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BLeaves Farms, LLC Blog

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This light and refreshing Mediterranean Orzo Salad, crafted by Jeff the Fire Chef, is a perfect blend of farm-fresh ingredients and bold Greek flavors. Tossed in a classic Greek dressing, this dish features tender orzo, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and creamy feta for the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh.

Farm to Table Broccoli Cheese Soup

Our fresh, creamy Broccoli Soup is made with homegrown broccoli, harvested at peak flavor from our garden at Bleaves Farms. This wholesome, nutrient-rich soup is packed with vibrant greens, farm-fresh ingredients, and a touch of comforting warmth in every spoonful.

Fresh Basil from BLeaves Farms

Farm to Table Delight: Genovese Basil at BLeaves Farms

At BLeaves Farms, we pride ourselves on the freshness and flavor of our produce, and one of our crown jewels is our delightful Genovese basil. This herb is a must-have for farm to table cooking, adding a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. This season, our Genovese basil has grown vigorously, with an aroma that makes your mouth water. It has recently begun to go to seed. Rather than letting it go to waste, we decided to prune it back and collect seeds for next season. Here’s how you can do the same and make the most of this versatile herb.

Brit at La Tumbleweed Bar with new friends

Epic Firehouse Adventure: Biking to Tucson’s Fire Station Paradise from Picacho Peak State Park

Imagine this: nestled in a mansion-turned-firehouse in the scenic northwest foothills of Tucson, Arizona. The breathtaking view of the valley below, with twinkling city lights, a golden moon, and a sky full of stars, makes you forget the hardships of the day. After an exhausting ride, Jonathan and I are indulging in a sumptuous dinner of buttery mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and a trio of decadent ice creams topped with chocolate cake. Firefighters, not just heroes but also gourmet chefs, know how to make you feel at home.

Brit at Picacho Peak

Epic Desert Adventure: Cycling To and Through Picacho Peak

We’re huddled in a cozy tent at Picacho Peak State Park, just 40 miles north of Tucson. The rugged desert mountains frame our view, while city lights twinkle in the distance. After a grueling day of cycling, we’ve just devoured our well-earned feast of cookie dough and peanut butter METRX Big 100 bars. The park’s facilities are top-notch, offering flush toilets and warm, private showers. Despite the cool 50-degree weather and a minor cactus mishap, with me stepping on a cactus and being impaled by hundreds of thorns, the magic of this place is undeniable.

Brit and Jon at start

Embarking on a Heroic Journey: Our Bike Ride from Phoenix to Panama

Get ready to dive into a thrilling new blog series here at BLeaves Farms! Join us as we recount the awe-inspiring journey of two college friends who set out on an epic quest, pedaling from the vibrant streets of Phoenix all the way to the iconic Panama Canal. Our adventure, undertaken in 2008 to honor public safety heroes, was filled with unforgettable moments, breathtaking landscapes, and the kind of camaraderie that turns ordinary trips into legendary tales. Through our stories, photos, and videos, we hope to ignite the spark of adventure within you and show that with vision, planning, and a bit of daring, anything is possible. So, gear up and get ready to be inspired to chase your own dreams and embark on your own incredible journeys!

Brit on Guatemalan volcano.

Cycling from Phoenix to Panama: The Journey of a Lifetime

Greetings, adventure seekers and nature lovers! We’re thrilled to share a new blog series with you documenting our epic bicycle adventure from Phoenix, Arizona all the way to the Panama Canal. What started as a simple dream amongst two college friends turned into a life-changing adventure spanning eight countries, six months, and thousands of miles covered by pedal power. We’ll be sharing our journey through captivating photos and videos, giving you a front-row seat to the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of this incredible ride. Stay tuned for regular updates and experience the adventure with us. I hope our experience inspires you to embark on your own journey, whether it’s across continents or within your own backyard.

Brit on Bike

The Parallels Between Homesteading & Bicycle Touring: Embracing Self-Sufficiency & Adventure

When you think of homesteading and bicycle touring, they might initially appear worlds apart—one rooted in the stability of cultivating a self-sustaining home, and the other in the thrill of exploring the open road. However, these two seemingly disparate lifestyles share profound similarities that make them appealing to the same audience: those who value self-sufficiency, simplicity, and a deep connection with nature.

Red Wigglers for Vermicomposting

Turn Kitchen Scraps into Black Gold: Start Your Own Worm Bin to Vermicompost

There comes a time in every homesteader’s life when they feel the call to start a worm bin. It’s almost a rite of passage, a step deeper into sustainable living. Our time came after learning about the art during Master Gardener training, and it did not disappoint. Vermicomposting has become an integral part of our gardening practice, and we’re excited to share this journey with you.

Bowser the Karakachan licking the mixer

Puppy’s Perfect Summer Treat: Peanut Butter Banana Yogurt Ice Cream

Treat your furry friend to a cool, nutritious delight this summer! Whip up a batch of Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Yogurt—a delightful blend of creamy Greek yogurt, luscious peanut butter, and sweet bananas. It’s not only a refreshing treat but also a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas when you’re tired of baking banana bread. Your dog will love the creamy texture and delicious flavors, and you’ll love knowing they’re enjoying a healthy snack. It’s simple, wholesome, and sure to be a tail-wagging hit!