CSA 2016 - Week #23

This is week #23 out of 26 weeks in this season's CSA program.  That means that we have 4 more weeks of veggies to go...  We weren't quite sure what was going to be ready to harvest for this week's shares, but it turns out A LOT!  I'm super excited for the chicories, radicchio and escarole, oh my!  And the cauliflower heads are slowly growing, so you'll be getting them either this week or next. 

Farmer Matt is busy getting our fields cover cropped for the winter ahead.  And speaking of winter, if you just can't imagine life without your local, organic farm fresh goodies (and you LOVE root veg), well, then you'd better sign up for the CSA Winter Share!  (Note: 2017 CSA Applications will be up for renewal soon, stay tuned!)

CSA WINTER SHARE!  (December-March)  We're now taking applications for our CSA Winter Share.  Quick rundown....4 pick-ups, once a month from December through March.  Choose from 2 pick-up sites, either Port Washington or Jamesport.  Sorry, we can't deliver to any sites that freeze or else your veg will freeze... LEARN MORE & SIGN UP HERE!

Moving on to what's in the shares this week...

Radicchio - Radicchio is a leaf chicory with a spicy and bitter taste that mellows when cooked.  Due to its bitterness, radicchio pairs best with sweet, salty and acidic ingredients like oranges, prosciutto and balsamic vinegar.  Try one of the delicious recipes below!
Storage: In an airtight (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw or Cooked When to use: Within a week.

Escarole - Escarole looks similar to lettuce, but is actually a slightly bitter green in the chicory family.  A variety of endive, escarole tastes similar to radicchio.  Just remember that the bitter flavors mellow when you cook it.  Try this week's recipe for escarole & white bean soup.
Storage: In an airtight (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw or Cooked When to use: Within a week.

Cauliflower - These heads are so sweet!  The crop is slowly coming in over the next few weeks (the heads grow at different rates), so we'll be giving them out in phases.  If you don't receive a head this week, then you can expect it next week!  Roasted cauliflower is one of life's great pleasures...
Storage: In an airtight (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Cooked When to use: Within a week.

Sweet Potatoes - One of the last weeks of sweet potatoes. These are so versatile..they make a great quick bread for breakfast!  See recipe below.
Storage: In a cool (NOT COLD), dark, dry spot.  Uses: Cooked When to use: Within 2 weeks.

Leeks - We grow these for the shares in several successive plantings because we love using them in the kitchen!  They make a wonderful base for soups, gratins or braised on their own. 
Storage: In an airtight (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Cooked When to use: Within a week.

Bok Choi -  Both the stalk and the leaves can be eaten raw, or cooked. Whether they're stir-fried, gently steamed or added to soup, Bok Choi is easy to prepare and a nutritious addition to meals. Separate the leaves from the stalks, as the thicker stalks take longer to cook. Rinse well and drain, then shred or cut across the leaves, and cut stalks into small slices along the diagonal, saute with a small amount of water or chicken stock.
Storage: In an airtight (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw/Cooked When to use: Within a week.

White Salad Turnips - Both the tops and the roots are delicious on these turnips!  Another great 2-for-1 veg.  You don't need to peel the roots, just wash them well.  They are surprisingly juicy and delicious raw or cooked.  Your choice!  The tops saute up quickly as a side-dish or in a stir-fry. 
Storage: In an airtight (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. Separate the roots from the green tops.  They'll last longer that way. Uses: Raw or cooked. When to use: Within 5 days. 

Red Kale -  A great variety for raw salads or cooked recipes.  Fine Cooking has an excellent photo tutorial and video to teach you how to easily remove the stems.
Storage: In an airtight (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw, Baked (Chips) Cooked (Best in Soups) or Juiced. When to use: Within 5 days.

FRUIT SHARE - Mixed bag of Bosc Pears, Red & Golden Delicious Apples
***Please note that the fruit share ends the week of November 14th.  There are 3 weeks of the fruit share left!***

Recipes

Traditional Risotto with Radicchio - Food52
Roasted Radicchio
Escarole Recipe Tips - The Vegetable Butcher
Escarole & White Bean Soup in Parmesan Broth
Sweet Potato Quick Bread
Stir-fried Bok Choi
Kale Salad with Apples & Cheddar
Escarole & Radicchio Salad