The cycle of life at
Restoration Farm stretches throughout the year and is shifting and evolving
each day. Humans work the land,
chickens forage and fertilize the fields and seeds interact with sun, soil and
water resulting in food. There is a
short slumber, and the process begins again.
Tiny black seeds planted
in the short, cold days of February have delivered on their incredible promise. Bunches of fat purple beets crowned with
brilliant leafy greens await us at the distribution tent. I planted those beet seeds last winter in
the greenhouse. A simple action sparked
a natural process and has generated nourishment for the community of members.
The first beets of the summer
are a true gift from the farm – rich, earthy and deeply satisfying. Typically, I love to roast fresh beets, but
this first bunch – with which I feel an intimate connection – is best
experienced in its natural state. I
grate the beets raw into this robust magenta-colored Beet, Carrot and Quinoa Salad (recipe found here).
The salad offers a landscape of colors, textures, and crunch – bright orange
and burgundy with scoops of diced apples, raisins, almonds and pumpkin seeds.
The sharing of this summer meal - with its bright, vibrant vegetables and crisp greens - will only
happen once before the season gradually begins to fade into another. But, for a brief moment we all revel in the
smiles, flavors and magic of a Midsummer Night at Restoration Farm.
©2012 T.W. Barritt All
Rights Reserved
14 comments:
Wha beautiful beets! look fantastic anyway are one of my favorites in salads!!!
Nice pictures too :)
Even the bunny wanted to join in. How cute.
My husband is craving beets and your salad came just in time to save me, as I'm not a beet person and was at a loss. He will love this.
Sam
What a beautiful community has grown up around Restoration Farm. No wonder the vegetables all look so vibrant; there is a lot of love in the air.
This may not be a huge surprise to those who know my carniverous ways, but I'm not really a huge fan of beets. Or salad for that matter. But that salad looks divine! I might have to give that a try!
Mad - Your carnivorous proclivities are well known, but it would have been a very different story without the beets as the main character. I mean, have you ever heard of "planting a cow" in the dark days of February?
What a lovely salad, T.W. The communal meal at the farm is inspiring on many levels. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
Enjoyed so much your photos today; such a happy sharing of home grown dishes made with love. I bet you come away with lots of recipes.
I agree, roasted beets are a favorite around here. I've never made a salad like this, but it adds a crisp, colorful freshness to that plate of goodies.
Thanks, Barbara! I kind of fell in love with the shot of the purple beets and the one green leaf with purple veins. And, anytime I go to the farm, I do end up taking a lot of photos! Even better when some people get into the shots!
I so enjoyed that you shared such a nice day at the farm. The tables looked amazing with all the food. I love beets but have never had them raw. I will have to change that soon.
Dear T.W., That beet salad looks wonderful!
The event at the farm looks like fun. You look happy. I am glad to see that.Blessings friend. Catherine
MMM, beets and quinoa, that is a great notion. i am terribly sad that a 65th bday of a great friend and the annual farm picnic for my new food group had to happen on the same day... Saturday! I was so looking forward to an experience just like the one that you are showing. Gorgeous.
Your beets are intoxicating T.W. And that salad, well, I too prefer roasted beets, (not as messy either:) However, that salad looks so inviting I may need to rethink my laziness:)
You really do look happier when dawdling at Restoration Farm, T.W., even in the chill of winter:) I'm going to be in New York for a few days, maybe. I might just seek out some of that goodness.
Thank you so much for sharing all of these wonderful photos. It feels like one could jump right in and be part of the community.
That beet salad looks so appetizing & those beets look wonderful. I have sown my beet seeds last april & the beet leaves are now growing bigger & taller!!
What lovely pictures & eating produce from that farm must be so tasty & enjoying it in good company too! ;)
Have a great & fun weekend, my friend! :)
I adore beets but my daughter always said she preferred them raw (and I roasted); well, if she had made a salad like yours I would have been convinced to give raw beets a try! I also love the community at your farm, it is pure happiness, working to make things grow and sharing with friends...
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