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Minnesota Grown Facebook
WOW! We received our 3000th like on the Minnesota Grown Facebook page this month. How cool is that? Thank you for your show of support! Facebook is a great way to have two-way conversations with our supporters. Please suggest our page to your friends and let's keep the dialog going. We look forward to hearing more thoughts and ideas as well as sharing what's new and local with you!
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We missed you!
We are very sorry that we missed March's POM. We were very busy getting the 2012-2013 Minnesota Grown Directory ready for the press. Although March is one of the longer months with 31 days, we felt like we blinked our eye and it was April! We hope you enjoy this issue and find the information relevant, fun and needed!
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Grilled porcini crusted elk loin
1 elk loin (approx. 4lbs)
3 dried porcini mushrooms
(powdered in coffee grinder)
sea salt, to taste
freshly ground pepper,
to taste
1/2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
olive oil, to coat
1. Going against the grain, slice the loin into 1.5in steaks.
2. Season loins with porcini powder, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, cajun seasoning and enough olive oil to coat.
3. Marinate and bring to room temperature.
4. Grill to medium rare, approximately 4min per side. Do not over cook.
This recipe is courtesy of Minnesota Cooks and created by Chef Shane Wichtendahl at Arrowwood Resort. Visit the Minnesota Cooks site for more great recipes by local chefs using local products. This recipe came from the 2012 MN Cooks Calendar.
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2012-2013 Minnesota Grown Directory - on its way!
We have been busy taking pictures, entering listings and editing the 2012-13 Minnesota Grown Directory. We are extremely excited to say it is at the printer and will be ready the first week in May. Please go online and pre-order your FREE copy today! This saves us time and money because we can ship it directly from the printer. Order online at MinnesotaGrown.com or by phone at 1-800-657-3878. |
Farmers markets are opening soon!
Do you know when your local farmers market opens this season? Need help finding a market close to you? No problem, use the Minnesota Grown Directory to find all the details on your local market. A record breaking 156 farmers markets are listed in the Minnesota Grown directory this year!
The warm spring weather has many growers ahead of schedule this year. Sandy Hill of the Minneapolis Farmers Market says their market will open April 21st. "Our greenhouse producers have had an early start, so we can expect to see beautiful hanging baskets and potted plants," Hill said. "Asparagus and rhubarb are sure to be at the market a bit early too".
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THANK YOU!
We appreciate all our readers and supporters.
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Savor Minnesota - get your tickets now!
This annual event showcases some of the best local products that Minnesota has to offer. Spend the afternoon of April 14th at Canterbury Park sampling food and wine from over 50 local vendors. Attendees will receive a souvenir wine glass, logo bag and over $100 in discounts from participating vendors. Visit the Savor Minnesota website right away to get your tickets! Minnesota Grown is a proud sponsor of this event so be sure to stop by our booth and say "hi". 
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CSA season is just around the corner!
Did you forget to sign up for your CSA share this season? It's not too late. The Seward Co-op CSA fair will be held Saturday April 21st, from 11a-3p in the Co-op's parking lot, rain or shine. 30 CSA farms will be on hand to give you the chance to sign up for an opportunity to eat local all season long. Prizes for co-op gift cards and sustainably raised meat will be raffled off to attendees.
Are you busy on the 21st? Don't worry! Pick from over 85 CSA farms in the Minnesota Grown Directory. With that many to choose from in one place, you're bound to find the perfect fit for you!
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How is our early spring affecting Minnesota growers?
While most of us are thoroughly enjoying the early warm up, many Minnesota growers are crossing their fingers and hoping we don't get a hard frost. Growers of perennial plants like grapes vines, apples and strawberries will be paying special attention to the weather over the next several weeks.
Terry Nennich, of the University of Minnesota Extension office in Crookston, reports that sweet corn producers will be sowing seed within the month and that strawberry growers are a full two weeks ahead of last year. According to Nennich, "strawberry growers can mitigate some of the potential damage from a late frost through the use of row covers, shielding their plants from the cold". Other growers will use irrigation systems to cover the plants with water to help insulate them from the freezing temperatures.
The risks are also significant for our apple growers. David Bedford, scientist at the U of M Horticulture Research Center, is concerned about the possibility of a late frost. Apples in our area are a full month ahead of previous years, says Bedford. "Apple trees are the least hardy when in full bloom, and there is little a grower can do to protect them from frost damage." With an expected peak bloom during the middle of April, growers are facing an uncertain season. "It is not all bad news though, an early spring also means an early harvest," said Bedford. That means we all may be seeing those late season varieties a bit earlier this year. Maybe we can look forward to picking our own apples in shorts and t-shirts this year?
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Have you tried elk yet?
Although elk is often thought of as wild game, Minnesota farm raised elk is a tender, lean and delicious addition to any locovore's menu. We have 12 elk producers in our Minnesota Grown Directory, you can find them online here. Our friends at the Minnesota Elk Breeders Association shared some of their personal tips for cooking elk, so of course we are sharing them with you!
Since elk meat is very lean, it's important not to over cook it, medium is recommended. if more doneness is desired, let covered meat "rest" outside of the oven for 10-20 minutes as it continues to cook. To keep the meat moist and tender, try cooking at a lower temperature and for a shorter amount of time than beef.
Elk is delicious for steaks & roasts but don't forget that ground elk can easily be substituted in any recipe calling for ground meat adding tremendous flavor and texture with very little fat. It's great in tacos, lasagna, meatballs, casseroles and more! Elk burgers are great "as is" or add 1 tsp. olive oil per pound for added moisture. To cook: fry or grill over medium heat for five minutes per side.
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MNLA growing tips
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1. Enjoy your spring blooming bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils. When they are done blooming, don't rush to prune back that foliage as it is supplying the bulb with nutrients for next year's bloom. Let them naturally turn yellow, and then remove the foliage.
2. Spring blooming shrubs will benefit from a pruning AFTER they are done blooming. This includes plants such as lilacs, spring flowering spirea and mockorange.
3. Early in May you still have time to plant cool season vegetables such as lettuce, radishes, peas and spinach. Wait until later in the month for the warm season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and beans. When the soils have warmed up, it is time to get them in the ground. If you are an apartment dweller, don't despair! Many vegetables will grow beautifully in containers on your deck - make sure you get 8 hours of sunlight a day, and have fun creating your vegetable containers!
Need or want more tips? Click here to see the newest newsletter from MNLA.
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Sponsors
The sponsors of the Minnesota  Grown Directory make what we do possible. Minnesota Farmers Union is our biggest sponsor. They work to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. They are a nonprofit membership-based organization. Did you know you don't have to be a farmer to be a member of Minnesota Farmers Union? Check it out!
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