For More Information
about participating in
our Winter Sun Farms
program, please contact:

Chris Reedy
creedy@awnc.org
Phone: 828-348-0130

Mary Lou Surgi
Executive Director
mlsurgi@awnc.org
Phone: 828-348-0128

Blue Ridge Food Ventures
1461 Sand Hill Road
Asheville, NC 28715
blueridgefoodventures.org

Sponsored by:

Cooking Tips

Tips for using Winter Sun Farms Products:

Here are some tips to help you enjoy your Winter Sun Farms produce whether you are rushing to get dinner on the table, or in the mood to really get creative.

Knowing you have healthy, easy, delicious (and local) foods in the freezer is the first step. 


Defrosting: Don't worry about needing everything to be defrosted thoroughly. With any soup or stew, just add the frozen veggies, then slowly heat till defrosted, a quick boil and all set. With the purees it takes longer, but you can start defrosting them in a bowl of hot water, then warm gently over low heat on the stove top.    

Extras:Sometimes you will use the whole package, and sometimes not . Just take out what you need and put the rest back in the freezer in a freezer bag or container. The important thing is to keep the cold, dry air out.

Don't Overcook:  Most of the vegetables are blanched, so don't over cook them. Freezing does break down some of the structure, but all the taste and vitamins remain. When sautéing with fresh vegetables add the frozen ones after the fresh have cooked some. When making a soup wait until  five minutes before it is done, then add the frozen vegetable (broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, summer squash, greens...etc) to the pot, cover,  and cook till heated through. The frozen veggies steam and cook right into the soup...delicious.

Green Beans: The whole green beans are great for sautéing, but  the kids seem to like them when they are cut into 1-2 inch pieces. Just defrost them slightly, before chopping up and adding to your dish.   

Stick Blender: When making a pasta or pizza sauce, add summer squash, carrots, even broccoli. Then hit it with a stick blender. It makes a nice smooth sauce, and also hides the veggies from the children or other veggie-phobes.       


Happy cooking,