Homesteading
Homesteading is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. It is characterized by subsistence agriculture, home preservation of food through raising or hunting/catching. Contribute to a community-driven movement that celebrates the beauty of nurturing the land, cultivating wholesome food, and fostering a deeper connection to nature.
Farm Fresh Eggs
At Tovah Homestead, our hens roam freely and are never confined to cages. They enjoy the freedom to explore their coop and garden area, foraging for bugs while being nourished with a varied diet of greens such as lettuce, grass, seeds, garden leftovers, and sprouted grains.
Rest assured, our chickens live a stress-free life without antibiotics, growth hormones, or stimulants. Our eggs are raw, meaning we do not pasteurize them like other eggs in the industry.
We offer both washed and unwashed egg options for sale.
Why Fresh Eggs?
A hen naturally deposits a protective coating, known as the “egg bloom,” or “egg cuticle,” on the outside of the eggshell during the laying process. This protein layer seals the porous shell, safeguarding developing chicks and maintaining the freshness of unfertilized eggs by preventing moisture loss and contamination.
When eggs are washed, the protective bloom is removed, making them more prone to spoilage, especially when stored at room temperature. In the commercial egg industry, eggs undergo both washing and pasteurization, a USDA-required process to eliminate bacteria present at the time but offering no long-term protection, hence the need for refrigeration.
Unwashed eggs can be preserved in various ways. For example, fresh unwashed eggs can be safely stored at a temperature below 55°F (12°C) in a cold room, allowing them to remain viable for up to three months, given a humidity level of around 75%. If you choose to keep the eggs on your counter, they will maintain freshness for approximately two weeks. Store them in the carton to minimize shell condensation.
Since our eggs are stored in the refrigerator, it is best to keep them refrigerated when brought home. Regardless of the preservation method, always crack them into a separate dish rather than directly into the food or cooking pan.
It is best food safety practice to refrigerate washed eggs, regardless of whether they are pasteurized, unpasteurized, home-raised, or store-bought.
Pure, Raw Honey
Savor the pure, unadulterated goodness of our 100% pure, raw & unfiltered honey. With just one ingredient—honey—our BPA-free bottle holds the essence of nature’s sweetener. Our bees, located in Rocky Ford, Colorado, pollinate the vibrant alfalfa and melon fields, infusing the honey with a delightful dark hue.
Why Raw and Local Honey?
Bees pollinate a vast array of flowers, trees, alfalfa, clover, and a diverse range of vegetables and fruits. Buying local Colorado honey means supporting other local agricultural businesses as well as local beekeepers. By fostering a connection to the land and supporting the efforts of these dedicated beekeepers, you actively participate in the preservation of local ecosystems and the economic vitality of the community.
Raw honey is carefully preserved in its natural state to retain its exceptional nutritional value. Unlike processed alternatives, raw honey undergoes no heating, ensuring that vital enzymes and beneficial compounds, including pollen, antioxidants, and numerous other nourishing elements, remain intact. Indulge in a product that captures the full spectrum of honey’s goodness, providing you with a pure and wholesome experience.
Honey is one of those amazing, raw products that have no expiration date. While honey may naturally crystallize over time, it remains perfectly edible and retains its delightful taste. To restore its smooth texture, simply place the crystallized honey jar in a pan or bowl of warm water, ensuring the temperature does not exceed 105°F to preserve its natural enzymes. Best kept in a cool, dark environment.
Please note that honey should not be given to infants under 1 year old.
Locally-Grown Lettuce
Experience the benefits of year-round fresh produce with our sustainably and organically grown lettuce in innovative aquaponics system Emerge Aquaponics, nestled in the picturesque Black Forest, Colorado. This carefully cultivated lettuce not only delivers exceptional taste and nutrition but also minimizes transportation distance, ensuring a direct and swift journey from the farm to your dinner table.
By harnessing the power of aquaponics—a harmonious blend of aquaculture and hydroponics—we bring you lettuce that flourishes in a controlled environment, free from pesticides and herbicides.
What is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a sustainable farming method that combines aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soil-less plant cultivation). It creates a symbiotic ecosystem where fish provide nutrients for plants, and in turn, the plants filter the water for the fish. This innovative approach maximizes resource efficiency and yields fresh, organic produce in a controlled environment.
Aquaponics brings numerous advantages, including resource efficiency with up to 80% less water and 75% less energy usage compared to traditional farming. It promotes sustainable food production year-round, reduces environmental impact, eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and supports local and community-based farming, fostering food security and a deeper connection to the food we consume.
Aquaponics can play a significant role in addressing food insecurity. By enabling year-round cultivation and maximizing crop yields, aquaponics offers a consistent and reliable source of fresh produce. Its resource efficiency, including reduced water usage and elimination of chemical inputs, makes it suitable for both urban and rural settings. Additionally, aquaponics can be implemented at a smaller scale, allowing communities to establish local food production systems, thereby increasing access to nutritious food and reducing dependence on distant supply chains.
Experience the incredible vitality of microgreens, the vibrant and tender seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs. Unlike their fully grown counterparts that require extensive cultivation time, microgreens can be harvested and savored in just a mere week to 10 days, once their cotyledon leaves—the embryonic structures within the seed—have emerged, offering a burst of flavor and nutrition in every bite.
Simple Skincare
Experience the beauty of simplicity with our skincare products crafted from pure, simple ingredients. Harnessing the nourishing power of tallow, coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, and beeswax to reveal your skin’s natural radiance. Embrace a skincare routine that is gentle, effective, and free from unnecessary additives.
Ingredients You Can Read
Unveil the remarkable potential of tallow, a derivative of beef fat, in fostering skin rejuvenation and vitality. Abundant in fat-soluble vitamins including A, D, E, and K, tallow serves as a non-greasy moisturizer, replenishing depleted nutrients caused by age-related processes and environmental aggressors. Penetrating deeply to nourish at a cellular level, tallow exhibits notable attributes such as its intrinsic anti-aging properties by stimulating elastin production and combating free radicals for enhanced skin protection. Our commitment to sustainability is exemplified by the utilization of kidney and liver fat that would otherwise be discarded, allowing us to craft an array of skincare products, candles, soaps, and more, embracing the versatile potential of tallow.
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, scientifically known as Vitellaria paradoxa. Renowned for its skincare benefits, shea butter possesses remarkable moisturizing and nourishing properties. Rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A and E, shea butter deeply hydrates the skin, promotes elasticity, and helps in maintaining a supple and youthful appearance. Its emollient nature forms a protective barrier that seals in moisture, shielding the skin from environmental stressors. Additionally, shea butter’s anti-inflammatory properties can aid in soothing and calming irritated or sensitive skin, making it a valuable ingredient in skincare formulations for dryness, eczema, and other skin conditions.
Olive oil is a natural oil derived from the fruit of the olive tree, scientifically known as Olea europaea. Widely recognized for its culinary uses, olive oil also offers numerous skincare benefits. Rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins A and E, and beneficial fatty acids, olive oil serves as an excellent moisturizer, helping to nourish and hydrate the skin. Its emollient properties support the maintenance of a smooth and supple complexion while protecting against moisture loss. Olive oil’s antioxidant content contributes to its potential anti-aging effects, helping to combat free radicals and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can aid in soothing and calming sensitive or irritated skin. When incorporated into skincare routines, olive oil can promote overall skin health and contribute to a radiant and youthful appearance.
Coconut oil is a natural oil extracted from the meat of coconuts, Cocos nucifera. It contains medium-chain fatty acids, such as lauric acid, which possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in fighting bacteria and soothing skin irritations. The oil’s high concentration of saturated fats acts as a moisturizer, locking in moisture and creating a protective barrier to prevent water loss from the skin. This can contribute to softer, smoother, and more hydrated skin. Additionally, coconut oil’s antioxidant content helps protect the skin against damage caused by free radicals, promoting a more youthful appearance. Its versatility extends to its ability to remove makeup, support wound healing, and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.
Beeswax is a natural substance produced by bees to build their honeycombs. In skincare, beeswax offers a range of benefits. It acts as a protective barrier, locking in moisture and shielding the skin from environmental irritants. The occlusive properties of beeswax help to retain hydration, keeping the skin soft and supple. Additionally, beeswax has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it suitable for soothing and healing dry, irritated, or sensitive skin. Its natural emollient qualities contribute to improved skin texture and can aid in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
About Us
Serving our Local Community
I’m Katrina Tolbert, a mother of three boys, and the founder of Tovah Homestead. Inspired by my local community in Tri-Lakes, Colorado, I embarked on this journey to preserve and share the homesteading way of life. Growing up in Monument and Palmer Lake, I faced challenges in a dysfunctional family but found solace and strength in my faith in God. Since 2008, my family and I have experienced the ups and downs of homesteading, and now I am dedicated to imparting my knowledge to others. The name “Tovah,” meaning “God is Good” in Hebrew, embodies the essence of this lifestyle where we recognize the goodness of God in every aspect.
I was born in Monument and raised in Palmer Lake, Colorado. The Tri Lake area has always been my husband’s and my home. I was raised in a very dysfunctional family. During the hurt and pain through the years I learned to lean on God. I met Terry in 1996 where he passionately persuaded (chased) me throughout the years. In December 1999 I finally realized that God never left me, but I heard God saying, “You’re a child of God”. With the Holy Spirit guiding me, I married Terry in 2001. I was instantly accepted by the Tolbert family. Throughout the years my family heritage came out more in the things I did. Both of my parents were raised on a farm. I was longing to see us in that lifestyle that I was never raised in. It was Terry’s Grandmother that showed me the simple life of homesteading. With her passing, her legacy was passed on to me. This is why we called our place a legacy house. We have been homesteading since 2008 with many good and bad struggles along the way. I had started “Katrina’s Eggs” and sold my eggs in the Tri Lake stores until predators kept on stealing my chickens and stressing them out. Now I’m taking my knowledge and sharing it with the business we created called, Tovah Homestead! Tovah meaning: God is Good in Hebrew and Homesteading is a lifestyle so it’s living out a lifestyle of God is good! I’m still alive as a testament to that. In 2018 I was diagnosed with Paget’s disease and Intraductal Carcinoma, a type of breast cancer. God protected me through the process especially when I found out that it was in the lymph nodes. I finished chemo, surgery and radiation in 2019. When life happens and you are almost dead because of the winter season, there’s not much choice other than to just hang in the dormant stages. Because ultimately, the Spring season will come and you can sprout again in life! It’s definitely a cycle of seasons that we all go through. No matter how hard life hits you again and again, it’s your choice to get up. In 2022 I was diagnosed with the second cancer in the Endometrial which I received surgery for and praise God I’m 100% cancer free! We live in a fallen world and life is hard. It’s your choice to have a good attitude or bad. It’s your choice to eat good or poorly. It’s your choice to choose where you are going in your life, so open your heart and choose life! We can glean much insight if we were to look into the Bible which is full of stories of people with various life experiences and different choices they chose. Life has its daily challenges that is why we need to listen to the Holy Spirit. He will never steer us wrong! Happy homesteading to you all!
Tovah Homestead is dedicated to offering a delightful array of locally sourced food products. Savor the authentic flavors and genuine passion poured into every food product and embrace the spirit of self-sufficiency and connection to the land.