Build Your Pantry With Area 2 Farms
Welcome to the Area 2 Farms guide to stocking a farm-fresh pantry. Our goal is to provide you with a practical and easy-to-follow guide for maintaining a pantry that is not only delicious but also supports sustainable and local agriculture, as well as a balanced and nutritious diet. We'll share our favorite ingredients, sourced from our very own vegetable farm, and encourage you to complement them with pantry items to enjoy the farm-to-table experience in your very own kitchen.
Fresh Vegetables: At Area 2 Farms, we grow and deliver a wide variety of seasonal, USDA Certified Organic vegetables that form the basis of many healthy and flavorful meals. Stock up on our leafy greens, root vegetables, and colorful produce to enjoy the freshest flavors in your dishes.
The Pantry Staples:
Whole Grains: Though we don't grow grains on our farm, we encourage you to support local farms that produce nutrient-dense whole grains such as wheat, barley, oats, and farro. These grains form the basis of many comforting, hearty meals.
Legumes: Look for organic, heirloom legumes from nearby farms or farmers' markets to provide a filling and versatile source of plant-based protein. Choose from a range of lentils, beans, and chickpeas to create comforting soups and salads.
Local Raw Honey: Seek out nearby beekeepers to find a variety of raw honey flavors. With its natural sweetness and health benefits, raw honey is a pantry essential for sweetening drinks, dressings, and baked goods.
Seasonal Jams and Preserves: Complement our farm-fresh vegetables with locally sourced fruits to create a range of delicious, homemade jams and preserves. Enjoy them on toast, stirred into yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes.
Pasta: Source a variety of pasta shapes and types from local producers or look for artisanal options at your farmers' market. Pasta is an excellent pantry staple that can be combined with our farm-fresh vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal.
The Flavor Boosters:
Herbs: A well-stocked pantry needs a variety of fresh and dried herbs. Our farm offers a selection of fragrant, organic herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary to enhance your dishes' flavors. If you don’t use your herbs all in one week - try drying or freezing them.
Local Apple Cider Vinegar: Support neighboring farms by purchasing apple cider vinegar made from their organic apples. It's perfect for dressings, marinades, and even natural cleaning.
Homemade Pickles and Ferments: Use our farm-fresh vegetables to create a variety of pickled and fermented delights, like pickled radishes or kimchi, to add tang and depth to your meals.
Local Maple Syrup: Find maple syrup harvested from nearby maple trees to use as a natural sweetener, perfect for pancakes, waffles, or drizzled over yogurt.
Oils and Vinegars:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is a must-have in any pantry. Look for cold-pressed options from local producers or small-batch imports for the freshest taste. Use it for salad dressings, drizzling over dishes, or dipping bread.
Flavored Oils: Enhance your pantry with a selection of flavored oils, such as truffle, garlic, or herb-infused oils. These can elevate your dishes and are excellent for finishing or adding a burst of flavor.
Neutral Oils: Stock up on a neutral oil, like grapeseed, sunflower, or canola oil, for high-heat cooking or when you need a more subtle flavor. These oils are versatile and work well for frying, sautéing, and baking.
Balsamic Vinegar: Invest in a high-quality balsamic vinegar to add a sweet and tangy flavor to your dishes. Aged balsamic vinegar is excellent for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, and even desserts like strawberries and ice cream.
Other Vinegars: Expand your pantry with other vinegars, such as red or white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and rice vinegar. These can be used in various dressings, marinades, and sauces, adding depth and acidity to your meals.
Spices and Condiments:
Basic Spices: Build a versatile spice collection with essentials like black peppercorns, sea salt, red pepper flakes, ground cinnamon, and ground cumin. These spices can be used in a wide range of dishes, from savory to sweet.
Specialty Spices: Enhance your pantry with unique and flavorful spices like smoked paprika, za'atar, or sumac, which can bring a new depth of flavor to your cooking.
Spice Blends: Keep a selection of spice blends, such as curry powder, Italian seasoning, or taco seasoning, on hand for quick and flavorful meal options.
Mustards: Stock up on a variety of mustards, from classic Dijon to whole-grain or flavored options. Mustard is a versatile condiment that adds flavor to sandwiches, dressings, and marinades.
Hot Sauce: Keep a selection of hot sauces with varying heat levels and flavors to suit your tastes. Hot sauce can elevate dishes like eggs, tacos, and soups with a spicy kick.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Include soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free) in your pantry for seasoning stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces.
Mayonnaise and Ketchup: Stock your pantry with these classic condiments for sandwiches, burgers, and dipping sauces. Look for local, small-batch producers, or consider making your own at home for a personal touch.
Dairy Products:
Milk and Cream: Source fresh, local milk and cream from nearby dairies or farmers' markets. Choose from cow's milk, goat's milk, or sheep's milk based on your preferences and dietary needs.
Yogurt: Stock your refrigerator with locally made yogurt, which can be used for breakfast, snacks, or as a base for creamy salad dressings and sauces.
Cheese: Explore local cheese shops or farmers' markets for a variety of artisanal cheeses, from soft brie to aged cheddar. Cheese can elevate dishes, be enjoyed as a snack, or make a delicious cheeseboard.
Butter: Look for high-quality, locally made butter from grass-fed cows to enrich your cooking and baking. It can enhance the flavor and texture of your dishes.
Eggs: Purchase fresh, local eggs from nearby farms or farmers' markets. Eggs are a versatile and nutritious addition to your kitchen, perfect for breakfast, baking, and more.
Canned and Jarred Goods:
Tomato Products: Stock up on a variety of tomato products, such as canned whole tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. These are essential for creating pasta sauces, soups, and stews.
Preserved Vegetables: Fill your pantry with canned or jarred vegetables, like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and olives, to add flavor and texture to salads, pasta dishes, and antipasto platters.
Canned Beans: Keep an assortment of canned beans, such as kidney, black, and cannellini beans, on hand for quick and easy protein sources. Rinse and drain before adding them to salads, soups, and chili.
Canned Fish: Tinned fish, like tuna, sardines, and anchovies, are nutritious, shelf-stable sources of protein. Use them to create sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes with a burst of flavor.
Jars of Salsa and Pasta Sauce: Support local producers by purchasing their jarred salsas and pasta sauces. These can be a convenient and flavorful addition to your pantry for those busy weeknight meals.
Fruit Preserves: As mentioned earlier, homemade or locally-made fruit preserves and jams add a touch of sweetness to your breakfast or desserts. Look for options made with seasonal fruits for the best flavor.
The Farm Pantry Essentials:
Canning Supplies: Preserve the bounty of our farm with canning jars, lids, and tools. This will allow you to enjoy our farm-fresh produce all year round.
Bulk Storage: Invest in airtight containers and reusable bags to store your grains, legumes, and other pantry staples. This helps reduce waste and keep your farm-fresh ingredients fresher for longer.
Almanac: Keep a trusty almanac on hand to track seasonal changes, planting times, and local weather patterns. This knowledge will help you make the most of our farm's offerings and plan your meals accordingly.
With these farm-fresh ingredients and essentials, as well as your commitment to supporting local growers, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, sustainable meals straight from Area 2 Farms and your community. Enjoy the taste
