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Virginia Foods

Apple Cider Study

by Staff on May 9, 2012

Pippin Apples in VANelson County has received a USDA grant for the study of the apple cider market.  In particular, the study investigates the market  feasibility of different varieties of hard cider.  Nelson County expects to work with Albemarle County on the project. 

Although THE STUDY won’t be complete for several months, participants anticipate that the results will indicate a clear demand for hard cider of many varieties which will help bolster the production of local apples such as the Albemarle Pippin (aka Newtown Pippin) to create the cider. 

The Albemarle Pippin is the most well known of Virginia’s apples, light green in color,  and it was one of Thomas Jefferson’s favorite apples.    (Our favorite is Ginger Gold).  Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc.

The study will also look at benefits such as agri-tourism that cider mills would provide for the area in general.

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Organically Yours

by Staff on April 28, 2012

What’s in a name?    When a food is labeled “Organic”, what exactly does that mean?  How are organic foods judged and monitored?  What criteria allows a food to be “organic” ?

Organic Foods in VAWe all have some notion of what we think organic should mean.  But in fact there are detailed USDA guidelines for what organic labeling actually means.

 For starters, organic foods may not be genetically modified.  Any crops must be grown in soil that’s been free of prohibited substances (synthetic fertilizers or pesticides etc) for 3 harvest years. 

Organically Approved Meat ProductsOrganic meat must come from animals that are fed organic grains, allowed to graze in their natural behaviors (not caged etc), and free of added antibiotics and hormones.   Any processed foods must be free of artificial flavors or colors.  A MORE DETAILED LIST is here for you to see the terms that make up “organic”.

 

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Culpeper VA Gets New Natural Foods Store

by Staff February 17, 2012

A Culpeper VA couple has opened a brand new store named Natural Harvest, in the Duke Street shopping center of Culpeper.  They intend to feature a sort of year-round farmer’s market of organic natural food choices.   One of their goals is to be a connector between the farmers and growers who are already producing wholesome local products, [...]

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Free Heirloom Seeds For Twice The Price

by Staff January 29, 2012

The Chesterfield Historical Society has launched an innovative program for Virginians who are interested in growing and preserving heirloom fruits and vegetables.  They have 2300 packets of heirloom seeds which they’ll give away – – free – – so that people can grow them this year.  Free?   The catch is:  people must agree to return [...]

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Make Mine Mozzarella

by Staff December 18, 2011

The USDA has a very interesting breakdown of the varieties of cheeses that are made and sold in the country.  Can you guess the most popular? Yes, you’re right.   If measured by sales, mozzarella is America’s favorite cheese.   And cheddar ranks just behind mozarella, in the #2 spot.    Together mozzarella and cheddar make up 63% of [...]

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Girl Scouts Promote Local

by Gayle December 17, 2011

The Girl Scouts have come a long ways from the days when I was a scout. They have recently created a new badge to help the senior scouts learn more about local farming and the locavore movement general. Each step involves specific tasks like speaking to a local chef about how our food system works. [...]

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