Harvest Time | The Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon

Harvest Time

Central Oregon farms feed locals through the winter

Bend has become a notable destination hot spot for a few reasons: It attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the world, it has one of the highest number of breweries per capita, and it's an all around incredible place to live. But what if "locally-sourced foodie destination" were to be added to that list?

Bend may not have the benefit of the Willamette Valley's generous rainfall, but Central Oregon is nonetheless home to an exceptional and diverse selection of marketable produce and animal products that can be purchased through a number of outlets here in Bend. And while options are more limited during the fall and winter months, there are a few viable options to choose from this time of year.

Central Oregon Locavore

Looking for one-stop locally-sourced shopping? This is the spot. Locavore is a nonprofit food market located on 1st Street just east of downtown Bend. They offer primarily local, fresh, and seasonal food year-round, and supply individuals, families, restaurants, and grocery stores. They offer community supported agriculture (CSA) from their farmers, and sell a number of those harvested goods in their market. They also function as a liaison between farmers and consumers via their online marketplace.

Among the cornucopia of foods available at Locavore this fall and winter are arugula, turnips, radishes, spinach (Radical Roots Farm); leaks and beets (Smudgy Goose Farms); garlic, red and yellow onions, celeriac, yellow fingerling potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, and yellow, red, and blue potatoes (Field's Farm); lettuce (Next Season Farm); tomatoes (Zicky's Vegetables); chicken (Cathy's Beaks and Snouts); chicken and turkey (Great American Egg); lamb and goat (White Diamond Ranch); and beef and pork (D.D. Ranch).

1216 NE 1st St. | 541-633-7388 | centraloregonlocavore.org

Tuesday-Friday: 10 am-6 pm | Saturday-Sunday: 10 am-4 pm

Prefer to go directly to the source? Check out these local farms and producers:

Rainshadow Organics

Located on the 80-acre Lawrence farm in Terrebonne, Rainshadow Organics is a market garden and one of just a few Central Oregon farms with winter food sourcing options. They also offer a seasonal CSA, with delivery options for Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. An example of a selection of items that can be purchased in a food box in November includes: winter greens, stored potatoes, onions, garlic, and winter squash, ten pounds of mixed meats including whole chickens and mixed cuts of pork and beef, fresh ground flour from homegrown organic wheat, and wheat berries.

70955 NW Lower Bridge Way, Terrebonne | 541-279-0841 | rainshadoworganics.com

Fields Farms

Located in the heart of Bend off of Pettigrew on a ten-acre parcel of land, Fields Farm also has a small on farm store for customers who want to purchase directly from the farm. On a recent visit, owner and head farmer Jim Fields said he has to put in more work this time of year to stay ahead of the cold weather: "This time of year is always a difficult transition for harvesting." Still, the farm produces year-round. This fall, options include garlic, red and yellow onions, celeriac, yellow fingerling potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, and yellow, red, and blue potatoes. In the winter, Fields expects to have potatoes, onions, celeriac, and leeks. All of these options are available from the farm or at Locavore. Though, if you're planning to stop by the farm, it's best to call ahead to find out what is on hand and arrange a time to meet.

61915 Pettigrew Rd., Bend | 541-382-8059 | fieldsfarm.org

Juniper Jungle

Located on the eastern outer lands of Bend, this farm is a certified organic operation that uses biodynamic and permaculture techniques and ascribes to the mantra, "Healthy plants make healthy people." Fall and winter options are limited and winter CSAs are sold out this year, but potatoes can be purchased now and throughout the winter at Locavore. "There is also an effort at present to hopefully start selling produce at Whole Foods for consumer purchase," says owner and head farmer Chris Casad. Direct sourcing from the farm and CSA are also available during spring and summer months.

22135 Erickson Rd., Bend | juniperjunglefarm.com

Volcanic Veggies

This indoor, vertical, and organically certified aquaponic urban farm is located just east of downtown on 2nd Street, next door to Humm Kombucha. This technology allows for year-round growing, and therefore consumer availability. These guys have been making big waves, while this past September winning a Wells Fargo nationwide small business contest, and back in October of 2014 winning a Bend Venture Conference "concept stage" award. A variety of lettuce, basil, and mint can be purchased at Newport Market, C.E. Lovejoys, Locavore, or via home delivery with one of their vegetable subscriptions. They are also working on growing and selling tilapia, tomatoes, and strawberries.

1201 NE 2nd St, Ste B, Bend | 541-728-3355 | volcanoveggies.com

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