New Producer: Saskatoon Project Midwest

Never heard of a saskatoon berry? Well, here's some information about them from our new producer, Saskatoon Project Midwest:

Saskatoon berries are a native plant to North America. They are a relative of the apple and resemble a blueberry in size and shape. Their flavor has been compared to a number of different fruits but in our opinion they taste like a cross between an apple and a blackberry with slight almond finish (from the seeds). These berries are extremely high in antioxidants and have been compared to a pomegranate because of this. They are also higher in potassium, fiber, and protein than other berry fruits and have high levels of vitamin A and iron as well.

Saskatoons are very versatile and can be used in many different ways. They are a great pie fruit because they retain their shape when they are cooked. They are also very good in sauces for meats, jams & jellies, cocktails, smoothies, muffins, etc.

For more information about Saskatoon Project Midwest and this developing crop in Michigan, click here.

New products and updates (Feb. 2011)

The February shopping cycle is currently open and runs through February 11!

We have a lot of great new products this month including:

• Dark chocolate and coffee granola
• Phocas cheese
• Saskatoon berries
• Dried apples and cherries
  
• New coffee flavors including French vanilla and hazelnut
  
• New tea flavors including Moroccan mint green tea and white peony
• New frozen yogurt flavors including lemon pepper and strawberry basil
• New beef products including farmhouse meatloaf, kabob meat, and corned beef.
• New ready-to-cook entrees including stuffed pork chops with cherry orange sauce and black bean & vegetable polenta pie
• Hand-crafted scarfs
• All natural cleaning products
• Economy size laundry detergent

To view all of our new products, click here.

We also have a few more announcements:

• Randy's Granola has changed their name to Simply Suzanne.
• Daisy Doodle is now offering gift certificates.
• We have three new producers this month: Cowslip Creamery, Ginger Clean, and Saskatoon Project Midwest (more about each of them soon!).
  

Upcoming Gardening Workshops (Feb. 17, Mar. 17, Apr. 14)

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Barry County is hosting a series of upcoming gardening workshops.

The first workshop will be held on February 17 on the topic of sustainable gardening. This introductory workshop will cover soil properties, soil communities, site selection, organic soil preparation, cover crops, and crop rotation to support soil fertility.

Additional workshops include:

• Backyard vegetable gardening -- March 17
• Backyard fruit gardening -- April 14

For more information, click here.

Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market EXPO (12/8/10)

Our very own Jerry Adams will be speaking at the Farm Marketing III: Business Management session of the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market EXPO. Jerry will be speaking on the topic, "Developing a Regional Online Farmers Market".

The event will be held on December 8 at DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids.

Fall on the Farm with Local First at Grassfields (10/16/10)

Enjoy a full afternoon of family-friendly fun and activities during "Fall on the Farm" with Local First at Grassfields Farm. The event will be held on Saturday, October 16, from 11:00-3:00.

Bring the whole family and enjoy:

• Delicious, fall-inspired food and treats from local farmers.
• Pumpkin painting.
• Wagon rides
• Family activities.
• Guided tours of the farm and creamery.

Space is limited, so please RSVP. Ticket price is $12 for adults and $6 for young children.

Visit www.grassfieldscheese.com or call (616)997-1306 for questions.

West Michigan Co-op in the news -- WZZM (8/24/10)

WZZM News recently did a story on their evening newscast about West Michigan Co-op. In case you missed it, click here to check it out.

West Michigan Co-op in the news -- Grand Rapids Press (8/18/10)

The Grand Rapids Press ran a story yesterday which included information about West Michigan Co-op and our role utilizing evolving technologies, as well as community involvement.

Click here to read the story.