Minto Island Growers farm stand open through November

www.mintogrowers.com

In case you missed Harvestfest.

Every October, E.Z. Orchards invites the public to celebrate Harvestfest. This month-long event features a corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, hay rides, live bluegrass music, and seasonal treats, including apple cider donuts, pumpkin donuts, caramel apples, and much more.

Since 1996 E.Z. Orchards has used their annual harvest celebration to connect urban residents with rural traditions, and encourage people to learn more about how their food is grown. It's a fun, educational experience for children and adults alike.

Autumn ingredients shine at the Silver Grille.

Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. I love seeing the leaves change, and I especially enjoy the delicious food products that arrive in October and November.

The ingredients I look forward to most are root vegetables, coho salmon, and dairy products from grass-fed cows.

Chef Jeff Nizlek, owner of the Silver Grille, is very good at creating dishes that unite autumn's flavors and bring them into focus. His downtown Silverton restaurant is a local favorite for Mid-Willamette Valley residents. And many will agree that fall is one of the best times to dine at the Silver Grille.

Here's why...

Autumn-beauty in the garden.

Beets, ready for harvest.

Cherry and pussy willow logs, cut for the fire-pit.

Bright red leaves of the blueberry bush.

Dried tassels on corn stalks.

Seedless grapes at their peak of ripeness.

Turkeys are still available from Abundant Life Farm.

Abundant Life Farm will have whole turkeys available for Thanksgiving.

After the untimely deaths of Scott and Marylin Jondle, who owned and operated the farm, family and friends have worked to sell the remaining livestock and meat products. They plan to butcher 150 turkeys during the first week of November, and have them ready for sale by mid-month. Processed birds will weigh between 12 and 24 pounds.

The turkeys are being raised on pasture, without added hormones or antibiotics.

Place Your Order

Contact: Beth Beach
Cell: 503-917-1476
Farm Phone: 503-623-6378
Pick-Up Date: November 15th and 16th, 7am to 11pm
Location: Abundant Life Farm, 16055 Gilliam Rd. Dallas, OR
Price: $3.75/lb.

Note: Beef, chicken, pork, and lamb may also be available.

E.Z. Orchards kicks-off annual harvest celebration.

October is Harvest Fest at E.Z. Orchards Farm Market, just northeast of Salem. Attractions include tractor-drawn hay rides, corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and live music. Plus, the market will offer fresh doughnuts, apple cider, and a wide selection of autumn produce.

Visit ezorchards.com for more information.

Late Season Anomaly.

It's almost October and we still have raspberries.

Several years ago my parents planted a raspberry bush in their backyard. It provides a nice crop every summer. But in the last few years I've noticed that their raspberry bush produces a second, much smaller crop in the fall. Two years ago I picked ripe raspberries as late as mid-November.

I'm not sure how unusual this is, but I'm happy to have fresh berries any time of the year.

Ripe raspberries in autumn.