Simple, seasonal, sustainable
Our family garden (Certified Organic by Baystate Certifiers) has grown over the years. The harvest has not only sustained our extended family, it has enabled us to donate to our local food kitchen, the Owl’s Kitchen.
We have also prepared homemade gifts of unique, seasonal pantry items from jams and chutneys to hot sauces and maple syrup. What we make each year is dependent on what flourishes in our orchard and garden, but below is a list of the many things we have experimented with. For efficiency, we often harvest and freeze fruits and vegetables until we can find a block of time to make jam or hot sauce. The farm evolves, and so do we.
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Apples
Peaches
Pears
Nectarines
Raspberries
Strawberries
Blueberries
Kale
Peas
Beans
Herbs
Salad Greens
Cabbage
Onions
Serrano Peppers
Jalapeno Peppers
Habanero Peppers
Shishito Peppers
Sweet Peppers
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Tomato Jam
Pepper Jam
Raspberry Jam
Strawberry Jam
Peach Chutney
Pear Chutney
Apple Chutney
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Maple Syrup
Hot Sauce
Apple Cider
Claire Lasseur
Claire works alongside Deb in managing the farm, but she’s especially involved in the production of our seasonal pantry items. She loves testing new recipes inspired by what’s growing in the garden.
A conversation with Claire
Your favorite memory on the farm:
My favorite memory is the first year I started, when I got to play with and care for tiny, day old baby chicks for the first time.
What is the hardest farming lesson you have learned?
Having to say goodbye to animals and chickens is always hard. The lesson is that it never gets easier, but to remember the joy the silly ones bring.
Is there one animal on the farm that you’re particularly fond of and why?
All the animals are wonderful, but the donkeys hold a place in my heart. Ben especially, he is way too clever for his own good!
What’s your favorite seasonal product made at Salmon Kill Farm and why?
I love the peach chutney!! It is wonderful with grilled chicken and veggies!
