A guest post by Jackie Merwin, co-owner of Black Diamond Orchard. In the heart of the Finger Lakes region of New York, our small family farm in Trumansburg, Black Diamond Farm, is adjacent to the Black Diamond trail. The area has a long rich history of apple growing. Despite our small size, we’re growing some of the most exciting new varieties and many treasured ‘heritage’ apple varieties. Practicing IFP (Integrated Fruit Production), we take pride in producing high quality fruit selected for excellent and unusual tastes. Integrated Fruit Production, the system we use, is called “ecological” fruit growing in Europe, where it’s widely practiced. IFP uses many organic strategies such as bringing in beneficial predators to control pests, pheromone trapping [...]

This healthy bread is loaded with ingredients that you can source locally. Zucchini is famously abundant this time of year, but if you don't have any in your garden, pick some up at the Co-op, freshly delivered from Stick and Stone Farm. While you're here, stock up on Ward's maple syrup, Stony Brook WholeHeartedFoods sunflower seed oil, Farmer Ground flour, and bulk eggs from Meadow Creek, Westwind, or Red Gate Grocer. makes 2 loaves Ingredients 3 cups plus 2 Tbsp whole-wheat pastry flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 1 ¼ cup dark pure maple syrup 3 large eggs  ½ cup sunflower seed oil 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 Tbsp butter, melted 1 pound zucchini, shredded (about 3 ½ cups) ¾ cup rolled oats Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees [...]