GROeat Farm Newsletter - 2019

Hey Garlic Enthusiasts!

Soil Science & Future Fields

2019. The work never stops! While one season closes, we're already prepping the soil for the next. This year, we're focusing on some top-tier, organic amendments to boost our soil health:

Alpaca "Magic Beans": Excellent, low-odor, slow-release fertilizer!
Aged Cow Manure: A rare find—over 20 years old from a local dairy farm. This well-composted material adds incredible humus (organic matter) to the soil, improving water retention and nutrient cycling. Think of it as a deep, dark soil super-food!
Straw Galore: Tons of wheat and barley straw are ready to be tilled in. This adds bulk and will break down over winter, further enriching our soil structure.

Experiment Corner: We've been having fun (and getting results!) with a weed flamer for annual weed control. It's a quick, chemical-free blast of heat that destroys the weed's cell structure. However, we're still locked in a perennial battle with those pesky thistles! They require the old-fashioned way: deep tap roots and all, by hand. No science can beat a good shovel for those determined roots!

Tiny Tikes & Bozeman Bliss

It's been a truly beautiful autumn in Bozeman, Montana, with crisp mornings and sunny afternoons—perfect for curing garlic! Our little helpers, Rowan and Seneca (now 2 years old!), are loving the farm life. While they're not quite ready to help with the 10,000-clove planting task (yet!), they are incredible at one thing: carrot consumption! We hope to see their little hands helping plant next season's crop, but for now, we'll keep them supplied with their favorite orange treats.

Here is an "award-winning" level recipe that use different techniques to elevate your fresh, hardneck garlic!

Dish Name: Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry with Sesame-Ginger Sauce

Why it Works: The bold, raw heat of the German Porcelain garlic and the chili oil in the buns make them a fantastic side for an Asian-inspired main course. The savory sesame and soy notes in the stir-fry complement the same flavors already in the garlic swirl. The fluffy, buttery buns are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce!

Key Ingredients:Thinly sliced Beef Sirloin, Broccoli florets, Ginger, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Sesame Oil.

The Science: Ginger and Garlic are synergistic (work better together) in flavor and bioactivity. The capsaicin (heat) in the chili oil increases the perceived depth of flavor, making the entire meal feel more vibrant and complex

INGREDIENTS (Simplified List)

1 lb Beef Sirloin, thinly sliced
2 cups Broccoli florets
1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
SAUCE:
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Grated Fresh Ginger
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (to thicken)
- 1/4 cup Water

INSTRUCTIONS (Simple Steps)

PREP THE SAUCE: In a small bowl, whisk together the Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Grated Ginger, Sesame Oil, Cornstarch, and Water. Set aside.
SEAR THE BEEF: Heat the Vegetable Oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside, leaving any oil in the pan.
COOK BROCCOLI: Add the Broccoli florets to the hot pan. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Add a splash of water if the pan seems too dry.
COMBINE & THICKEN: Return the Beef to the pan. Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk (since the cornstarch settles) and pour it over the beef and broccoli.
FINISH: Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
SERVE: Serve immediately over rice, accompanied by the Spicy German Porcelain Garlic & Chili Oil Swirl Buns for dipping and wiping up the extra sauce!