A ripe watermelon is dark and matte in color, not shiny. Avoid watermelons with cuts, dents, soft spots, or bruises.
Picking a Ripe Pineapple
When picking a ripe pineapple, you can check its smell, look, and feel:
Smell: A ripe pineapple should smell sweet and fruity at its base, not fermented or sour. If it has no smell, it's probably unripe.
Look: The pineapple should have some yellow, greenish yellow, or light brown patches, especially at the base. The skin should be shiny, not dull.
Feel: The pineapple should feel heavy and firm, but give slightly when squeezed. If it's too hard, it's probably underripe, and if it's too soft and mushy, it's probably overripe.
Pull: Gently tug on one of the large leaves, or fronds, at the top of the pineapple. If it comes out easily, the pineapple is ripe.
AROUND THE TOWN & IN THE COMMUNITY
Community Health Days
Dates: July 6th and August 3rd
Location: 4850 Moncrief Rd Jacksonville, FL 32209
Eartha's Farm & Market, an initiative of the Clara White Mission, is hosting a Community Health Day for families living in NW Jacksonville. We are raising awareness about preventable diseases that could be remedied by a healthy diet. Several vendors will be partnering with us to provide health screenings for diabetes, heart disease and sharing resources about health care and health insurance options.
VISIT FOR YOUR TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-health-day-tickets-596174924247?aff=oddtdtcreator
KIDS EVENTS
July 13 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Children learn about the important role worms play in the garden and how you can create compost using worms. Join Tay Hinton of Little Earth Wigglers to learn about the wonderful world of worms.
https://www.gardenclubjax.org/event/budding-gardeners-wiggly-worms/
August 10
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Learn about the crucial role native plants play in our environment.
Budding Gardeners is aimed at children in grades 1-6 to discover gardening, conservation, and wildlife through interactive programs, crafts, and outdoor projects. Children and their parents or caregivers collaborate during a morning of healthy and fun activities The programs are $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Registration is required, so we know how many supplies to provide. Each registration includes one parent and child.
https://www.gardenclubjax.org/event/budding-gardeners-florida-friendly/
AROUND THE TOWN & IN THE COMMUNITY
Horticulture Corner: Lazy Gardening
August 6 | 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm | FREE
Garden Club of Jacksonville
1005 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL
PHONE: 904-355-4224
We all want our gardens to be featured in “Southern Living”—a beautiful showcase validating all of our hard work. Unfortunately or fortunately, we have other things that require our time and attention —careers, relationships, kids, and all the other things that pull on us. Gardening can be our place to leave the perfectionism, the “shoulds” and the “I really need tos” behind us. Join Shanell Davis-Bryant in exploring the Ethos of the Lazy Chaotic Gardener to create a garden that you can love to be in without pressure and pretense.
Shanell Davis-Bryant is the founder and principal of Sage Growth Solutions, a consulting firm focused on supporting environmental and community-building organizations, and an FNGLA certified horticulturist and landscape maintenance technician. As an environmental education specialist, Shanell enjoys working with people of all ages to explore and connect with the natural environment around them.
The program is FREE and open to the public, but registration is required so the Garden Club knows how many chairs to provide. We appreciate your help!
Registar Here:
https://www.gardenclubjax.org/event/horticulture-corner-lazy-gardening/
AGRITOURISM & U-PICK
EVENTS
Fernandina Beach Farmers Market
1 North 7th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
The “friendliest farmers market in Florida”, the Fernandina Beach Market Place, is an inclusive space for you to join your family, neighbors and friends at this weekly event. Meet farmers, growers, and entrepreneurial individuals who produce or grow food and natural products especially for those living in, and visiting, our fantastic community.
The farmers’ market is open EVERY Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., year round, rain or shine.
U-PICK Deep Spring Farm
16419 W Cr 1491, Alachua, FL 32615
Using natural practices and growing Blueberries, fruit and veggies!
U-pick and already picked, farm market, refreshment stand, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations. U Pick Organic Blueberries in June - U Pick Organic Roselle Florida Hibiscus in October - Visitors welcome by RSVP - Please email ahead or text for hours Payment: Cash, only Ripe, ready to U pick organically grown blueberries are anticipated in June, with the season extending into the first couple weeks of July We will post more about prices and hours closer to opening. We've been working on establishing other organic U pick fruit crops and making the farm hospitable to people and events. The pond is looking inviting and U fishing is available by donation We take texts since calls don't always work with marginal Verizon coverage. Email is good too. Alachua Florida's Deep Spring Farm gathers food and friends together. Grandaddy live oaks shade picnickers enjoying organic U Pick blueberries and other treats by the one acre 35' spring fed pond. Catch up with the farmers and inspect natural farming methods and projects for yourself Volunteers, collaborations and event rental inquiries welcome. Email / text ahead to come see what is growing on at NW Gainesville's U pick destination, 10 miles north of Alachua. The farm is in process of becoming Certified Naturally Grown, a farmer peer review program for organically grown practices. We look forward to welcoming you!
Phone: (352) 507-8128. Email: mail@deepspringfarm.com https://www.facebook.com/DeepSpringFarm/
U-PICK BLUEBERRIES
Morning Belle Farms
USDA Organic Blueberries
762 Pine Dr, Woodbine, GA, United States, Georgia
PHONE: 1 912-510-6528
Thursday 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 1:00PM
2024 Season is in full swing! U-pick Thurs/Fri/Sat 9-1.
Check here for field updates: https://www.facebook.com/MorningBelleFarms
Straughn Farms
11325 NE US Highway 301, Waldo, FL, United States, 32694
PHONE: 1 352-468-1903
Straughn Farms is a family-owned farming operation that grows close to 1,000 acres of blueberries.
Vist for More Information: https://www.facebook.com/StraughnFarms1/
Rooney's Front Porch Farm
8611 47th Dr, Live Oak, FL, United States, Florida
PHONE: 386-590-9053
Open: Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm; the season is June to mid-July.
Jams, bring a picnic, feed the farm animals, watch a beautiful farm sunset. The picking is easy. Bushes and vines are at picking height and between the rows there is mowed grass. Take advantage of the cooler parts of the day. Come early or come after supper, pick a while and then watch a beautiful sunset. Visit their Facebook for Farm and U-pick Updates Today: https://www.facebook.com/rooneysfarm Jones Blackberries 2015 Lake Buffum Road West, Fort Meade, FL 33841.
PHONE: 863-344-0854 Email: jonesaparies@aol.com
Open: Monday thru Saturday - 8am to 5pm. First planted in 2010 with about an acre, and six years later, we have grown to 2.5 acres. We offer U-Pick MondaySaturday 7am-12pm. CERTIFIED ORGANIC
Visit their Facebook for Farm and U-pick Updates Today: https://www.facebook.com/jonesblackberries/
Wet Hammock Farm
4500 E Hwy 318 Citra FL 32113 (352) 812-5462
Wednesday: 4:00PM - 7:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM - 2:00PM
Sunday: 9:00AM - 2:00PM
UPICK: Blackberries, Blueberries and Flowers*
*We provide the cup and clippers. Already Picked: Potatoes, Okra, Squash and Cucumbers
Visit their Facebook for Farm and U-pick Updates Today: https://www.facebook.com/WetHammock/
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
- RemoteAugust 20th-22nd
Daily from 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm EST
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety are encouraged to attend. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement
WHAT TO EXPECT
The course will include remote delivery over three days Each day, trainers will spend approximately three hours of instruction time covering content contained in these seven modules:
• Introduction to Produce Safety
• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
• Soil Amendments
• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
• Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)
• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan
In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING
The course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and co-management information, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan
After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course.
SIGN UP HERE:
https://www eventbrite com/e/produce-safety-alliance-grower-training-remote-registration-875425771047?aff=erelexpmlt
FOOD ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
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
https://feedingnefl.org/events/#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
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