CSA 2014 - Week #6
NOTES ON THE SHARE
So many of you have been asking for the return of my rambling comments on the week's share. So here you go...
Radicchio is one of my all-time favorites. It is bitter, but easily balanced when properly dressed or cooked. I happen to love it sliced thinly in a salad (Try this one!) or as we discovered last summer, it is perfectly suited to the grill - yes, the grill! I've put a few recipes for grilled or seared radicchio in this newsletter for you to try, and you really must. Zucchini is making its debut this week, also a wonderful addition to your grill when sliced lengthwise and coated with a little olive oil. You'll be getting plenty more this season! Swiss Chard is really best cooked, and I like to gently saute it with some butter until just tender. Remember that the stems take a bit longer to cook, so throw them in the pan for a few minutes by themselves before you add the leaves. If I'm feeling like making a little more of a fuss, I throw in some pine nuts and raisins a la this recipe. Basil, my love, I'm so glad you're back! Please do yourself a favor and just whip up a batch of basil pesto this week - recipe to the right. When I was a kid my mother would make pesto in her Cuisinart several times a week in the summertime to keep up with her prolific basil patch. It's perfect on pasta, pizza, zucchini, crackers, sandwiches, anything! Chioggia Beets (also known as candy cane beets for their red & white striped interiors) are an Italian heirloom variety. You can cook them up like red beets, but don't forget to slice them horizontally so you can see just how beautiful they are! Batavian Lettuce for your summer salads, a variety that grows well in the heat. Carrots, yum! And either Cabbage or something else that the farmers deem worthy of including in your shares this week! A great box all around. Thank you Farmers Matt & James!
FARM WEATHER REPORT
We were so thankful for last Friday's rain storm, but it only gave us a few days of rest from irrigating. The fields are dry as a bone once again and we're back to moving pipes and irrigating our fields one section at a time. We're looking forward to Mother Nature helping us out with a little more wet weather forecast for mid-week.
THIS WEEK IN THE SHARES
July 8, 9, 10 & 11
Radicchio - 1 head
Zucchini - several pieces
Swiss Chard - 1 bunch
Chioggia Beets - 1 bunch
Basil - 1 bunch
Carrots - 1 bunch
Cabbage - OR - Other Item - 1 piece
Batavian Lettuce- 1 head
STORAGE TIPS
In a bag in the fridge...
Radicchio, Zucchini, Swiss Chard, Beets (separate from the tops), Carrots, Cabbage, Lettuce.
In a jar of water in the fridge...
Basil
RECIPES
• Seared Radicchio with Mozzarella
• Balsamic Grilled Radicchio
• Fresh Basil Pesto