July 18, 2021
From Our Farmers
Stay in touch on our Instagrams and websites
Fresher Together Chicago
@ FresherTogether www.freshertogether.com
Basil, Flowering Oregano, Garlic
Iyabo Farms Pembroke
https://iyabo-farms.business.site/
Collards
Run-Away-Buckers Pembroke
Yellow Squash, Zucchini
Bee-utiful Chicago
@bee_utifulhoney www.bee-utifulbees.com
Honey
Urban Eden Chicago
Website coming soon - Farm is located at @insidetheplant
Micro Greens Salad Mix
B.S.R.R - Boots and Saddle Riding Ranch -Pembroke Township
Facebook only- @Bootsandsaddleridingranch
Corn, Yellow Squash, Zucchini, Collards, Cabbage, Banana Pepper
Blueberry Jam
Never hesitate to reach out if you’re unsure what to do with things in your bag! FresherTogether @ gmail.com or text 312-88-Fresh (3-7374)
A Note from Chef Fresh about this week’s bag and Stevia …
Chef Fresh Roberson - Owner and Farmer - Fresher Together and Mentor Lady Di, Diane Mcdonald Owner/Operator of BSRR Youth Center aka Boots and SaddleA Note from Chef Fresh about this week and my mentor…
Thank you. Thank you for your continued support. Welcome to Week 2 of this season’s Harvest Bag.
It’s such an honor this week to put so much of our support toward our Pembroke Farmers. Look below to learn more about Pembroke Township. This week we got lots of produce from one of my Mentors, Diane "Lady Di” Mcdonald.
Lady Di runs BSSR Youth Center often known as Boots and Saddle. It’s not only a beautiful farm and space for youth to get to learn and grow in the soil, but also an attraction hosting events, horseback riding, camping, and many a beautiful rodeo. It has been around for over 40 years.
Whether growing beans, greens, peppers, etc or in the kitchen mixing up some value added magic, Lady Di is someone I greatly admire.
I can’t wait to hear about what y’all make this week. Don’t hesitate to send us pictures, or tag us on social media.
Pembroke Township, Illinois
Pembroke Township is a historically Black farming town located just over an hour and 15 mins away from the current location of Fresher Together Farms. One day we hope to have land in Pembroke and be able to not only grow more, but also offer a space for restoration and retreat.
Pembroke was once was hailed as the largest Black farming community in the Northern United States.
It is the largest township in Kankakee County. Believed to have been a terminal for the Underground Railroad, it was founded in the late 1800s and had big growth spurts in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
Historically Pembroke’s farmers grew hemp for the Navy in World War II and supplied food to Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland through the Great Migration, but today its Black-owned farming operations have declined. We are excited to support some of the Black farmers growing and stewarding land in Pembroke Township.
Basil and Oregano from Fresher Together Farms
Pizza, Pasta, and more
Need some ideas for to do with your basil or oregano? No worries, of course they can combine to make great additions to your next Italian dish, but there’s more than that.
Here are a couple of fun ideas and just simple suggestions.
Basil and Blueberries get a long well. Perhaps think about thinning out some of your blueberry jam over a low heat, adding a little chiffonade basil leaf and pouring it over some fun morning pancakes, a scone or some vanilla ice cream.
Keep your basil fresh longer by treating it like you would fresh cut flowers. By cutting the stems and setting them in a cup/vase/glass of water on your counter. Basil doesn’t like it when it gets colder than 55 degrees, so if you place it in your fridge you’ll likely notice it brown faster.
Your oregano flowers can be used just like you would use the leaf. They are just a little more mild. Sprinkle them on top of pastas, salads, pizzas, flat breads, or make a yummy oregano tea. They also are beautiful in oils. Make an oregano oil with the flower present. You can do this easiest by letting the oregano dry out first, but if you put it in while it’s still fresh, just be sure to refrigerate it if you plan to eat it. It’s also great to rub on your skin and feet.
We hope you enjoy your bag this week!