farmology
Backyard eggs vs. store-bought How to decorate with collections Fresh Strawberry Jam
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editors note
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Greetings from the Country!
Home and garden: how to decorate with collections
Here at Farmology, we strongly believe that how you live means a whole lot more than where you live. You can carve out your own little slice of green space anywhere you choose—even if you’re surrounded by more skyline than sky. Still, seeing that we’re a publication with the word “Farm” stamped across its forehead, we recently picked up and moved to the country. While we’re not exactly working out of a barn (someday!), we have happily settled into our new home. Of course, any major move inspires you to step back and take stock (“Do I really need that 200-pound dresser? Is it time for a new dining table?”), and that’s what we’re doing with the magazine. So, it is my utmost pleasure to introduce to you our first issue from our new location. My hope is that youenjoy it just as much as I have in putting it together foy you. Treasa Hix t.hix@farmology.com
editors note
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Life: backyard eggs vs. store-bought
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Food: fresh strawberry jam
DIY Project
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life
Backyard eggs vs store bought There is a difference between a store bought, factory farm egg laid by chickens confined in small cages and a farm fresh egg laid by a happy hen who is allowed to scratch around in the earth for bugs, worms and weeds. Add fruit and veggie scraps to their natural, outdoorsy diet, and your flock will reward you with protein and vitamin rich eggs. Do you know that the protein in eggs is one of the highest quality proteins found in any food? The white egg in this photo is a factory farmed egg purchased at the grocery store. The brown egg was laid by one of my chickens. The egg produced by my chicken is considerably smaller than the store egg, but as my flock matures, the size of their eggs will increase. My gals are still pullets (chicken teenagers!) and have only been laying for a few weeks. Notice how the farm egg has a rich orange center while the store egg yolk is a medium yellow? Not only do farm egg yolks have a deeper color, but they are creamier and don’t break as easily as factory egg yolks. Another noticeable difference is that the shells of farm eggs are thicker and harder than those of factory eggs. These differences are due to diet, of course. Also, since my chickens spend their days outdoors, they get plenty of natural vitamin D. Factory chickens are given supplemental D in their feed pellets. Poor factory farmed chickens. How would you like to eat Grape Nuts every day of your life? †
There’s no difference between white and brown eggs, though some people swear they differ in taste and nutritional value. Two of my chickens lay brown eggs, two lay medium brown eggs, and the other two lay cream colored eggs. All have beautiful orange yolks and taste the same. Do farm fresh eggs taste better than store eggs? Yes! It’s like the difference between strawberries you buy from the grocery store and strawberries you pick from a farm or your own garden. Perhaps the reason farm fresh eggs taste better is because they are fresher. After all, the typical grocery store egg is 30 days old. Keep in mind that eggs have a long shelf life and this is nothing to be alarmed about. However, if you want a truly FRESH egg, you won’t find any at the store! The trend is easy to understand. Chickens don’t cost much to feed. They are also funny, and you should never underestimate the value of livestock that makes you laugh. And, of course, there’s a steady stream of eggs you can even share with friends. Ü
To learn more about fresh eggs visit BackYardChickens.com (motto: a chicken in every yard!).
home/ graden
How to decorate with collections
Figurines, stamps, antiques, signs, seashells, spoons. Whatever it may be, collections are often something that hold a special place not only in our hearts, but in our homes. Collections open up a new world for exploration, opportunities to reminisce about childhood memories, all while fueling the desire to search and find just the item to add to the collection. Unfortunately, as beautiful and meaningful as collections may be, they are often thrown into attics, garages, and basements, stifling any significance and appreciation the collection may offer.
How do you embrace a collection? Discovering the meaning behind a collection is the first step.
A few thoughts to consider to decorate with collections: 1. Is the collection meaningful to you? 2. What value do you place on the collection? Monetary or sentimental? 3. Does it bring back positive or negative memories of the past? 4. Do you have the space to store or display the collection? In answering these questions, you will be able to decipher first if the collection is worth keeping. Most often collections do hold a special meaning or bring back positive memories. Now the question is what to do with them? There are two options: either store or display them. †
Storing and preserving your collection appropriately may be the most important action you take. Storing your collection where dust, moisture, mold, fluctuating temperatures, lights, and sunlight cannot ruin, is key. Finding the right container or box to prevent these various scenarios from happening, is a must. If you are looking to embrace your collection to its fullest, consider a display: 1. Think about how you want guests and family members to see your items. 2. Find an appropriate space to display the collection. Think hanging, shelves, bookcases, tables, or glass cabinets. 3. Make sure there is enough space to add to the collection if needed. As you work through your collections and decipher how to best embrace them, keep in mind that if you are storing a collection for a family member that has since passed away, think about why you are hanging onto it. Sometimes keeping collections can only add more stress, burdens, and negative emotions. If your family has kept collections in hopes of you wanting them someday, and you no longer wish to keep them, do not feel guilty about letting them go. Embracing your collections is the best way for your home to tell a story of what you appreciate. Don’t be shy; find a space and start displaying your collections. Ăœ
food Ingredients:
Fresh
Strawberry Jam
2 cups sugar 1 large lemon, zested and juiced 1 1/2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and halved Directions: Combine the sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over very low heat for 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the strawberries and continue to cook over very low heat for 20 minutes, until the strawberries release some of their juices and the mixture boils slowly. Cook until a small amount of the juice gels on a very cold plate. (I keep one in the freezer.) Pour carefully into 2 pint canning jars and either seal or keep refrigerated. Use immediately, or follow proper canning guidelines below.
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• Dairy Barns • Pricing Antiques • Canning 101
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