• Login
  • Home
  • Deli Menu
  • Sales & Discounts
    • In-Store Sales
    • Fresh Deals
    • Discounts
    • Gift Cards
  • Co-op
    • About
      • Our Staff
      • Departments
      • Job Opportunities
      • FAQ
      • Product Policy
    • News & Events
      • Blog
      • Events
      • The Grapevine Archives
      • Recalls
    • Community
      • Round for Partners
      • Micro-Loans
      • Chip in for the Kitchen
      • The Art Wall
      • Local Vendors
      • Helpful Links
      • Ojibwe Language
  • Ownership
    • Become an Owner
    • Board of Directors
      • Contact the Board
      • Articles & Bylaws
      • Agendas & Minutes
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Form
    • Curbside Order Form

produce

Eating the Season

by Chequamegon Food Co-opPosted October 2, 2019

Fall is the easiest time of year to write about eating the season, especially in our neck of the woods. Read on for highlights on a few varieties of fresh foods found plentifully in our area and seize the day by trying one of the suggested recipes below. Here we go!   Apples   Okay,

Read more

Expand Your Palate: Explore New Foods!

by Chequamegon Food Co-opPosted January 14, 2019

If your menu seems to always have the same rotating list of meal options, maybe it’s time to expand your palate. But how? Here are some more unusual foods that maybe haven’t made it to your grocery list yet and some suggestions on how to prepare them. Quinoa – Quinoa is a seed although it is

Read more

Save the Flavor! Food Preservation Tips

by Chequamegon Food Co-opPosted August 20, 2018
Save the Flavor! Food Preservation Tips

Want to enjoy the most healthful food—like local, organic fruits and vegetables—year round? Preserving the bounty you’ve grown yourself or purchased from your local food co-op or farmer’s market makes it possible. And for those who live where the growing season is relatively short, it’s great way to extend the season. Simple food preservation techniques can lock in flavor, help maximize your food dollars, support local agriculture, and give you a chance to really get to know the food you eat and serve to your family.

 

It’s not just grandma’s pantry

Putting up jewel-toned jars of pickled beets and brandied peaches may be what comes to mind when you think “food preservation,” and canning has become popular across generations, with plenty of unique recipes that appeal to a range palettes. But canning isn’t all there is. Other simple ways to preserve local and seasonal foods include drying, freezing, curing, pickling and even cellaring (yes, putting your food in a root cellar; grandma did know best, didn’t she?)

For beginners, dehydrating and freezing foods are a snap—and no special equipment is required.

 

Freezing

When it comes to nutritious preserved foods, freezing is second only to fresh foods. While freezing can affect the texture of some foods, most vegetables, fruits, meats, soups, and even herbs can easily be frozen in airtight containers for use all year long. The key is to start with cold foods so that the time it takes for them to freeze is very short. This minimizes ice crystals and preserves the color, texture, and taste of your foods.

Try freezing cold berries or chopped vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or Mason jar for storage. You’ll be able to pluck a single berry or measure 2 cups worth from the container without defrosting the entire batch.

Fresh herbs, like basil, thyme, mint, and chives, can be snipped into measured teaspoons or tablespoons and frozen in ice-cube trays topped up with water. Stored in a bag in your freezer, they’re recipe-ready almost instantly.

And remember: a full freezer is an efficient freezer, so don’t be shy about filling it up!

Did you know? Nuts, seeds, and whole grains can be stored in the freezer to extend their shelf life and prevent spoilage.

 

Drying

Dehydrating foods is a simple and easy way to keep vegetables, fruits, and even meats stored away until you are ready to use them. Drying preserves foods by taking all the moisture away; without moisture, bacteria cannot grow and your foods stay delicious for months—even years. While there are plenty of dehydrators available, many recipes are possible using a regular home oven.

Fresh herbs can be dried in a microwave or just hanging from your ceiling! The best thing about drying is that it uses very little energy, and the preserved foods are lightweight—easy to store and transport (perfect for camping!).

Did you know? Dipping fruit slices in pineapple or citrus juice before drying can preserve their color and prevent browning. It’s delicious, too!

 

Canning

Home cooks have been preserving food in jars for centuries, and these days we have plenty of resources to do so safely and with confidence. Canning does require some special equipment, available at many co-ops and hardware stores, and recipes designed and tested for safety. After the initial investment in jars, a canner, and a few accessories, the expenses are minimal and the results can be phenomenal. Canned goods go far beyond the usual tomatoes and green beans. Modern canning recipes allow you to create unique and memorable foods for gifting or for enjoying yourself.

Did you know? Home-canned goods should be used within a year for optimal quality, but are safe for much longer, as long as safe canning methods were used.

 

Fermenting

Fermentation brings us some of our favorite foods: cheese, yogurt, beer, wine, pickles, and even chocolate. Nearly every culture in the world makes use of the natural preservative effects of fermentation. Fermentation works by transforming the natural sugars in foods into tart and flavorful foods that tend to resist spoilage at cool temperatures.

Fermentation is made possible by the action of beneficial bacteria— the same bacteria that keep our immune and digestive systems healthy. So fermented foods are not only practical, they also deliver a healthy dose of probiotics. Another benefit of fermentation is that no special equipment is required. You can get started with as little as a knife, a cabbage, and some sea salt, and couple of weeks later you’ll be enjoying sauerkraut!

Did you know? Every ferment is unique because of the bacteria and yeasts that are naturally present in the air and foods in that region. The same recipe can taste different across the globe!

 

Want to give food preservation it a try?

Check out these recipes for Freezer Pesto and Oven-Dried Tomatoes from Liz McMann of National Co+op Grocers.

 

Want to learn more?

The Canning Across America and National Center for Home Food Preservation websites contain a wealth of information. Also, your local agricultural extension agent and neighborhood co-op are good sources for written information and classes to help you can, cure, freeze, pickle and dry this season’s abundance.

 

References

  • The Ball Complete Book of Home Food Preserving Judi Kingry and Lauren Devine, Robert Rose, 2006
  • Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition and Craft of Live-Culture Foods Sandor Ellix Katz, Chelsea Green Publishing, 2003
  • The Big Book of Preserving the Harvest: 150 Recipes for Freezing, Canning, Drying and Pickling Fruits and Vegetables Carol W. Costenbader, Storey Publishing, 2002
  • The Joy of Pickling: 250 Flavor-Packed Recipes for Vegetables and More from Garden or Market (Revised Edition) Linda Ziedrich, Harvard Common Press, 2009

 

Republished with permission from strongertogether.coop.

Read more

Freshly Picked Recipes!

by Chequamegon Food Co-opPosted August 6, 2018
Freshly Picked Recipes!

Whether your garden is providing a plethora of produce or you pop by the local farmers market or Co-op to procure some, it’s fun to find new and fresh ways to use up the bounty available to us in late summer. Here are some freshly picked recipes to help you savor the flavors of summer.

Garden Vegetable Saute – This tempeh, zucchini and tomato saute is packed with flavor, fiber, and a lot of other goodness.

Garden Vegetable Bake – Fresh local produce and the super grain, quinoa, star in this hearty dish.

Kale Walnut Pesto with Sun-Dried Tomatoes – No need to wait until summer’s basil bounty to make pesto—you can enjoy a flavorful kale pesto any time of the year. Valued as much for its taste and texture as its nutrients, this kale pesto is simple and robust and is delicious tossed with pasta or as a sauce for pizza or a crostini. This is also an excellent use for extra kale from the garden or CSA share—and it freezes well to boot.

Grilled Veggies with Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette – Topped with a paprika, fresh basil and Dijon vinaigrette, this grilled veggie salad is bursting with flavor.

Summer Vegetable Quiche – This tasty basic quiche recipe can be easily adapted with your choice of in-season and local ingredients.

Calabacitas – Wrap simple and tasty calabacitas (sautéed zucchini, corn, tomatoes and green chilies) in tortillas or serve as a side.
Beet Salad – Roasted beets are delightful, sweet but very earthy and aromatic—delicious in this side salad.
Marinated Greek Cucumber Salad – This cool, crunchy, brightly flavored salad is delicious as a side for grilled meats or a topping for falafel in a pita.
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad – This simple, refreshing salad is perfect for picnics or any summer meal.
Santa Fe Black Bean Salad – A cumin, cilantro and lime dressing gives this easy salad a distinctly Southwestern flavor.
Read more

Melon Madness: Use Up That Watermelon!

by Chequamegon Food Co-opPosted July 9, 2018

The sweltering days of mid-summer are here and you bought yourself a gigantic ol’ watermelon to beat the heat. Now, how are you gonna eat that whole thing before it turns into a pile of mush? Check out these ideas that will help you use your melon…   IN A DRINK – Watermelon’s juiciness makes

Read more

Fresh Deals for St. Paddy’s Day!

by Chequamegon Food Co-opPosted March 12, 2018

Fresh Deals

Sales start March 13, 2018. While supplies last.

Local Organic
Red & Green Cabbage
1.39 per pound
Perfect for St. Paddy’s Day!
Great Oak Farm – Mason, Wisconsin

 

Co-op Deli
Ham Sandwiches
4.49 each
Regular & Made Without Gluten
Reg. $6.99

Non-discountable.

 

Garrett Valley
Corned Beef Brisket
15% off
Reg. $12.99/lb

 

Read more

Fresh Deals! Start January 9

by Chequamegon Food Co-opPosted January 8, 2018

Fresh Deals Sales start Tuesday, January 9, 2018. While supplies last! Organic Lacinato & Green Kale $1.79 per bunch   Macro Vegetarian Vegan Meals $4.49each 12 oz. – Pad Thai, Dumplings   Macro Vegetarian Macro Sushi $3.99 each 7 oz.   Andrew & Everett Shredded Cheese $3.59 each 8 oz. – Colby Jack, Pizza Blend,

Read more

Fresh Deals! Start January 2

by Chequamegon Food Co-opPosted December 29, 2017
Fresh Deals! Start January 2

ORGANIC Lemons 99¢ each Sale starts Tuesday, January 2, 2018. While supplies last. ORGANIC Small Avocados $1.29 each Sale starts Tuesday, January 2, 2018. While supplies last.   BILINSKI’S Chicken Meatballs $4.99 each 12 oz. Parmesan and Spinach & Garlic – Sale starts Tuesday, January 2, 2018. While supplies last. Recipe Showcase Each week we

Read more

Fresh Deals! Start Tuesday, December 19

by Chequamegon Food Co-opPosted December 18, 2017
Fresh Deals! Start Tuesday, December 19

ORGANIC Pomegranates $1.49 each  Sale starts Tuesday, December 19, 2017. While supplies last. GARRET VALLEY Smoked Fresh Polska Kielbasa $4.99 each Sale starts Tuesday, December 19, 2017. While supplies last.   Recipe Showcase Each week we will feature five recipes that use the current Fresh Deals. Roasted Sausage & Veggie Dinner (Use this week’s Fresh Deal kielbasa!) 

Read more

Fresh Deals! Start Tuesday, December 12

by Chequamegon Food Co-opPosted December 11, 2017
Fresh Deals! Start Tuesday, December 12

ORGANIC Navel Oranges $1.69 per pound Sale starts Tuesday, December 12, 2017. While supplies last. FERNDALE Frozen Free-range Turkeys 15% off per pound Sale starts Tuesday, December 12, 2017. While supplies last.   Recipe Showcase Each week we will feature five recipes that use the current Fresh Deals. Fresh Basil-Orange Roast Turkey Navel Orange & Honey

Read more

Fresh Deals! Starts Tuesday, November 28

by Chequamegon Food Co-opPosted November 27, 2017
Fresh Deals! Starts Tuesday, November 28

ORGANIC Broccoli $3.29 per pound Sale starts Tuesday, November 28, 2017. While supplies last. OLSEN FISH CO. Lutefisk $14.99 each 1.75 lb package Sale starts Tuesday, November 28, 2017. While supplies last. Recipe Showcase Each week we will feature five recipes that use the current Fresh Deals. Lutefisk with Ertestuing (Mashed Peas) Broccoli and Sausage Spaghetti

Read more

Fresh Deals! November 20

by Chequamegon Food Co-opPosted November 20, 2017

ORGANIC Sweet Potatoes $1.99 per pound  While supplies last. WILLAMETTE VALLEY PIE CO. Pre-Baked Pies $7.99 each In the deli cooler. While supplies last. Take your pie to next-level yumminess with these tips for doctoring your store-bought pie!   Recipe Showcase   Each week we will feature five recipes that use the current Fresh Deals.

Read more
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • »
  • Last »

Calendar

Today
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
29
30
31
1
5:00 PM - Mole
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
12:00 AM - Wellness Wednesday
9
10
10:00 AM - One Coffee Five Ways
11
12
12:00 PM - Tea Making
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
5:00 PM - Board of Directors Meeting
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
Mole
Mole
02/01/2023    
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Chequamegon Food Co-op
  • Class
  • Demonstration
  • Tasting
Mole Wednesday, February 1st // 5pm - 7pm Instructor: Chef Lars Dukowitz, Cooking with Lars Cost: $20/$15 owners DEMO: Sweet and spicy! With Valentine's day [...]
More Info
Wellness Wednesday
08 Feb
02/08/2023    
12:00 am
Chequamegon Food Co-op
  • Discount Day
It’s Wellness Wednesday!  All owners get 10% off health, beauty, supplement, and book products.
More Info
One Coffee Five Ways
One Coffee Five Ways
02/10/2023    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Chequamegon Food Co-op
  • Class
  • Discussion
  • Tasting
One Coffee Five Ways RESCHEDULED TO: Saturday, February 11th // 10am - 12am Instructor: Jared Trimbo, Full Keel Coffee Cost: $15/$10 owners DEMO: There are [...]
More Info
Tea Making
Tea Making
02/12/2023    
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Chequamegon Food Co-op
  • Class
  • Demonstration
  • Discussion
  • Hands-on
  • Make & Take
Tea Making Sunday, February 12th // 12pm - 3pm Instructor: Monarda Thrasher, herbalist Cost: $30/$25 owners WORKSHOP: In this workshop, participants will learn the art [...]
More Info
Board of Directors Meeting
21 Feb
02/21/2023    
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Chequamegon Food Co-op
  • Meeting
All meetings are the third Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Meetings will take place in the Community Room at Chequamegon [...]
More Info
Events on 02/01/2023
Mole
Mole
1 Feb 23
Ashland
Events on 02/08/2023
08 Feb
Wellness Wednesday
8 Feb 23
Ashland
Events on 02/10/2023
One Coffee Five Ways
One Coffee Five Ways
10 Feb 23
Ashland
Events on 02/12/2023
Tea Making
Tea Making
12 Feb 23
Ashland
Events on 02/21/2023
21 Feb
Board of Directors Meeting
21 Feb 23
Ashland

Recent posts

2022 Community Impact
2022 Community Impact
22 hours ago by Chequamegon Food Co-op
12 views
2021 Patronage Rebate Now Available!
2021 Patronage Rebate Now Available!
September 1, 2022 by Chequamegon Food Co-op
311 views
We’re Getting Solar!
We're Getting Solar!
August 22, 2022 by Chequamegon Food Co-op
218 views
Produce Double Dollars Update
Produce Double Dollars Update
June 3, 2022 by Chequamegon Food Co-op
108 views

Events

  • Wellness Wednesday
    • 02/08/2023
    • Ashland
  • One Coffee Five Ways
    • 02/10/2023
    • Ashland
  • Tea Making
    • 02/12/2023
    • Ashland
  • Board of Directors Meeting
    • 02/21/2023
    • Ashland
  • Wellness Wednesday
    • 03/08/2023
    • Ashland

Follow us

Keep in touch! Follow, like, or otherwise connect with us.

Hours

Open Daily
7:30 a.m. –  8 p.m.

Location

700 Main Street West
Ashland, WI 54806

(715) 682-8251

EBT and all major credit cards accepted.

Connect with us

Don't miss our news, live chats, store updates, and inspiring stories. Follow us on social networks!

Events

  • Wellness Wednesday
    • 02/08/2023
    • Ashland
  • One Coffee Five Ways
    • 02/10/2023
    • Ashland
  • Tea Making
    • 02/12/2023
    • Ashland
  • all events
  • Recent posts

    2022 Community Impact
    22 hours ago by Chequamegon Food Co-op
    2021 Patronage Rebate Now Available!
    September 1, 2022 by Chequamegon Food Co-op
    We're Getting Solar!
    August 22, 2022 by Chequamegon Food Co-op
    Chequamegon Food Co-op © 2023 All Rights Reserved.Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
    Sustainable Web Hosting by Canvas Host

    Join Our Email List
    • Log In
    • Create an Account
    • Forgot password?
    • Login
    • You can login using your social profile
    • Problem with login?
    • Terms & Conditionst
    • Sing UP