Chemical Agriculture 204: Monoculture Failures

There are a number of examples of dismal failures of monoculture in agriculture.

Let's discuss three notable examples.

Planting Potatoes on Good Friday

There is nothing sacred about planting potatoes on Good Friday, but that is the traditional planting time. Last year Easter was a little early and the ground was still frozen solid. The trick is to...

Potato Leek Soup - Potage Parmentier

Leeks are great this time of year and are hardy even with the deep cold. We will leave them in the field until freeze up so we can get maximum storage. 

Lets talk about what we can do with these beauties. Potato leek soup comes to mind.  Here is a classic recipe.

Ingredients:

1 pound of potatoes (I like Carola or Yukon Gold)

3 large leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced

6 cups vegetable stock (or light chicken stock)

2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup creme faiche

1/3 cup minced chives

Directions:

In a stock pot, saute leek and potato until softened and browned slightly, about 10 minutes

Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes

Blend until smooth using an immersion blender

Add the cream and season to taste with salt and add lemon juice

Ladle into a bowl and garnish with a spoon of creme fraiche and minced chives