Mans Organics is a certified organic farm owned and operated by Henk and Rita Mans, their son Andrew and his wife Denise. The farm is located in beautiful southern Alberta, near Coaldale, where the family has grown organic crops for more than five years. Their focus: to grow quality, organic red and yellow onions, shallots, and garlic, with alfalfa and barley for rotation. In 2012, they built an organic greenhouse that spans approximately half an acre, where they produce tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. The Mans decided to begin farming organically to eliminate the risks that chemically treated produce. Using only organic methods for weed and insect control, their goal is to make healthy, safely grown organic vegetables available to a wider population. The Organic Box is happy to partner with Mans Organic, and support local organic farmers.
Onions are high in flavenoids and have strong anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and cancer fighting properties. Don't worry about onion breath, you're doing your body good!
Shallots are favoured for their mild onion flavour, and can be used in the same manner as onions. </br></br>Very similar to onions in nutritional value. Expect high levels of flavenoids and polyphenols from these shallots. Rather than degrade when cooked, many of these nutrients seep into the water, or oils, that the onions are cooking in.
Russian garlic has a strong garlic flavour and a warm sweet aftertaste. Not only is Garlic widely used in many dishes but it is also reported that with regular use garlic helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels as well as blood pressure. An interesting tip for all gardeners is that, like other members of the onion family, garlic is reputed to keep insects and fungal diseases at bay. By growing clumps of garlic throughout your garden you may be able to ward off some common problems like aphids.
Worried about Vampires? Stock up on large bulbs of fresh garlic then and you'll feel much better. </br></br>Garlic is a great addition to almost any meal. Enhancing cooking flavour and providing some fantastic health benefits.
This stringy squash provides a fun substitute for pasta and can be cooked in a variety of ways. </br></br>Winter squash, are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are important for cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. They also have been shown to be helpful in regulating blood sugar. They are high in vitamins and especially excellent sources of Vitamin A and C.
Red Kuri squash. It's a Japanese squash variety that has a very delicate, mellow flavour. Very excited to have these in the warehouse! </br> </br> Red Kuri Squash are a Japanese Squash variety that is rarely grown in Canada. Inside the hard outer skin there is a firm flesh that provides a very delicate and mellow chestnut-like flavour. The majority of these grown in North America are exported to Japan. Try one this week!