CSA 2015 - Week #22
NEWS FROM THE FARM
Thanks to everyone who braved the cold temperatures (and the snow showers!) on Sunday to join us for our Harvest Festival. We loved meeting so many of you and we hope you enjoyed touring the farm!
The farm parcel that was open for touring was where we planted the majority of our summer crops. Now much of the land is being seeded with winter cover crops. Our fall plantings are growing on the other parcel of land that we farm on Sound Avenue.
UPDATE FROM THE FIELDS
Farmer Matt wanted to share some updates from the fields...
Our fall plantings of beets and swiss chard were damaged by "armyworms", which quickly defoliate the plants. This is the first year we've experienced such dramatic damage from them, and the crops were not salvageable.
Arugula is coming back this fall, but not as soon as we would've liked. The current planting was grown in sandy soil and 2 heavy rains leached away the fertilizer so the leaves turned purple. The next planting looks good, so you can expect to see that in the shares in a few weeks! Also coming up should be some more baby salad kale and lettuce. The weather this time of year makes the harvests a bit more unpredictable, so we'll be updating you each week to let you know what to expect in the harvests for these final 5 weeks of the season.
WINTER CSA - SIGN UP NOW!
We've now opened up our registration for our Early Winter CSA Program! This program is separate from our 26-week Full Season CSA. It consists of 3 deliveries (spaced 2 or 3 weeks apart) starting in December. We have pick-up available at two Long Island locations, Jamesport (Farm) and Port Washington. Due to the potential for freezing temperatures in the winter, we are only able to offer pick-up at indoor locations. The winter share boxes consist of our own CERTIFIED ORGANIC root vegetables and storage crops like Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Watermelon Radish, Carrots, Beets, Rutabaga, Winter Squash, and possibly Broccoli, Kale and Cabbage. Exact contents may change. We also offer a Cider and Apple Share from Briermere Farms that is not organic.
IN YOUR BOX...
Sweet Potatoes - We've been eating these daily! Try my recipe for sweet potato pie if you want a real treat. Otherwise the easiest way to prepare is to bake in the oven at 350F until soft. Then scoop out the flesh and serve with a little butter and salt.
Cilantro - We can't live without cilantro in the house. Galen seeds it outside in our kitchen garden every few weeks so we have a constant supply. If you don't already know what to do with this bunch, I urge you to try one of the recipes this week. It's wonderful in soups!
Bok Choi - This is fantastic in stir fries. The whole thing is edible, leaf and stalk!
Broccoli - For steaming, for soup, for salad!
Watermelon Radish - Slice one open and you're in for a surprise! These are great in salads or roasted. Try this week's recipes.
Bon appetit! - Maggie
KIM'S HEALTH & WELLNESS CORNER
Check out Kim's blog here>>Read here
WANT MORE BEHIND-THE-SCENES? FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM! Get up-to-the-moment posts from the fields, the barn, the farmhouse kitchen and more!
VISIT OUR FARMERS' MARKETS
Can't get enough of our veggies? Some of our best Farmers' Market customers are our CSA members! Stock up on more of the goodness you get in your shares at our markets in Port Washington (Saturdays), Islip (Saturdays) and Huntington (Sundays). Visit our website to learn more about our markets and find a map! Brian, Orlando & Leah look forward to seeing you there!
THIS WEEK IN THE SHARES
OCTOBER 20, 21, 22 & 23
Sweet Potatoes - 4 lbs
Broccoli - 2 heads
Cilantro - 1 bunch
Bok Choi - 1 bunch
Watermelon Radish - several pieces
*The contents of the share may change through the week as we monitor the fields and harvest what is at its peak.
Clockwise from top: Bok Choi, Broccoli, Watermelon Radish, Sweet Potatoes, Cilantro
STORAGE TIPS
In a bag in the fridge...
Bok Choi, Cilantro, Broccoli, Watermelon Radish
In a warm, dark place (NOT the fridge!)
Sweet Potatoes
BRIERMERE FARM FRUIT SHARE
NEXT WEEK, THE WEEK of OCTOBER 26th is the FINAL WEEK OF THE FRUIT SHARE.
THE FRUIT SHARE IS NOT ORGANIC! PLEASE BE SURE TO WASH THE FRUIT BEFORE YOU EAT IT.
JUST 1 BAG THIS WEEK of mixed Apples
RECIPES
Cabbage-Radish Slaw with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Watermelon Radish, Orange & Goat Cheese Salad
Cilantro & Chicken (or Chickpea) Soup
Sweet Potato Pie