Starting in September, the “Sprout!” newsletter will be published quarterly, rather than bimonthly. It will continue to feature the same information on classes, co-op news and events, P6 producers, and food-related issues. We will continue to mail the newsletter to those who elect to receive it. We’ll post the electronic version on our website.

Moving forward, owners can expect increased communication across our various other mediums, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and websites. In a competitive grocery market, we have found that our electronic communication channels are a more robust and timely means of sharing information. The decision to reduce printing and mailing costs also allows us to be more efficient with our resources, both financially and environmentally, which aligns with our Ends and is something that we know co-op owners appreciate. The National Cooperative Grocery Co+op Deals flyers that were mailed with the “Sprout!” will be available digitally on our website and at the flyer racks in the stores. Keeping owners and customers informed and up-to-date remains our priority.

Jack and the Green Sprouts is issuing a voluntary recall of its Alfalfa Sprouts and Alfalfa Onion Sprouts out of caution due to illness that is unofficially linked to the sprouts. All tests done for contamination have come back negative. There are no known contaminations. Between Feb. 1, 2016 and Feb. 25, 2016, Seward Co-op sold products affected by this recall at both the Franklin and Friendship stores.

Jack and the Green Sprouts Alfalfa Sprouts – 5 oz. ($1.49/ea.)
UPC: 76324719891

Jack and the Green Sprouts Alfalfa Onion Sprouts – 5 oz. ($1.49/ea.)
UPC: 76324719594

If you purchased the above product at Seward Co-op between Feb. 1, 2016 and Feb. 25, 2016, recalled products will be fully refunded at either our Franklin or Friendship store Customer Service desk. Questions may be directed to Seward Co-op’s Franklin store at 612.338.2465 or Friendship store at 612.230.5595.

Jack and the Green Sprouts is issuing a voluntary recall of its Alfalfa seeds out of caution due to illness that is unofficially linked to the seeds. All tests done for contamination have come back negative. There are no known contaminations. Between Nov. 27 2015-Feb 25 2016, Seward Co-op sold product affected by this recall at both the Franklin and Friendship stores.

Jack and the Green Sprouts Alfalfa Seeds – bulk item ($17.49/lb.)
PLU: 2604

If you purchased the above product at Seward Co-op between Nov. 27 2015-Feb 25 2016, recalled products will be fully refunded at either our Franklin or Friendship store Customer Service desk. Questions may be directed to Seward Co-op’s Franklin store at 612.338.2465 or Friendship store at 612.230.5595.

For the most part, even a light frost signals the end of the growing season across the north. But for many members of the brassicaceae family (Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, collard greens), cooler temperatures trigger a survival response that enables them, to not only survive, but improve with hard frosts. As temperatures plummet, these plants sweeten, as starches are converted to sugars as a form of anti-freeze.

Unlike local kales and cabbages, which have grown sweeter as the seasons progress from summer to fall, local Brussels sprouts reappeared a little over a month ago and are truly a seasonal treat both in timing and flavor. A slow-growing crop, Brussels sprouts are started in the spring but aren’t harvested until the late fall, ideally after a transformative frost. We source organic Brussels sprouts from the Thimmesch Farm (La Farge, Wis.), Keewaydin Farm (Viola, Wis.), and Wisconsin Growers Cooperative (Mondovi, Wis.) and receive fresh deliveries up to four days a week.

Select small, bright green sprouts with tightly compact heads. Store in an uncovered bowl in the fridge for a few weeks or longer. The outer leaves may wilt with time but they can be removed just before cooking.

Brussels sprouts may be prepared whole, halved, quartered, chopped, or pulled apart leaf by leaf for salads or tossed in oil and baked for a variation on a kale chip. If cooking whole, be sure to score the base with an ‘x’ to allow the heat to penetrate the core for more even cooking. In their prime, Brussels sprouts are delicious very simply seasoned withbutter or olive oil, lemon juice, salt and roasted in the oven until browned and tender.

I also love a sweet late season Brussel sprouts salad with a warm vinaigrette.

5 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

1 Tbsp. grainy mustard

1 Tsp. sugar

1 small shallot finely sliced

¼ cup lardons

¼ walnuts

1 lb. Brussels sprouts finely sliced

½ cup loosely packed arugula

Shaved Pecorino Romano

Salt and pepper

Warm the vinegar, mustard, and sugar in a small saucepan. Season with salt and pepper. When the sugar has dissolved, pour the mixture into a small bowl with the sliced shallot. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.

In a skillet, brown the lardons then remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon. To the same skillet, add the chopped walnuts and cook also until slightly browned. Remove from heat and add the shallot mixture and a pound of thinly sliced Brussels sprouts. Toss until the sprouts are well coated. Transfer to a bowl, mix in the arugula, thinly shaved Pecorino, and the reserved lardons. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Brussels Sprouts

For the most part, even a light frost signals the end of the growing season across the north. But for many members of the brassicaceae family (Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, collard greens), cooler temperatures trigger a survival response that enables them, to not only survive, but improve with hard frosts. As temperatures plummet, these plants sweeten, as starches are converted to sugars as a form of anti-freeze.

Unlike local kales and cabbages, which have grown sweeter as the seasons progress from summer to fall, local Brussels sprouts reappeared a little over a month ago and are truly a seasonal treat both in timing and flavor. A slow-growing crop, Brussels sprouts are started in the spring but aren’t harvested until the late fall, ideally after a transformative frost. We source organic Brussels sprouts from the Thimmesch Farm (La Farge, Wis.), Keewaydin Farm (Viola, Wis.), and Wisconsin Growers Cooperative (Mondovi, Wis.) and receive fresh deliveries up to four days a week.

Select small, bright green sprouts with tightly compact heads. Store in an uncovered bowl in the fridge for a few weeks or longer. The outer leaves may wilt with time but they can be removed just before cooking.

Brussels sprouts may be prepared whole, halved, quartered, chopped, or pulled apart leaf by leaf for salads or tossed in oil and baked for a variation on a kale chip. If cooking whole, be sure to score the base with an ‘x’ to allow the heat to penetrate the core for more even cooking. In their prime, Brussels sprouts are delicious very simply seasoned with butter or olive oil, lemon juice, salt and roasted in the oven until browned and tender.

I also love a sweet late season Brussels sprouts salad with a warm vinaigrette.

5 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

1 Tbsp. grainy mustard

1 Tsp. sugar

1 small shallot finely sliced

¼ cup lardons

¼ walnuts

1 lb. Brussels sprouts finely sliced

½ cup loosely packed arugula

Shaved Pecorino Romano

Salt and pepper

Warm the vinegar, mustard, and sugar in a small saucepan. Season with salt and pepper. When the sugar has dissolved, pour the mixture into a small bowl with the sliced shallot. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.

In a skillet, brown the lardons then remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon. To the same skillet, add the chopped walnuts and cook also until slightly browned. Remove from heat and add the shallot mixture and a pound of thinly sliced Brussels sprouts. Toss until the sprouts are well coated. Transfer to a bowl, mix in the arugula, thinly shaved Pecorino, and the reserved lardons. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

A family-owned business for more than 35 years, Jack and the Green Sprouts in River Falls, Wis. provides Seward Co-op with all manner of certified-organic health-giving sprouts and wheat grass. Jack and the Green Sprouts was the featured Know Our Grower, June 19 – July 2. Demo: Saturday, June 29.

Grower: Joe
River Falls, Wis.

1. When did you begin farming and what inspired you to pursue farming as a profession?
We began farming in 1976, because we read how healthy sprouts are for you, so we started growing them for ourselves.

2. When and why did you decide to produce sprouts?
When we began farming, the only product and reason we started producing sprouts is the same as above!

3. Would you briefly describe how your sprouts are produced and how this production differs from other soil-grown or greenhouse crops?
Our sprouts are grown hydroponically in an indoor controlled environment, 365 days a year. We are inspected by the state of Wisconsin and the FDA at least annually.

4. What is your favorite way to enjoy your own produce?
Sandwiches, salads, tacos, pizzas and wraps.