November 2009

Traditional Japanese Home Restoration

They say you never really know a house until you have seen it in every season.  The High Village House restoration at Lake Shojiko proved it this fall as the maples in the yard slowly turned to match our new red roof in splendor.  The house is currently on the market and awaiting its new family. We are offering a $20,000 discount for any family who enrolls a child in the local schools. For more details on the full renovation of this classic Japanese farm house, visit http://earthembassy.org/shojiko/

Fresh Shitake Mushroom Farming!!!

We first tried spawning our own mushrooms last year but didnt have much luck.  This spring we tried a few oak logs with spores but again only 2 or 3 shrooms popped out in the season.  Until last week! This late in the fall we werent expecting anything, we one morning Eli was going to feed the sheep and noticed a whole mini forest of Shitake had sprung up over night.  Our new Shitake Carmelized Onion pizza is to die for! Supplies limited, and you had better beat Jake to the kitchen or they will be all gone…

Cosmic Purple Carrots!!!

This has been our best year ever on the farm.  Even into November when nights are frosty and Fuji is covered with fresh snow every morning, we are still eating from the gardens.  I cant describe the taste of real carrot if all you have ever eaten in those things they sell in the supermarket and call “carrots”.  You have to try it yourself to understand.  Its like you were eating plain white bread your whole life and then someone gave you a sandwich. The cosmic purple carrots are so good if you eat one, you will just want a plate of carrots for dinner and nothing else.