Orchard Talk

Cherry Chili

Lean ground turkey simmered with fire-roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, Bell pepper, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, mustard powder and chopped dried cherries

Ingredients:
4 ounces dried tart cherries, chopped (3/4 cup)
2 cups fat free low sodium chicken broth, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon fresh chopped garlic
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 roasted red Bell pepper, cut into 1/4″ cubes
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
4 cups chopped fire-roasted* tomatoes
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 16-ounce can, rinsed and drained)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Directions:
Heat one cup of the broth. Place cherries in small mixing bowl. Add hot broth and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a 4-qt. saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and saute for about five minutes or until onion is soft. Add garlic and cook one minute longer. Do not brown garlic. Add turkey and cook until it is no longer pink.

Add roasted Bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, coriander, mustard and oregano. Cook mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally for about two minutes. Add tomatoes and remaining cup of broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes.

Stir in beans, cherries and cilantro. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes or until mixture is just heated through. Season with additional salt if desired.

*Used canned fire-roasted tomatoes for optimal flavor; may use regular canned chopped tomatoes

Yield: about 2 quarts or 8 servings

Nutrition Info:
Calories 223, Total Fat g 6, Sat Fat g 2, Chol mg 41, Sodium mg 448, Total Carb g 28, Fiber g 5, Sugars g 14, Protein g 17

Tags: cherry recipes, dried cherries, Powered by Red

Stop by the M-88 Market this Friday, February 19th, between 9 and 5, and enjoy a free slice of cherry pie. Happy National Cherry Month!

Tags: cherry pie, national cherry month, Powered by Red

Ok for my powered by red post I must say that I am eating more than my share of tart cherries. I have tested all the recipes this month and I am drinking my cherry juice every day.

Deer have been an increasing problem again the last few years. The real threat is to the young trees. The deer eat the buds in winter and then eat the new growing shoots in late May/early June when the tree is doing most of it’s growing. As a tree grows there are hormones in the growing tip that regulate how much branching will occur and what form future buds will take, either blossoms or vegatative(branches). When a deer eats the growing tip in June it throws the whole tree out of whack. The branch might have lots of small shoots or all vegetative buds and no flower buds for the following year. This sets back the process since we will come trim away the affected branches but then we are a year behind. If it happens 2 or 3 years in a row then the tree will remain very small and not fill it’s allotted space leaving us with fewer lbs of fruit per tree and per acre.

We spread turkey manure last fall and the smell drove the deer away until just recently now they are going straight to the young apple trees and browsing. So, we have taken notice of this new deer fence that is somewhat effective but it is inexpensive and not very intrusive from a viewing the farm standpoint. We string 2 electric fence wires about 20 inches apart on one set of posts, and a few feet away we string a single wire on a new set of posts so that it is parallel with the other wires and a few feet out. This apparently creates a problem for the deer since they do not like to cross the two sets of wire. We like it because we were able to string it around the small apple trees and not the whole farm, and when the growth slows down in late June we can take it down. It just went on line last week and so far several deer have crossed it anyway but hopefully they will get shocked enough to quit coming back.

Tags: deer, orchard management, Powered by Red

Here we are, in the dead of winter looking forward to the spring thaw. You might wonder what work there is to do at a farm in the middle of winter. Sure the frantic pace has slowed and everyone is relaxed compared to the “norm”, but there is still much work to be done.

I find myself looking over the cherry harvesting equipment; making repairs, modifications, upgrades and constantly looking for ways to improve the design.

These repairs are crucial to the work flow during the harvest. Many times a close look at the machines in the off season will save you days of headache and lost labor later in the year. Most of the repairs are simple, a little welding followed by a some wrenching will get the job done. Other times it is more complicated, these are the ones I enjoy the most. Improve the design of the machine in order to cut down on damaged fruit or costly repairs.

Well I am heading out, have to go do some ice fishing. What is work with out a little play?

Tags: cherry harvest, Powered by Red

This afternoon, while enjoying a coffee break & Rose’s cherry cheesecake, we took an informal survey here at King Orchards.

“If there was one thing you’d like everyone to know about King Orchards tart cherry juice concentrate, what would it be?”

Here is what we learned from each other, and what we’d like you to know:

Jim:  “It takes approximately 20 to 25 pounds of tart cherries to make one quart of King Orchards tart cherry juice concentrate.”

John:  “Tart cherry juice concentrate is the least expensive and most efficient way to get tart cherries.”

Betsy:  “To establish a routine of drinking tart cherry juice, think about your personality. Do you like to have a glass of orange or apple juice in the morning or the afternoon? Consider adding a tablespoon or two of cherry juice concentrate to your daily glass of juice. Are you a smoothie drinker? Cherry juice is an easy and nutritious addition to any smoothie recipe. Like a cool, sweet drink? Try adding a bit of cherry juice concentrate to store-bought or homemade lemonade.”

Patty:  “Sometimes I get so enthusiastic about promoting tart cherry juice concentrate as a healthy drink, I forget to tell people how delicious it is! It is bright and refreshing simply mixed with water and poured over ice. Tart cherry juice concentrate also makes an excellent mixer. A little KO tart cherry juice concentrate, some water, soda water or sparkling wine, a little vodka (or not), and a squeeze of lime, and Voila! You have a tasty, smooth and semi-sophisticated beverage.”

Jésus Sr and Maria:  The cherry juice concentrate is so good, they’ll be taking some with them on their vacation to Guatemala this month, to share with friends and family. Not in their carry-on luggage, of course.

Jésus Jr:  We can ship 3 quarts of cherry juice concentrate (a 3 months’ supply) anywhere in the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and APO addresses for only $52.47!

Daisy:  She loves Hip Bones, but we have heard from many people who bake tart cherry juice into homemade dog biscuits (Dogs can use tart cherries to maintain healthy joints too.)

Mike King: There must be something to this tart cherry juice muscle recovery stuff, because his ski coaches keep telling him he should be drinking it while training for races.

Rose: “I’ve had customers tell me all kinds of cool ways to use tart cherry juice concentrate. Drizzle it over oatmeal to make your healthy breakfast taste a lot like cherry pie. Mix it into vanilla yogurt for a classic, soothing flavor combo.”

Is there something you would like to know about tart cherry juice, or do you have a recipe or helpful hint you’d like to share?  We would love your feedback. Feel free to comment here at Orchard Talk, or contact us toll-free at 1-877-937-5464.

Tags: cherry recipes, Powered by Red, tart cherry juice

My wife Rose and I went out to Pennsylvania for the Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Growers Convention last week. We went to the convention to market Cherry Juice Concentrate along with our Dried Cherry Products. There were a lot of vendors there selling Farm Market Items, Farm Equipment, Financing Institutions and Everything for the production of fruit. We sold out of product and the show was good for us. It was good to shake hands with existing customers and meet some new ones.  While at Hershey, we had to try the Hershey products and were not disappointed. We had a quick trip home without incident, thank you highway patrol.

Tags: cherry juice, cherry juice concentrate, dried cherries, Powered by Red

Rose tried these cherry pie cookies, or mini-pies,  in her bakery some time ago (much too long ago, come to think of it). They were a big hit! I am posting them here by special request.

p.s. I wonder if a person could cut little hearts in the center of the pastries for Valentine’s Day treats.

CHERRY PIE COOKIES

Ingredients:
Cherry filling (see recipe below)  – 1 1/4 cups
Prepared pie pastry
1 Large egg
1 Tbl. Water
Coarse white sugar

Directions:

Prepare cherry filling according to recipe below.

Roll pie pastry on lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Using floured cutter, cut into 4-inch diameter rounds. Re-work scraps of pastry once.

Combine egg and water; mix well. Place 1 ounce (1 tablespoon) cherry filling in center of one round. Brush edges with egg wash. top with another round. Seal edges with a fork. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining rounds.

Brush top of cookies with egg mixture. Cut slit in top to allow steam to escape during baking. Sprinkle lightly with sugar.

Bake in preheated 400 F degree conventional oven 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden. Remove from baking sheet and let cool completely on wire racks.

Cherry Filling
(with canned tart cherries)
Yield: 2-1/4 quarts   (This recipe yields a lot of cherry filling!)

Ingredients:
2 1/4 quarts   Water-pack canned tart cherries (4 pounds 5 ounces drained weight) – 6 15oz cans
1 1/2 cups   Granulated sugar
1/2 cup   Cornstarch
3/4 cup Reserved Juice or water
1 Tbl. Almond Extract

Directions:
Drain Cherries, reserving juice. Combine sugar and cornstarch in 6-quart saucepan; mix well. Stir in reserved cherry juice or water.

Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Boil 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thickened and clear. Remove from heat. Stir in drained cherries and almond extract.

Refrigerate cherry mixture 1 to 2 hours. Cover. Mixture will keep refrigerated up to 3 days. Do not heat before using.

Use this filling to prepare Cherry Pie Cookies or other bakery recipes.

Tags: cherry pie cookies, Powered by Red

For the month of February (February is National Cherry Month), we will be having a sale on Cherry Juice Concentrate. Instead of 13.99 it will be 12.99 a quart. Also, if you buy a case (12 qts to a case) of Cherry Juice you will receive a free 1lb bag of our deliciously sweet All American dried tart cherries (sweetened with 100% US grown apple juice). They are great, healthy snacks and are also great for baking. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 1-877-937-5464. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Jésus

Tags: cherry juice, cherry juice on sale, Powered by Red, tart cherries

Why February for National Cherry Month? That question has been floating around our office the past few days. I believe that it has to do with George Washington cutting down a cherry tree and since we celebrate his birthday in February … My niece, Meg, pointed out that it is stupid to not have National Cherry Month in July when cherries are fresh and available, but having it in February does have a few advantages and here is how I see them:

1. The foodies of the world need something to get excited about. In Michigan there are no fresh local veggies right now and cherries, “our local state crop,” adds spice to any dish. One just needs to be creative to find great recipes, not just desserts either that use cherries.

2. In Michigan, you have to remember, we have “winter white blindness” and the thought of red cherries is so welcome.

3. February is a great month for cherry farmers to get on board. I’m sure I would not have been able to spend the time in July on marketing that I have here in February.

4. In July, people are already eating cherries. We need people to remember to use cherries in their recipes in a different month like February and March and April.

5. Cherries thickened can top yogurt or oatmeal and add color and zest. What better time to do that then February?

Whatever the reason we have National Cherry Month in February, King Orchards is happy to head the parade reminding everyone to “EAT CHERRIES”. Keep watch as we will have a fresh blog everyday in February.

Tags: cherry juice, michigan cherries, national cherry month, Powered by Red, tart cherries

Join Orchard Talk every day in February as the King Orchards family, crew and guest bloggers will be writing about cherries: growing and harvesting cherries, cherry recipes, cherry juice, and cherry nutrition news.  We’re calling this series “28 Days Powered by Red,” in honor of National Cherry Month and American Heart Health Month.

28 Days Powered by Red: Day 1

We have a gorgeous winter day today. Unfortunately, I won’t be out much since I am trying to wrap up the year end accounting. The preliminary meeting went OK with our accountant but we have some ripples. Glenn Kole has been doing our tax returns for years. He is retired as a MSU farm economist with extension, and he really knows his farm tax landscape. But, now he is retiring from doing tax returns too, so he set us up with an ag accountant with a larger Traverse City firm. The first meeting went well and we have lots to think about. We are now paying the Michigan Business Tax. Purely ag enterprises are exempt but when you sell direct to the public (farm markets), or business to business (b2b mail order cherry juice) then you lose your exemption. We are exploring forming an LLC to put the mail order stuff under so we don’t lose the exemption on the ag side. We all know the state is desperate for the money!

This winter we have a constant buzz going in the shop. Tad Dowker, a long time cherry harvest helper, graduated from MTU (My alma mater!) and was laid off from his engineering job. Tad and Eric Belcher (our capable mechanic) have teamed up in the shop and are putting King Orchards on the right track.

First they took apart the old cherry harvester and replaced rusted and fatigued metal with lots of fabricating and welding. They made numerous improvements over the original design. Next they brought in the newer shaker that we bought in California last summer. They added numerous features which adapt it to our hilly terrain. We hope to take a shaker head from an old Shockwave Shaker which is very gentle on trees and fruit, and install it on a newer Coe shaker which isn’t as sensitive. This will take some planning and lots of fabrication.

Now they have taken our old pickup truck and removed the body to make the first of two forklifts on the schedule. Both Tad and Eric love “mud trucks” so they have brought their expertise on suspensions to the project and this looks like the best shopbuilt forklift ever. Instead of rear springs we use air bags from semi-truck suspensions. This allows a super soft smooth ride for the bins of apples and cherries. These lifts cost a fraction of a new brand name forklift and they actually fit our needs better than anything you can buy (we make them lower and shorter so they slip under the fruit and branches) The beauty of these lifts is that a worker can easily learn to drive them, they scoot quickly and quietly down long rows and back and forth to the farm yard bringing in bins of cherries (2000 lbs) or apples (1000 lbs).

If there is time we will buy several old school bus chassis and strip them down then add a huge fan to make wind machines. I have blogged in the past about wind machines and we think adding 5-6 more will make us feel more protected.

I have to quit blogging now so that I can think of projects to stay ahead of the shop’s dynamic duo!
John

Tags: cherry farming, cherry growing, cherry juice, cherry shakers, Crop Updates & Orchard Talk, Our Websites, Powered by Red