Hot Shots - September 30, 2022
Hot Shots - September 30, 2022
Severin R-B Danieli
Hello all,
Today is September 30, which here in Canada is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
"The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process."
As well as, "Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations."
Here at Discovery Island Organics, we acknowledge today, and every day, that we work, live and play on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil Waututh), and Coast Salish peoples.
This hot shots is going to start with a bit of a history lesson, and even more exciting - history on a certain potato; the Haida potato.
How these potatoes arrived on the West coast of Canada, have a few origin stories. One of these theories is that the Spanish conquistadors stole this variety from the Incas, and brought it over to the West Coast and the Haida Gwaii cared and cultivated this variety for over 200 years. Another origin story is that Russian fur traders and explorers brought these potatoes to the West Coast after their circumnavigation of South America. Yet another theory is from Alaskan history, the Tlingit and Haida travelers made their way down to South America in canoes and brought these potatoes up north. And the last theory is that these potatoes were obtained through trade with the Hawaiian and Pacific islands.
The Haida name of these historically rich potatoes is Xaadas sgúusadaa, which translated means 'long and skinny', as well as knobbly and greatly resembling a fingerling variety of potato.
Coincidently, during my thesis writing, these mysterious Haida potatoes came across my frantic researching, and I had a few hours of tangential investigation of these little spuds.
At Disco, these potatoes are listed as Haida fingerling, and we have them in 45# boxes from Big Rock Ranch farm up in Buffalo Creek, close to 100 Mile house in BC.
If you're interested in reading further, here is an Edible Alaska article.
Ornamental gourds.
One of my favourite parts of autumn growing up was of course the cooler weather, the sweaters, the scarves, but also, decorating the dining room table with my mom. We arranged candles, mini pumpkins, gourds, some tree branches, pinecones, you name it!
Now that I am an adult, and have my own dining room table, decorating it with autumnal items, including ornamental gourds (let's be honest, I just like saying those words), always makes the transition to cooler and darker weather more cozy and enjoyable.
These gourds come in 12ct bags from Two EE's farm.
Red onions.
Onions are a staple in basically any kitchen in the world, and we've got a size, colour, shape and country of origin to suit anyone's needs.
We have jumbo, medium and bagged, from California, Washington and local BC, and red, yellow in colour. Variety? We've got you covered! Shallots, cipollini, and then the classic cooking onion.
If you want some sweetness: caramelize. If you want some tang: pickle.
Romanesco.
Hands down the most beautifully intricate fractal vegetable we have in the warehouse. If you want to level up the harvest table, maybe switch the cauliflower out for some romanesco.
Coming from 16th century Italy, this beauteous brassica has a delicate nutty flavour, when compared with cauliflower, and can be roasted, steamed, or eaten raw.
Poultry Blend.
A blend of thyme, rosemary and sage, this flavour combination is perfect for any and all roasting needs. Whether it be with turkey, chicken, beef... or with potatoes, roasted root veggies or to make a rich and warming broth.
Closer to the autumn and winter holidays, we pack our coolers full of herbs of all varieties and sizes, so take your pick!
Sugar pie pumpkins!
These cute medium to small sized pumpkins are brimming with autumnal spirit and are ready to be made into a delicious pie, or if you would rather use them as a decorating piece, carve these cuties up and place them on your front door step.
Is anyone else looking forward to pumpkin pie? Cause I know I am. With a dollop of whip cream on top? Yum.
These sugar pie's are from Secrest and come in 35# boxes.
I hope everyone had a great month of September and are ready to welcome in October.
The sun is continuing to shine here on the West Coast, with cooler evenings rolling in but warm daytime temperatures still hanging around. The local veggies are still comin’ through our warehouse doors, and the forecast is calling for another 10 days of sun.
A sunny October? Yes please.
Big love,
Severin R-B Danieli