22 | EDIBLE PORTLAND WINTER 2025 Cattle at Winter Green Farm Winter Green Farm's cattle are primarily Angus bulls and Jersey cows. Jersey breeds are known for their higher fat content and smaller size, which makes a gentler impact on the pastures. Therefore, the calves raised on the farm are mostly a mix of Angus and Jersey breeds. Kevin harvests the beef at 18 to 24 months for optimal fat and marbling. Although many people are looking for lean meat, Kevin understands that there is another market for delicious, organic, well-marbled beef. Kevin sent me a few steaks to sample. The beef was delicious, lightly seasoned with just salt and pepper. It was juicy, tender, and certainly worth buying. Perspectives from Chris Chris said, "Our farm is an organism where the farmer, cattle, and sheep play crucial roles. We aim for a closed-loop system, relying on our animals for fertility. We use cattle manure bedding in our compost and produce all the compost necessary to fertilize our fields, complementing it with cover crops and minimal mineral management." The 30 ewes produce lamb that is available for sale, and the gardens on the farm boast more than 40 vegetable varieties from arugula to zucchini. Typically, Winter Green Farm produce is CONSIDERATIONS FOR SUPPORTING ECO-GASTRONOMY IN THE WINTER Maintain Regional and Seasonal Awareness: Be aware of what is in season in your region. Support the Local Producers: Purchasing ingredients from local farmers, markets, or cooperatives helps reduce the carbon footprint of your meals and supports sustainable agriculture. Preserve Nutrients and Flavor: Winter foods often require slower cooking techniques like braising, roasting, or slow simmering, which helps maintain the ingredients' nutrients and flavors. Use Energy Efficiency Cooking Methods: Consider cooking methods that use less energy, like pressure cookers or slow cookers, which are great for winter dishes like stews and soups.
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