CSA 2015 - Week #3
NEWS FROM THE FARM
The strawberries are in! We're happy to have enough berries to include in the shares this week! Berry picking is very time consuming, so we hope to get them picked for everyone's box. If it doesn't happen this week, you'll get them in your box next week. Please don't worry-- We keep track of who gets what and everyone will get the same amount of berries over the course of the next few weeks.
Now let's talk about storing these beauties! Unlike the strawberries you find at the store, these will not last if they are left out on the counter. In fact, they won't last more than a day in the fridge, which is where you must keep them if you don't eat them immediately! They are picked red, at the peak of ripeness, which increases the deliciousness, but decreases the shelf-life. So be careful how you handle them and of course, enjoy!
While there is no U-Pick this season, we encourage you to come visit the farm. Farm Tours will still take place at the farm during the month of June on Saturdays at 1pm.
IN THE BOX
Rainbow Swiss Chard - This stunning leafy green is delicious too! The stems are edible, but separate them from the leaves before cooking because they'll need a good 5-minute head start in any recipe. (They take about 5 minutes longer to cook than the leaves.) Try the recipe below with raisins and pine nuts. It's extremely delicious and a winner with kids!
Romaine Lettuce - This head of romaine is just waiting to be turned into a delicious Caesar salad. Its sturdy leaves hold up well to heavier dressings and have that wonderful "crunch"!
Red Leaf Lettuce - I love the deep red color of this red leaf. The leaves are much more tender than the Romaine, but not quite as buttery as the Boston you got in your shares last week. Just a perfect leaf to pair with a nice mustard vinaigrette dressing.
Strawberries - No explanation needed!
Parsley - We weren't going to include this in the shares (because of its small size) but I thought we should go ahead and pick it anyway. Nothing beats its fresh flavor to garnish most dishes. Or throw it in your favorite green juice or smoothy. Very healthy, very fresh!
Baby Red Kale - This item is for Tuesday & Wednesday groups only this week. The others received it last week. I remove the bottom stems (pinch them off just below the leaf). Delicious raw in a salad or sauteed.
A NOTE FROM KIM
The weeks are flying by already--I can't believe it is week #3 of our CSA! I'd like to take a moment to say "Hi" to all of our members! It is nice to have many new members this year, and to welcome back our members that have been with us for many years now. I've gotten to know many of you through emails and working at the Farm Shop for the past year. For those of you that have not had a chance to visit our Farm Shop here in Jamesport, I hope you will take an opportunity to drive out east and spend a lovely day on the North Fork! You will not be disappointed as there are many wonderful places to visit, beautiful wineries, and great restaurants. We always have a few additional vegetables in our shop that are not in your CSA box along with other items, such as market baskets, t-shirts, aprons, honey, etc., so please come visit. If you are anything like me, you can not get through the week on one bag of baby red kale (see our raw kale salad recipe). Also, something new this year for our members is 10% off all items at our Farm Shop. If you are unable to make it out this summer, we hope that you will join us in the Fall for our annual CSA Harvest Festival scheduled for Sunday, October 18th.
Moving forward, I will be adding some helpful, healthy tips to our CSA Newsletter each week. Next week, I will be talking about the differences in oils...what are the healthiest cooking oils for every application. There is much to say about this topic and many different view points, but I believe that it is very important to know the facts and do your own research so you can make the best choices for you and your family. As a recent graduate of IIN (Institute of Integrative Nutrition), I have become very passionate about the importance of educating ourselves about organic foods, non-toxic household products, and self-care products and I hope to share some of what I've learned with all of you. Certainly if you have any suggestions, recipes, or advice you would like to share, please feel free to email me at info@goldenearthworm.com
Wishing you a happy, healthy & fun CSA season!
Kim
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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 Port Washington (Saturdays), Islip (Saturdays) and Huntington (Sundays) - ALL NOW OPEN! Visit our website to learn more about our markets and find a map! Brian looks forward to seeing you there!
THIS WEEK IN THE SHARES
JUNE 9, 10, 11 & 12
Rainbow Swiss Chard - 1 bunch
Strawberries - 1 container
Red Leaf Lettuce - 1 head
Green Romaine Lettuce - 1 head
Parsley - 1 small bouquet
Baby Red Kale - 1 bag (Tuesday & Wednesday ONLY this week)
*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: Rainbow Swiss Chard, Parsley, Strawberries, Red Leaf Lettuce, Green Romaine Lettuce, Baby Red Kale (Tuesday & Wednesday ONLY)
STORAGE TIPS
In a bag in the fridge...
Swiss Chard, Lettuces, Parsley, Baby Red Kale
In the fridge...
Strawberries (These berries are nothing like the ones you find in the stores. They are picked at the peak of ripeness, so they cannot sit out on the counter or they will rot within a few hours. Please eat them right away or put them in the fridge as soon as you get them home.)
RECIPES
• Grannie's French Swiss Chard with Pine Nuts & Raisins
• Strawberry Shortcake
• Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing (from Once Upon a Chef)