In Your Share (April 13th)

IMG_1697This is me on the tractor this weekend mowing the collard greens down. They must have been over 6′ tall! We had a great run of collard greens this year. By growing several different varieties, we were able to extend the harvest from late summer through April. Starting in early spring, the plants get the urge to bloom and the first tight buds make fabulous collard rapini. Then they get away from us and grow, grow, grow – until at this point the plants are taller than the tractor and covered with spectacular buttery yellow blooms. The fields are literally alive with the neighbors honey bees, lazy black bumble bees and tiny beneficial syrphid flies. We let them flower as long as we can to provide nectar, pollen & habitat for all those beautiful beneficial bugs. Then all good things must come to an end and we mow them down to make room for more crops this summer. The bugs move on to the crimson clover, which just started to flower. And we move on to summer planting – think luscious tomatoes, sweet corn and basil all of which will be filling your summer share basket in a few months – yum! But only if you sign up now…

Summer CSA Share starts in just over a month!! Sign up today for bountiful baskets of veggies all season – hope you can join us!!

Lots of tips for all the veggies in the last and final winter share at our exclusive CSA recipe site Cook With What You Have. Check your email for the password to access the site and enjoy your 24/7 access to recipe inspiration!

This week your share may include…

  • Arugula: One of my favorite spring treats!
  • Dry Beans: Choose from a wide variety of different types.
  • Carrots: I said this last time, but now it is really true : ) The sad news is that these are the last of the sweet winter carrots.  The good news is that the spring seeded carrots for the summer share are up and growing!
  • Cauliflower: More beautiful heads this week.
  • Kale: Lovely Red Ursa is the gift that keeps on giving.
  • Lettuce Heads: First of the season!
  • Pea Shoots: Tender little pea vines can be added to salad or lightly sautéed.
  • Peppers: These are NOT HOT. They are dried Jimmy Nardello SWEET peppers. Use them like you would a dried tomato.
  • Popcorn: We got this Amish Butter corn seed from our friends at Ayers Creek Farm. It makes fabulous popcorn or if you have a grinder you can make amazing cornmeal or polenta. It can be popped whole on the cob in the microwave – just put the whole thing in a brown paper bag and cook it on high for just under 3 min. DON’T COOK IT TOO LONG OR THE COB WILL CATCH ON FIRE!! The other option is to pluck the kernels off the cob then make in using your favorite popcorn method.
  • Radish: These cute little bunches add a bit of zing to snacks or salads!
  • Red Onions: Top your spring salad with a few thinly sliced red onions

Coming soon…  SUMMER SHARE!!