CSA Week #18
It's a week to celebrate the sweet crunch of fall lettuces, cabbage, hand-picked green beans and kale. If the greens are too much for you to manage this week, remember that the kale freezes beautifully for you to use in soups and cooked dishes later in the season. Just wash the leaves and toss in an air-tight container in the freezer. Ziplocs work well. The lettuces and cabbage should be eaten fresh this week! Enjoy the fall greens bounty!
This week's harvest
Green Cabbage
Extremely sweet variety. Great raw for slaws and salads or in soups.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 2 days
Toscano Kale
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked is best
When to use: Within 5 days
Green Beans
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Spaghetti Squash
This is to EAT! Not for decoration. Please eat within the week.
VIDEO: Here's how to prepare spaghetti squash!
Storage: On the counter in a cool, dry spot.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 10 days
A FESTIVAL OF LETTUCE!
Why so much lettuce, you say? Are your farmers trying to punish you with endless salads this week? No, no, no! These three lettuces were planted to be harvested in succession, not all in one week. However, Mother Nature had other plans, and we had to harvest them all this week or they would bolt, rendering them inedible. Here's my recommendation.... Wash them up and enjoy crunchy fall salads at every meal. We are nearing the end of the head lettuces for the season, so they will be gone before you know it!
Red Romaine Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Green Romaine Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Mini Pomegranate Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Bartlett Pears & Gala Apples - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Tuscan White Bean & Kale Soup
Romaine Salad with Oranges & Walnuts
CSA Week #17
We have a beautiful box of fall salad and cooking greens this week and some last-chance summer gems. This is the end of the tomatoes and watermelon for the season. Coming up? Winter squash, root vegetables & more!
This week's harvest
Baby Arugula
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 2 days
Batavian Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Purple Kale
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked is best
When to use: Within 5 days
Red Tomatoes
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep red.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within a day when ripe.
Parsley
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Yellow *Seedless* Watermelon
Storage: In the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 5 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Surprise! - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Purple Kale Salad with Apples & Pecans
10 Lovely Parley Recipes from the Guardian
CSA Week #16
It's just the third week of September and the shares are screaming "fall"! Acorn squash, broccoli and kale is back! Farmer Matt planted some fall radishes for me (because I love them so) and I'm sharing them with you.
Bon appetit!
This week's harvest
Toscano Kale
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked is best
When to use: Within 5 days
Kohlrabi
These are exceptional when peeled and sliced thinly as a snack.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Acorn Squash
An early fall season winter squash. Slice in half (lengthwise) and place face down on a baking sheet or dish. Bake at 350F until the flesh is soft. Serve with butter and salt & pepper.
Storage: On the counter for up to 5 days.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Red Tomatoes
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep red.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within a day when ripe.
Mini Broccoli (Broccolini)
Eat the whole thing - stems, florets and leaves!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Red Radishes
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Bartlett, Red Bartlett Pears, Gala & Zestar Apples - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Braised Kohlrabi
Roasted Acorn Squash
Garlicky Broccolini
CSA Week #15
I'm not sure if anyone is missing my chatty newsletters, but I've been taking a little break to get my life in order, the kids back to homeschool and all that comes with busy weeknight evenings in the farmhouse: cooking, laundry, piano practicing, chess games, baseball and romping around the garden. I'll be back with an update from the fields (and yes, photos!) within the next week or so. Until then, I hope you're all enjoying my favorite month...September! -Maggie
This week's harvest
Sungold Cherry Tomatoes
Nearly a pound of cherries!
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep orange.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within a day when ripe
Red Beets
The green tops got damaged from the rain the past few weeks. You can compost... they are not great for eating this time around.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Long Green Peppers
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Red Tomatoes
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep red.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within a day when ripe.
Green Beans
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Batavian Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Walla Walla OR Red Onions
These are very perishable and need to be eaten immediately!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 2 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Bartlett Pears & Zestar Apples - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Green Beans with Tomatoes
Beet, Goat Cheese & Walnut Tart
Roasted Tomato Soup with Broiled Cheddar
CSA Week #14
This week's harvest
Sungold Cherry Tomatoes
Nearly a pound of cherries!
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep orange.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within a day when ripe
Cilantro
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Long Green Peppers
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Red Tomatoes
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep red.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within a day when ripe.
Baby Leeks!
We've tried growing these summer baby leeks. Super tender and sweet.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Red Batavian Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Potatoes
Storage: In a cool, DARK place.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Some members may also receive an additional ITEM IN ROTATION.
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Yellow & Donut Peaches - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
CSA Week #13
This week's harvest
Watermelon
Another week of these beauties! Make sure that you store the melon in your fridge - NOT on the counter.
Storage: In the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Green OR Yellow Zucchini
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Best Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Basil
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Sungold Cherry Tomatoes
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep orange.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within a day when ripe
Red Tomatoes
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep red.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within a day when ripe.
Arugula
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Red Swiss Chard
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Sweet Corn
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 2 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Yellow & Donut Peaches - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
CSA Week #12
Maybe the best week of the summer season? Sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, watermelon, crunchy lettuce and summer greens! Something for everyone!
Bon appétit, friends!
This week's harvest
Red Mini Watermelon
Another week of these beauties! Make sure that you store the melon in your fridge - NOT on the counter.
Storage: In the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Red Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Green OR Yellow Zucchini
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Best Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Summer Collards
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Sungold Cherry Tomatoes
Storage: On the counter - ripe when deep orange.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Parsley
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw or Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Sweet Corn
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 2 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Peaches & Pears - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Zucchini with Parsley & Garlic
Baked Eggs with Garlicky Collard Greens
Rainbow Collard Wraps (Vegan) with Peanut Dipping Sauce
CSA Week #11
We have watermelons in the VEGETABLE shares for everyone this week! They are Certified Organic, grown on our farm and most importantly, they are an old-fashioned variety that have SEEDS!
FRUIT SHARES from Briermere Farm are here!
The fruit is NOT INCLUDED in the vegetable share. You must pay for it separately. If you paid for the fruit it will say "FRUIT" next to your name on the check-in sheet. If it does not say "FRUIT" next to your name, DO NOT TAKE A BAG OF FRUIT. The fruit share will consist of one bag of fruit per PAID FRUIT SHARE MEMBER each week. Look for the fruit bags in open plastic crates at the site starting this week. Questions? Let us know!
This week's harvest
Red Watermelon
With SEEDS! You just can't find these old fashioned, sweet varieties anymore. Make sure that you store the melon in your fridge - NOT on the counter.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Red Batavian Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 5 days
Green & Yellow Zucchini
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Best Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Yellow Wax Beans
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Baby Arugula
This is hand-harvested and EXTREMELY TENDER. Wash very gently and dress lightly. It will wilt quickly, so eat right away. How about tonight?
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 2 days
Fennel
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw or Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Freshly-dug New Potatoes
These are freshly-dug, so they are full of moisture and will cook very quickly!
Storage: In a cool, DARK location.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share - Peaches & Apricots - 1 mixed bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Potato Salad with Beans & Salsa Verde
Shaved Zucchini & Fennel Salad
CSA Week #10
Happy August! We're excited for all the great crops that we start harvesting in late summer. Farmer Matt is seeding our fall carrots this week and our crew has been working like crazy to hand harvest the beautiful, tender arugula and the sweet wax beans for you. These two crops are super time-intensive to harvest by hand. I'm sure you will enjoy them and think about the hands that work hard to feed you each week!
A huge THANK YOU is owed to our amazing crew!
FRUIT SHARES from Briermere Farm begin this week!
The fruit is NOT INCLUDED in the vegetable share. You must pay for it separately. If you paid for the fruit it will say "FRUIT" next to your name on the check-in sheet. If it does not say "FRUIT" next to your name, DO NOT TAKE A BAG OF FRUIT. The fruit share will consist of one bag of fruit per PAID FRUIT SHARE MEMBER each week. Look for the fruit bags in open plastic crates at the site starting this week. Questions? Let us know!
This week's harvest
Sweet Corn
From our friend, Rick Petersen. This is Certified Organic and grown with the same growing methods as we use on our own farm.
HOW TO COOK CORN: Boil a pot of water. When it comes to a rolling boil, put the shucked ears of corn in the water and turn off the stove. Put a lid on the pot and let it sit in the water for 3 minutes. Then take it out and it will be ready to eat!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Green Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 5 days
Long Red Onions
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked/Raw
When to use: Within 5 days
Yellow Wax Beans
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Baby Arugula
This is hand-harvested and EXTREMELY TENDER. Wash very gently and dress lightly. It will wilt quickly, so eat right away. How about tonight?
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 2 days
Swiss Chard
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Culinary Mint
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge. Or bouquet-style in a glass of water up to a day on the counter.
Uses: Raw/Cooked in dishes
When to use: Within 2 days
Briermere Farm Fruit Share
Yellow Peaches - 1 bag
The Fruit Share is a separate share from the Vegetables. It is not included.
Recipes!
Simple Sauteed Wax Beans
29 Recipe Ideas for Swiss Chard (because you may need them!)
CSA Week #9
This week's harvest
Green Batavian Lettuce
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 5 days
Scallions
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked/Raw
When to use: Within 5 days
Green Beans
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Walla Walla Onions
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Green Cabbage
A great variety for stir-fries
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Zucchini
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Swiss Chard
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Basil
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge. Or bouquet-style in a glass of water up to a day on the counter.
Uses: Raw is best
When to use: Within 2 days
Cucumber
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 5 days
Recipes!
Green Beans with Garlic & Toasted Almonds
Caramelized Walla Walla Sweet Onions
Swiss Chard with Chickpeas & Poached Eggs
CSA 2021 - Week #8
This week's harvest
Green Beans
Hand-harvested, tender haricot verts! These are extremely special!
Steam gently and don't overcook!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Fresh Garlic
Storage: On the counter up to a month.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
Culinary Mint
This mint is delicious in culinary dishes or in drinks.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 3 days
Napa Cabbage
A great variety for stir-fries
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Zucchini
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Swiss Chard
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Walla Walla Onions
A fresh-eating onion that has a mild, sweet flavor. Great in salads or you can caramelize them!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Basil
This is a new planting. Those of you who have been members for many years will remember that it became nearly impossible to grow basil in the Northeast for a few years due to fungal diseases. Now we have resistant varieties that are allowing for a basil come-back! We couldn't be happier! Stocking our freezer with basil pesto for the winter.
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge. Or bouquet-style in a glass of water up to a day on the counter.
Uses: Raw is best
When to use: Within 3 days
Recipes!
Swiss Chard Gratin
Stir-fried Napa Cabbage with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Stewed Zucchini with Basil & Mint
Grilled Walla Walla Onions
CSA 2021 - Week #7
This unsettled weather is proving challenging for us! Whenever it rains, we're prevented from getting into the fields with the tractor for a few days. This throws off our field work schedule and then overloads us with an impossible list of tasks when the fields finally dry out. We can't win! :)
On a happier note, the tomatoes are looking beautiful, despite a touch of what might be *blight* from all this rain. We're keeping a close eye on it! The eggplants, peppers and other summer crops are also looking great.
All coming soon to the shares (in a few more weeks)!
LAST CALL FOR THE FRUIT SHARE! If you're still interested in adding on the Briermere Farm Fruit Share to your membership, there is still time! The Fruit Share begins in August and the deadline to add it on is July 16th.
E-mail Kelly in the farm office if you're interested!
This week's harvest
Red Batavian Lettuce
Crunchy and sweet!
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 3 days
Cucumbers
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw
When to use: Within 5 days
Carrots
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge. Remove the greens before storing.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Pointy "Sweetheart" Cabbage
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Zucchini
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Raw/Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Swiss Chard
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Scallions
Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge.
Uses: Cooked
When to use: Within 5 days
Recipes!
Cucumber Salad with Scallions & Olives
Zucchini & Fresh Herb Fritters
Roasted Carrot & Avocado Salad