On the Farm: Heirloom Tomatoes, Apples, Watermelon and Fruit Pies

Wondering what's growing and going on at , Nassau County's very own farm situated in the village of Malverne?

We'll keep you informed with our weekly "On the Farm" column. Here's our latest update from Farmer Bill Walsh, the Nassau Land Trust (the non-profit that operates the farm) and the rest of the crew at Crossroads.

FARMER'S UPDATE

One of our most vibrant heirloom tomatoes, Ruby Gold, was first introduced by a Long Islander!

John Lewis Childs of Floral Park, NY, developed the variety in 1921.

It has been publicized under three names: Early Sunrise, Gold Medal, and most recently, Ruby Gold.

In his 1976 seed catalog, Ben Quisenberry said it was, "The sweetest tomato you've ever tasted..."

Today, it's one of the most popular heirloom varies, and it has just ripened enough to be featured in the farm stand.  

New This Week: 

• Crossroads' own organic Heirloom Tomatoes and Onions
• Organic Sugar Baby Melon and Watermelon from Taliaferro Farm
• Organic Banana Walnut Muffins from Hawthorne Valley Farm
• Eggs from Garden of Eve 
• Fruit Pies from Papa's Country Porch
• Apples from Wickham's Fruit Farm
• Chipotle Pickled Carrots from Brooklyn Brine

Grown at Crossroads: This organic produce was harvested from the farm in Malverne and is available for purchase right now at the farm stand.

• Tomatoes
• Heirloom Tomatoes
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Green Cabbage
• Basil
• Garlic
• Onions
• Bok Choy
• Carrots
• Beets
• Zucchini
• Yellow Summer Squash
• Pattypan/Sunburst Squash
• Cucumbers
• Rainbow Chard
• Curly, Red Russian and Lacinato "Dino" Kale
• Collard Greens
• Cut Flowers (Zinnias, Snapdragons, Sunflowers and Amaranth)
• Pesto and Tomato Sauce (made by Taste of North Fork in Peconic)

From Other Farms: The following items are being sold at the Crossroads farm stand but were grown or prepared at other Long Island farms. 

• Organic Zucchini and Golden Zuchinni from Hepworth Farm in Milton
• Cilantro, Parsley, Red Beets and Golden Beets from Schmitt Farm in Riverhead
  
• Red and Yukon Gold Potatoes, Slicing Cucumbers and Cantaloupes from Wesnofske Farm in Riverhead
• Zuchinni and Golden Zuchinni from Anderson Farm in Riverhead
  
• Organic Sugar Baby Melon and Watermelon from Taliaferro Farm
  
• Gingergold Apples, Peaches, and Plums from Wickham's Fruit Farm in Cutchogue

Gifts and Gourmet Goodies: 

• Fruit Pies (Apple Lattice, Apple Crumb, Cranberry Walnut Apple, Blueberry Lattice, Blueberry Crumb, Peach Lattice and Peach Crumb)from Papa's Country Porch in Bohemia
• Apple and Pear Blossom Honey from Wickham's Fruit Farm in Cutchogue
• Soy, Teriyaki, Tamari and Worchestershite sauces from Wan Ja Shan in Middletown
• Homemade Jams from Youngs Farm in Old Brookville
• Assorted Handmade Soaps from Naturally Handmade by Susan in Franklin Square
• Light, Medium and Dark Brown Ground Coffee Beans from Gentle Brew in Long Beach
• Chipotle Carrots, NY Deli Style Pickles, Spicy Pickles, and Hop Pickles from Brooklyn Brine in Brooklyn
• Long Island Potato Chips in Six Flavors (Plain, Salt and Vinegar, Sour Cream and Onion, BBQ, Rosemary & Garlic, Cheddar and Onion) and Sweet Potato Chips from North Fork Potato Chips in Peconic
• Oatmeal Raisin, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Coconut and Hazelnut Cookies, and Granola from the Bakery at Champhill Village in Copake
• Cinnamon Buns, Whole Wheat Mixed Berry Muffins, Banana Walnut Muffins, Peasant Rolls, and White and 7-Grain Bread from Hepworth Valley Farm Bakery
• Muesli from Mu Mu Muesli in Sharon Springs
• Classic Pound Cake, Almond Pound Cake, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Blueberry Pound Cake, Cinnamon Pound Cake and Assorted Muffins from PolkaDot Pound Cake in Rockville Centre

Keep Crossroads Farm Growing

Funds are urgently needed to cover Crossroads' operating expenses until the farm becomes self-sustaining. Click to learn how you can donate. 

Educational Programs at Crossroads Farm

The school year is nearly here! Would you like to bring your class or youth group to the farm?

Educational programs at the farm are available for schools, youth organizations, students, scout troops, and groups of all ages.

Programs include a tour of the farm, a visit to the beehives, and a hands-on seasonal activity in the greenhouses or in the fields. Groups can come for one visit or participate in a series of visits.

A program series can be developed for your specific interests or curriculum.

Series topics include:

• Seasonal Growing and Eating
• Organic and Biodynamic Farming
• Bees, Bugs, and Birds
• Healthy Soil, Plants, and Composting
• Chicken Care 101

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Leonore Russell, Education Director, at 516-581-5696 or leonorerussell@gmail.com.

Volunteer on the Farm

Would you like to learn more about local food and organic agriculture? Consider volunteering at Crossroads Farm at Grossmann's!

Volunteers work side-by-side with our farmer and staff to learn about organic growing methods, plant care, and local food systems.

You can sign up for a weekly 2-hour shift, or adapt volunteering times based on your schedule. All ages are welcome, but children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

If you're interested in volunteering at the farm, be sure to check out our online Volunteer Sign-Up Form.  

Come back next weekend to see what's new on the farm! You can also follow Crossroads Farm on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for more news, recipes, photos and more!

Farm Stand Hours: Mondays to Fridays 10 a.m.-6p.m., Saturdays 9a.m.-5p.m. and Sundays 10a.m.-3p.m.