Kentucky native Dianne Civis has been around gardens, produce and canning since she was four years old and still enjoys it. Today she is utilizing the commercial kitchen of REI Oklahoma to process her organic produce including jalapenos, okra, onions, green beans, squash, wild plumb jelly and a more.
On one of her visits to the commercial kitchen, Dianne was processing more than 2,000 lbs. of okra and producing 1,200 pints of it for Peach Crest Farms in Stratford, Oklahoma. You will find also Dianne’s produce at the Atoka Farmers Market, Savannah Fruit Stand and at a store in Eufaula.
The Lane, Oklahoma resident has limitless energy and an unquenchable passion for organic produce. She works a 10-acre garden plot single handedly, planting, weeding, harvesting and processing her produce. Even during winter months you will see crisp, green vegetables growing. “It’s possible to grow cabbage in Oklahoma because the ground doesn’t freeze as easily as it did in Kentucky,” Dianne said. “And, I’m exciting that the Lane Research Center has asked me to share information about this with them for research purposes.”
Dianne learned about the commercial kitchen when she attended a business tax workshop hosted by REI Women’s Business Center. “It was good news to learn a licensed commercial kitchen was close to home and I sure couldn’t’ do the volume I’m doing without it,” Dianne said. Later she also enrolled in basic training for food entrepreneurs at OSU, Robert M. Kerr Food & Agriculture Products Center.
“Setting up your own commercial kitchen can be costly and even intimidating,” Juli Herrington, REI Business Development/Facilities Coordinator said. “Our commercial kitchen helps food entrepreneurs like Dianne grow their businesses without the overwhelming investment and our facility is licensed by the Department of Health.”
Herrington said the shared-use facility is available 24 hours a day and the fully equipped kitchen includes convection ovens, hot holding cabinet, a tilting kettle, 60-inch range and much more. Other accommodations include individual storage units, walk-in cooler/freezer and even high speed internet. For more information about the commercial kitchen or to schedule a tour, call Juli Herrington at 800-658-2823.
E-mail Dianne Civis at shinycfarms@gmail.com or visit her on Facebook at Shiny C Farms Co. Packing Company.