09.13.23

Around The Farm

By Steph Wright, UW Biology Major, ENVIR 240 student

Steph Wright is a student at UW entering her final year and majoring in Plant Biology. Interestingly, the Biology Department was also the original site of the campus farm. 

Steph was a backyard gardener and is interested in pursuing a career in organic farming. She just finished the ENVIR 240 summer course, The Urban Farm, in August, taught by Eli Wheat.  As part of the course, students may elect to earn credits by volunteering at the student farm. Steph completed over 20 hours and found the experience was an incredible opportunity for connecting with the earth in a way that directly supports the local community with individuals in the class.

Being part of the farm this summer inspired Steph to write the poem below.

Last Chance! Purchase your UW Farm Harvest Dinner Tickets TODAY!

This Week's CSA Veggie Key:

Recipe of the Week:

Tuscan Kale Chips

Image Source: Bon Appétit

Ingredients:

• ​​12 Large Tuscan Kale Leaves
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Teaspoon Fresh Cracked Sea Salt and Pepper

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. While this is occurring rinse the leaves and cut them lengthwise in half, removing the ribs and stems.
2. Take the cleaned leaves and put them in a large bowl with the olive oil, mixing until they are all evenly coated. Afterward, sprinkle the leaves with fresh salt and pepper.
3. Spread the leaves out evenly on two large baking sheets. Make sure to put them in a single layer to allow for proper baking.
4. Place the trays in the oven, baking them until crisp. This will take roughly 30-33 minutes.
5. Remove the trays from the oven and allow to cool before consumption.

Recipe Source: Bon Appétit

Nutrition Corner: Tuscan Kale

Kale is a good source of vitamins K, C, A, and B6 as well as folate, fiber, manganese, and carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Some recent research suggests that the plant chemical glucosinolates (found in kale) potentially can have a protective effect on various cancers and cardiovascular health, however, more research is required to confirm this finding. Tuscan kale (which was provided in the CSA) is one of the most common kale sorts and has a very extensive family (the Cruciferae or cruciferous family). Kale is available for the most part throughout the entire year as it is very tolerant to cold weather including even frost. Kale actually tends to become sweeter in lower temperatures as when exposed to the cold cruciferous vegetables convert starch into sugar (The University of Harvard).

100g Tuscan Kale
Total Calories: 47kcal
Total Fat: 1.18g
Carbohydrates: 8.24g
Dietary Fiber: 3.5g
Total Sugars: 2.35g
Protein: 4.71g
Calcium: 151mg
Iron: 1.18mg

Source: USDA

News and Noteworthy:

UW Farm Summer and Fall Internship Opportunities

Deadline to apply is September 15th. See our Get Involved website for listing and details on how to apply.

Farm Education Internship – OPEN Fall 2023

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

Food Security Internship – OPEN for Fall 2023

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

Farm Fest at Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands

September 16 @ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Join us Saturday, September 16; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for Farm Fest at Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands, a celebration of urban agriculture and the Southeast Seattle community!

Urban Agriculture & Bee Demonstrations • Obstacle Courses & Races • Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony • Smoothie Bike • Multilingual and Indigenous Storytelling • Llamas & Chickens • Performances by Adefua Center, International Capoeira Angola Foundation, Nooksack Storytellers, Northwest Tap Connection, & more • Food Trucks • Popsicles by Ma & Pop’s • and more!

Hosted in partnership with Friends of Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands and Nurturing Roots, this event is free and open to the public.

Local businesses and community organizations will be providing additional opportunities for getting involved in Rainier Beach.

Visit the website link to learn more!

Career Opportunities in Agriculture & Food Systems:

• Seattle Public Schools – Farm to School Specialist
• Seed Savers Exchange – Multiple Positions Available
• Red Dog Farms – Multiple Positions Available
• Kirsop Farm – Hiring Multiple Positions
• EarthCorps – Hiring Multiple Positions

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