CSA 2015 - Week #11
Watermelon, Purple Potatoes still attached to the roots.
NEWS FROM THE FARM
IN THE FIELDS
Our potato harvest begins this week! The first step is to mow down the tops of the potato plants. This kills the plants and allows the skins on the potatoes to "cure" for a few weeks. Then we harvest them with a machine harvester, wash them, and pack them in your shares. This week's variety is purple skinned, called "Colorado Rose". You'll notice that the skin is still very delicate and it will come off if you scrub too hard. They have already been washed once, so a quick gentle wash is all they need before lightly steaming or boiling them until tender. Since they are "new" potatoes, they should be stored in the fridge if you don't eat them within a few days. They will not store well.
IN THE SHARES
Your farmers have outdone themselves this week to bring you a delightfully full (and rather expensive) share of the most delightful, most delicious produce you'll find anywhere! It makes summer cooking a breeze when the ingredients are so spectacular!
Personal-Sized Watermelon - We grow watermelons for the "vegetable" shares because we know you'll love them - especially this time of year when the heat just won't let up! Be sure to handle these melons gently (no dropping) or they'll split. And keep them in the fridge!
Purslane - Do you recognize this leafy green? You may have seen it around your property. It grows wild on Long Island, or you can cultivate it like we do. It contains Omega-3 fatty acids and it has a succulent texture and lemony flavor that pairs wonderfully with many ingredients in summer salads.
Purple Potatoes - See my note above. Handle gently and refrigerate if you're not using them right away. Delicious for potato salads!
Tomatoes - Most of you will receive both red beefsteaks and cherry tomatoes this week. We keep track of what each day's groups receive so you'll all get the same in the end...
Cucumbers - These plants are some of the best looking (and best producing) ones we've ever grown! I've been slicing mine up with some lemon in a pitcher of water. Cucumber lemon water is very refreshing on these hot days !
Green Beans - What a treat again this week! So crispy and tender when they're just a day old! We harvest everything the day before it goes out on your delivery.
Red Onions - Great sliced in salads!
Bon appetit! - Maggie
KIM'S HEALTH & NUTRITION CORNER...
Read all about Food Labels & Ingredients in Kim's blog this week!
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
AUGUST 4, 5, 6 & 7
Purple New Potatoes - 1 quart
Red Onions - 1 bunch
Cucumbers - several pieces
Cherry Tomatoes - 1 bag
Tomatoes - several pieces
Watermelon - 1-2 pieces, depending on size
Purslane - 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.
Clockwise from top: Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Purple Potatoes, Red Tomatoes, Red Onions, Purslane, Green Beans & Watermelon in the middle!
STORAGE TIPS
In the fridge...
Watermelon, Green Beans -- Poke a few small holes in the Green Beans bag for ventilation and store in the fridge.
In a bag in the fridge...
Purslane, Cucumbers, Onions,
On the counter...
Tomatoes - eat right away when fully red (or yellow for the cherries) and ripe!
BRIERMERE FARM FRUIT SHARE
THE FRUIT SHARE IS NOT ORGANIC! PLEASE BE SURE TO WASH THE FRUIT BEFORE YOU EAT IT.
Peaches - 1 bag
Donut Peaches - 1 bag
RECIPES
Green Beans braised with Tomatoes & Basil
Potato Salad with Green Beans & Salsa Verde
Tomato, Cucumber & Purslane Salad