This Week in the Garden - Okra and Cayenne
Okra plants love hot weather, and ours are no exception. The okra in our kitchen garden is in full production right now. Haven't tried okra? You should! This super-food is packed with vitamins and nutrients. Okra's mild flavor goes well in stir-fry, soups, and picadillos - we love this recipe. But, for many, fresh okra that has been battered and fried is a summer delicacy. Stop by the market today to pick up okra picked fresh from our kitchen garden!
Did you know that cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper come from the same pepper?
We love to use dried cayennes to make out signature Foxhollow Farm Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, and you can make them too! Just remember, the most important part of this process is to make sure to protect your face and hands. Wear protective eyewear, a face mask, gloves, and open windows and doors for ventillation. You DO NOT want to get cayenne powder in your eyes!
To Make Your Own Cayenne and Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
Step 1: Pull the green tops off the peppers. Dry your peppers in a dehydrator until they are crunchy - a good way to tell is if they "crack" when you break one in half. This will take at least 12 hours.
Step 2: Put your dried peppers in a food processor and process for at least 45 seconds.
Step 3: Pour your ground peppers into a fine mesh sieve over a large mixing bowl. Sift out the cayenne pepper until the mixture left in the sieve does not look "dusty." What's left in the sieve is your crushed red pepper.
Step 4: Finally, store your cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper in separate airtight containers.
You can also purchase Crushed Red Pepper Flakes from Foxhollow Farm. Check it out.