The New Farm Institute (NFI), the nonprofit education arm of certified organic farm Green Gate Farms, was created to educate, assist and inspire a new generation of sustainable farmers. In addition to on-farm workshops and camps for all ages, NFI has launched Texas’ first incubator farm to grow more organic farmers for Central Texas.

 

Brainstorms quickly become reality when you put the leaders from the Natural Epicurean and GreenGate Farms in the same room. Less than a month from their first meeting, a workshop was held to create pickled preserves from Green Gate’s gleaned green tomatoes and peppers.

 

“Gleaning, it’s like cleaning with a ‘g’,” is how Erin Flynn, co-founder of the New Farm Institute introduces this ancient practice of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields for free distribution to the needy, or nowadays for donation to New Farm Institute’s programs that serve the needy.

 

“This project fits right in with the Natural Epicurean’s curriculum,” says Student Services Coordinator Leanne Valenti, “Promoting local growers and reducing food waste are vital components of conscious cooking.” Guest teacher Kate Payne, author of The Hip Girl’s Guide to Homemaking, shared the science of creating shelf-stable pickled products as she guided nine Natural Epicurean students in producing four dozen pints of pickles on Monday, December 5th. The students even named the product “Second Helpings” in recognition of farmers’ who refer to imperfect, but tasty, produce as “seconds.”

 

Flynn couldn’t be happier with the results: “Everyone benefits from this collaboration – our community, new chefs and farmers. Please help us grow this program by featuring these colorful treats on your holiday table.” Beyond eating them straight from the jar, Payne suggests using the pickled green tomatoes in marinades to add distinct flavors to sauces and meats, and adding the pickled peppers to guacamole or salsas on your Texas table.

 

You can purchase Second Helpings pickled produce at the Green Gate Farm Stand, 8310 Canoga Avenue, Austin, TX 78724 (Tuesdays 4 – 6 PM, Fridays 12 – 6PM, and Saturdays 10 AM – 2 PM). All proceeds will benefit underserved children who would like to attend summer camp held at Green Gate Farms.

 

For more information, see: GreenGateFarms.net or NewFarmInstitute.org

 

For more information about the Natural Epicurean Academy, visit NaturalEpicurean.com

 

For more about the Hip Girl’s Guide to Homemaking, visit hipgirlshome.com