ARCHIVES     GREATER EDISON     the "OCCASIONAL" LOAF

With a few sunny days under our belts here in the Skagit Valley, it seems that spring could be right around the corner.  We aren't really holding our breath quite yet, but we are in the process of gearing up for the tulips and the tourists. 

Yikes!
FLOUR CRISIS AND THE MODERN BAKERY
Our food systems are really in a challenging position right now.  The price of wheat has recently escalated to new heights, never before seen in our lifetimes.  The industry is in jeopardy of procuring wheat as much of the wheat grown here in the United States is being exported to developing countries as their demands grow.  Due to growing conditions the 2007 harvest was significantly lower than what was needed and thus prices on flour have gone through the roof.  We are currently paying more than double what we were paying less than 12 months ago. 

Breadfarm has been a certified organic bakery since 2004.  Due to the current cost and cost projections of organic flour, we have made a difficult, but necessary decision to discontinue our organic certification.  Organic Flour went from $24 two weeks ago, to $38 last week.  Experts are projecting organic wheat to reach $50 per bag by early summer. 

We have spent the past week vigorously working with alternate distributors and millers with the hopes that we could find an organic flour within a semi reasonable price point.  It doesn't appear to be out there.  Remaining organic at this point would mean charging an additional 35 % for our bread, and quite frankly, we don't think people will pay it. 

We will be switching to conventional grain shortly, but remain committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products.  We are optimistic that the new crop of wheat (available in the summer of 2008) will be abundant enough to drive prices back to reasonable levels.  Should this happen, we have every intention of reverting back to organic flour and reinstating our organic certification.  In the meantime, THANK YOU FOR BUYING OUR BREAD, and for supporting your local, artisan bakery.

Other News....

Sarah has been working on some new tasty treats, including Mexican Tea Cookies, Chewy Coconut Macaroon's, Whole Wheat Crackers, Angel Food Cakes and...Marshmallow's!  In light of our self-proclaimed "best graham crackers in the world" we are taking a stab at making a marshmallow that will do it's part in creating the best S'more on the planet.  Stay tuned!  We are in the starting stages of working on developing 100% Whole Wheat loaf.  If we can figure out the shipping, we hope to get our wheat from Bluebird Grains out of the Methow Valley.  Caryn is really excited to test bake with a locally made product in her development. 

Special thanks to Frog Song Farms for providing us annually with Russet Potatoes, Rosemary and assorted veggies for our Occasional Breads.  Mother Flight Farms recently supplied us with delicious organic beets for our Dirty Chocolate Cupcakes.  Gothberg Farms fresh Chevre can be found on our Roasted Veggie Foccacia.  We just found some awesome leeks from Ralph's Greenhouse.

Sour Cherry Lemon Bread!
It's back....available now through April, the famed Sour Cherry Lemon bread is being baked daily at Breadfarm.  This light, soft textured bread has a touch of honey, organic sour cherries, fresh lemon juice and zest and is sure to be enjoyed by all.

Cookie Boxes
Headed to a gathering, brunch or just looking for a nice assortment of cookies to take home, we are keeping a few of our delicious cookie boxes on hand at all times, making it easy for you to impress your friends with divine sweet treats.
$15

Farm Gear
Be sure to grab a handy new tea towel on your next visit.  Made by Red Boot's Design's in Bellingham these are a great method for keeping your bread fresh on the counter all week.  They also make a real nice gift!

Here's to spring!  Thanks to all for supporting your local, artisan bakery. 
Breadfarm...passionate bakers making great bread. 

Click here for info on current job openings. 

Happy eating! 
Renee, Scott, Nell and the Breadfarmers

Created by Sirius © 2007  All rights reserved.