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Spring Edible Chesapeake Hits the Stands! New web site also debuts with more content and features
Edible Chesapeake is new for spring, in print and online. The print magazine will be landing in subscribers' mailboxes this week. Click here for a preview of this season's contents. You'll find free copies at our advertisers' and distributors' locations as well. Get yours before they are all gone, or subscribe for guaranteed delivery!
There are also big changes online at www.ediblechesapeake.com. We have a new look, much more interactivity, content from past issues, recipes, links, events and recommendations for some of our favorite books about local and sustainable food. As with all web sites, it's a work-in-progress, so visit often as we add more photos and features. Read local, eat local! |
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Edible Violets Blooming in Yards Everywhere
Your yard may be providing you with a surprising spring delicacy: violets. They "grow like weeds" in our region. We admit we're not very experienced with them, but they can simply be used as an edible garnish in salads. Recipes abound on the internet, and Kimberly Rush Lynch tells us more about their medicinal value in her article on "Your Backyard Salad Bar" in the spring issue of Edible Chesapeake too. Let us know what you do with your violets! Here's a link to a recipe for violet vinegar that we found intriguing: www.gardensablaze.com/HerbVioletRec.htm. Also, here's one for crystalized violets, which can be used to make violet ice cream: www.recipezaar.com/Crystallized-Violets-126162. |
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NICFA Returns to Capitol Hill - April 21
The National Independent Consumers and Farmers Association is organizing the Third Annual Small Farm and Ranch Grassroots Lobby Day and Legislative Reception to be held on Tuesday, April 21. The Lobby Day is an opportunity for consumers to visit with their Congressional representatives, voice their support for direct farmer-to-consumer commerce, and invite their legislators to a local foods feast. Joel Salatin of Virginia's Polyface Farm will once again serve as master of ceremonies for the day's activities. For more information, visit www.nicfa.com.
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Raise a Glass to the Bay on Earth Day - April 22 
Looking for a happy hour with a purpose? "Green Drinks" happy hours are great places for folks from all walks of the sustainable lifestyle to network with each other, usually with some tasty local and sustainable goodies to boot. Meetings often include short presentations on sustainable topics, including food and agriculture. There are at least seven chapters in Maryland, more than a dozen in Virginia, and one in Washington, DC. In honor of Earth Day, many of these chapters are holding special happy hours in an attempt to break the world record for largest Green Drinks gathering, while raising awareness of environmental issues affecting the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Check out www.greendrinksforthebay.org to find out which chapters are participating in Green Drinks for the Chesapeake Bay. And visit www.greendrinks.org for a complete listing of Green Drinks chapters in our area.  |
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Farmers Markets Ease Into Spring 
The Riverdale Park Farmers Market that takes place right outside the office of Edible Chesapeake will kick off its 2009 season today, one of the earliest openings we've heard of for a seasonal market. We expect to see more and more markets push their opening dates up as more of our local farmers invest in hoop houses that let them start plants sooner and in hydroponic technology that allows them to grow certain crops indoors all year-round. Some are also doing the hard work it takes to grow hardy crops outdoors during the winter.
Still, we always like to remind folks not to expect the grocery store when you go to the farmers market. You will not see piles of heirloom tomatoes or ears of corn or watermelons when you go to a local, producers-only market in April, May or even June. Acquainting yourself with the rhythms of the seasons in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia will help you be better prepared and avoid disappointment when you shop for local produce. |
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Read local, eat local!
Sincerely,
Renee and Kristi
Local Mix
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Save the Date!
Wine, Chocolate and Cheese with
Edible Chesapeake and
EILEEN
FISHER
Westfield Shoppingtown Montgomery
Bethesda, MD
Stop in for tastes from some of our local partners!
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Follow us on Twitter @edches!
Edible Chesapeake is the quarterly journal of the local food scene in the Chesapeake Bay watershed -- southern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC, and eastern Virginia. Click here for advertising information. |
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CSA Managers!
Contact us about Edible Chesapeake subscription discounts for your CSA members!Email Renee for details. |
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