CSA 2015 - Week #10
Left: Winter Squash crop, Right: Tomatoes ripening on the vine
NEWS FROM THE FARM
OUR ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
Our farm has been Certified Organic from the very beginning, nearly 20 years now! Each year an inspector from a third-party certifying agency, NOFA-NY, LLC, visits the farm to perform an in-depth farm site inspection. Tomorrow, Farmer Matt will be spending nearly half the day with the inspector, as he analyzes our records, walks the fields and facilities, verifying our organic growing practices and audit trail records. It is an exhaustive and careful inspection that encompasses everything from seed procurement to crop rotation, buffer zones and soil nutrient testing. Click here to read more about the requirements for Organic Crop Certification from NOFA, NY.
IN THE FARMHOUSE KITCHEN
We've been renovating our farmhouse kitchen this past month. Bad timing to say the least, but we've been hanging in there and it's almost finished! I'm excited to get cooking with this week's share....
Green Beans - The little farmer (who is now 5 1/2 and who has requested that I drop the "little" part) has been talking about the green bean harvest non-stop. In fact, the countdown has been on since last Tuesday, so we've been listening to him carry on about the mechanics of the harvester and the vibrating sorter for a week! As you can imagine, we were all relieved when the big day came yesterday and he was able to live the dream riding on the back of the harvester and working the mechanical sorter for hours on end. The delicious string beans in your shares this week are fruits of his (and many others) labor. These really are a treat, as you rarely find them available in stores, especially not organic ones! Please note that they are washed and bagged, but anywhere the bean may have been slightly bruised, there may be a little rotten spot. They must be stored in the fridge, and I would poke a few holes in their bag for ventilation. Eat them tonight! Steam gently until they turn a bright green - maybe 3-5 minutes. I like them with a little crunch, but taste them and see what you prefer. Serve these first ones with a touch of butter (or olive oil) and some salt. That's all they need! So sweet, so delicious, such a beautiful summer treat.
Tomatoes - The harvest is just starting up. These are a wonderful beefsteak variety with a lot of flavor. Don't overthink it with these - just slice and serve drizzled with a good olive oil and salt & pepper. Caprese salad with sliced fresh mozzarella and basil is lovely too.
Cucumbers & Onions - These are meant for each other in a quick salad. You could even add the tomatoes! Dress with olive oil, red wine vinegar and salt & pepper to taste. I crush some garlic in there too.
Cabbage - This hot week calls for a slaw. Try one of the recipes I've compiled this week.
Fennel - It's a love it or hate it veg, but I guarantee you'll love it one way or another. If you like the "licorice" flavor, then you're better off eating it raw. Try this week's salad recipe. If you're really not a fan of the flavor, then cook it! It looses that strong flavor and the texture when cooked is divine.
Bon appetit everyone! Stay cool! - Maggie
KIM'S HEALTH & NUTRITION CORNER...
Kim is on vacation this week. She'll be back next week with more healthy tips! In the meantime, you can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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 look forward to seeing you there!
THIS WEEK IN THE SHARES
JULY 28, 29, 30 & 31
Onions - 1 bunch
Cucumbers - several pieces
Tomatoes - several pieces
Cabbage - 1 head
Fennel - 1 bunch
Green Beans - 1 bag
*The contents of the share may change through the week as we monitor the fields and harvest what is at its peak.
BRIERMERE FARM FRUIT SHARE
THE FRUIT SHARE IS NOT ORGANIC! PLEASE BE SURE TO WASH THE FRUIT BEFORE YOU EAT IT.
Sugar Plums - 1 bag
Blueberries - 1 container
Clockwise from top: Cabbage, Fennel, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions & Green Beans in the middle!
STORAGE TIPS
In the fridge...
Poke a few small holes in the Green Beans bag for ventilation and store in the fridge.
In a bag in the fridge...
Cabbage, Fennel, Cucumbers, Onions
On the counter...
Tomatoes - eat right away when fully red and ripe!
RECIPES
Fennel, Avocado & Mint Salad
Roasted Fennel with Parmesan
Cabbage Slaw from Sonya Gropman
Cabbage Slaw with Cilantro & Lime