CSA 2015 - Week #2

NEWS FROM THE FARM

What a wonderful start to June - RAIN! It's been an incredibly dry spring on the farm and despite our best efforts irrigating the crops, our farm has been a huge dust bowl! This rain gives all our crops a much-needed drink.

Before we get to talking about this week's share, we want to tell you that we have made the difficult decision to CANCEL our U-Pick Strawberry Program this year. Due to a very cold winter, dry spring and lack of organic mulch, we just don't have enough berries to open up the fields to U-Pick. We know this is very disappointing and that many of you have made it a tradition to come pick strawberries at our farm with your family. We hope to open again next season. In the meantime, we will be offering flats of berries for sale at a discount to members. Please stay tuned to your e-mail inbox for more information coming soon! We thank you for your understanding. Farm Tours will still take place at the farm during the month of June on Saturdays at 1pm. We hope you'll come out and visit us!

IN THE BOX

White Salad Turnips - A CSA favorite, these turnips are delicious eaten raw. They're juicy and sweet - not what you would expect from a turnip! Farmer Matt likes to slice them up and sprinkle with salt for a snack. Our kids eat them like apples and you can cook them if you'd like. Just don't forget the green tops! This is a true two-for-one veg! The roots are what most people love about them, but the greens (tops) are what I love about them! The tops can be cooked just like spinach - sauteed gently with garlic.
Boston Lettuce - We have 2 different types of Boston or "Butter" Lettuce in this week's share. The Red Boston's leaves are so beautiful! Remember that this variety has extremely tender leaves, so use a light dressing.
Baby Arugula - This is harvested in its true "baby" state -- exceptionally tender and flavorful. Handle gently as the leaves are so delicate that they will bruise easily.
Bok Choi - This Asian green has grown in popularity over the years and it's no wonder why! What I love about it? The texture and delicate flavor! The whole thing is edible. Just slice off the bottom of the stem where all the stalks come together. Wash the leaves and stems well and throw into a saute pan. The recipe below is simple and delicious!

KITCHEN TIP!
All of the bagged greens have gone through one wash at the farm, but we recommend that you wash them once again at home before eating. To wash greens: (1)Fill a large bowl with cool water. (2)Dump in greens and agitate. (3)Remove greens and spin dry in a salad spinner. This one is my favorite.

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 THE FARM
Our Farm Shop in Jamesport is open Fridays from 10-6 and Saturdays from 9-5 all season long. All members receive 10% off their purchases in our shop! Farm Tours are held every Saturday in June at 1pm. Free for CSA members and their families.

STOCK YOUR CSA KITCHEN PANTRY!
New to CSA? The best place to start is in your pantry. A well-stocked pantry can help you get through your shares each week. Alexa Weitzman of Susatinable Pantry shares some great advice in our "Stocking Your CSA Pantry" Kitchen Guide.

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 Islip (Saturdays) and Huntington (Sundays) - NOW OPEN! Visit our website to learn more about our markets and find a map! Brian looks forward to seeing you there!