CSA 2021 - Week #5

Fennel is ready this week! It's a brilliant veg with a distinct flavor that mellows when cooked. (It looses the licorice flavor in case it's not your favorite.) I love it sliced thinly in a salad with the radicchio, or you can braise it. The recipe below is a winner!

And in other news...The zucchini harvest has begun! We have to harvest from these plants every day because the zucchini grows so quickly. If we miss a day we end up with honkers (which nobody wants). Smaller is preferable when it comes to zucchini. ;) You can expect them in your shares every week for the next month or so. We'll give you a break and then they'll be back for round 2 later in the summer. Bon appetit!

This week's harvest

NOTE: The fruit share begins in August.

Fennel
The bulb (the white part) is the most edible part.  The stalks and fronts are too tough to eat, but they are great used in a soup stock. The recipe below for caramelized fennel will make a fennel lover out of anyone!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days

Romaine Lettuce
Crunchy and sweet!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days

Escarole
This is not lettuce!  You can tell it's escarole because it has frilly leaves and white stems in the center.  Escarole soup with white beans is a classic.  Recipe below!  If you want to eat it raw, the inner leaves are tender for a salad.  The outer leaves are best cooked.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days

Basil
Pesto season is here!  It freezes like a dream (the pesto in a jar) and it's always the most coveted item in the freezer!  A taste of summer!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 5 days

Zucchini
The first few pounds of many many more to come!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days

Radicchio
This cousin of escarole (another chicory, bitter green) is beautiful with its rich red color with white veins.  It's delicious as a salad dressed with olive oil & lemon juice, fresh garlic and shaved parmesan.  If the bitter flavor is not to your liking, it mellows when cooked.  You can even grill it!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days

Napa Cabbage
An excellent variety for stir-fries and crunchy salads!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days

Recipes!

Escarole & White Bean Salad with Fennel & Gruyere Cheese
Escarole & White Bean Soup
Caramelized Fennel with Goat Cheese - *Favorite Recipe*
Napa Cabbage Salad
Radicchio Salad with Manchego
Simple Grilled Radicchio