There was a collective exaltation last week when it appeared the end of the extra cold weather was in sight. A certain weather person went so far as to say, “This is the end of those sub-arctic temperatures.” Yeah right. Our growing season in this special part of the world is a constant challenge for those brave enough to work at growing our fresh food. Although, you’d think there was no hope for a growing season in sight, there are actually hidden signs of spring all over the state. We just need to know where to look.
Bossy Acres are two lovely lady farmers who grow entirely USDA certified organic vegetables. A sweet couple who love each other as much as the love their bounty, their CSA’s are always eagerly gobbled up by supporters. Their bounty is always eye candy for veggie lovers. It’s especially delicious right now to see the photo they posted this morning of the baby artichoke seedlings. So sweet and green, plus that’s a vegetable I always associate with California, but no! They’ll be grown right here in Minnesota. During the growing season, you can track down Bossy at the Mill City Farmers Market.
Speaking of the MCFM, they’ll be hosting a winter market March 8th, with cheese, eggs, meat, and other year-round locally made products.
We don’t won’t have to wait an eternity for this snow to melt just to get some green good, though. Garden Fresh Farms is a sustainable farm in the middle of the Twin Cities. Inside a warehouse, there’s fresh herbs, lettuces, sprouts, seasonal fruit and they’ve just added trout and tilapia to the operation. They offer CSA’s, plus their produce can be found at Mississippi Market and Whole Foods. Their goal is nothing short of changing urban agriculture for the better.
Garden Fresh Farms grows all their lettuces in water, so they come home to your refrigerator dirt free.
Bushel Boy tomatoes arrive on your countertop in the same pristine condition. Grown in Owatonna, Minnesota, their products are grown all year around in greenhouses where green vines stretch skyward and the tomatoes are picked at the peak of ripeness. They then travel the short distance to your local store shelf.
So, while the view outside those windows are still white washed. There are plenty of signs that spring is coming and thankfully, some hearty farmers who won’t allow our chilly weather to stop great food from growing.
This post is presented by Bushel Boy 
