A Taste of Creativity: Exploring Asheville’s Gingerbread Magic and Artisan Charm

Today, we took a break from the farm and set out on an adventure to Asheville, NC—a place known for its artistic spirit, breathtaking views, and culinary creativity. Our main stop? The National Gingerbread Competition, where bakers from all over showcase their most elaborate, edible masterpieces. Calling these “gingerbread houses” would be an understatement. They’re architectural wonders crafted from sugar, spice, and a whole lot of heart.

The attention to detail in these creations was mind-blowing. Each piece told a story, with scenes so intricate they could belong in a fairy tale. It reminded us of the way we approach our work at WinterWeed Farms. Whether it’s growing a single saffron bloom or handcrafting our Ruby Harvest Tart Cherry Jelly, every detail matters. It’s about patience, precision, and the belief that something simple can be transformed into something extraordinary.

From Gingerbread to Downtown Asheville

Once we’d soaked in all that gingerbread inspiration, we wandered through downtown Asheville. The streets were buzzing with music, street performers, and storefronts filled with local art, handmade gifts, and seasonal cheer. Asheville has a way of making you feel like every turn is a chance to discover something new. It’s a place where creativity thrives, and that energy felt contagious.

As we browsed local shops, we saw the same artisan spirit that drives our work back at the farm. Potters shaping clay, woodworkers carving intricate designs, and bakers crafting treats as beautiful as they are delicious—it’s all rooted in creativity and craftsmanship. It’s this spirit we want to infuse into WinterWeed Farms. We’re always thinking about how to bring something unique and meaningful to our customers.

Bringing It Back to the Farm

Today wasn’t just a day of sightseeing—it was a reminder that creativity is everywhere, from downtown streets to farm fields. Seeing the artistry in those gingerbread houses sparked a new idea for us: How can we turn our farm into a place where art and nature meet? Our pomegranate peel ink project is just one example, but there’s so much more we could do.

Just like those gingerbread bakers start with flour, sugar, and spice, we’re starting with seeds, soil, and nature’s gifts. What comes next is where the magic happens. Whether it’s transforming produce into gourmet jams, growing the perfect saffron crocus, or crafting a workshop experience for the community, it’s all about seeing the creative potential in what’s right in front of us.

If you’re ever in Asheville, we can’t recommend the National Gingerbread Competition enough. It’s a masterclass in patience, creativity, and passion. And if you’ve been following our journey at WinterWeed Farms, you know those are values we hold close. Stay tuned—there are a few ideas brewing from today’s inspiration, and we can’t wait to share them with you.

Until next time, stay creative and curious. Magic is everywhere—you just have to know where to look.

Support WinterWeed Farms: Building a Sustainable Future

At WinterWeed Farms, we dream of creating a community-driven farm dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and the pure joy of growing and sharing. Our mission is to produce premium indoor-grown saffron, unique seasonal produce, and artisanal goods that connect people to the earth and to one another. With your support, we can turn this dream into a reality.

Why WinterWeed Farms?

WinterWeed Farms is more than just a farm—it’s a vision for a better way of living. Our goal is to grow premium saffron indoors, ensuring a high-quality, sustainable product that’s proudly American-made. In addition, we’re cultivating unique fruits, vegetables, and specialty jams and jellies that celebrate the flavors of each season.

Our farm isn’t just about growing; it’s about giving back. We envision WinterWeed Farms as a hub for creativity, education, and community. From hosting workshops on hydroponics and sustainable gardening to crafting artisanal products like our award-winning jams, WinterWeed Farms is committed to making a positive impact.

How You Can Help

Starting a farm from scratch takes significant resources, and that’s where you come in. We’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise the funds needed to bring WinterWeed Farms to life. Your contribution will go toward:

• Building a sustainable farm infrastructure

• Growing premium indoor saffron and hydroponic produce

• Expanding our kitchen space to create artisanal goods

• Hosting workshops and classes for the community

Support us on GoFundMe here!

Our Thank-You to You

As a token of our gratitude, we’re offering a special gift for donors:

• Donate $100 or more and receive a Jam of the Month Subscription for an entire year! Each month, you’ll get two 8-ounce jars of our handcrafted jams and jellies, including our seasonal Jam of the Month and one of our award-winning favorites.

From Blueberry Cardamom to Cherry Bourbon Vanilla, our jams are made with love and highlight the best ingredients nature has to offer.

Join Us in Growing a Sustainable Future

WinterWeed Farms isn’t just about what we grow—it’s about who we grow with. Your support helps us build a farm that inspires, educates, and nourishes. Together, we can create a space where sustainable practices thrive, creativity flourishes, and everyone feels connected to the beauty of the earth.

Thank you for believing in us and for helping make WinterWeed Farms a reality. Let’s grow something beautiful together.

Click here to support WinterWeed Farms today.

With gratitude,

Jess & Russ

WinterWeed Farms

WinterWeed Farms Website is Live + Exciting Plans for March!

We are thrilled to announce that the WinterWeed Farms website is officially live! This marks the beginning of an exciting journey where we can connect with you, share our love for sustainable farming, and offer the products and resources that make WinterWeed Farms unique.

Our website is designed to reflect the heart of what we do—combining nature’s gifts, modern growing techniques, and a commitment to community. You’ll find a growing selection of our products, information about our farm, and updates on what’s coming next.

One of the projects we’re most excited about is our March Mushroom Growing Class! This live, in-person workshop will guide you through the process of inoculating logs to grow your own mushrooms at home. Whether you’re a first-time grower or a gardening enthusiast looking to expand your skills, this hands-on class will provide everything you need to get started, including the materials to take home your own mushroom log.

Here’s what to expect:

• What you’ll learn: The basics of growing mushrooms, including selecting logs, inoculation techniques, and best practices for care.

• What’s included: All supplies for one mushroom log, expert guidance, and a supportive environment to ask questions and learn.

• When and where: March 2024, with location details coming soon!

We’re so excited to share this experience with you and help you grow something incredible. Stay tuned for more details about the class, including how to sign up—spaces will be limited, so don’t wait when registration opens!

Thank you for supporting WinterWeed Farms as we grow together. We can’t wait to share more with you soon. Visit our website today to explore what’s new, and keep an eye out for updates on our social media channels!

—Jess and Russ

WinterWeed Farms

Cozy up with Butternut Squash & Saffron Soup + Honey Maple Cornbread

As the temperatures dip and the evenings grow crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort to the table. This Butternut Squash & Saffron Soup, paired with a side of Honey Maple Cornbread, is a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. It’s simple to prepare, rich in flavor, and makes the perfect centerpiece for a cozy meal.

Why Saffron?

Saffron is often called “red gold” for its vibrant color and unique flavor. Just a pinch of this luxurious spice transforms a simple soup into something truly special. Its earthy, slightly floral notes perfectly complement the sweetness of roasted butternut squash. Plus, saffron is packed with antioxidants, adding a healthy boost to your meal.

Butternut Squash & Saffron Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 whole butternut squash, peeled, deseeded, and cubed

• 4 cups of water

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped

• 1/2 tsp allspice

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Pinch of saffron threads

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the cubed butternut squash, garlic, ginger, allspice, onion powder, and a pinch of saffron.

2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer until the squash becomes tender, about 20–25 minutes.

3. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, you can use a countertop blender in batches.)

4. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Serve warm with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of saffron for garnish.

Honey Maple Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup milk

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, honey, maple syrup, melted butter, and egg until combined.

4. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined (avoid overmixing).

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Perfect Pairing for a Cozy Evening

Serve this hearty soup with a warm slice of honey maple cornbread on the side. The slight sweetness of the cornbread balances the creamy, savory notes of the soup beautifully. Together, they’re a match made for autumn evenings.

Pro Tip: Make extra cornbread to enjoy the next morning with butter and a drizzle of honey or jam!

This meal is not just delicious, it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients, comforting flavors, and a touch of luxury with saffron. Try it out, and let us know how you make it your own!

Welcome to the Winterweed Farms Blog!

At Winterweed Farms, we’re not just growing crops_we’re cultivating a journey. Our blog is a window into the heart of the farm, where we explore the world of farming, rare spices, and sustainable growing practices. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a food enthusiast, we invite you to join us as we share the ups and downs of building our farm, learning from every success and, just as importantly, from every challenge.

What to Expect

• Our Journey into Farming & Rare Spices: Follow along as we dive into the art of growing rare and specialty spices, from saffron to exotic herbs, and learn with us as we experiment, adapt and grow

• Sustainability at the Core: We’re committed to eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices, from composting to water conservation and show you how we strive to make a positive impact on the environment

• Success and Failures: We’re all about transparency. We’ll share the moments that make us proud and the ones that make us scratch our heads. Farming is a journey full of learning, and we believe in celebrating the wins and losses.

• Farm to Table Recipes: At the heart of our blog, you will find delicious recipes that highlight the freshest ingredients from our farm. From our homegrown produce to the speciality spices we cultivate, these recipes will inspire you to create dishes that are not only flavorful but also rooted in the connection between farm and kitchen.

  Whether were sharing a new saffron recipe, a tip on growing oyster mushrooms, or the challenges we face along the way, our goal is to create a community around real food, honest farming and sustainable living. Welcome to the Winterweed Farms- where every ingredient has a story and every meal is a celebration of nature’s gifts.

Saffron Rice with Fennel Salad

One of our favorite dishes at Winterweed Farms is the vibrant Saffron Rice and Fennel Salad. Made with our very own saffron and fresh crisp fennel, this recipe truly captures the essence of farm to table cooking. The saffron infused rice is aromatic and comforting, while the fennel salad adds a refreshing crunch with a hint of citrus.

Serves:4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Saffron Rice:

- 1 cup basmati rice

- 1 ¾ cups vegetable broth (or water)

- ¼ teaspoon saffron threads (grown at Winter Weed Farms)

- 2 tablespoons hot water

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- Salt and pepper to taste

For the Fennel Salad:

- 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced

- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

- 1 orange, peeled and segmented

- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

- 1 teaspoon honey

- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fennel fronds (for garnish)

Instructions

For the Saffron Rice:

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

2. In a small bowl, steep the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water and set aside for 5-10 minutes.

3. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the rice and stir to coat the grains with oil. Pour in the vegetable broth, the saffron with its liquid, and season with salt and pepper.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.

6. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.

For the Fennel Salad:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the sliced fennel, red onion, and orange segments to the bowl, tossing to coat with the dressing.

3. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and garnish with fennel fronds for a fresh, bright finish.

To Serve:

- Plate the saffron rice alongside the fennel salad for a vibrant and aromatic dish. The warmth of the saffron rice perfectly balances the crisp, citrusy fennel salad, making this a refreshing yet hearty meal.

The Search for Saffron: A Flavorful Metaphor for Life’s Little

We’ve all been there-standing in the spice aisle, scanning shelf after shelf for that one elusive ingredient that can make or break a dish, For me, that spice was saffron. It wasn’t just any ingredient either. Saffron with its deep crimson threads and delicate floral aroma, is known as the world’s most expensive spice for a reason.  It’s rare , special and just the right pinch of it can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary. But, as I soon discovered, saffron was just as difficult to find as it is to harvest.

I can’t even tell you how many stores I went to.  Each time I walked in with hope, thinking “Today is the day I’ll find it!” but as my eyes scanned the shelves , disappointment would settle in. I’d pass aisle after aisle, sometimes even ask store employees, only to leave empty handed. It felt like saffron had become a mythical spice in my area, something I’d only heard about but never actually seen in person.

And that’s when I realized : my search for saffron was a metaphor for those challenges in life we all face. We set out with a clear goal, full of optimism , but sometimes the journey is a lot harder and longer than we expected. We hit roadblocks. We get frustrated. We question whether it’s even worth it. But then, just when we’re about to give up, something clicks. We find what we’ve been looking for all along.

Finally, after what seemed like endless searching, there it was the smallest jar of saffron tucked away in a corner. It was if I had struck culinary gold. The feeling of finding it was incredible. All that effort, all that time spent searching, and now I had this precious spice in my hands.

When I got home, the first thing I did was put it to use.  We decided on something simple but special yellow saffron rice. Watching the rice turn a warm golden hue as the saffron worked its magic was our joy.  And when we sat down to eat, the rich, aromatic flavors didn’t just satisfy our taste buds-they made me appreciate the entire process of getting there.  The rice was so flavorful and comforting that it felt like a reward for the effort.  It was a reminder that sometimes, the things we struggle to find or achieve are the ones that bring us the most joy.

The whole experience is exactly why I want to be a resource for saffron and other hard to find spices. Whether you’re a home cook like me who struggle to track down these specialty ingredients, or someone looking to try something new and adventurous in the kitchen, I get it. Ive been there. I know the frustration, and I also know the incredible joy of finally finding what you need.  That’s why at Winterweed Farms, we’re making it our mission to provide saffron and other rare spices right at your fingertips-so you won’t have to spend days searching like I did.

The search for saffron taught me a lot about patience, persistence and the sweetness of the journey. And now, I’m thrilled to share that joy with you.  From saffron to other unique spices, let us be your go to source for turning everyday means into extraordinary experiences. let Winterweed Farms make your culinary dreams come true, without endless search. After all, sometimes the best things in life-like saffron-are with the wait.

Winterweed Farms: Expanding for the Season and Looking Ahead

Hello friends of Winterweed Farms!

its been a busy time here and we’re excited to catch you up to all the latest! Our website is up and running, helping us connect with those who share our love for premium , sustainably grown sources and seasonal flavors. We’re grateful for the interest and support that’s been coming our way. Winterweed Farms is growing and it’s thanks to you!!

With the holidays just around the corner, we’ve been diving into research on Christmas and holiday markets to bring our unique, handcrafted products to more people in person. While we’re planning to make a big holiday market push next year, we’re still exploring a few options for this season. Keep an eye our pop-ups!

We’re also expanding our product line to include new offerings, from saffron and spice blends to jams that celebrate each season’s best flavors. Every month , we feature a “jam of the month” crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the unique flavors of our region.

And don’t forget to check us out on Facebook for daily updates, sneak peeks of what’s coming up and tips for using our spices and jams in your holiday cooking. Whether you’re a fan of small batch jams or looking for premium American-grown saffron to elevate your dishes, Winterweed farms has something special just for you.

Thank you for being a part of the journey, and Happy Holidays from Winterweed Farms!!!