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We grow 10+ different kinds of tomatoes at Makaria Farm, from cherry tomatoes to heirlooms to traditional red slicers. When we choose which tomato varieties to grow each year, we prioritize flavour over ship-ability and aesthetics. If you spy an … Continue reading
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There are thousands of potato varieties grown around the world, and it can be exciting to see (and taste!) the differences when you use different potatoes in your everyday recipes. In addition to baking, roasting or lightly boiling potatoes, two … Continue reading
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Think of leeks as a super-tasty onion. They can be used instead of (or in addition to) onions in any meal, or can be cleaned, cut up and BBQed or sautéed and served as their own delicious side dish. Leek … Continue reading
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We pull our garlic plants in June/July. Fresh, “uncured” garlic is moister than the usual “cured” garlic, but can be crushed, baked, diced, etc. just like normal garlic. Storage Store your garlic plant in a cool, drafty place, ideally out … Continue reading
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There are many fresh foods that I didn’t know existed until we started our farm, including radish seed pods, stinging nettles, kale buds and garlic scapes. In the early spring we dine on steamed shoots from over-wintered kale (they taste … Continue reading
Like all fruits and vegetables, there are many, many different kinds of strawberries. Two categories of strawberries are “June-bearing” and “ever-bearing.” June-bearers are more common in the Cowichan Valley: they produce heavily in June/July, then focus on reproducing through runners … Continue reading
Our farm has two nettle patches: one up front by the old sheep shed, and another larger patch in the back by our orchard. Every April the nettles start to grow, and I wander out on weekends to harvest bag-fulls … Continue reading
First — a general word about: Leafy Greens Leafy greens are an excellent asset to a garden: kale, chard and lettuce last well into the winter (and can overwinter, if protected from extreme cold or snow). The plants will continue … Continue reading
Fresh-picked lettuce leaves can keep for a surprisingly long time. Wash the leaves, trip off any wilted bits and the stem, and store the leaves in a plastic bag or container. We’re often rushed for meals so I wash a … Continue reading
Remove the tops and compost or dry them to use as carroty seasonings in future soups or stews. Store the carrots in cold water in the fridge for a week, or washed and in a bag or Tupperware for months. … Continue reading
