Borodino Market @ Schoolhouse Farms

Quince Paste - Words simply to not tell the story effectively

2011-06-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

Seek warmth!

2011-03-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

The clutches of Winter seem to be as relentless as ever. This winter will go down as one of the coldest in 100 years ands possibly one of the snowiest. I guess it is winter in the classic sense. The one our fore fathers endured.

Behind the frozen doors and windows lie the hopes for an awesome growing season for SHF1848. Dreams, seeds, soil, pots, tables benches and trays all waiting to spring into action. Borodino Market is transitioning away from a specialty shop to a sustainable on farm market. We can't wait to usher in the sunshine and smiles of the 2011 growing season. Think warm thoughts and keep checking back for more good farm news.

CSA available for Summer 2011

2011-02-03T07:07:00.001-08:00

http://www.localharvest.org/csa/M15378

Schoolhouse Farms will be offering shares of it's CSA again in 2011. We will be offering just 20 shares with home delivery available in the 13152 zip code. These shares will be made up of Schoolhouse Farms produce. Produce that is grown without the use of pesticides at our eco-ganic micro farm near Skaneateles, New York. We will also include some other unique items as the season and harvest progresses. Items we believe will enhance what we have included in the weekly share. All the information you need to know about this limited offer are available at our Schoolhouse Farms LocalHarvest site or by clicking on the image! We are excitedly planning your shares this winter in anticipation of our best growing season ever.

A CSA is a joint venture between Farmer (us) and the Partner (you)! You can feel good about supporting an aspect of farming that receives no local state or federal subsidies. The sweat is all ours but the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is ours to share with you. It is a win win situation that really keeps things local. A CSA has some assumed risk on both our parts as we have no control over mother nature. Last year was a perfect storm of conditions that almost completely wiped out our tomato harvest. We learned a lot from this and reacted as quickly as possible by planting alternative crops in an attempt to stave off the huge hole in the harvest. Thankfully our actions helped to prevent a lost season of farming. Admittedly people were disappointed about the tomato blight but were also excited that we filled the void.

Farming is an on going education for us and for everybody who hitches their spiritual wagon onto our dream. Schoolhouse Farms has come a long way in over 12 years and encourages you to visit the farm and our historic one room schoolhouse we call the Borodino Market!http://www.localharvest.org/csa/M15378?ul

Schoolhouse Farms CSA for 2011

2011-01-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

It's never too early to plan for the 2011 healthy eating season. Shares of Schoolhouse Farms CSA's are limited! We will be offering up to 3 delivery days! Please contact us as soon as possible if you would like more details. E-mail us! or at SHF-1848 CSA information

Seasonal Conclusion

2010-12-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

As we are fond of saying "Mother nature is ultimately in charge" and this Fall was a perfect example of that. Although picturesque with the ground covered in a fluffy white blanket, the bare trees flocked with a layer as well and all evidence of any remaining crop buried, it does bring things to dramatic rapid conclusion without reservation. So we bid you a happy season and look forward to the spring planting. We will be busy planning the crops for our 2011 CSA shares as well as for the Market. Keep warm and stay tuned to the Borodino Market blog as we will be updating it regularly with new and wonderful things in the near future! all winter!

Closed for the Season

2010-11-09T06:12:00.000-08:00

The crops have finished the leaves have fallen and the air has the inevitable feel of winter! The old schoolhouse is ready to hibernate until next Spring! Should you decide you need, Raw honey, Quince paste, Black Currant jam, finishing salts, Farro, Kamut, Black Barley or any of the Goodly Grains and Borodino Market loose tea you can always e-mail us at finanmorel@windstream.net We will make arrangements to fill your pantry! If we get enough interest we may do a December open house! Thanks for your continued support of local agriculture! SHF-1848

Sweet Potato & Black Barley

2010-10-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

At Schoolhouse Farms we are always on the lookout for food options that enhance and inspire our dining experience in new tasty healthy ways. During our research into whole grains for the Borodino Market we came across black barley, an ancient grain, that we were determined to sample, educate ourselves about and promote publicly. The recipe that follows is a great example of this procees and we challange you to try it and let us know what you think. The pairing of the sweet potato and black barley were a happy experiment with outstanding results. The introduction of sweetness via brown sugar and the subtle acidity of aged balsamic vinegar make this a very harmonious and satisfying dish. This dish can be a meal or a side!

Sweet Potato & Black Barley

Ingredients

1 Package Black Barley (cooked to specifications on the package)
1 Sweet potato diced
2 stalks of celery diced
1/2 medium onion diced
a tea kettle of warm water
2 Tablespoons raw honey
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper to taste

Cook black barley and set aside in bowl
heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in saute pan on medium heat. Add diced onion and celery cooking 2-3 minutes. add diced sweet potato stir ingredients and cook until all liquid is absorbed and potatoes are starting to stick to pan. Add some warm water to pan stirring and cooking until water is absorbed and potatoes begin to stick to pan again. Add enough warm water to just cover mixture continue cooking until the liquid is again absorbed. Continue this process until sweet potatoes are cooked to your desired level of softness. Add 2 tablespoons water, honey and brown sugar, olive oil and balsamic vinegar continue to heat and stir until heat thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and continue to reduce mixture for 1-2 minute. Remove from heat and gently add to bowl of black barley mix adjust salt and pepper according to taste and serve.

Organic Pumpkin Muffins

2010-10-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

The fact that they are made with organic pumpkin is not the clever aspect nor the key selling point of these little morsels, although apparently it did get your attention. The real beauty of this spicy winter treat is in what is not in them. They are made with the omission of oil, butter or egg. Just the dry ingredients and a 15 ounce can of pumpkin! This little trick was provide to us by a weight watchers enthusiast. The muffins are moist and tasty and healthy and low fat. Winter is too long too cold and too dark to skip out on a little pastry. So get back into that kitchen when the alarm goes off and prepare a batch of muffins for everyone. It's a great alternative to the cold cereal option and gets everybody off on the right foot. Go on get cooking! Nothing good came from procrastinating it is time to get up and over to the oven! Let us know if you need our recipe!

Way cool cookies! "Oatmeal Lumps"

2010-09-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

OK before you jump to any conclusion based on the primary ingredient oatmeal you need to take the time to try these cookies. This recipe is a healthy adaptation of a recipe that has been around for a long while. We have modified the recipe and came up with a darn tasty and primarily healthy snack alternative as snacks go.

The acid test for these cookies was who the guinea pigs were that allowed us to know they were better then most presumed healthy snack options. It was a group of 8th grade middle school students meetings, as they have for the past three years, for Odyssey of the Mind practice. They are accustom to indulging in heavy snacking and the variety is generally as diverse as mass produced high fat, high sugar low nutrient junk food can be, pizza and doughnuts included. The coach, recipe developer and baker decided enough was enough. With obesity rates rocketing to an unprecedented level and diabetes running rampant it was time to take a stand and start to introduce some level of restraint and introduce a healthier snack alternative.

The test run certainly was not announced in advance because we can't have the little blighters arriving with pockets crammed full of Twinkies and Mountain Dew. The cookies were laid out and the hungry students arrive. A couple snagged a handful with out breaking stride and proceed to wolf them down enthusiastically. Others ask before they will try one "what's in them?" and still others just look, and walk away as these little gems are simply too foreign looking in appearance to entice them to want to try one. As the practice gets going one of the students parent arrives with arms over loaded with Capri Sun, Cheese nips and Twix bars. She is greeted enthusiastically " Ah your mom is way cool!"

We don't take offense, we enjoy Twix bars too. However silently we know that the middle school kids should really be reaching for more Oatmeal cookies, but we are happy that some were undeterred by the look of them and came back for more. Today is another meeting and you got it we are sending in another batch of Oatmeal cookies and we have it on good authority that nobody else is bringing snacks!

No Flour - Oatmeal "Lumps"Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup apple sauce
2 cups brown sugar
2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup chopped pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup chopped nuts
1/3 cup chopped dates

In 2 quart sauce pan over low heat melt butter. Add apple sauce and stir heating for 1 minute. Stir in remaining ingredients and remove from heat.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Drop mixture by rounded teaspoon 3 inches apart on the parchment. Bake 8 minutes or until edges are well browned. Cool slightly and remove to wire cooling rack.

Whole Grains

2010-07-23T10:46:00.001-07:00

Farro
Kamut
Black Barley
Red & Black Quinoa
Kasha and others

available at the Borodino Market
Saturdays 10AM-5PM

2 Bee or not Two bee

2010-04-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

Too bee or not to bee that is the question we must answer concerning these older bee hive boxes. We took possession of these worn colorful beauties at the insistence of the owner. The hives had been in storage in the confines of a most righteous local barn. As collectors and salvagers
determine to give useful things a second life we had to oblige. Just the fact they were wood and box shape was enough.

Now the question remains to bee or not to bee. We love the concept of honey bees. We also are keenly aware the important interaction bees have with the farm. They provide pollination and also yield the actual honey crop that has become such a sought after staple at the Borodino Market. We just don't know if it is worth the effort and finance to attempt to rehab the old boxes.

We have pondered a variety of alternate creative uses and realize undoubtedly some of our artistic friends more then likely also have conjured up a few inspirational thoughts. We hope some of you might weigh in with comments and share suggestions. Thanks

Bee's

Healthy Food & Trader Joe's

2010-03-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

It doesn't take long to realize that we are real food fans and have our favorite food emporium. Trader Joe's is a wholesome treat for mind and body and when we are within range of one we stop to stock up on some of the families favorites. These items are not selected by one family member but by all. Our 10 year old son likes the wasabi mayo and salsa, our 12 year old daughter the dark chocolate ginger, our 14 year old the wild blueberries and almond butter as does the 5 year old. We don't promote or suggest any item over the next they just fan out in the store and these are the items they return to the cart with.

Eating healthy doesn't have to be a war with your family it needs to be fun and flavorful. The variety of items available today at most grocery stores is staggering. It takes a little bit of conversation to get the family engaged into eating products that are less processed and contain fewer additives. It helps when you get the whole family into the habit of reading ingredients. Our general rule of thumb is if the ingredients list is greater then 5 it's probably not a great choice.

You might be surprised to see what kids will eat if you haven't instill preconceived notions about what is good and bad to taint them. A salad made of Bulgar, lentils, coco beans, spicy olives, roasted red pepper in a olive oil jalapeno vinaigrette was deemed delicious by our 5 year old as her mid morning snack. (We would have been happy to have her try it let alone mow through the whole bowl.)

We have no investment in Trader Joe's but if you have an opportunity to shop at one we strongly advise you to do so, and let us know when you are going because we always have a list for our next shop. If you do shop at Trader Joe's we love to hear what your favorites are!

Schoolhouse Farms Vision Board

2010-02-12T09:02:00.000-08:00

We have dreams and we have plans for Schoolhouse Farms and we will bring them to life with our vision board. Stay tuned as the board is very fluid! Seeds Seeds seeds where to bgin!

2010-01-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

Michael Pollan in his newest book Food Rules makes the argument that “supplement takers are healthy for reasons that have nothing to do with pills. They are typically more health conscious, better educated and more affluent. They’re also more likely to exercise and eat whole grains. So to the extent you can, be the kind of person who would take supplements, and then save your money. (There are exceptions to this rule, for people who have a specific nutrient deficiency or are older than fifty. As we age, our need for antioxidants increases while our body’s ability to absorb them from the diet declines. It couldn't hurt to take a supplement)” So what supplement should you take when you are bombarded by commercial after commercial promoting everything under the sun?

Farming is hard back aching work and it wears on all parts of the body, the neck shoulders, knees, back, feet, thighs, fingers, joints, toes and any other conceivable part of the human anatomy. We have been farming by hand at all natural Schoolhouse Farms for the past 11 years and believe you me we have suffered from one if not all of these issues. It has just become a part of the farming life and generally we have believed that we would partially recuperate in the winter. Unless of course we got involved with skiing, snowshoeing or the hefty chore of shoveling our lengthy snow laden driveway (Since we do live in a region that averages 100+ inches of snow so I think you get the picture, recovery is wishful thinking)

So in our own pursuit to balance health and wellness we have vastly improved our families diet and eat whole grains, sensible portions, lots of fruit, limited fats, green tea and raw honey. We eat what is a vitamin rich diet and keep away from prescription drugs to the best of our ability. In addition to diet we exercise regularly even when winter is at its worst. Based on what Michael Pollen has said what we may need soon is an antioxidant supplement. But how do you pick the one that is going be your supplement? We wanted the MAX!

Serendipity is how it happened for us and the Max product we found. The product we came across and the business opportunity associated with the product seemed to fulfill all our personal criteria. This conclusion was not one reached by endorsements or salesmanship it was derived from our own experience and the results from taking it for the past three weeks. We have concurred that our health and wellness has significantly improved. A neck pain that has been a chronic issue for years from the long hours of bean harvesting has vanished. The aching foot that just became a part of daily life when exercising has ceased. The recovery period for aching muscles after vigorous workouts has become noticeably shorter. Our energy levels have elevated to the point that afternoon naps are really not necessary. The product also brings with it a tremendous business opportunity that we would be willing to share with like minded people.

A quick word and plug for Food Rules by Michael Pollan. The book is a quick read that can be easily consumed in one sitting. It is educational and straight to the point. I read it at breakfast and while preparing dinner we gave it to our 14 year old daughter to read. She finished it and rather quickly pointed out the flaws in diets she had witnessed of friends and associates. Perhaps we will pass it along in hopes that others will benefit from age old wisdom mixed with modern insights and perhaps even help to improve the health and wellness of another family.

Whats Cooking from the Borodino Market

2010-01-05T06:18:00.000-08:00

Sweet Potato Orzo Risotto

This recipe is breaking with tradition and does not utilize any rice. If you are interested in the specific recipe please leave a comment and we will follow up with one once the specific details have been figured out. We say this because we approach cooking like artistry and rarely measure. We are aware that most people need a little more direction so once we calibrate the recipe and measure the specific amounts we will post it! Cooking good food that is good for you is not difficult just different. SHF

Health & Wellness Should Taste this Good!

2009-12-31T07:21:00.000-08:00

This Book is loaded with tidbits that will do your mind and body good!

Based on the hugely popular and widely shared New York Times article on this subject, THE 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO EAT AND 100 WAYS TO PREPARE THEM is sure to appeal to foodies, health nuts, novice cooks, and people who simply enjoy healthy living.
Schoolhouse Farms and The Borodino Market could not have embraced a publication that is more in keeping with our personal lifestyle and the focus of our project. We either grow or sell most of these items and purchase the remainder. Our climate just isn't capable of producing avocados or some of the nut varieties we enjoy. However the remainder we can and if we are not currently growing or selling items we will be by our next season in 2010! The store does stock Quinoa (one our ancient grains). The Borodino Market in conjunction with Schoolhouse Farms near Skaneateles will continue to vet the products we can't produce and make them available at the store or on line from the Borodino Market! Keep on living to eat and eating right! Enjoy all the goodness of what good foods have to offer!

Slow Cooking at Schoolhouse Farms

2009-12-30T07:45:00.000-08:00

Slowly

Winter has set in and with it begins the season of slow cooking! One pot meals with extraordinary flavors and aromas that waft around the kitchen enticing everyone to take a peek at our Cuisinart PSC-650 6.5 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker in brushed Stainless Steel. We have become advocates of the Cuisinart as we have owned and utilized numerous slow cookers, but each developed an issue at a most inopportune time that lead to the purchase of the next. Issues like the element quitting in the midst of slow cooking veal stew while out splitting firewood or the crock cracking when delivering a simmering batch of green Chili stew for an evening potluck at the Ski hill. These issues rendered the meals unusable and consequently sent the slow cookers to the curb.

So we scoured the net in search of a unit that would provide us with the size we were looking for the durability we had lacked and the quality construction that delivered it all in an appealing package that will elicit the culinary end products we desire. We found it in the brushed Stainless Steel Cuisinart PSC-650 6.5 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker,

Tonight we are slow cooking well seasoned pork tenderloin which we will shred and serve with our homemade flatbreads. My mouth is watering in anticipation and in order for me to be worthy to participate I will be heading out to shovel the circular driveway! Exercise, plus fresh cold winter air will help improve my physical well being while enhancing the appetite.

Ancient Grains at the Borodino Market

2009-12-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

A sunny four mile walk mid way between Skaneateles and Otisco lake December 27th is not only a rarity but a stimulating way of getting the cerebral juices flowing. More to the point it really helped stimulate our conversation pertaining to our future plans. Most of our walks are continuous mobile conversations centering on Schoolhouse farms and where it and we are headed. We exercise our bodies and brains simultaneously.
Our farm is small by conventional standards but it is a farm in every sense of the word. We approach it with all the same zeal as the big boys. The biggest difference between us and larger operations is the scale and the size of our carbon footprint. We have a pretty puny footprint and if we can control things we will continue to keep it that way.
So the on going discussion lately has focused around grains. Really cool grains that have been around a long, long time. Ancient Grains like; Kamut, Farro, Black Barley, Quinoa, Amaranth and of course rice, grains with strange names completely unknown or unfamiliar to the majority of the population. These ancient grains had been the mainstay of diets for thousands of years. Like much of our foods these grains fell out of favor as we entered the modern era and embraced all things processed. Over the past couple years we have been cooking and experimenting with these grains and we feel it is time to share these nearly forgotten grains with our family and friends.
The Borodino Market at Schoolhouse Farms has sourced some wonderful examples of these old grains and offers them in the shop during our season. Keep your eyes open as we will be offering them to the public via the Borodino Market web-site.

The Magic that is Christmas

2009-12-22T05:15:00.001-08:00

This past December weekend we were able get a glimpse as to the true meaning of Christmas through the eyes of children. Skaneateles Dickens Christmas invites people of all ages to celebrate the season in the picturesque setting of the village of Skaneateles. People are encouraged to partake in the festivities dressed in period costume. A wide variety of costumes are available at the Skaneateles Chamber of commerce at no charge.
Our Children made up their minds to participate after driving through the village on a sadly rainy December weekend. Not deterred by the grim weather and excited that they could dress in the old world style they collectively decided they would become Dickens characters for a day and decided the following Saturday was it.
Dressed as Dickens characters they walked the streets being greeted at every turn by smiling well wishers. “Happy Holidays” people greeted them and “aren’t you beautiful”, “Merry Christmas” “Can we have a picture with you?” From the perspective of the children it was positively magical. They were eliciting the best qualities of people as a direct result. Christmas really didn’t come in a box or a bag it wasn’t something you could touch. It was something that touched you, inside and made you feel warm and put a smile on your face. The children loved this and continued the day seeking to spread the feeling of joy they had experienced.
When at last it was time to revert back to current time period attire the reality of the world reverted as well. With the costumes back safely in the costume department the children exited once more to join the sea of humanity that had descended on the village of Skaneateles. Not an eye looked in their direction not a word was spoken about the joy of the season. They had virtually become invisible the spell was completely broken the warm feeling of Christmas remained with them, but it was not able to reach the masses.
When the children got home they were all still a glow about the days activities and eager to share with us how wonderful it made them feel. They were also saddened by the fact that without the costumes people just didn’t express the same holiday joy! Undeterred they are eager to participate again to help spread the joy! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Baby it's Cold Outside

2009-12-18T08:04:00.000-08:00

But the fire is so delightful!

We anticipate our open house and look forward to the warm glow and festive atmosphere in the Schoolhouse this evening...Good Friends, Great Food, Fine Spirits and hearty Holiday Cheer! The Schoolhouse Farmers

Open in December!

2009-12-15T04:18:00.000-08:00

The Borodino Market will be open

one last day this year!

December 19th 10AM-4PM

or by Appointment (315) 673-0744

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

Raw Honey is back! Stop up and see what the buzz is all about!

The end of Gourmet

2009-11-04T04:56:00.000-08:00

Since its foundation in the post-WWII years, the articles in Gourmet represented a well-traveled, thoughtful approach to food, with many pieces contributed by well-known writers and cooks such as James Beard, Laurie Colwin, and M.F.K. Fisher. For years, it inspired home cooks as well as aspiring chefs with its insightful articles and recipes, as well as its stunning food photography and design. Gourmet Magazine inspired chefs such as Alice Waters of the celebrated restaurant,Chez Panisse, who told the New York Times that a review in Gourmet used to mean everything. The publication was a cultural icon that represented good living and a whole-hearted enjoyment of food

This iconic magazine has inspired aspiring culinarians for decades and I think it would be safe to say that this thanksgiving season people may even revert to some featured recipe in a favorite saved back issue. Perhaps that Brandy hard sauce in the November 1958 issue! Nostalgia and flavor a recipe for building family bonds.

Rooibos Black Barley and good Friends

2009-11-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

The day after Halloween we embarked on a family outing with friends to embrace the root of what has developed into a commercialized quasi-holiday. The early pagan Celtic festival “Samhain” (pronounced sah-win) celebrated the end of the harvest and it was believed that at this time the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest and as such souls were celebrated and remembered on this day. It was with this knowledge we embarked on a walking tour of classic Fort Hill cemetery. The crisp fall air, the sparkling rays of sun, and the last vestiges of fall color enhanced the experience as we embarked on the self-guided tour of historic marker of families long departed along with grave rubbing of some of the more usual inscriptions and carvings. The cemetery is a truly historic journey.

Following this historic inspirational hike we headed to the warmth of a cozy farmhouse for conversation and a fall feast. The kitchen was a treat for the senses the smell of freshly baked focaccia bread with hints of parmesan and rosemary. Steaming bowls of potato leek soup. An amazing warm grain dish made from black barley, pepitas, pearled barley and sweet potatoes with a brown sugar balsamic dressing. Piping hot pots of aromatic Rooibos and Kyoto cherry flavored teas with generous spoonfuls of raw honey. Spicy pumpkin crystallized ginger bread and liberal doses of stimulating conversation.
Rooibos has become a fixation with our family and we encourage everyone we come in contact with to try it. Rooibos is full of health benefits that we firmly believe has helped our family stave off colds and increase the body’s immune system. Rooibos is an incredibly nutritious natural beverage. It contains iron, necessary for transporting oxygen in the blood, potassium, calcium, necessary for strong teeth and bones, copper, zinc, necessary for normal bone growth and development of healthy skin magnesium, fluoride, necessary for strong teeth and bones, manganese and sodium, necessary for fluid and acid balance. Needless to say the pot of Rooibos was the first to be emptied!

Finishing Salts at the Borodino Market

2009-10-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

Organic Heirloom Rice at the Borodino Market

2009-10-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Black Barley at the Borodino Market

2009-09-28T10:55:00.001-07:00

Black Barley is also known as Purple Hull-less Barley. Originally from Ethiopia, this variety has not been raised until recently because of the low yield. This is actually the only grain that can go from field to table without being processed, because the gloom or bran layer stays attached to the kernel, and is edible. It is wonderful in gourmet soups and stuffing or alone as a beautiful alternative to rice. This grain has been enjoyed for 3500 years and contains 18 amino acids and 8 essential amino acids mirroring the needs of the human body also extremely high in soluble fiber! Come and get it at The Borodino Market!

You really must try Borodino Market tea!

2009-09-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Tea is cool, hot or cold!
Tea is truly healthy and is greatly enhanced when you add local raw honey!
Borodino Market teas simply taste better.

Finishing Salts add just the right touch!

2009-09-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

Mrs Meyers "Clean day" products available at The Borodino Market

2009-09-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

Borodino Black Gold

2009-09-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

At Schoolhouse Farms we are continuously seeking out new delicious flavors, as well as products that naturally promote good health. One such product we produce right here on the farm is Rebecca’s Black Currant jam. This stuff is really black gold and the unique sweet sharp flavor is rather unmistakable. Her all fruit jam is produced from the harvest of Black Currants we planted on our property after the ban on the black currant was lifted in New York state a few years ago.
Black Currants were banned in New York State (and most of the nation) in 1911. The reason for the ban was the result of pressure from the timber industry. The Timber industry was suffering major losses to white pine due to white pine blister rust. It was alleged that the Black Currant was the source of the disease despite a lack of scientific knowledge supporting the claim. The ban remained in effect for nearly 100 years. The link between the Black currants and the blister rust disease was later proven not to exist.
Black Currant jam has been a favorite in Europe for generations and was a major source of vitamin C during WW II. My father and mother introduced us to the flavor of Black Currant at a young age. The health attributes aside we just enjoyed the jam on crusty bread and as kids we were hooked. Over the years and ensuing trips, my siblings and I would seek out this alluring flavor. Numerous years after our first introduction to Black Currant jam the first batch of Black Currant jam was produced at Schoolhouse farms. During periodic planned or spontaneous visits from family we share our stash with our various family members and the effect after ingestion is generally instantaneous. The mere taste relaxes and transports them back mentally to those magical and romantic places where they had first experienced the incredible flavor of Black Currant.
Beyond the fabulous flavor of Black Currant this little super fruit holds tremendous health benefits. Black currant advocates insist that the consumption of Black Currant has powerful Anti-Inflammatory action, strong Anti-oxidant properties, aid in reducing the effects of arthritis, and it may protect against Alzheimer’s plus Currants have 300% the daily dose of vitamin C. For more information regarding these benefits visit the Black Currant foundation at http://www.blackcurrantfoundation.co.uk/
We have never professed to have any health related expertise nor have we personally conducted any research to support or debunk these claims at Schoolhouse Farms. We just grow the fruit and produce the jam. The rest is just an added bonus to one of our favorite products. Black Currant Jam is currently beginning to be harvested and processed at Schoolhouse farms and will be available at The Borodino Market but the supply is limited. (We always need a small cache of jam for those surprise family visits).
Taste the flavor and live to eat!

Richard Malcolm

A Schoolhouse Farmer

Borodino Market open Thur-Sat 10am-6pm

2009-06-15T04:18:00.001-07:00

Quince Jelly at The Borodino Market

2009-06-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Votivo candles at the Borodino Market

2009-06-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

Black Fig Vinegar at The Borodino Market

2009-06-08T12:26:00.000-07:00

Soup soup all kinds of great soup try the Tortilla Soup! We are guaranteed a repeat visit it's that good!

2009-06-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Borodino Market in Schoolhouse #8

2009-06-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

dappled

Raw Honey is as close as you can get to sticking your finger in the hive!

2009-02-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

Farro fed the Legions, and is still one of the healthiest grains there is.

2009-02-02T08:10:00.000-08:00

Specialty Sea Salts

2009-01-06T08:33:00.000-08:00

Salt Hands at The Borodino Market

2008-11-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

Salt Hands are the perfect way to serve our salts!

Welcome Mrs. Meyer's to the Borodino Market

2008-11-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

Bee's wax Candles have a warm inviting light

2008-11-06T07:39:00.000-08:00

Green Lentils & Green Kidney Beans

2008-11-06T07:33:00.000-08:00

Holidays and Ginger Snaps like bees and honey!

2008-11-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

The Borodino Market has been put to sleep for the Winter

2008-11-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

The Borodino Market has closed until Spring 2009!

Fear not we are already sourcing and investigating new and exciting culinary finery for our next season. Until then keep dreaming of about fabulous flavor and we will see you in late May 2009!

Balsamic

2008-10-31T08:33:00.001-07:00

Phat Beets

2008-10-29T08:53:00.001-07:00

AuburnPub.com - Fresh philosophy

2008-07-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

AuburnPub.com - Fresh philosophy

Full Flavor great taste at the Borodino Market

2008-07-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

Long Pepper from Bali

2008-07-08T06:14:00.000-07:00

Sweet Paprika

2008-06-27T12:09:00.001-07:00

Enter

2008-06-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

Heirloom Tomatoes plants for 2008

2008-05-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

2008-05-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

2008-05-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

Fiddling around

2008-05-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

Fall offerings!

2008-01-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

2008-01-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

2008-01-03T12:18:00.000-08:00

Borodino Market @ Schoolhouse Farms

2008-01-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

http://borodinomarket.blogspot.com/

Cool store! Can't wait for Spring Thaw...after great powder!

2007-12-31T16:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! 2008 the year of the Rat!