Trees & Pigs

Asian Pear graft from last year.  It has been grafted onto a volunteer sucker that came up near an old pear tree.  Most likely old pear or quince stock.  It is amazing that this flowered on it's first real year.  Soon we will make a spot for it out in the orchard.

Here is Link.  She is a gilt that will make the trip to Lopez soon to be bred with a Berkshire.  She has really sized up very well.  Good natured and as you can see, she knows where the food is.  Maybe in the future she will be bred via A.I. with pure mangalitsa, when it becomes available.  We are most certainly sold on the pork quality, thanks to Heath, it has made us crazy enough to keep pigs on site.

Spring Growth

First Two Mangalitsas are back Home

 Two large and very Fatty Mangalitsa loins.  Should be on the menu tomorrow.  Tenderloin and kidneys on for tonight.  One leg is being cured for ham and we just put two large coppas on cure.

Nice Fat belly pieces to cook overnight.  If tasty pork is your thing, then come in and have some of the best, Locally Raised Mangalitsa.

Spring Is Coming?

Finally some growth in the greenhouse.  We were on track for an earlier spring when all went out the window with sub zero temps.  It is likely that we are a full month behind last year temperature wise.  Nothing was killed,  except a copper pipe in the wall behind the kitchen, Mother Nature put all growth on hold for a while.  It sure is nice to have freshly cut chives and the sweetest fennel to use in the kitchen.

Lots of baby lettuces, ruby streaks mustard greens, arugula, radishes, Turnips.  Soon we will be overcrowded and planting heavily outside.  First round of starts are planted inside, lots of heirloom tomatoes, basil (many types), leeks, etc...

Pasta filled with the last of Horsedrawn farm's Blue Ballet squash.  It seems to be the sweetest this time of year.

Coffelt's Farm Pig Tour

 A trip to Coffelt's Farm for eggs, slowly gearing up for Feb. 11 opening of the restaurant.  I had almost forgotten what 'normal' pigs looked like.  The ones above ( 200 + lbs.)are mostly Berkshires and the ones below ( 25 - 35 # ) are Berkshire and basic pink pigs,  Sydney did not know their pedigree.

It gives some perspective on how different the Mangalitsas look and interact with people.  Their lives revolve around food.

Early Garden

Sorry no pictures,  but we planted a lot of seed this week, way earlier than normal, it is still January for Pete's sake.  The top is back on the greenhouse now.  All the greens will be fine, but sugar snap peas and favas are a bit iffy this time of year, they either thrive or succumb to rot.  We will keep you posted.  We also planted Neal's famous turnips, which produced great little baby greens and have survived form last fall.  Much pruning to do and opening in 2 WEEKS!

Thank  you John for the extra seed.

Cool Sunset from Ship Bay

 

 O.K.  crappy camera, but awesome view.  Taken before going home today.  The things that we take for granted.

I would say we are blessed, but more than likely we are just in the right place at the right time.