by Crystal Moore-Stevens
Cornucopia: Horn of Plenty
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the word cornucopia is derived from the Latin term cornu copiae, meaning horn of plenty. The cornucopia is revered as a symbol of bounty or abundance; it is typically described as a “curved goat’s horn overflowing with fruits and grains”.
Although we attribute the cornucopia to be emblematic of the bountiful harvest of the North American holiday of Thanksgiving, it can actually be traced back to Classical Antiquity. Many explanations of its origin and its symbolism can be found in Greek Mythology. Greek Gods Zeus and Hercules as well as Demeter, the Goddess of the Harvest have each been mentioned in varying stories of its origin. In one anecdote, Zeus as an infant was nursed and nourished by Almathea, a she goat. One tale mentions that he created the horn of plenty to repay her for nourishing him.
As farmers, the cornucopia for us symbolizes a bountiful and abundant harvest. The autumn bounty is overflowing from our fields to our tables. The fields of rich dark earth across the region of the Mississippi River Valley are alive with nutrients; they are continuously providing nourishment to us. It is truly a time of gratitude.
The Thanksgiving Holiday for us marks the time to glean the fields. We harvest every last crop and make a huge donation to the nearby Food Pantry.
Volunteer Opportunity: Join us for a Thanksgiving Harvest at La Vista Farm 4350 Levis Lane Godfrey IL 62035. Sunday, November 24th 9am-3pm & Monday, November 25th 9am-3pm
We will harvest and wash hundreds of pounds of produce for The Crisis Food Center in Alton IL.
Pay it forward this holiday season… If you have extra harvest in your garden, consider donating it to a food pantry in your area.
Buy Local this Thanksgiving: Where to find local meats & produce in November:
- La Vista Farm offers a Thanksgiving. Share, seasonal fresh produce including delicious fresh greens and root vegetables. The Thanksgiving Share is $30 and can be picked up on Tues., 11/26. Visit www.lavistacsa.org for more info.
- Live Springs Farm: www.livespringsfarm.com
- Local Harvest Grocer: www.localharvestgrocery.com
- Schlafly Winter Farmers Market: www.schlafly.com
- Maude’s Market: www.maudesmarket.com
Want access to fresh food next season? Join La Vista CSA Farm and receive fresh, local, sustainably grown produce from mid-May through mid-November. Join today at www.lavistacsa.org CSA memberships make excellent holiday gifts for health conscious loved ones. The membership averages only $22 per week for 27 weeks. Full and Alternate memberships are available. Make a commitment to your health! Now accepting new members for 2014.
Preserving Your Last Harvest of the Season: Lacto-fermentation
Lacto-fermentation is the process of fermenting veggies in Lactic acid forming bacteria that are beneficial to the body and help build the immune system. Use your garden harvest to create preserved veggies in salt water brine. Sterilize mason jars. Chop veggies and herbs of your choice and add to mason jars. Dissolve 1 1/2 tablespoons of Celtic Sea Salt in 2 cups of purified water. Pour the brine over your chopped veggies in the mason jars. Leave 1/2 inch of space at the top. Put a cabbage leaf on top to help with the fermentation process. Cover with a plastic lid. Leave on the counter for 1 week. Remove cabbage leaf and store in the fridge for up to 2 months. Be sure to label.
Visit www.lavistacsa.org or call 618-467-2104.