CSA 2019 - Week #4

“Farming is a profession of hope."
― Brian Brett

We're just four weeks into the season and I think this might just be my favorite week ever!  The makings of an amazing salad with radicchio, escarole hearts and arugula is on my menu, as is white bean and escarole soup and blueberry crumble.  These blueberries are Certified Organic and come from our friends at Little Buck Organic Farm in New Jersey.  We included them in the shares for the first time last season and they were a big hit! We hope you enjoy this beautiful bounty!

Have a great week, friends!
XO Maggie, Farmer Matt, Kelly & the Crew

What's in the share?

Escarole
It looks like lettuce, but it's not! It's a green leaf chicory that makes a wonderful soup (or side dish) paired with white beans (or chickpeas) and garlic. The outer leaves are best cooked, and the tender, light-colored inside leaves are best raw in a salad. Add them to the radicchio and arugula for an amazing salad combination!
Storage: In an airtight container/bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Cooked or Raw in salad. When to use: Within 4 days.

Beets
They're here! I've been waiting since last fall for the beets. You can roast them to slice in a salad, pickle them or grate them raw. The greens are amazing, so don't toss them! Cook the greens like spainach - gently wilting them with some olive oil and garlic.
Storage: In an airtight container/bag in the refrigerator. Separate the roots from the leaves before storing. Uses: Raw/Cooked When to use: Within 5 days.

Kohlrabi
This is probably the strangest looking veg we grow, but it's really versatile and easy to prepare. Use a paring knife to peel off the skin and inside you'll find a mild-flavored, slightly sweet veg that's in the cabbage family, so it has all those wonderful health benefits! You can roast it, or make a slaw, or just slice it up and dip it in hummus!
Storage: In an airtight container/bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw or cooked. When to use: Within 7 days.

Radicchio
This is a wonderful Italian chicory. It has a bitter flavor, which pairs well with a sharp cheese in a salad OR you can cook it which gets rid of the bitter flavor (if it's not your thing!). Grilled radicchio salad is a new favorite of ours!
Storage: In an airtight container/bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw in a salad. When to use: Within a week.

Arugula
The most tender, baby arugula! This pairs well with the radicchio in a salad with a light vinaigrette!
Storage: In an airtight container/bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw When to use: Within 4 days.

Blueberries
From our friends at Little Buck Organics in NJ...blueberries as a treat for all veg share members! Please note that these blueberries are not part of the fruit share. They are part of the vegetable share!
Storage: In their container in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw or cooked. When to use: Within 5 days.

Scallions
Have you tried these on the grill? They're great!
Storage: In an airtight container/bag in the refrigerator. Uses: Raw or cooked. When to use: Within 5 days.

Farmhouse Favorite Recipes

Escarole Soup
Escarole & Pine Nuts
Seared Radicchio with Mozzarella
Arugula, Radicchio & Escarole Salad
Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad