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9.4.15

Living in L.A, we’re hyper aware of the effects of the Californa drought: lawns are being replaced by succulent gardens, restaurants are serving water by request only, and some of our fave produce has become a little harder to find. We love that everyone is doing their part to conserve our precious resources, but we love it even more that farms and ranches have gotten in on the action and are leading by example. L.A.-based farm-to-table delivery service Out Of The Box Collective gives us the lowdown on one Santa Barbara-adjacent ranch doing their part to make a difference…

For five years now, one of our favorite stops at the Santa Barbara farmer’s market has been Rancho San Julian’s market table, where Elizabeth Poett sells pastured beef from her family ranch. This 14,000 acre ranch has been in Elizabeth’s family for over 8 generations and is one of California’s oldest family run ranches. A profound love and respect for the land has been passed down through these generations. They have been raising cattle on pasture and using traditional herding methods on horseback for more than 200 years.

The ranch, which is graced by forests of California Live Oak, also grows a variety of vegetables, grapes, and lavender. Its tradition of environmental stewardship extends now to solar power in a watering system designed to protect its many creeks and arroyos. Faced with the challenges brought on by the recent severe drought, Elizabeth Poett, who was born and raised on the ranch, has worked with her family to bring back the ranch’s sustainable farm by bringing on bio-dynamic guru Chris Thompson.

The crops they have been growing, with minimal water, are absolutely beautiful, and a testament to the love and care that has gone into cultivating them.

Why this box?

OTB has been thrilled to support the efforts of Rancho San Julian. In this special box we will feature recipes by Elizabeth as well as their ground beef and carne asada, and a selection of their farm produce, grown in this historic and beautiful Lompoc ranch with bio-dynamic practices (a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture, gardens, food production and nutrition).

What's in the box?

The Large boxes will include the ingredients to cook several recipes created by Elizabeth: Elizabeth’s Gazpacho, Rancho’s Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes, Beef Tacos & Mexican Rice, Chicken Chile Verde, and Baked Eggs with Greens & Mushrooms.  Order by Tuesday September 8th at noon by clicking through here!


Win A Real Food Box!

Out of the Box Collective is giving away a 75/25 Produce Selection to one lucky reader! This box will be delivered Monday September 14th, with a variety of produce including several items grown at Rancho San Julian.

 

To enter, simply sign up for both our weekly TCM Newsletter and the Out Of The Box Collective newsletter – then leave a comment below to let us know!

Open to Los Angeles-area residents only. Enter the giveaway by Tuesday, September 8th 2015 at 12pm PST. Winner will be chosen at random. Good luck, readers!

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