Fresh popcorn. The delicious aroma fills the nose, enriches the soul and conjures visions of melted butter. Popcorn is a frequent treat in Rebecca's house, and she grows it herself, too – nothing pre-packaged here!
Farm to Shelf
Rebecca's a farmer turned organic certifier for Midwest Organic Services Association. She helps people navigate the complicated process of organic certification, both in the office and on the farm. "Going out and doing inspections is great because it keeps you connected to the farms," says Rebecca. So that organic milk and cauliflower in the grocery store? There's a chance Rebecca had a hand in its certification.
But there was a time when she was on the other side of the stand, selling her fresh produce at local farmers' markets and through her CSA. Though Rebecca's no longer growing for others, she still plants a massive garden just for herself. She can't help it: she just loves growing veggies! Everything from bushels of tomatoes and peppers to armfuls of flowers.
Rebecca doesn't let any of her hard work go to waste either. She dries the flowers to create bouquets and arrangements, and she cans, pickles, dehydrates and freezes the vegetables of her labor. "I really like to make ratatouille, freeze a bunch, then eat it throughout the winter," Rebecca says. "It tastes like summer in the middle of winter. It's lovely."
Rebecca's favorite crop to grow? Popping corn! She plucks the ears off stalks, lets 'em dry, then pulls the tasty kernels off by hand for future popping. This year she planted three varieties: two heirloom (a red and Dakota black) and a hybrid yellow. She also planted more than ever before – "Not a ton, but for one person it's a lot of popcorn!"