THIS WEEK IN THE BOX

*NOTICE: The contents of the share will change depending on your pick-up day this week.  The following list is for TUESDAY only.  

VEGETABLE SHARE
Garlic - 2 heads
Collards - 1 bunch
Cucumber - 1 piece (First of the season! The plants are just starting to produce...)
Broccoli - 1 head
Arugula - 1/2 lb. bag
Carrots - 1 bunch 
Scallions - 1 bunch
Zucchini/Summer Squash - 5 pieces 

FRUIT SHARE
1 container Blueberries
1 container Blackberries

CROP NOTES
Beautiful, beautiful garlic!  This hard neck variety of garlic has a superior flavor to the soft neck variety you'll find in stores.  It has fewer cloves per head, but the cloves are larger and more pungent.  

BOX NOTES -- Please remember that it is normal for the quantity of produce in the share to fluctuate from week to week. This is due to weather, season, crop output, and other factors out of our control.  It is not unusual for some week's share to be twice as full as others.  For those of you who have been members in the past, you know that August, September and October are the fullest months for the CSA here in our climate. This is when the hot summer crops like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers fill the box together with greens, vining vegetables, and more!  

ON THE FARM
The first harvest of potatoes will take place over the next few days, so look for them appearing in your box starting next week!  Many of you may have read in the NY Times about the late blight that is hitting farms hard this year, but luckily we've managed to have a pretty good potato crop despite a small number of infected plants.  We're keeping a vigilant eye on the tomatoes for infection, but so far they look really good.  

And believe it or not, we could actually use the rain we're getting this week!  It's amazing how quickly the fields can dry out after such a wet early summer, but we're happy to stop irrigating and let nature water the thirsty crops for the next few days...  

FRUIT SHARES are now in full swing!
Please remember that fruit shares are housed in separate RED crates.  Only members with FRUIT listed after their name may take the fruit share.  We only send enough for the members who have paid separately for the fruit, so please double check the list.  Thank you!

We welcome you to explore our website to learn more about our farm and the wonderful things you can do with your weekly share. You may find our PRODUCE STORAGE TIPS page useful in figuring out how to maximize the life of your veggies, and our RECIPE section to search for ways to cook up your box! And maybe you need help identifying a particular mystery vegetable? Try our CROP GUIDE.

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE SUGGESTIONS

Fettuccine with Zucchini, Arugula, Basil and Lemon
Collard Potato Salad with Mustard Dressing

More recipes for all the week's produce can be found here on our RECIPES page.  

THIS WEEK IN THE BOX

*NOTICE: The contents of the share will change depending on your pick-up day this week.  The following list is for THURSDAY only.  

VEGETABLE SHARE
1 bunch Cippolini Onions
1 head Savoy Cabbage or Radicchio
1 bunch Toscano or Green Kale
1 bag Lettuce Mix, (unwashed)
Several pieces Broccoli (Tuesday & Wednesday only.  Thursday received this last week.)
Several pieces Zucchini & Yellow Summer Squash
1 head Red Batavian Lettuce or 2 Baby Romaine Lettuce heads
1 bunch Parsley
1 bunch Red Beets

FRUIT SHARE
1 container Blueberries
1 bag Peaches 

CROP NOTES
I'm so excited about the Cippolini Onions in this week's share!  They're a special flat Italian variety that have an intense flavor, but are not too "hot"!  Try roasting, grilling, or baking them to bring out their sweet, complex flavor.  You'll find more zucchini in your box this week as the warm weather and sunshine increases the crop's production.  Our zucchini plants will continue to produce for another few months, so they will make a regular appearance in your share.  Luckily, zucchini and summer squash are very versatile vegetables, so I'll be posting lots of interesting recipes to keep things fresh!  You'll also find some more broccoli in your box this week, especially if you just received one head last week.  This first planting did not produce as much as we had expected, but there is another one coming along soon.  

BOX NOTES -- Please remember that it is normal for the quantity of produce in the share to fluctuate from week to week. This is due to weather, season, crop output, and other factors out of our control.  It is not unusual for some week's share to be twice as full as others.  For those of you who have been members in the past, you know that August, September and October are the fullest months for the CSA here in our climate. This is when the hot summer crops like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers fill the box together with greens, vining vegetables, and more!  

ON THE FARM
We've been harvesting garlic all weekend long and it's now carefully hung up to dry in our barns and storage houses.  This has been the best harvest we've ever had, so look out for some gorgeous hard-necked garlic in your box soon!  Matthew and James have been out in the fields trying to get a handle on the weeds by constantly cultivating the crops, and getting our fall crops like broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts transplanted.  Everyone has been asking about the tomatoes....well, they look great!  You can expect to start seeing them around the 2nd or 3rd week of August, which is just about a month away.   

FRUIT SHARES are now in full swing!
Please remember that fruit shares are housed in separate RED crates.  Only members with FRUIT listed after their name may take the fruit share.  We only send enough for the members who have paid separately for the fruit, so please double check the list.  Thank you!

We welcome you to explore our website to learn more about our farm and the wonderful things you can do with your weekly share. You may find our PRODUCE STORAGE TIPS page useful in figuring out how to maximize the life of your veggies, and our RECIPE section to search for ways to cook up your box! And maybe you need help identifying a particular mystery vegetable? Try our CROP GUIDE.

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE SUGGESTIONS

Onion Tart

Orzo with Summer Squash and Toasted Hazelnuts

More recipes for all the week's produce can be found here on our RECIPES page.  

THIS WEEK IN THE BOX

*NOTICE: The contents of the share will change depending on your pick-up day this week.  The following list is for THURSDAY only.  

VEGETABLE SHARE
1 bunch Swiss Chard
1 bunch Scallions
1 bunch Green Kale
Heads of Broccoli
1 piece Zucchini
1 head Romaine Lettuce
1 head Radicchio
1 bunch Beets

FRUIT SHARE
1 container Blueberries
1 container Gooseberries* (see note below)

ON THE FARM
Sun, at last!  I'm sure farmers aren't the only ones happy to see the sunshine, but it certainly makes our job more enjoyable.  Now we can finally get out in the fields to combat the massive flush of weeds that have cropped up.   

CROP NOTES
Lots more greens in the box this week, including one of my favorite leaf chicories, radicchio!  The share contains just one zucchini, since we're at the very start of its season.  Once the plants get going, they produce in abundance, so you'll be seeing a lot more zucchini and summer squash in the coming weeks and months.  

FRUIT SHARES begin THIS WEEK!
Please remember that fruit shares are housed in separate RED crates.  Only members with FRUIT listed after their name may take the fruit share.  We only send enough for the members who have paid separately for the fruit, so please double check the list.  Thank you!

*GOOSEBERRIES?  Yes!  The gooseberry is a small round fruit that comes in hundreds of varieties and is grown around the world.  In North America, the gooseberry season is very short, which makes this week's gooseberry share a very special treat for all of us!  The taste of cooked gooseberries is unlike that of any other fruit, and raw gooseberries respond best to baking and sugaring to release their rich, wine-like flavor. Gooseberry tarts and pies are common, as well as gooseberry jam. Try these links to find some delicious gooseberry recipes on the net: www.gooseberryrecipes.org or www.bbc.co.uk

We welcome you to explore our website to learn more about our farm and the wonderful things you can do with your weekly share. You may find our PRODUCE STORAGE TIPS page useful in figuring out how to maximize the life of your veggies, and our RECIPE section to search for ways to cook up your box! And maybe you need help identifying a particular mystery vegetable? Try our CROP GUIDE.

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE SUGGESTIONS

Zucchini, Sun-Dried Tomato and Mozarella Tart
Penne with Caramelized Onions and Radicchio

More recipes for all the week's produce can be found here on our RECIPES page.  

THIS WEEK IN THE BOX

*NOTICE: The contents of the share will change depending on your pick-up day this week.  The following list is for THURSDAY ONLY.

1 bunch parsley
2 bulbs Fennel
1 bunch Arugula 
1 head Cabbage (Red or Green)
1 bunch Dill
1 bunch Carrots
1 bunch Collards
1 bunch White Salad Turnips

FRUIT SHARES begin NEXT WEEK - the week of JULY 6th!
Please remember that fruit shares are housed in separate RED crates.  Only members with FRUIT listed after their name may take the fruit share.  We only send enough for the members who have paid separately for the fruit, so please double check the list.  Thank you!

We welcome you to explore our website to learn more about our farm and the wonderful things you can do with your weekly share. You may find our PRODUCE STORAGE TIPS page useful in figuring out how to maximize the life of your veggies, and our RECIPE section to search for ways to cook up your box! And maybe you need help identifying a particular mystery vegetable? Try our CROP GUIDE.  

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE SUGGESTIONS

Braised Fennel
Collard Potato Salad with Mustard Dressing

More recipes for all the week's produce can be found here on our RECIPES page.  

THIS WEEK IN THE BOX

*NOTICE: The contents of the share will change depending on your pick-up day this week.  The following list is for THURSDAY ONLY.  

1 head Romaine Lettuce 
1 bunch Salad Turnips
1 bunch Bok Choi
1 bag Baby Arugula
1 head Broccoli
1 bunch Cilantro
1 bunch Carrots
1 bag Sugar Snap Peas
1 bunch Swiss Chard

FARM NOTES

It's been one of the rainiest seasons on record so far, but our crops are holding up amazingly well, thanks in most part to our well draining soil.  The greens love this cool, cloudy weather, but we hope to see some sun later this week to help move along the warmer season crops like tomatoes, eggplants and squash.  What's coming up?  You can expect to find some crunchy carrots in your box some time soon, as well as the first harvest of zucchini.  

We welcome you to explore our website to learn more about our farm and the wonderful things you can do with your weekly share. You may find our PRODUCE STORAGE TIPS page useful in figuring out how to maximize the life of your veggies, and our RECIPE section to search for ways to cook up your box! And maybe you need help identifying a particular mystery vegetable? Try our CROP GUIDE.  

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE SUGGESTIONS

Halloumi Cheese with Cilantro and Lime & Caper Vinaigrette
Broccoli with Garlic & Parmesan Cheese
 

More recipes for all the week's produce can be found here on our RECIPES page.  

THIS WEEK IN THE BOX

*NOTICE: The contents of the share will change depending on your pick-up day this week.  The following list is for THURSDAY ONLY.  

2 heads Boston Lettuce - Green & Red Varieties
1 bunch Scallions
2 pieces of Kohlrabi
1 bunch Spinach or Arugula
1 bunch Broccoli
1 bag Sugar Snap Peas
1 head Escarole
1 bunch Swiss Chard

PRODUCE NOTES

KOHLRABI - You can't miss these funny looking veggies in your box this week!  Kohlrabi is a part of the cabbage family, first grown in Europe around 1500 and brought to America around 1800. It has a turnip like appearance, with leaves standing out like spokes from the edible portion, which is a rounded, enlarged stem section growing just above the soil line. The kohlrabi should be peeled first, and then sliced raw in salads, cut into sticks for dip, or you can try cooking it up in one of our delicious Kohlrabi Recipes.

SUGAR SNAP PEAS - The whole pod is edible! Due to the cool weather, the pea plants are not producing their usually high yields yet, so we're sending out all that we have, and we hope there will be more coming your way in the next few weeks.  To remove the stem on the pea, snap off the top and remove the attached string that pulls off down the side of the pea. I like to eat them lightly blanched (which brings out their sweetness and bright green color!) and salted. To blanch them, boil a small pot of water, drop in the peas for just 1-2 minutes, and then remove immediately. They should be bright green and still a little crunchy. 

We welcome you to explore our website to learn more about our farm and the wonderful things you can do with your weekly share. You may find our PRODUCE STORAGE TIPS page useful in figuring out how to maximize the life of your veggies, and our RECIPE section to search for ways to cook up your box! And maybe you need help identifying a particular mystery vegetable? Try our CROP GUIDE.  

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE SUGGESTIONS

Sugar Snap Peas with Scallions
Grannie's French Swiss Chard
Braised Kohlrabi

More recipes for all the week's produce can be found here on our RECIPES page.  

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us for U-Pick Organic Strawberries at the farm!  Our farmstand and U-Pick fields will be open this coming weekend, so find out more here.

THIS WEEK IN THE BOX

1 head Red Romaine Lettuce
1 bag Lettuce Mix* - 1/2 lb.
1 bag Baby Spinach* - 1/2 lb.
1 bunch Toscano Kale
1 bunch Garlic Scapes
1 bag Sugar Snap Peas
1 pint Strawberries or Escarole (It was too rainy to pick strawberries for our Wednesday groups, but if the weather cooperates, there will be more next week.)

*NOTICE: These greens are not washed and were harvested in wet conditions, so they must be washed and dried immediately when you get them home.  Greens left wet in the plastic bags will rot.  

PRODUCE NOTES

The Size of the Share - You may notice that the volume of this week's box is less than last week, but it's actually worth more!  High value items that require labor intensive harvests make up the majority of the share this week - like lettuce mix, baby spinach, strawberries and sugar snap peas.  For those of you who are new to CSA, we want you to know that as crops begin to come in (like sugar snap peas) we send out everything we have in the fields (even if it's just a little) and then you'll usually receive a full amount the following week as the plants start to produce more.   

GARLIC SCAPES - The scape is the top of the garlic plant-- a delicacy you only get to savor for a few weeks each June, so enjoy! Remove the top head (the bulbous lighter part). The rest is edible. It has a distinct garlic flavor, but it is certainly milder than the cloves. You can cook with it as you would garlic, add it finely chopped into salads, or try one of our several selected Garlic Scape Recipes.

SUGAR SNAP PEAS - These are an early-June favorite! They're just starting to come in, so we're sending out all that we have, and there will be plenty more coming your way in the next few weeks.  To remove the stem on the pea, snap off the top and remove the attached string that pulls off down the side of the pea. I like to eat them lightly blanched (which brings out their sweetness and bright green color!) and salted. To blanch them, boil a small pot of water, drop in the peas for just 1-2 minutes, and then remove immediately. They should be bright green and still a little crunchy. My mom makes a delicious appetizer with room temp blanched snap peas, chopped red onion, chopped mint, chopped garlic, olive oil and sea salt & pepper. Toss all ingredients in a bowl and serve! 

TOSCANO KALE - Everybody loves kale!  If you don't think you do, then you've most certainly been cooking it wrong! First off, you must be sure to remove the tough stem.  To do so, run your knife down either side of the center stem, pull to remove, and discard.  Then, coarsely chop the leaves into ribbons or pieces.  Secondly, be sure to cook your kale until tender, but not overcooked.  This can take a little bit of getting used to, because kale takes a lot longer to cook than most greens. When it's tender and turns a bright green, it's usually done. If you are feeling not-so-sure about kale, then this rainy week is the perfect week to make my favorite White Bean & Kale Soup.  It will warm your body, fill your home with a beautiful aroma, and make you a kale lover at first bite!  (Trust me.)  

We welcome you to explore our website to learn more about our farm and the wonderful things you can do with your weekly share. You may find our PRODUCE STORAGE TIPS page useful in figuring out how to maximize the life of your veggies, and our RECIPE section to search for ways to cook up your box! And maybe you need help identifying a particular mystery vegetable? Try our CROP GUIDE.  

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE SUGGESTIONS

Tuscan White Bean & Kale Soup
Roasted Garlic Scapes

More recipes for all the week's produce can be found here on our RECIPES page.  

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us for U-Pick Organic Strawberries at the farm!  Our farmstand and U-Pick fields will be open this coming weekend, so find out more here.

THIS WEEK IN THE BOX

1 bunch Baby Bok Choi
1 bunch Beets
1 bunch French Breakfast Radishes
1 bunch Rhubarb
1 bunch Japanese White Salad Turnips
1 bag Arugula -or- Spinach
2 heads of Lettuce  or 1 head of Lettuce and 1 bag Salad Mix

A NOTE FROM THE FARM

Welcome to the 2009 CSA Season at the Golden Earthworm Farm!  We are thrilled that you are joining us as we celebrate our 10th year of CSA.  We're kicking off this year's program with a box that is bursting with the colors and flavors of this Early Summer/Late Spring season! Delicate and spicy French Breakfast Radishes sliced on bread with a little sweet cream butter and salt... Crisp and juicy Japanese Salad Turnips sliced up for a quick appetizer... Braised Baby Bok Choi gently flavored with broth and sesame oil... Tart Rhubarb compote with fresh orange rind over ice cream for dessert... This is just a taste of what CSA can bring to your kitchen!  

We welcome you to explore our website to learn more about our farm and the wonderful things you can do with your weekly share. You may find our PRODUCE STORAGE TIPS page useful in figuring out how to maximize the life of your veggies, and our RECIPE section to search for ways to cook up your box! And maybe you need help identifying a particular mystery vegetable? Try our CROP GUIDE.  

Farmers Matt and James are always busy in the fields growing your food, so check out the FARMER BLOG to learn how they do it!  You'll be amazed how little seeds grow into heads of cabbage, leaves of spinach, and string beans!  

You can usually find me (Maggie) in the kitchen or behind the camera, so I'll be bringing you lots more inspiration throughout the season.  And Holly, our harvest manager, is here for her second year, overseeing the CSA operation.  If you would like to place a special order, or if there is a problem with your box, Holly is the person to contact!  holly@goldenearthworm.com  All other inquiries should be directed to our general CSA mailbox at info@goldenearthworm.com.

Here's to a wonderful farming and eating season!  

- Matt, James & Maggie 

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE SUGGESTIONS

Braised Baby Bok Choi 
Beet, Arugula & Goat Cheese Salad
Salad Primer - The perfect Leaf Salad & Simple Vinaigrette
Rhubarb Compote
Rhubarb Cake (My top pick for dessert tonight - yum!)

More recipes for all the week's produce can be found here on our RECIPES page.  

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us for U-Pick Organic Strawberries at the farm!  We open our farmstand and U-Pick fields this coming weekend, so find out more here.