09.06.23

Around The Farm

Reflection and Poem about the UW Farm
By Claire Curran, Summer ENVIR 240 student, Senior at UW

My name is Claire and I am a senior in the marine biology major at the University of Washington. I am also an environmental studies minor, so spending time on the UW farm has always been highlighted in potential classes that I can take for the minor requirements. This summer I knew I would have to take some classes for my major that wouldn’t be all that fulfilling, so I decided to take Environment 240: Urban Farming (taught by Eli Wheat) in the hopes that I could find enjoyment between the tougher courses. Participating in the service learning as part of this class has been my favorite part of the course. I have loved meeting people from all over the Seattle area. Some come simply because they enjoy gardening, others come as a date activity, and some are like me and are completing community hours for their classes.

My first time working on the farm I harvested mizuna with a mother and her son. It was so nice to just talk and work and learn about a new plant (I’d never heard of mizuna before this) and learn about new people. My second time working on the farm I was at McMahon and had so much fun cleaning out all those overgrown beds. I so enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing how clean the beds looked after our weeding, although I wish we’d taken a before and after picture. Some other notable experiences include cleaning and packing around 130lbs of carrots (and giggling at the unique shapes some of them formed), as well as planting leeks at Mercer Court. While I learned a lot of technical information during these experiences, I think the most important thing I learned was how valuable it is to have a connection with food. It makes me think more deeply about the produce I buy and I have tried to make more of an effort to go to farmers markets especially during the summer when I know the produce is far superior to grocery store food.

I hope to continue to volunteer at the farm during the fall and in the future, because it really did open my eyes to the importance of knowing where food comes from and gave me so many skills that I hope to use when I have my own garden one day. The poem below is an encapsulation of some of the feelings and experiences I had while on the UW farm this summer and I hope they give you a sense of what you can gain from learning in such a hands on way.

UW Farm's Annual Harvest Dinner:

This Week's CSA Veggie Key:

Recipe of the Week:

Simple Sautéed Golden Frills Mustard Green with Bell Pepper

Ingredients:

• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 red bell pepper minced
• 1 bunch golden frills mustard green
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt and crushed red chili flakes

Steps:

1. Turn on medium heat and add the oil in a large pan. Add minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté until garlic is softened and fragrant and has infused the oil.
2. Add the chopped mustard greens. Season the greens with salt and black pepper.
3. Add the chopped red bell pepper and crushed red chili flakes, and sauté while tossing to wilt.
4. Raise heat to a simmer, then lower and cook for about 5 minutes more.
5. Remove from the heat. Ready to serve!

Nutrition Corner: Mustard Greens

Mustard Greens are native to regions of Asia and Europe. They have been cultivated for centuries for the use of mustard seeds to make mustard (the condiment), mustard oil, and eating the leafy greens. They are a highly nutritious leaf vegetable. Prepared fresh or sauteed, mustard greens are an excellent source of Vitamin K, A, and C. 

Source: FoodPrint

100g Mustard Greens (raw)
Total Calories: 27 kcal
Total Fat: 0.42g
Carbohydrates: 4.67g
Dietary Fiber: 3.2g
Total Sugars: 1.32g
Protein: 2.86g
Calcium: 115mg
Iron: 1.64mg

Source: USDA

News and Noteworthy:

UW Farm Summer and Fall Internship Opportunities

Farm Education Internship – OPEN Fall 2023

General Farm Internship, CSA Program Focus – OPEN FOR Summer and Fall 2023

Food Security Internship – OPEN FOR SUMMER and Fall 2023

More available paid and unpaid opportunities to check out on our website.

Career Opportunities in Agriculture & Food Systems:

• Kirsop Farm – Hiring Multiple Positions
• EarthCorps – Hiring Multiple Positions
• Red Dog Farms – Multiple Positions Available
• Seed Savers Exchange – Multiple Positions Available
• Superstar Farmer's Market Staff
• Farm Steward – Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust
• Seattle Public Schools – Farm to School Specialist
• Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology Facilities Lead
• Seed Inventory/ Quality Assurance Manager – Adaptive Seeds

Food Access Resources

The UW Farm donates regularly to the UW Food Pantry. During peak season we also donate to nearby food banks. The links below are resources to help you or someone you know with food access.  

• UW Food Pantry: The UW Food Pantry | Any Hungry Husky (washington.edu)
• Northwest Harvest Food Donation sites: Public Drop Sites – Northwest Harvest
• University District Food Bank: Donate Food and Items – University District Food Bank (udistrictfoodbank.org)
• Food Lifeline: Volunteer – Food Lifeline

Help The Farm Grow!

Every year, we have the capacity to grow more food and increase our educational and research program at the UW, but not without your support. Every contribution goes to work immediately, helping us better serve students. Your support can sustain our momentum and help seed new opportunities for student internships, academic work, and future growth. Please consider making a gift to the Farm online

Copyright © 2023 The UW Farm, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
The UW Farm
3501 NE 41st St, 
Seattle, WA 98105

On campus mailbox
Box 354115

NEW email address:
uwfarm@uw.edu