Sustainable Food Center

GROW

Herbs

More Than A Garnish

Growing herbs has been widely promoted as a way for beginner gardeners to test out their green thumb, and, as we wrote about last month, herbs are a great option for indoor growing if you lack outdoor space. The benefits to growing your own herbs are endless. Herbs are wonderful to cook with. They serve as more than garnishes for your dishes; they provide flavor as well as antioxidants and nutrients. Growing your own herbs also saves you money, since herbs bought at the grocery store usually tend to be a more expensive item. They can be used for medicinal uses, teas...

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SHARE

Easter Egg Hunt

'Green' Easter Egg Hunt

Could we be any greener? Get ready for a cool, ‘Green’ Easter Egg scavenger hunt this Saturday, April 4th, at the SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown, thanks to our sponsor One Gas. Bring the kiddos down to the market and check-in at the blue Sustainable Food Center information booth. We will provide a scavenger hunt booklet filled with neat things for the kids to find at the market that maybe even the grownups don’t know about! While rounding up their answers, the little ones will have fun AND learn more about the farmers' market...

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PREPARE

Fermented Foods

Get Into Fermented Foods!

The flavorful space between fresh and rotten.” -- Sandoor Katz.

Fermentation is an ancient way of preserving food and its nutrients for months past the date of harvest. Chemically, it is the breaking down of foods by bacteria, yeasts, molds or other microorganisms. Many of the foods we consume every day are fermented, including: yogurt, cheese, coffee, bread, wine, beer, soy products, vinegar, cured meats and some kinds of pickles. Fermented foods containing...

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SFC AND COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

HEB & EarthShare of Texas In-store Campaign
In recognition of Earth Day, SFC's Farm to Plate sponsor H-E-B has selected EarthShare of Texas, and it's member organizations, as the April beneficiary for its in-store coupon promotion. Throughout April and into the first week of May, look for the EarthShare of Texas tear-off coupons at check-out stands in any Texas H-E-B or Central Market store. Add a check-out coupon worth $1, $3, or $5 to your bill and your dollars go directly to SFC and the other EarthShare of Texas member organizations, benefitting both the Texas environment and our economy. Learn more »


Texas Local Food Bills Need Your Help
Seven great bills that will help local farmers and food producers have been filed -- now we need your voice to get them passed! Learn more »


7th Annual Funky Chicken Coop Tour
Celebrate Austin's feathered friends and funky homes on Saturday, April 4th. The celebration begins at Sunshine Community Gardens for a free class, educational booths and activities — even a chicken puppet show! Learn more »


Texas VegFest
On Sat. April 4th head out to Fiesta Gardens for this annual celebration of plant-based foods. The festival features educational lectures, cooking demonstrations, youth activities, fantastic foods, craft beer, and live music. Learn more »


The Soil Kitchen
Find our what's in your garden with free soil testing. The Soil Kitchen, a 3-day opportunity for gardeners to receive free soil tests, will take place during the Fusebox Festival on April 10-12. The results will help you to safely and effectively start or continue gardening. Learn more »


East Austin Garden Fair
On Sat., April 11th, attend this fun, hands-on fair that shows you creative, low-cost ways to grow vegetables, herbs and fruits. Get expert advice from Master Gardeners and attend an assortment of DIY and demonstration activities, including garden planning, kids’ activities and container garden building. Learn more »


East Austin Urban Farm Tour
Spend Sun., April 12th, strolling vibrant fields of local produce and visiting with chickens, donkeys, and goats on four neighboring urban farms. At each farm, chefs will provide tastes of their art using the freshest farm ingredients while local brewers, wine merchants, and mixologists will offer sips. Learn more »


For the Beauty of the Earth
An Earth Day celebration and concert on April 18th at the St. David's Episcopal Church. Proceeds benefit SFC. Learn more »


SFC on Good Day Austin
Check out Chefs Andrew Wiseheart and Steven Cak from Gardner in our weekly segment on FOX 7's Good Day Austin. Chef Andrew prepared crispy chicken skins with honey and creme fraiche and Chef Steven made a dish using beets, chocolate, rose and pomegranate. Tune in next Wednesday for our segment with the chef from Fixe.

GARDENING OPPORTUNITIES

 

COOKING CLASSES

 

SFC FARMERS' MARKET REPORT

SFC FARMERS' MARKET INFO

Sustainable Food Center