Everyone loves the idea of buying “local” and supporting area farmers, makers, bakers and artisans—in fact, one recent study says 70% of us already do. Curated CT is making it easy to give fine quality, freshly made treats to family, friends, clients (and even yourself!) while feeling good about supporting local artisans and your community.
“Curated CT brings you the fun and excitement of discovering new foods and family made products made in CT that you might not encounter unless you travel to multiple farmers markets,” says Donald Pendagast, founder of Curated CT. “And we bring it same-day fresh, right to your door.” And that’s exactly how Pendagast makes his curated selections, by continuously visiting farmers markets and family farms and businesses across the state and continuously expanding the company’s base of vendors.
Each month Curated CT chooses and delivers local goods—including freshly baked bread, artisan cheese, chocolate, coffee and more on a convenient subscription basis. Each month’s selection is chosen to match the flavors of the season and highlight new and emerging offerings, create an element of surprise and appeal to a variety of senses. Whether from a one-time delivery or a monthly or quarterly plan as a special holiday gift, each order brings mouth-watering treats and artisan products like soaps or candles that underscore the message, “I support CT farmers and family-owned businesses.”
“Our motto is ‘live local, feel good,’” says Pendagast. “Think of Curated CT as a concierge for anyone—including yourself—who is really busy, loves good food, and cherishes the idea of supporting local,” he says. “We give people something tangible that represents their pride and commitment to our state.” He cites the allure of coming home from a long workday to find freshly baked bread, fresh-roasted gourmet coffee, outstanding local cheese and chocolate waiting on the doorstep, and adds,” Who wouldn’t love that as a gift?”
Curated CT also takes conscious steps to create a greener world by delivering their orders anywhere in CT in a 100%-electric vehicle (via Electra, another CT business) in packaging made in the Northeast from mushrooms.
Final deadline for holiday delivery of the December Curated CT box is December 16, 2021.
Enjoy a glass of wine by the fire or send someone special their favorite wine from a Connecticut Farm Winery!
Through the long afternoon light of autumn, or the pink-blue skies of summer; through winter’s white fields or spring’s green and flowering trees, a drive to a Connecticut farm winery is always in season.
Wineries welcome fall and winter visitors with fire blazing in a cozy hearth and tasting rooms warmed by live music and the laughter of friends. Spring and summer invite picnics, festivals, and spectacular sunsets.
No matter where you travel in our beautiful state, there is a winery within an hour. The wines of Connecticut are cultivated in our rich coastal soil – land that has sustained life here for generations. Plan an excursion, and be prepared to be indulged by the caliber of Connecticut wines.
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It’s not too early to begin planning your holiday decorations and how to turn your home into a festive Yuletide wonderland to remember. When you visit a local farm to get this year’s tree, why not also pick up all of your holiday décor as well?
Connecticut tree farms offer the finest, hand-made holiday decorations available. Whether it’s traditional kissing balls, native wreaths in all sizes and styles, evergreen springs and garland or fresh poinsettias and colorful door swags, you’ll find the perfect complements to your fresh cut tree. While at the farm, don’t forget to pick up some delicious, home-made seasonal pies and baked goods and your late-fall vegetables. Potatoes, squash, carrots, cauliflower are just some of the vegetables still in season.
Why do we decorate with evergreens for the holidays? The tradition is believed to go back to 16th century northern and eastern Europe. The Germans are commonly credited with starting to use evergreen trees for holiday decorations. Once the tree was trimmed, the excess limbs were woven into wreaths and other Yuletide decorations which were displayed throughout the home.
We’ve made finding a Connecticut tree farm near you easy. Simply go to www.ctgrown.org to find a farm nearby for all of your holiday décor needs.
Images from Glendale farms and Olsen’s Christmas Tree Farm.
The weather is turning crisper, and the holiday gatherings are taking their merry place on the calendar. Bring a smile to everyone’s face by being sure to include delicious, all-natural, farm-fresh eggnog from a local Connecticut farm at your next gathering.
The History of Eggnog
Did you know that eggnog first appeared in America in the late 1700s? It is believed to have been derived from a medieval European drink called Posset, which was made with hot, sweetened, spiced milk that was curdled with ale or wine. Today eggnog is typically made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites and egg yolks as well as spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Distilled spirits such as brandy, rum, whiskey or bourbon can be added to make an adult beverage.
Eggnog near You!
You can find local, farm-fresh holiday eggnog throughout Connecticut including at Arethusa Farm in Litchfield, Elm Farm’s Farm to Table Market in Woodstock, Woodstock Creamery at Valleyside Farm’s Farm Store also in Woodstock, and the Fish Family Farm’s Farm Store in Bolton. Smyth’s Trinity Farm in Enfield will provide home delivery in Enfield, Ellington, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks as well as to Longmeadow, MA or you can shop at their farm store in Enfield. Sweet Grass Creamery in Preston, The Modern Milkman in Ellington, Mountain Dairy in Storrs, and Terra Firma Farm in North Stonington produce their own Eggnog as well!
Chances are your local market also carries locally made eggnog. Look for the Farmer’s Cow and Mountain Dairy brands in the dairy aisle.
Serving all-natural, farm-fresh eggnog is perfect for your upcoming holiday gathering, and you will be helping to support a local farm.
The first image was provided by Terra Firma Farm. The middle image is from Arethusa Farm. The third image is from The Modern Milkman.
Ensuring a memorable time and getting the perfect tree this year may require some additional planning.
Due in part to last year’s heavy demand at Connecticut tree farms, there are fewer mature trees available this year. Don’t panic. The good news is that with 500 tree farms located all over Connecticut, you should still be able to find your family’s perfect holiday tree.
Here are some tips to help:
- Be proactive and start your planning now to ensure the best selection;
- Call your favorite tree farm in advance of your visit;
- Ask what type and size trees are available to make sure they have what you are seeking;
- Be prepared to get your tree from a different tree farm than you usually visit;
- Check the tree farm’s COVID guidelines;
- Be sure to also bring home wreaths, poinsettias and other holiday décor.
Buying locally grown holiday trees not only helps you to avoid supply chain issues, but also helps support local farmers. To find a local tree farm near you, go to www.ctchristmastree.org.
The first image is from Van Wilgen’s Garden Center. The Middle and final images are from Maple Lane Farms.
How to take care of your tree once it’s home!
The following tips are from the Connecticut Christmas Tree Grower’s Association
- If you got your tree early and are waiting to set it up, make sure to leave it in a garage or other unheated area and out of the rain. Place in a warm bucket of water after cutting one inch off the stem.
- When bringing indoors, cut one inch off the stem and place into a stand that can hold one or more gallons of water.
- How much water does my tree need? The bigger your tree, the more water it needs! The Connecticut Christmas Tree Grower’s Association recommends one quart for every inch of diameter of the trunk.
- Always make sure to unplug the tree before heading to bed.
- How long will my tree stay fresh before drying out? If the tree is properly cared for, then it can last about 5 weeks before drying out.
- How do I properly dispose of my tree? Christmas trees are recyclable! Communities will often turn trees into chips and pick them up for you. Or put them in your backyard with brand and suet for the birds to use. Some local farms accept trees for goats and other livestock to enjoy! Use the map on CTGrown.org to find a farm near you
Does the sight of empty store shelves and news stories about supply chain bottlenecks this holiday season stress you out? Well, there is a solution. Buying from Connecticut farms and vineyards not only supports local, sustainable agriculture but can also help you make sure your holiday gifts arrive on time.
Did you know that Connecticut has 5,500 farms and numerous farmers’ markets? With so many producers to shop from, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect, farm-fresh holiday gift. From colorful alpaca yarn, award-winning wines, natural skin care products, fresh meats and poultry, holiday pies and baked goods, assorted gift baskets, CT Grown wrapped cigars, and so much more, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list. Many farms and vineyards offer online ordering and shipping or you can visit in person to pick up your gifts.
This holiday season, shop from local farms and vineyards. You’ll be helping to keep Connecticut agriculture strong while avoiding shortage issues. To find a farm store or farmers market near you, go to map on www.ctgrown.org.
From left to right, images from Stehly Farm & Winery. Middle image from Killiam and Basset Farmstead. Final image from Copps Island Oysters.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2021
Contact
Rebecca Eddy Murphy
Marketing & Inspection Rep 2
(860) 573-0323
CT Grown: Shop local to prevent global supply chain issues from hindering your holidays
With more than 5,500 farms and dozens of farmers’ markets in Connecticut, high-quality and locally produced foods and goods can be found close to home
STATEWIDE, CT — As the holiday season approaches, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg) is reminding consumers that purchasing locally produced foods and goods not only supports Connecticut’s farms — but also may help avert product shortages related to ongoing global supply chain issues.
Connecticut’s more than 5,500 farms and dozens of winter and holiday farmers’ markets offer a wide variety of options for locally-produced goods and foods as well as family-friendly excursions — well into the fall and winter. As the weather cools, the state’s growers and producers continue to provide healthy and affordable produce, high-quality products, and enriching experiences. Many vendors are continuing to offer online ordering with pickup or curbside pickup at their farm sites through the winter, and most farm stores remain open through the colder months.
“As we head into winter — with the holidays before us — there are still great ways to celebrate your favorite holiday and support CT farms,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “We encourage everyone to visit the CT Grown website for great gift ideas, holiday décor, and meal planning, as farmers are prepared to make this time of year special in your home and for all of your holiday celebrations.”
Due to global supply chain challenges, it is expected that many high-demand holiday staples — from Thanksgiving turkeys to Christmas trees — will be more difficult to find than in previous years. In fact, the American Christmas Tree Association in its 2021 industry overview reported that amid the supply chain issues and extreme weather in the Pacific Northwest, it is anticipated that consumers will have challenges finding a holiday tree. However, DoAg is reminding residents that with more than 500 farms in Connecticut offering trees and other holiday decor, there are plenty of local options.
Many tree farms offer family-friendly and memorable experiences that go far beyond just picking a tree. Consumers can find a tree farm nearby (or explore somewhere new) by visiting CTGrown.org. It is also recommended that people visit the farm’s website/social media and/or call ahead to confirm availability.
More ways to support local this fall and winter
Winter farmers’ markets
Enjoy a crisp morning picking out apples, pumpkins, squash, beets, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, celery, cranberries, brussels sprouts, collard greens, leeks, parsnips, radishes, rutabaga, spinach, swiss chard and turnips — in addition to pickles, relishes, poultry and meats, and heaps of holiday treats, like honey, syrup, and pie. Find a farmers’ market near you at CTGrown.org.
Fiber Farmers
Keep warm from head-to-toe with winter-wise products from Connecticut’s fiber farmers. From colorful alpaca yarn to fleece goods, get cozy with natural materials from local farms.
Farm wineries, vineyards, breweries, and distilleries
Take a trip to your local farm winery, vineyard, brewery, or distillery to sample and learn how your favorite libations are made. Or simply support these local producers by seeking them out from your local package store.
About CT Grown
The mission of CT Grown is to sustain and grow Connecticut agriculture and aquaculture. The Connecticut Grown Program was developed by the state Department of Agriculture in 1986. Our now-familiar green and blue logo proudly identifies agriculture and aquaculture products from all over the state. Over the past three decades, the Connecticut Grown Program has blossomed into a multifaceted initiative supporting the diversity of Connecticut Grown products in local, regional, national, and international markets through both direct-to-consumer and wholesale-oriented program components.
Bring the farm to your table this holiday season with pasture-raised turkeys, geese, or even quail from a local producer!
CT Grown providers are currently taking orders for a fresh Thanksgiving and are selling out fast. Order your turkey today, but don’t forget to pair your bird with fresh, nutritious vegetables, savory seasonings, dressings and sauces crafted from locally grown herbs and spices. Place your pie order early for dishes that are bursting with fall flavors like apple, pumpkin, and squash!
- Ekonk Hill Turkey in Moosup, CT
- White Gate Farm in East Lyme, CT
- Miller Farm in Avon, CT
- Stone Gardens Farm in Shelton, CT
- Cedar Hill Farm CT in Orange, CT
- Holbrook Farm in Bethel, CT
- Milstone Farm in Wilton, CT
- Soeltl Farm in Salem, CT
- Tulemeadow Farm in West Simsbury, CT
- Red Fence Farm in Groton, CT
- Greyledge Farm in Roxbury, CT
- The 4 Five Farm in Bloomfield, CT
- Fairholm Farm in Woodstock, CT
- Radical Roots Farm in Canterbury & Sterling, CT
- Farmers’ Markets
Did you know the grapes and hops scene in Connecticut is thriving? Farm wineries and breweries comprise more than 100 small businesses throughout the state and growing annually. Be sure to make the Connecticut Wine Trail, Farm Wineries Passport Program, and CT Beer Trail a part of your destination as the days get chillier and the spirits get warmer.
With more than 70 breweries on the Connecticut Beer Trail, supporting local just got a whole lot more fun.
Many of the breweries source local hops and grains, or grow their own like Hop Culture Farms and Brew Co. with the distinct goal of creating an agritourism destination where you take beer from farm to glass. The craft beer movement is committed to local and often highlights ingredients from other local farms and artisans.
As seen in the famous lambics of Belgium, fruit beers are nothing new and have been adopted by creative craft brewers in Connecticut, as well. Tart citrus fruits, pumpkin and berries are common in craft beers without losing the familiar hoppy characteristics from some of Connecticut’s best craft beers.
The Connecticut Wine Trail takes visitors to some of the most beautiful vistas in the state. Connecticut has 50 licensed farm wineries – plan your visit to enjoy a robust red or crisp white in front of cozy fireplace or while taking in memorable sunset views. Be sure to bring the taste of Connecticut to your next Friendsgiving and Harvest Table celebration. Keep an eye out for the Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Small Business Saturday specials with extended holiday hours and events. Find a winery near you!
The night will soon be filled with little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treating from house to house for some spooky sweet treats during Halloween. One thing that parents don’t have to be afraid of is giving them a glass of chocolate milk before they go out.
1. It’s Nutrition in Disguise – Chocolate milk, like white milk, has 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D and potassium–nutrients that research shows up to 50 percent of children in the U.S. are not consuming enough of daily. Giving them a glass of milk before they go out gives you the peace of mind that you’re helping your child meet their daily nutritional requirements. Especially since studies show 9 out of 10 girls and 7 out of 10 boys aren’t getting the calcium they need for strong bones and healthy bodies.
2. It Gives Them Needed Protein – A glass of chocolate milk provides 8 ounces of high-quality protein. Your child would have to eat more than 3 cups of broccoli to get the same amount of protein. Protein from milk is considered “complete” because they have a combination of essential amino acids that the body can’t produce on its own. Protein gives your body much needed energy and helps to rebuild after a long night of trick-or-treating.
3. It Has Less Sugar Than Juices – Those drink boxes we often give our kids are higher in sugar and don’t pack the nutrients compared to chocolate milk. A fruit punch juice box, for example, has nearly 7 teaspoons of added sugar, chocolate milk has 3. Soda has nearly 8 teaspoons of added sugar. On a night that’s known for sweets, giving your child chocolate milk before they go out could help to reduce the urge to eat as much candy.
4. It Keeps them Hydrated – Milk is comprised mostly of water but unlike water it has the added benefit of providing important and needed vitamins and nutrients. In addition, milk also has electrolytes, carbohydrates, and protein, each of which plays an important role in hydration. Electrolytes are lost in perspiration, exhalation, and urination. The two main electrolytes lost in sweat are sodium and potassium, which are naturally occurring in milk.
5. It Nourishes Their Immune System – Some research shows that having healthy levels of vitamin D can help keep your immune system healthy and can protect you against respiratory diseases in general.
Consuming foods like milk that are high in Vitamin D and other immune supporting nutrients and fermented foods like yogurt and kefir, can promote a healthy gut and immune system.
No matter what your child wants to dress up as this Halloween, make drinking the official drink of Halloween part of the activities along with carving a pumpkin and decorating the front yard. On behalf of Connecticut’s dairy farmers, we wish you a very safe and happy Halloween.