Market Farming

["maury sheets" <maurysheets AT verizon.net>]

Adam,

 

                Be careful with too much of a  difference in water temperature and greens temperature.  If it is a lot, the greens can suck up contaminants like e.coli very readily.  If you have already done a third party audit, then you would be setup to handle that situation and the contamination problem of reusing the water (an ultra violet light is good for disinfecting water as well as Oxidate or hydrogen peroxide).  If not, see what the larger  producers are doing to meet their third party audits in that area.

                As far as bags, I have customers who swear both ways (bags with holes and bags without).  I personally like them without, but the greens must be very dry.  I have used a washing machine also and know large operators that use huge spinners three times the size of a washing machine.  Match the product with the container.  Thyme and oregano I put in bags with holes and rosemary and sage go in bags with no holes.  Hope this helps.

 

Maury

 

 Sustainable agriculture in southern New Jersey

 

 

 

From: market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of a h
Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 1:59 PM
To: market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Water Bubblers for Washing Greens

 

I think that is an interesting idea. What is your current process for greens production?

At an aquaculture farm in my area the man used loops of polyethylene pipe (irrigation line essentially) and poked holes in it , used a threaded fitting to an air hose\coimpressor like you were describing and kept it  weighted halfway in the tanks with something.

I just use 2 dunk tanks but i have been looking for input on other methods. I really don't like the amount of water i go through changing the water and was considering making the a trough that skims the top, put 's the water through a sediment filter and reuses it. I have a well so i try and get the most mileage for my water but the cold water really helps with the field heat in the middle of summer.

What do you dry with and package. I had always heard of using a washing machine and last summer i finally found one on the curb and after removing the agitator and safety mechnisms it works wonder. I made baskets that i harvest into, dunk , and then put in the washer for drying. The less i handle it the less bruising i get. But every now and again i notice a slug or bug still around and have always been curious how much larger operations process their greens.

After drying to you use breathable bags or what is your storage medium of choice in the walk in?

I think the air could be a great idea.

adam