Collecting Thistle for Rennet

The other day, my friend Martha was talking about making rennet from thistle. As it sounded interesting, we decided to begin harvesting the purple flowers (before they dry and explode with seed, at which time it is too late, I guess). This is the first bunch that I harvested here at the 1840's farm.

According to directions, they need to dry for about 3 weeks before we can go to the next step. In the mean time, more flower heads should be blossoming soon. The thistle plant is so pretty, that I hate to cut the heads off.

Stay tuned for the progression of rennet making with thistle. (It should be noted that it is said that this rennet should be used with goat or sheep milk only as it can make cow's milk cheese bitter. )

Raw Milk Rally May 16, Washington, DC

Raw Milk Rally in DC May 16 re: Dan Allgyer Raw Milk Rally in DC May 16 re: Dan Allgyer




National Independent Consumers and Farmers Association





5 May, 2011



Link to Article



---PLEASE BROADCAST---




Raw Milk Rally May 16, Washington, DC

Raw Milk Will Be Available -- Cow Expected Also!



WHEN: Monday, May 16 · 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.



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WHERE: Upper Senate Park. Between Constitution Ave NE, Delware Ave NE, ad C St NE. Next to the Russell Senate Office Building.

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UPDATES: Stay tuned to the Grassfed on the Hill website for updates!



For the past year and half, the FDA has conducted an undercover sting operation on Pennsylvania Amish dairy farmer Dan Allgyer and his loyal private buying club customers. Last week, the FDA served Dan notice that it is seeking a permanent injunction against him for introducing raw milk into interstate commerce. In response to this affront of our freedoms, Grassfed on the Hill, the DC area buying club he provides for, is organizing the rally to support Dan and other farmers targeted by the FDA, and stand up for all our rights. Please join them and lend your voice. Stings on Amish farms and armed raids against our country's farmers are NOT an appropriate use of our tax dollars!



Speakers include:



Jonathan Emord, Attorney

Sally Fallon, President, Weston A. Price Foundation

David Gumpert, Author and Real Food Blogger

Mark McAfee, Founder and Owner, Organic Pastures Dairy

Baylen Linnekin, Executive Director, Keep Food Legal



Donate: https://www.wepay.com/donate/1844



Please pray for Dan and his family.



Media inquiries:

Liz Reitzig

liz.reitzig@verizon.net

301.807.5063



Yours for real food freedom,



Deborah Stockton, Executive Director

National Independent Consumers and Farmers Association (NICFA)

nicfa@earthlink.net

http://www.nicfa.org





Our purpose is to promote and preserve unregulated direct farmer-to-consumer trade

that fosters availability of locally grown or home-produced food products.



NICFA opposes any government funded or managed National Animal Identification System