Always Available: Local Dairy, Eggs & More to Get You Through the Spring Gap

Always Available: Local Dairy, Eggs & More to Get You Through the Spring Gap

By Anna Nelson –

This time of year can feel like a waiting game in the produce world. The hearty greens and root veggies of fall and winter are on their way out, and the vibrant colors of summer haven’t yet arrived. But don’t worry, OtterBee’s Market has you covered with a dependable selection of always-available staples to keep your meals satisfying and local, even during shoulder season.

From pasture-raised eggs to farm-fresh dairy and organic beef, there’s plenty to fill your basket at OtterBee’s, even when produce is in short supply. We also stock pantry favorites that can help you pull together a delicious meal at a moment’s notice.

  • Oat Hill Organic Beef – Grass-fed and raised just up the road.
  • Rumiano Cheese Company – Award-winning cheeses and rich, golden butter made in Crescent City (using Alexandre Family Farm dairy).
  • Alexandre Family Farm – Creamy whole milk, half-and-half, and heavy cream from regenerative organic dairies.
  • UpsideDown Eggs – Local, pasture-raised eggs from happy hens on the Southern Oregon Coast.
  • Pantry Staples – Stock up on cold-pressed oils, local honey, nut butters, whole nuts, dried mushrooms, and more—great building blocks for cooking between seasons.

Always-Available Staple Highlight: Why We Love UpsideDown Eggs

While commercial egg prices rise and fall—and grocery store shelves sometimes run dry—OtterBee’s customers can always count on a steady supply of fresh local eggs from UpsideDown Farm.

Based just outside Coos Bay, Oregon, brothers Dane and Troy Kapande raise their hens with care and transparency. Each bird has a minimum of 108 square feet of outdoor space and lives in mobile housing that moves regularly to fresh pasture. This natural environment allows the hens to forage for bugs and grubs while soaking up sunshine, exactly how it should be.

No antibiotics, no industrial barns—just real eggs from real farms. The result? Bright, flavorful yolks and a difference you can taste.


A Perfect Meal with What’s Always on Hand

One of the joys of cooking with OtterBee’s staples is how easy it is to whip up something truly delicious without needing a big haul from the store. That’s especially helpful during this in-between season, when local produce can be a bit limited.

That’s why we’re featuring one of our go-to recipes that we put together using Otterbee’s ingredients on hand: a crustless spinach, mushroom, and cheese quiche. It’s a no-fuss, protein-packed meal that highlights local eggs, cheese, and milk—and it’s flexible enough to use whatever extras you have on hand. Pair it with a side salad or roasted root veggies for a complete meal.

Recipe: Crustless Spinach, Mushroom, and Cheese Quiche

Adapted from a Budget Bytes recipe and made/verified by Anna Nelson.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms*
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped**
  • 4 large UpsideDown Eggs
  • 1 cup Alexandre Family Farm milk (or half-and-half for richness)
  • 1 cup shredded Rumiano sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes for extra flavor

*Feel free to use the dehydrated mushrooms from Oregon Mushrooms, just soak them in water to rehydrate first. That’s what we did!

**Luckily, we also had spinach on hand, left over from last week’s Otterbee’s haul!

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or 8×8 baking dish. In a skillet, sauté the onion in butter or oil over medium heat until softened (about 3–5 minutes). Add the mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and begin to brown (about 5 more minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, then add the chopped spinach. Cook just until wilted, then remove from heat.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any optional spicesStir the cooked veggies and shredded cheese into the egg mixture. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.


Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole household, this quiche makes the most of OtterBee’s everyday offerings. It’s local food that’s always in season—and always within reach.