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Janie's Mill is located in Ashkum, Illinois. Janie's Mill is known for organic farming and stone grinding of corn to produce tasty, healthy, nutritious and delicious corn flour. Today, The African Eye uncovers the captivating story of Janie's Mill, where organic farming and stone-ground flour paves the way for a sustainable future. Many African immigrants love getting their flour from Janie's Mill because of its great nutritious value.
This is not Ashikumu, it is Ashkum, the home of Janie’s Mill, a place where cultural connections converge to create something truly special.
Janie's Mill is a family-owned farm that embraces the timeless traditions of organic agriculture. Harold Wilken, together with his son Ross, and many neighbors, all work on the farm - to make a living and to make a difference.
Harold’s great-grandfather began farming in Illinois in 1882. He had an organic, biodiverse farm before anyone called it that. Harold and his family are continuing that tradition of growing good food for their community.
Here, every seed is sown with care and respect for the environment. Janie's Mill embraces organic farming practices, ensuring healthy crops that are free from harmful pesticides. The result? Golden cornfields that thrive under the nurturing hands of dedicated farmers.
But what exactly is organic farming
Janie's Mill is renowned for its exceptional quality, achieved through the meticulous farming, milling, and storage practices. Janie's Mill biggest selling point is the stone-milling of the flour, a time-honored method that crushes the grain between two stones, effectively preserving the flavor and nutritional value of the corn flour. This process is similar to what was practiced in Africa many years ago.
This method conserves the taste, flavor and nutritional value of the corn flour.
Amidst the abundant cornfields, an unexpected connection blooms. Janet Zintambila, an African immigrant whose persuasive nature led Harold to continue growing white corn, even when he had contemplated giving it up.
One such encounter during harvest season brought a meeting of cultures between Janet and Tatum Evans, the marketing and Relationship at Janie's Mill. Tatum vividly recalled Janet's infectious excitement as she embraced the farm experience.
Janet graciously taught Tatum the art of preparing Githeri-a dish that bridged a gap between their worlds. The introduction these Kenyan delicacies celebrates diversity and the shared passion for wholesome ingredients.
During our visit, Janet graciously shared a traditional Kenyan meal of Ugali, beans, traditional vegetables and chicken with Harold and his employees, a feast that connected hearts through both taste and heritage.
Deep within the facility, Jill Brockman Cummings, the mill manager, guides us through the ancient art of stone-grinding of flour. The traditional millstones, harnessed with care and precision, transform the organic corn into a remarkable flour.
Jill warmly invites customers to experience the magic firsthand, encouraging them to explore online purchases for nationwide delivery.
Just like Harold, Janet's connection to corn goes beyond culinary delights. It brings back cherished memories of walking through African cornfields. In the embrace of Janie's Mill, she is transported back to her roots, relishing in the familiarity of the crops that once nurtured her. The corn holds the power to evoke feelings of belonging, capturing the essence of shared humanity.
Our journey takes us through the corn fields, where neighboring farmers celebrate their own bountiful harvest. At Janie's Mill, we witness the intricate milling process, unveiling the passion and craftsmanship that brings their stone-ground flour to life.
We conclude this unforgettable experience by breaking bread, sharing a Kenyan meal with Harold's employees, a testament to the bonds formed through shared meals and cultural exchange.
As we bid farewell to Janie's Mill, a tapestry of flavors and connections weave together, reminding us of the power of sustainable farming, ancestral ties, and culinary treasures.
Join us next time, when we shall be on Janet’s farm, exploring the more enriching journey into the world of sustainable agriculture.
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