Posts Tagged ‘ local food ’

Freezer Jams: An Easy Start to Preserving

I had grand plans for learning how to preserve food this summer. Had all my equipment ready, the Ball Blue Book to Preserving standing by, websites bookmarked… I was going to DO THIS THING! And then we decided to tear apart our kitchen: Oh. Gamely, I made one batch of cherry jam with some cherries we’d picked from Detering Orchards. I think it came out quite well in the end, but without some handy counter space, it was more of a chore than I wanted to deal with for the rest of the summer however long this renovation takes. Sad, but lazy, I decided to think more in the short-term and turned to freezer jam & refrigerated pickles. Freezer jam is a simple process of washing/peeling/chopping your fruit and combining it with sugar and sometimes lemon juice, boiling the pectin for one minute, mixing it all together and filling...

OSU economist debuts in film about local food movement

By Kate

By Tiffany Woods, 541-737-2940, tiffany.woods@oregonstate.edu Source: Larry Lev, 541-737-1417, larry.lev@oregonstate.edu CORVALLIS, Ore. An agricultural economist at Oregon State University has hit the silver screen in a new documentary that examines and promotes the local food movement and that will show in Portland starting on Friday. In the film “Ingredients,” Larry Lev discusses the benefits and costs of buying food from local producers. He says that although some local products may cost more than food transported from large-scale commercial operations, the extra expense can be worth it. The taste can be superior, and the money shoppers spend stays in the area and contributes to the vitality of the community, he says. By shopping locally, people are also keeping agricultural land from being developed and they’re establishing close relationships with farmers and fellow consumers, he adds. “In the end, it comes down to choices. Price is one aspect that consumers...

May 9: Local Food & Farming Forum at Midway Farms

By Kate

I picked up this flier recently at Midway Farms and then found it online at The Farm Forum, which is a new blog/project focused on the Corvallis & Albany area: The Local Food and Farming Forum is an ever-evolving project that is designed to really connect the Corvallis and Albany community with their local food producers. While there are many local food groups at work on similar projects, I feel that this one is different because it brings people to the direct source of their food: the farm. Looks like a fantastic event!

Spring Local Foods Cook-Off

By Kate

The Ten Rivers Food Web is sponsoring a spring local foods cook-off, and there are only a few spots left! Hurry and register by April 13th at info@tenriversfoodweb.org or by calling 541-929-4167. The event will take place Friday, April 17th from 4:30pm -5:30pm, in the meeting room at First Alternative Co-op South Store. Bring your favorite spring vegetable incorporated into your dish of choice — made primarily of local ingredients. Bring the recipe, noting the ingredients, amounts, and where the ingredients were grown. Winners will be announced on April 18th at the Corvallis Farmers’ Market. (Opening day of the market, too, don’t miss it!) Prizes include a gift certificate to Sybaris Restaurant in Albany, a gift certificate to Santiam Restaurant at LBCC Main Campus in Albany or a gift basket.

Ask yourself why you do this

By Kate

In early February there was a blurb in the Seattle Times about a Salem man who called off his attempt to eat only local foods for a year because he realized he was causing more damage to the atmosphere by driving “around the state” to shop. Well… okay. Driving around the state for your food does sound like a pretty bad idea. But, was it really necessary? And what about the other reasons for choosing local foods (when possible)? I admit, I don’t know Salem as well as I know the Corvallis/Albany area, but I have been trying to understand what this gentleman wasn’t finding close enough to home. I think that this aspect of local food advocacy can be a gray area, and we need to be informed consumers. Here are some of my thoughts on shopping locally: Let them come to you The Oregon Farmers’ Market Association...

Living Culture television series

By Kate

Living Culture is a monthly television series based in Salem that focuses on the food, gardening and culture of the mid-Willamette Valley. I’ve really enjoyed catching up with the segments that they have featured on their video archive page, and look forward to watching in the future!

Buy Local First Breakfast (Corvallis)

By Kate

This Saturday, May 3rd, marks the first of this year’s Buy Local First Breakfasts in downtown Corvallis. The breakfasts are hosted by the Corvallis Independent Business Alliance (CIBA) and staffed entirely by volunteers from our local businesses. Head down and say hello! Saturdays: May 3, June 7 & July 5 Time: 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM Place: Odd Fellowship Hall, 223 SW 2nd Street Cost: $5 per adult, $3 per child 12 and under ($2 coupons available at participating merchants – look for the poster in merchant’s windows) (Event sponsored by CIBA, First Alternative Co-op, and the Corvallis Odd Fellows)

2008 Buy Local First Breakfast (Corvallis)

By Kate

Weekend in the Wine Country

By Kate

The Willamette Valley Wineries Association hosts an annual special event, Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country, to be held this year on May 24-26th. More than 100 wineries will be open to the public, some of which are not open at other times of the year. Festivities include tasting of new releases and older vintages, barrel tastings, specialty foods and sales of limited quantity wines. Some wineries have live music and some charge a tasting fee. Winemakers and owners will personally greet their guests. Check out the link to find out how to receive a mailer which will include a list of activities at each participating winery and a touring map. This is a great opportunity to discover some local wines!

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Posts Tagged ‘ local food ’

Freezer Jams: An Easy Start to Preserving

OSU economist debuts in film about local food movement

May 9: Local Food & Farming Forum at Midway Farms

Spring Local Foods Cook-Off

Ask yourself why you do this

Living Culture television series

Buy Local First Breakfast (Corvallis)

2008 Buy Local First Breakfast (Corvallis)

Weekend in the Wine Country

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