Huge congratulations to my friend Andrea Kristin on the launch of her new book, Fresh Grown – The Essential Guide to Use, Store, and Make the Most of Your Vegetables. This self-published work of art is now available for sale here (not sponsored, I just like it).
A little Background
Andrea and her husband Denis Forstbauer run Grey Arrow Farm and have almost a decade’s experience as market gardeners and CSA operators on this completely organic property near Camrose, Alberta. As the mother of five, an entrepreneur, photographer, cook, and artist, Andrea shares her tremendous organizational abilities in the new book.
There are over 50 types of vegetables featured along with:
-insightful information on all the edible parts and how to use them.
-practical tips for using, storing, preserving, and enjoying your fresh produce
-creative recipes and cooking tips to make the most of your harvest
-instructions and guidance on six ways to preserve your vegetables to enjoy them year-round.
When asked what this means to her, Andrea says, “Publishing this book was a way for me to ‘share the wealth’ I’d gained over the years with others. It’s a true compilation of everything I’ve learned over the past two decades of farming. And putting it all into a book was a way of paying it forward in a sense, in hopes that the knowledge would be a helpful and valuable to others too. I’m so happy to finally share it!”
My Thoughts
This book, and the way Andrea and her family contribute to the world, is vital for humanity. Right now, the average age of a farmer in North America is 57.5 years. Farmers are retiring in droves with no succession plan. Over half the world’s soil is eradicated to a point where it is no longer able to grow nutritionally dense food. People have lost their connection with how to grow, source, and prepare healthful food.
In contrast, Andrea uses her knowledge of vegetables, skills as a photographer, and abilities as a cook to provide the essential mentorship. I believe this will help many people overcome barriers that keep them from growing, sourcing, cooking, and preserving vegetables. Andrea and the Forstbauer family also connect people with their organic soil and produce at Grey Arrow Farm and in doing so they connect them with the key source of life and health while also helping heal the planet. With their youth and passion, they give me hope for the future.
Attend the Launch Party
If you live near Camrose (it’s only 45 minutes from Edmonton) plan to attend the Fresh Grown Launch Party at Fika Coffeehouse, 4803 48 St, Camrose, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024. There will be snacks and beverages and you can get Andrea to sign your book and have the chance to chat with her.
What a great way to Eat Alberta First and support a Food Artisan of Alberta. These are truly things that help me Savour it All. Check out Andrea’s recipe for Rhubarb BBQ sauce in the next post.
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