In Your Share (Aug 14th edition)

Sweet Corn Field

The Sweet Corn also really liked that heat wave! Growing corn in the PNW can be challenging sometimes. Early in my farming career we tried quite a few varieties and eventually settled on Sugar Buns and it has performed reliably most seasons. It is what is know in the sweet corn world as a sugary enhanced (se) variety. Developed using traditional breeding techniques, it is sweeter than many old fashioned sweet corn varieties, but not cloyingly sweet like newer Super Sweet types. The newer Super Sweet types also require strict isolation distances otherwise pollen drift can cause their super sweet kernels to get super starchy. More about Sweet Corn Typology here. Sugar Buns has good cold germination – which is helpful in our chilly wet spring weather. In addition, the flavor holds well which means that you can keep it in your fridge for a few days and not have to eat it tonight. Although I’ve been know to snack on it in the field and it is really good that way too!

Amazing recipes for Sweet Corn and everything else in your share are available to members at Cook With What You Have. If you joined our Summer CSA you will find your password in the member email. Enjoy 24/7 access to recipe inspiration!

This week your share may include…

  • Basil: Lovely bunches of green and purple basil!
  • Sweet Corn: Must be summertime…
  • Cucumbers: We’ll have extra Cukes and Cabbage available for sale in bulk this week! If you want to do some preserving, just let me know. Here is one of my favorite quick pickles – this is my Mom’s recipe for Sweet Refrigerator Pickles.
  • Eggplant: Beautiful Japanese eggplant with a few pink and Italian mixed in.
  • Garlic: Yum! 
  • Lettuce: These lovely and refreshing summer crisp heads make a great summer salad.
  • Summer Squash: Assorted shapes, sizes and colors and they’re all tasty. Grill slabs of zucchini or patty pan on the BBQ or slice them into a gratin or use a big one for Zucchini Bread.
  • Tomatoes: I’m excited about quick roasted tomatoes with garlic and basil : )

Coming soon… Hot Peppers!