The Best of Living Culture TV

The latest installment of Living Culture features a highlight reel of our first 77 episodes, plus one of our all-time favorite segments with chef Steve Morton. We've interviewed dozens of guests over the years, from ranchers and chefs in the Willamette Valley to potato growers in the Klamath Basin, and many others in between. Please visit our Guests page to see segments and printed interviews with all of our guests.

Here's a sneak peek at Episode 77:

Potato farmers of the Klamath Basin

Living Culture 2011 in review

2011 was a very good year for us. We produced 9 new episodes, and interviewed 26 new guests in the process. Living Culture tallied 60,000 views on YouTube in 2011, and 56,000 hits on our website. All year long we heard positive comments from TV viewers in Portland, Salem, and the rest of the Willamette Valley, including Woodburn, Dallas, Monmouth, Corvallis, Albany, and Scio. We also traveled as far south as Northern California to shoot a segment about organic potatoes in the Klamath Basin.

It was a good year and we thank you for watching! And don't forget, we always welcome feedback and suggestions from viewers.

Farmers team-up to grow organic potatoes in the Klamath Basin

Known for its rich agricultural history, the Klamath Basin is located in the high desert region of southern Oregon and northern California. Potatoes have been an important crop in this area for decades. But with uncertainty in the comodity market, a group of growers decided to form Klamath Basin Fresh Direct, cultivating unique organic potato varieties to sell throughout the west coast.

Hungry families on food stamps in Idaho

Last night's Rock Center with Brian Williams featured an eye-opening story about two young families in Idaho who rely on food stamps to make ends meet. In one case, both parents are working. In the other, one parent holds a part-time job making $8.50 per hour.

With Idaho's unemployment rate at 9.1 percent and the cost of living steadily increasing, it's easy to understand why so many families are seeking government assistance. Food stamp participation in the state has increased by 15 percent in the last two years.

Visit the Rock Center website to watch extended interviews and read the full article on this story.

Organic beef and chicken at Malinowski Farm

Living Culture TV reaches milestone with 75 episodes

This month Living Culture TV celebrates its milestone 75th episode.

Founded in 2005, Living Culture TV has been a trusted voice in local foods journalism in the Willamette Valley. Over the last 75 episodes we've interviewed over a hundred guests, including farmers, chefs, activists, and artisans from Portland to Klamath Falls and everywhere in between. Our focus has always been to educate viewers and generate interest in local foods.

Living Culture episode 74 with Willamette Seed and Grain, plus a behind-the-scenes look at Nature Bake

This was a fun episode to produce!

We start by visiting Clint Lindsey of Willamette Seed and Grain. Clint talks about his efforts to grow cereal grains, beans, and edible seeds for local consumers. We also interview Harry MacCormack, co-founder of Oregon Tilth and owner of Sunbow Farm, about his involvement with Willamette Seed and Grain. Harry has been experimenting with several grain and bean varieties on his small farm near Corvallis.

Down To Earth Film Festival at the Oregon State Fair

Please join Living Culture TV at the first annual Down To Earth Film Festival on September 3rd.

Living Culture TV's recent story about Oregon agriculture will be shown at the film festival, along with 6 other short films from around the region. First-place and second-place winners will be announced, plus a $500 audience choice award.

The Down To Earth Film Festival is sponsored by Wilco and organized by the Agri-Business Council of Oregon.

The Saturday of Labor Day weekend is usually the busiest day of the fair, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to find parking and enter the fairgrounds. We hope to see you there!

Down To Earth Film Festival
Oregon State Fair - Spirit of Oregon Stage (12a on map)
2330 17th Street NE Salem, OR
Saturday, September 3rd 8:30pm

Fair Admission:
Adults (13-64): $11.00
Seniors (65 & over): $6.00
Children (6-12): $6.00
5 & Under: Free

Interview with Jerry & Angie Phipps of Caruso's Italian Cafe

Living Culture episode 73 with Heritage Farms Northwest

by Nate Rafn

Episode 73 takes us to some interesting places. First, we visit Heritage Farms Northwest and listen to a symphony of snorts and oinks as the pigs at get ready for dinner. We speak with Wendy Parker about how she raises them.

Mobile USDA-inspected slaughterhouse serves ranchers in Washington State

Honey and Beekeeping Resources in Oregon

by Nate Rafn

Honeybees play a vital role, both in nature and in agriculture. They are responsible for pollinating many of our fruit and vegetable crops. Bees accomplish this task by flying from one flower to another, gathering nectar and pollen, then delivering the precious pollen to the flowers that need it for fertilization. The fertilized plant then produces a seed in the form of fruit, nut, or vegetable. Without bees, our food supply could be at risk on a massive scale.

Wild Salmon and Klamath Pearl Nage

This simple recipe from chef Leif Benson is a clever twist on "surf and turf". Benson uses wild salmon (surf) and Klamath Pearl Potatoes (turf) to create an elegant and tasty dish.

The recipe features Klamath Pearl Potatoes, grown organically by Klamath Basin Fresh Direct.

Chef Leif Benson's recipe for Caramelized Klamath Pearl Potatoes

This recipe is unusual, but very delicious. Chef Leif Benson uses caramelized sugar, butter, and fresh herbs to dress these potatoes, creating a flavor that is sweet, savory, and complex, all at once.

The recipe features organic Klamath Pearl Potatoes, a unique and versatile product from Klamath Basin Fresh Direct.

Crushed Klamath Pearl Potato Cakes by chef Leif Benson

If you've never eaten a Klamath Pearl Potato, you're really missing out!

The Klamath Pearl is a tasty little gem grown by Klamath Basin Fresh Direct, an organic potato company in Southern Oregon. The Pearl is known for it's unusually small size, snappy skin, and creamy texture.

They are as versatile and easy to prepare as any potato on the market, as chef Leif Benson demonstrates in the video below.

Conversation with Sloan Aagaard, co-owner of Teal Creek Farms

Sloan Aagaard and her partner Keith Nelson operate Teal Creek Farms, a 40-acre farm in the beautiful rolling hills south of Dallas, Oregon. Nearly 2 acres are devoted to organic fruits and vegetables, while the rest is used to grow hay and a small amount of livestock.

Fresh produce from Teal Creek Farms can be found at LifeSource Natural Foods in Salem, and at Salem Public Market every Saturday. Because Sloan and Keith grow for a relatively small local market, they focus on raising a diverse selection of foods. They grow raspberries, potatoes, onions, kale, chard, lettuces, and herbs, among other crops. They also grow vegetable starts for those interested in cultivating backyard gardens.

Interview with Falls City baker, Keith Zinn

by Nate Rafn

Keith Zinn owns and operates The Bread Board, an artisan bakery in Falls City, Oregon. He and his partner, John, are known for creating rustic sourdough breads with chewy, caramelized crusts. Some of their breads are whole grain, others are enhanced by savory herbs, nuts and seeds. Sourdough enthusiasts will find these breads at the store in Falls City, and at farmers' markets throughout the Willamette Valley, including Salem Saturday Market, The McMinnville Market, Silverton Farmers Market, and Independence Farmers Market.

Mushroom Resources in Oregon

by Nate Rafn

Oregon is home to a wide array of edible mushrooms, both wild and cultivated.

Wild mushrooms are often served at fine restaurants, and at specialty stores and farmers' markets. Varieties include Morel, Chanterelle, Lobster, Cepe, White and Black Truffle, and Hedgehog.

Cultivated mushrooms can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on the variety and location. Mushroom farmers typically grow Shiitake, Oyster, Maitake, Crimini, Portobello, and Button.

The businesses and organizations listed below specialize in mushrooms. They are a valuable resource for those interested in cultivating, hunting, and/or cooking mushrooms.

Gardening classes in Salem

Related Links

Spring Gardening Guide

www.livingcultureonline.blogspot.com

Marion-Polk Food Share Community Gardens Program

www.youtube.com

Pringle Creek Community Blog

www.pringlecreekcommunity.blogspot.com