We are very excited to introduce you to wild foraged plants that grow here at Rumar farm. One item in this weeks basket is Sumac berries which comes from a variety of flowering shrub that belongs to a family of plants known as Anacardiaceae. People can steep the fresh fruits to make tea or dry and powder them for use as an herbal supplement or culinary seasoning. It is rich in antioxidants, which work to protect your cells from damage and reduce oxidative stress within the body. It may play a role in lowering blood sugar and alleviating muscle pain.
To make a sumac tea, soak the berry cluster in a pitcher of cold water over night or longer to enhance the flavour. Next strain the tea through a coffee filter or cheese cloth to remove the berries and particles from the fruit so all you are left with is the tea. You can add sugar, honey or other additives of your choice to suit your palate. Be aware that this plant is in the cashew family and if you have any allergies to nuts, especially cashews you may want to pass on this beverage. Want a boozy sumac-aide? Add 1 oz of your sprit of choice to a glass filled with ice, add ½ oz simple syrup and top with sumac tea. It has a tart, lemony flavour that makes a refreshing summer beverage.
Here is what you can expect this week:
Stir Fry Mix A mix of greens for stir-frying, braising, blanching or eating raw in a hearty salad. Red and green mustard, kale, red and green mizuna, tatsoi and tsoi-sum. Wilt into soup, add to scrambled eggs or omelets.
Peaches Sun ripened, hand picked. Experience what a biodynamic peach tastes like. Be aware that unlike conventional farms that apply a finishing spray so they hold longer, ours will need to be eaten or used right away.
Cucumber Mix A mix of cucumbers, White Dutch, Green Pickling and Salt & Pepper.
Zucchini Summers most popular squash with so many ways to prepare. It’s mild taste and creamy texture make it incredibly versatile. We love to cut them into thick slabs and grill on the BBQ. Finish with lemon juice and grated parmesan cheese.
Italian Yellow Flat Beans Very high in dietary fiber, and can be cooked or used in their raw form. They are a bit bolder in texture and flavour than their green bean cousins, but still very sweet.
Kale Try something the whole family will love…..kale chips. Pre-heat the oven to 350, rip kale from stem into bite size pieces. Place in large bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder and salt until coated. Spread out on two baking sheets in a single layer and pop into oven for 10-15 minutes. Serve in a bowl and enjoy.
Sumac We really wanted to expand our offering from time to time to include natural wild products that are new to you. If you are adventurous please be open minded and try Sumac berries. If not, pass it on to someone else. Let us know how it goes:)
Enjoy
