Soil Quality and Produce

When it comes to growing produce, the quality of soil is extremely important to our organic farmers. There are many factors that go into soil quality, which ultimately determines plant productivity and nutrient value. Soil tests are done annually at our farms in order to ensure proper acidity level and to determine which organic fertilizers are necessary to keep crops well nourished.

The heart of organic farming involves crop rotations to keep the soil well balanced. Oftentimes it will take 2 to 3 years for a crop to be able to cycle back around to the same planting location. This is because each crop is partial to certain nutrients in the soil and will absorb large quantities while in place. These nutrients must be re-established in order to host that crop again. Crop rotation systems also help control pests and erosion on the farm.

A 30-year side-by-side comparison study by the Rodale Institute found that industrial farming methods maintain soil health with chemical fertilizers – which over time destroys microbial life and weakens soil integrity. The same study showed that organic farming methods improved the quality of soil.

Poor soil can contribute to blight, poor taste, erosion, low microorganism counts and low productivity. Healthy soil is dark and porous. Next time you take a farm tour, take a moment to dig up some soil! It is a great way to determine the quality of produce.

Fun Fact: One Tablespoon of soil has more organisms inside of it than there are people on earth!

Kale: Trending Now

How did Kale become such a hit? We’re not entirely sure, but it probably has something to with its unsurpassed health benefits. A simple one-cup serving can pack an enormous nutritional punch.

Kale Facts:

•         More vitamin C per gram than an orange.
•         More calcium per gram than milk.
•         More vitamin A & vitamin K than spinach, parsley, and collards.
•         Excellent source of manganese.
•         Contains fiber and protein.
•         Kale can reduce inflammation, cleanse the body of free radicals, and help prevent cancer.
•         A source of Omega-3 fatty acid, essential for brain health.
•         Nonfat and low in calories.
•         Other noteworthy nutrients include vitamin B, potassium, iron, and magnesium.

This super-food superstar is especially good for the eyes, heart, skin and bones. It helps with weight loss and lowering cholesterol. Kale is extremely versatile when it comes to cooking and is best paired with healthy fats and acids; this helps the body absorb the nutrients to it’s fullest potential. Steaming kale also aids in nutrient absorption.

This powerhouse of a plant is very hearty and can survive snowfall. It is one of the first to rise and the last to fall here in Michigan. Look for it in your CSA box all throughout the growing season!

Click here for 52 ways to eat kale! 

References:

www.worldshealthiestfoods.com  

The Exceptional (Pastured) Egg

Eggs are an incredibly nutritious food. They are the most well-rounded source of protein in our diets and are high in Omega-3 fatty acids – essential for brain health, immunity, and more. Many holistic doctors recommend eating two of these nutritional powerhouses every day.

Not all eggs are created equal. Visually, there is a very noticeable difference between an average grade A grocery store egg and a farm fresh pastured egg. The grocery store egg has a thin white or brown shell and membrane, a watery white, and a light yellow yolk. In comparison, the pastured egg has a thicker shell that can come in a variety of colors and speckles. Upon cracking it open, you will find a dense dark yellowy-orange yolk surrounded by a thick white. These are all the ingredients needed to make a healthy young chick - as well as a healthy meal for you!

Mother Nature Network did the research to see how these two varieties of eggs compare nutritionally, and found that pastured eggs contain:

• 1/3 less cholesterol
• 1/4 less saturated fat
• 2/3 more vitamin A
• 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids
• 3 times more vitamin E
• 7 times more beta carotene

(Via Mother Earth News)

Than commercial eggs found in the grocery store.

So what makes pastured eggs more nutritious? The way in which the chickens are raised, fed, and treated. Unlike a conventionally raised chicken - kept confined in a large factory farmhouse (with little light, ventilation, and room to move around) a pastured chicken is allowed to roam free in the pasture and even the woods! They eat what comes natural to them – grass, worms, and bugs, and are supplemented with a diet of organic feed when winter comes. These chickens are raised on small family farms and are treated humanely. They are not injected with antibiotics or hormones because they are healthy and fully capable of producing eggs without them.

At Harvest Michigan, we distribute organic, pastured eggs from Michigan farms. These valuable nutritional powerhouses are available at anytime through the Michigan Buying Club.

Available Online Here:

Michigan Pastured Large Eggs

Michigan Pastured Jumbo Eggs

Michigan Buying Club Membership