In Your Share (May 16th edition)

Welcome to the first Summer Share of 2011!!

  • Cauliflower: This is my favorite time of year for cauliflower! These varieties wrap their leaves tightly around the head to protect it then they burst forth in all their perfection. Cameron & Maystar are the varieties we are picking this week. Try Kelly’s Cauliflower Carpaccio here and Lane’s Cauliflower Risotto here.
  • Collard Greens: These greens are the workhorse of winter and we’re picking the last of their beautiful small leaves this week.
  • Green Garlic: We planted these small garlic cloves last fall especially for spring harvest. The lighter green bottom of the stalk is the most tender part. The upper stem hs good flavor but is not as tender so use it for soup stock. The whole plant has a nice mild garlic flavor. Good on the grill or as a pizza topping. I think these (and the leeks for that matter) could easily be adapted to the Barcelona tradition of calçotada.
  • Leeks: These were planted last fall and have grown well over the winter. They are not huge, but they have nicely blanched stems that can be used to replace onions in almost any dish. The darker green tops are not as tender, but they make a fabulous soup stock. Here is a recipe specifically for making leeks into calçotada, including the yummy romesco dipping sauce.
  • Parsnips: This is the last of our winter parsnip crop. The larger ones are beginning to sprout so we’re only giving out the smaller more tender roots. If you find the core is getting woody just remove it and cook the rest of the root. I think sauteed parsnips add a nice nutty sweetness and depth of flavor to soups, stews and root roasts.
  • Parsley: This variety is aptly named Survivor and was created by one of my favorite local seed breeders Frank Morton at Wild Garden Seeds. Frank has spent years developing varieties that are specifically adapted for our region and for organic systems. Read more about why that matters here.
  • Popcorn: We grew some Early Pink popcorn last summer and miraculously it managed to mature in our cold wet spring & summer. The little bags should make a good sized bowl and given everyone’s enthusiastic response we’re planting more for this season!
  • Spinach: Wow!! This is the best spinach crop we’re grown in years : ) It came out of our new high tunnels and the leaves are sweet, tender and HUGE!!

Coming soon… onions scapes & baby lettuce heads!!