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Shop Local, Eat Fresh

Summer

Nine Pine Soup & Design shares the benefits of white pine

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By Madison Jackson

Nine Pine Soup & Design, photo by Pattie Garrett

On Wednesday afternoons under the shade of the south pavilion in High Rock Park, you can find Janine Stockin, also known as Jai, owner of Nine Pine Soup & Design, behind a table of thoughtfully displayed products.

Nine Pine Soup & Design, photo by Madison Jackson

Pine cones adorn a table with jars of white pine needles, teas, and oils. Homemade soup broth gently steams nearby. Tree branches, carefully woven with colorful yarn, are placed around the space. The art of decorating these branches is known as Ojo de Dios or God’s Eye; a traditional Mexican craft that symbolizes peace, protection, and prosperity. Jai handmakes each piece in various sizes and colors meant to inspire meditation and a sense of calmness.

The main focus of her business is the needles of the white pine tree, a conifer traditionally used for lumber and sap. In this case, Jai uses the pine needles to brew tea and oils rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Jai sought a spot as a vendor with the Saratoga Farmers’ Market to share the many benefits of white pine needles with the community. She has been studying plants since age 14 and pursued an education, earning a degree in Botany and Earth Science. In January 2019, Jai became inspired by information on white pine from well-known herbalists like Susan Weed and Dina Falconi.

Nine Pine Soup & Design, photo by Pattie Garrett

White pine has a rich history with Iroquois roots and is known as the “Tree of Peace” for helping to end a conflict between the Five Nations. White pine needles are rich in compounds linked to better health, and, historically, they have had many uses as natural remedies. They are high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, calcium, and potassium.

Jai makes a healing massage oil infused with white pine oil and almond oil, which deeply conditions the skin. She notes the uplifting aromatherapy of the tea and oil, which soothes and nourishes the body. Jai also makes white pine broth and white pine iced tea.

Stop by the Wednesday market to speak with Jai about her products and sample her fresh white pine needle tea and broth. For more information on her products, contact Jai at 9pinedesigns@gmail.com.

This week’s recipe: Pine Needle Vegetarian Broth

Stress Relief Smoothie

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Recipe shared by Moon Cycle Seed Company
Serves: 1

Photo by Sarah Avery

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
● 1 frozen banana
● 1 cup frozen berries*
● ½ cup zucchini*
● 1 Tbsp Cherry Beetroot Moon Milk*
● 1 Tbsp flax seed
● 2 cups A2 milk* or plant milk

Instructions
Pour your milk of choice into a blender. Add Moon Milk and flax seed. Then add the banana, berries, and zucchini and blend until smooth. Add more milk for a thinner smoothie. Enjoy!

Lamb Satay

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iStock

Adapted from How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman, shared by Elihu Farm

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market
● 1 pound boneless sirloin lamb* (or whole boneless sirloin roast*, or a boneless half shoulder*)
● ½ cup soy sauce
● ¼ cup water
● ⅛ teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
● 4 Tablespoons smooth peanut butter*
● 1 Tablespoon garlic*, minced
● 2 teaspoons ginger, grated or minced
● 1 Tablespoon lime or lemon juice
● 20 bamboo skewers

Instructions
1. Combine soy sauce, water, cayenne, peanut butter, garlic, ginger, and lemon or lime juice in a bowl.
2. Cut lamb into thin strips, and marinate for 2-3 hours. (It’s easier to cut thin strips of lamb that are frozen and haven’t completely thawed.)
3. Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 20 minutes. Thread the lamb strips on the skewers. Put a strip of foil along the edge of the grill to protect the ends of the skewers. Grill 1-2 minutes on each side.

Variation: Marinate a boneless shoulder roast overnight, and grill to rare or medium-rare. Slice thinly.

Summer Berry Parfait

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Photo by Emily Meagher

Summer Berry Parfait
Recipe shared by TogaNola
Serves: 1

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
● 6 oz vanilla Greek yogurt*
● 3/4 cup blueberries*
● 3/4 cup strawberries*, sliced
● 1/2 banana, sliced
● 1 Tbsp wheat germ
● 1/3 cup TogaNola Granola Clusters*

Instructions
Layer 1/4 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/3 container yogurt, 1/3 tablespoon wheat germ, 1/3 of the sliced banana, and about 2 tablespoons of granola in a large bowl. Continue to build the parfait, repeating the layers until all of the ingredients are used completely. Enjoy!

Summer Vegetable Stir Fry

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iStock

Adapted from the recipe by Alyssa Rivers
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
● 1 tablespoon olive oil*
● 1 red bell pepper*, sliced
● 1 yellow bell pepper*, sliced
● 1 cup sugar snap peas*
● 1 cup carrots*, sliced
● 1 cup mushrooms*, sliced
● 1 cup zucchini* or yellow summer squash*, sliced
● 2 cups broccoli*
● 2 cups bok choy*
● ¼ cup soy sauce
● 3 garlic cloves*, minced
● 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
● 1 teaspoon sesame oil
● 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
● 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Optional: chopped green onions* and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
1. In a wok or large skillet, add 1 Tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, peas, carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, and bok choy. Sauté 2-3 minutes until veggies are almost tender.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, chicken or vegetable broth, and cornstarch.
3. Pour over veggies and cook until the sauce has thickened. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes:
● Customize your stir fry by adding in protein. Chicken, pork, shrimp, and beef are all available at the farmers’ market.
● Make your stir fry with seasonal vegetables: asparagus, bean sprouts, cauliflower, tomatoes, and corn all make delicious additions.
● Spice it up by adding crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha.
● Serve over brown or white rice, noodles, ramen, lo mein, zoodles, or wilted greens.

Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt

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Photo by Pattie Garrett

Adapted from the recipe by Taste of Home, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table
Serves: 8

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
● ½ cup plain Greek yogurt*
● 3 Tablespoons white vinegar
● 1 Tablespoon sugar
● pepper to taste
● 4 medium cucumbers*, peeled and thinly sliced
● 1 small sweet onion*, thinly sliced and separated into rings

Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt, vinegar, sugar, and pepper until blended. Add cucumbers and onion. Toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered for at least 4 hours.

Notes: The original recipe calls for sour cream in place of yogurt.