NEWS FROM THE FARM

You can feel a chill in the air, even on these sunny days.  Fall is finally here and we have harvested a beautiful fall bounty for you to celebrate! 

THIS WEEK IN THE SHARES

Green Beans - This is one of our final green bean plantings of the season.  I hope you've been enjoying them as much as we have!  They are a crop that many farms don't grow for the CSA, because harvesting can be so tedious.  Now with our green bean harvester and sorter, we can grow them for harvest throughout the summer and fall.  We have one more planting coming in a few weeks...
White Salad Turnips - Don't forget that the tops are just as delicious as the roots. You can saute the tops like spinach, or roast them all together in the oven.  My kids like to munch on the turnips raw...or dipped in hummus.
Chioggia Beets - The greens on these are not so beautiful, but cut into the beetroot horizontally and you'll see candy cane rings! 
Bok Choi - The texture on bok choi is simply amazing in stir fries.  You can eat the whole thing, leaf and stem - just slice off the very bottom where the stems meet.  
Leeks - Nothing says fall like leeks...So delicious in soups.  Try this week's recipe for Leek & Potato soup.
Winter Squash - For eating, not decoration!  The baby butternut is a personal-sized variety that is just too cute! 
Yellow Potatoes - A great waxy variety for roasting in the oven. I love the texture!
Sweet Potatoes - Back this year by popular demand!  Oh how we love our sweet potatoes!  Baked, steamed, in soups or even pies! 

Bon appetit! - Maggie

SAVE THE DATE! 
Bring your family and friends to our celebration of CSA at our annual CSA Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 18th.  Good food, cooking demos, kids' activities, live music, walking tours and more!  Come meet your farmers and see where your food comes from.  We hope to see you there!

---

KIM'S HEALTH & WELLNESS CORNER
Check out Kim's blog here>>Read here

---

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

SEPTEMBER 22, 23, 24 & 25

Green Beans - 1 lb.
White Salad Turnips - 1 bunch
Chioggia Beets - 1 bunch
Bok Choi - 1 bunch
Leeks - 1 bunch
Sweet Dumpling Squash - 1 piece
Baby Butternut Squash - 1 piece
Yellow Potatoes - 1 quart
Sweet Potatoes - 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: Yellow Potatoes, Leeks, Green Beans, White Salad Turnips, Sweet Dumpling & Baby Butternut Squash, Chioggia Beets, Sweet Potatoes & Bok Choi.

STORAGE TIPS

In a bag in the fridge...
Turnips, Beets, Leeks, Bok Choi, Green Beans

On the counter...
Winter Squash, Sweet Potatoes

In a cool, dark place...
Potatoes

BRIERMERE FARM FRUIT SHARE

THE FRUIT SHARE IS NOT ORGANIC!  PLEASE BE SURE TO WASH THE FRUIT BEFORE YOU EAT IT. 

1 bag of Apples
1 bag of Bosc Pears

RECIPES

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potato Pie
Braised Baby Bok Choi
Leek & Potato Soup

NEWS FROM THE FARM

Rain, rain, rain!  Yay for the rain! 

THIS WEEK IN THE SHARES
Please forgive my abbreviated newsletter this week, but I've been up 3 nights straight with sick kiddos. The one thing getting us through this cold fest is soups!  My kids love winter squash soups made with our own chicken stock and whatever cooked squash I have on hand. I usually roast the squash in the oven first-- cut in half, scoop out seeds, rub with olive oil on all sides and roast in a 350F oven until soft.  Meanwhile in your soup pot, heat some olive oil and add diced onion and celery.  Cook for a few minutes and add the flesh of the cooked squash (discard the skin), and add your broth.  If you use a drier fleshed squash, you'll have to add more broth so that it's not too thick. Cook for another 15 minutes and then use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.  We like to top our squash soup with fried sage leaves (pan fry the fresh leaves in little butter), smoked paprika and a dollop of plain greek yogurt or sour cream. 

A quick note on the other items in the share... This planting of Carrots was full of weeds, so we decided to harvest them at this stage before more weed competition takes them over.  We have another big planting of carrots coming in October.  Swiss Chard is back again this week and the leaves in this planting are huge!  I love it steamed alongside eggs for breakfast.  Romaine Lettuce for your salads, Onions for your soup, and a few more Peppers because we just can't get enough of them!

Bon appetit! - Maggie

---

SAVE THE DATE! 
Bring your family and friends to our celebration of CSA at our annual CSA Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 18th.  Good food, cooking demos, kids' activities, live music, walking tours and more!  Come meet your farmers and see where your food comes from.  We hope to see you there!

KIM'S HEALTH & WELLNESS CORNER
Check out Kim's blog here>>Read here

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

SEPTEMBER 15, 16, 17 & 18

Green Romaine Lettuce - 1 head
Sunshine OR Sweet Dumpling Squash - 1-2 pieces (depending on size)
Acorn Squash - several pieces
Swiss Chard - 1 bunch
Baby Carrots - 1 bunch
Yellow Onions - several pieces
Red & Orange Long Peppers - several pieces

*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: Swiss Chard, Carrots, Yellow & Red Peppers, Sunshine Squash, Acorn Squash, Romaine Lettuce, Yellow Onions (Note: This picture shows sunshine squash.  You may receive either sunshine or sweet dumpling this week, based on availability.)

STORAGE TIPS

In the fridge...
Peppers

In a bag in the fridge...
Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Carrots (remove the tops for best storage life.)

On the counter...
Winter Squash, Onions

BRIERMERE FARM FRUIT SHARE

THE FRUIT SHARE IS NOT ORGANIC!  PLEASE BE SURE TO WASH THE FRUIT BEFORE YOU EAT IT. 

1 bag of Gala Apples
1 bag of mixed Red Bartlett and Moonglow Pears

RECIPES

Swiss Chard Cakes
Basic Winter Squash Soup

NEWS FROM THE FARM

THIS WEEK IN THE SHARES
I promised that we'd bring back lettuce and cooking greens in September and here they are!  This week's Red Leaf Lettuce is beautiful and tender.  I'm so excited to enjoy soft lettuce salads again.  My kids have been on a homemade crouton kick, so no salad is complete without them these days.  I just cube up some of our sourdough bread, and toast the cubes in a saute pan with a couple (or more) glugs of olive oil and a pat of butter.  I usually add some minced garlic and a handful of random minced fresh herbs from the garden.  Toss the bread until it's nicely browned on all sides and crunchy!  Lettuce salads with homemade croutons, red onions and homemade sliced roasted peppers is our new favorite!  Toscano Kale is back for all you kale lovers!  Steamed and topped with olive oil, fresh garlic and ume plum vinegar is always a winner in our house.  It's also great in your smoothies or salad.  If you do make a kale salad with this variety, I recommend letting it sit for 15-20 minutes in the dressing to soften up. Acorn Squash, oh my, you are delicious!  If this is your first go at preparing winter squash, do not worry!  Using a large, sharp chef's knife, carefully cut the squash vertically in half.  Scoop out the seeds and lay face down in a baking dish with 1/4 inch of water.  Bake at 350F until the flesh is soft.  Tomatoes and Peppers return for another week.  When in doubt, just freeze them for later!  And finally, who's a fan of the PBS show, A Chef's Life?  If you saw last week's episode, you may be inspired to try making Squash & Onions with our Zucchini!  

Bon appetit! - Maggie

SAVE THE DATE! 
Bring your family and friends to our celebration of CSA at our annual CSA Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 18th.  Good food, cooking demos, kids' activities, live music, hayride tours and more!  Come meet your farmers and see where your food comes from.  We hope to see you there!

---

KIM'S HEALTH & WELLNESS CORNER
Check out Kim's blog here>>Read here

---

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

SEPTEMBER 8, 9, 10 & 11

Red Leaf Lettuce - 1 head
Zucchini - several pieces
Acorn Squash - several pieces
Toscano Kale - 1 bunch
Red & Orange Long Peppers - several pieces
Mixed Red & Plum Tomatoes - 2 lb. total

*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: Toscano Kale, Red & Plum Tomatoes, Zucchini, Yellow Peppers, Red Leaf Lettuce, Red Peppers, Acorn Squash

STORAGE TIPS

In the fridge...
Peppers

In a bag in the fridge...
Kale, Zucchini, Lettuce

On the counter...
Acorn Squash, Tomatoes - eat right away when fully red 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
Pears - 1 bag

RECIPES

Maple Glazed Winter Squash
Acorn Squash Recipes - Huffington Post
Sesame Kale Salad
Southern Zucchini (Squash) & Onions

NEWS FROM THE FARM

The first week of September is here, although it feels more like July!  It's transition time for most of us, and we're feeling it this year as our little one heads off to kindergarten.  Transitions in the fields are happening too, as we finish up the last of our fall transplanting and get our fall greens seeded. 

September is a great month for CSA harvests, with the summer crops still producing heavily (tomatoes, peppers, beans) and fall crops starting up.  This week we're so excited for beets (and their delicious greens) to make their September come-back!

THIS WEEK IN THE SHARES
Tomatoes continue this week.  If you need a little break (I hear you!) just throw them in a plastic bag in the freezer to use in soups and other cooked recipes later in the year.  Green Beans are back and they are super tender and sweet.  I like them with a bit of butter and salt - simple and delicious!  Beets are a favorite in our kitchen for all types of dishes, but they are great in salads or you can try this week's recipe that uses both the beet roots and the greens.  If you eat the Beet Greens separately, I like to steam the tops and top with butter and s&p, or you can saute them in a little olive oil and garlic.  Red Peppers freeze great if you can't get to them this week, but I highly recommend trying to make your own roasted red peppers if you have never done so before.  The flavor will knock your socks off!  Red Onions are so great to slice in salads and more Yellow Potatoes for your salads or to roast in the oven.

Bon appetit! - Maggie

SAVE THE DATE! 
Bring your family and friends to our celebration of CSA at our annual CSA Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 18th.  Good food, cooking demos, kids' activities, live music, hayride tours and more!  Come meet your farmers and see where your food comes from.  We hope to see you there!

---

KIM'S HEALTH & WELLNESS CORNER

Check out Kim's blog on eating Real, Living Food >>Read here

---

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

SEPTEMBER 1, 2, 3 & 4

Yukon Gold Potatoes - 1 quart
Swiss Chard - 1 bunch
Green Beans - 1 bag
Red Beets - 1 bunch
Red Onions - several pieces
Red Long Peppers - several pieces
Red Tomatoes - 3+ lbs.

*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: Red Beets & their greens, Green Beans, Red Sweet Long Peppers, Red Onions, Swiss Chard, Yukon Gold Potatoes & Red Tomatoes in the middle.

STORAGE TIPS

In the fridge...
Potatoes, Peppers

In a bag in the fridge...
Swiss Chard, Red Beets, Green Beans,

On the counter...
Red Onions, 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. 

Donut Peaches - 1 bag
Peaches - 1 bag

RECIPES

Green Beans with Potatoes & Salsa Verde
Beets & Beet Greens with Dijon
Pasta with Roasted Red Peppers & Goat Chees
HOW-TO: Roasted Red Peppers

NEWS FROM THE FARM

More hot, dry weather on the farm this week!  As we transition into September, you can look forward to some early winter squash making an appearance in the boxes very soon.  First to be harvested is the acorn squash crop, quickly followed by sunshine squash.  You can also expect to see more salad and cooking greens in the shares as the dry summer weather gives way to cooler nights and (hopefully) some rain.  Some of you have asked about our second basil crop, which we are sorry to report has not come through.  We've noticed over the past few years that only our first planting of basil is good enough to harvest. The second and third plantings have become susceptible to downy mildew which turns the leaves brown.  This is a new phenomena, and we're not exactly sure what is causing it.  We've been able to grow excellent basil in the past, so we're going to be doing some more research on this over the winter. 

THIS WEEK IN THE SHARES
Tomatoes, anyone?  The plums in this week's share are excellent for sauce!  The Potatoes are Yukon Gold, which have a terrific texture for potato salads.  Swiss Chard for a quick saute - I've been dying to get something green back on our plates!  And Orange Long Peppers which are Little Farmer's favorite!  You can roast them - see this week's recipe, or just eat them raw.  And Eggplant or Zucchini to round out the box.  The eggplant was harvested for Tuesday only this week - all other members will receive their eggplant over the next two weeks.  (Not all the eggplants ripen at the same time, so we are harvesting and distributing them as they are ready.)

Bon appetit! - Maggie

SAVE THE DATE! 
Bring your family and friends to our celebration of CSA at our annual CSA Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 18th.  Good food, cooking demos, kids' activities, live music, hayride tours and more!  Come meet your farmers and see where your food comes from.  We hope to see you there!

---

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 25, 26, 27 & 28

Swiss Chard - 2 pieces
Orange Long Peppers - 2 pieces
Cherry Tomatoes - 1 pint
Red Tomatoes - 3 lbs.
Plum (Sauce) Tomatoes - 2 lbs
Yukon Gold Potatoes - 1 quart
Eggplant - Tuesday only this week.  All members will receive eggplant over the course of the next few weeks.  The eggplants ripen at different rates, so you'll all receive it once in your share.  Those who don't receive eggplant this week will receive Zucchini

*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: Eggplant (Tuesday only), Orange Long Peppers, Yellow Cherry Tomatoes, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Plum Tomatoes, Swiss Chard and Red Beefsteak Tomatoes in the middle. 

STORAGE TIPS

In the fridge...
Eggplant, Potatoes, Peppers

In a bag in the fridge...
Swiss Chard

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. 

Bartlett Pears - 1 bag
Peaches - 1 bag

RECIPES

Swiss Chard with Potatoes
How-to: Quick Roasted Peppers
Fresh Plum Tomato Sauce
 

NEWS FROM THE FARM

SEASON UPDATE!
This week marks the half-way point of our CSA harvest season. The next 13 weeks will take us through the bountiful harvests of late summer (which technically runs through September) and the fall, with the return of leafy greens, broccoli, sweet potatoes, winter squash and more.  Our sweet potato and winter squash plantings look terrific this year, so you can look forward to seeing them in your shares in about a month or so. 

THIS WEEK IN THE SHARES
It's a tomato explosion this week!  Right on schedule, mid to late August is when the tomato plants really start to produce in full-swing! Now is the time to make salsa, tomato salads and maybe even freeze some sauce for the winter.  If you're really busy, you can just put the tomatoes whole in a plastic ziplock bag and put them in the freezer to use in soups or sauces later in the year.  Don't expect the texture of a defrosted tomato to hold up - you'll want to be sure you're cooking it when you use it again.  The zucchini is large, sweet and wonderful for zucchini bread - try this week's recipe.  Kids love it and it's perfect toasted with a little butter with tea or for breakfast.  The Onions this week will store well if you keep them in a cool, dark place.  Green Peppers - try grilling them this week!  And more freshly-dug Red Potatoes for your summer potato salads. 

Bon appetit! - Maggie

SAVE THE DATE! 
Bring your family and friends to our celebration of CSA at our annual CSA Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 18th.  Good food, cooking demos, kids' activities, live music, hayride tours and more!  Come meet your farmers and see where your food comes from.  We hope to see you there!

---

KIM'S HEALTH & NUTRITION CORNER...

Read all about Sweeteners & Salt 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 18, 19, 20 & 21

Cherry Tomatoes - 1+ lb!
Red Tomatoes - 4 lbs! 
Red Potatoes - 1 quart
Green Bell Pepper - 2 pieces
Dry White or Yellow Onions - several pieces
Zucchini - several pieces

*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: Red Potatoes, Onions, Zucchini, Red Tomatoes, Green Peppers, Yellow Cherry Tomatoes

STORAGE TIPS

In the fridge...
Peppers, Potatoes

In a bag in the fridge...
Zucchini

In a cool, dry place...
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. 

TBD by the Fruit Farmer - please check the sheet at your pick-up site.  Thank you!

RECIPES

Roasted Tomato Salsa
Zucchini with Garlic & Crushed Red Pepper
Zucchini Bread
Grilled Green Bell Peppers

NEWS FROM THE FARM

IN THE FARM OFFICE
Thanks for all the love, folks!  We've heard from so many of you who are enjoying this season's program and all the delicious veggies we've been harvesting for you.  Some of you have shared some helpful constructive criticism, and we appreciate that too.  All feedback is important to us as it helps us make our program better.

Today's rain is a welcome change in the forecast.  It has been an extremely dry season.  Huge dust clouds follow our tractors and farm vehicles, and our field workers have to wear masks while harvesting potatoes to avoid breathing in so much dusty soil.  This rain will also give us a break in our irrigation work - allowing us some more time to attend to other field work and crop maintenance. 

This past week we've been busy seeding some of our fall root crops, like carrots and beets, and transplanting fall brassicas, like kales, broccoli, kohlrabi and cabbage.  We'll be transplanting until the end of the month, and continue our seedings of turnips, bok choi, watermelon radish, white salad turnips and baby greens through the middle of September.

SAVE THE DATE! 
Bring your family and friends to our celebration of CSA at our annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 18th.  Good food, cooking demos, kids' activities, live music, hayride tours and more!  Come meet your farmers and see where your food comes from.  We hope to see you there!

IN THE SHARES
Another fabulous share this week! 
Yellow Watermelon - If you liked last week's melon, you'll LOVE this one!  Fewer seeds, sweeter, juicier flesh. 
Cipollini Onions - These are a sweet, Italian variety of onion known as "little onion".  Try our recipe this week. 
Swiss Chard - This is a leafy green that loves the heat!  I've been steaming and serving chard alongside eggs for breakfast.  You can also try this week's simple recipe for swiss chard & potatoes.
Red Potatoes - This variety is called Red Norland.  Great texture for potato salads!
Red Tomatoes & Cherry Tomatoes - The tomatoes keep coming in!  We hope to continue harvesting from our plants through the end of September.
Green Bell Pepper - If you leave green peppers on the plant, eventually they will turn red or yellow, depending on the variety.  We leave a lot of our peppers to turn colors, but we do harvest them in their green stage a few times for the CSA.  Try it in gazpacho!

Bon appetit! - Maggie

---

KIM'S HEALTH & NUTRITION CORNER...

Read all about Supplements 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 11, 12, 13 & 14

Red Potatoes - 1 quart
Green Bell Pepper - 1 piece
Swiss Chard - 1 bunch
Cipollini Onions - 1 bunch
Cherry Tomatoes - 1 bag
Red Tomatoes - several pieces
Yellow Watermelon - 1 piece

*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: Cipollini Onions, Swiss Chard, Red Tomatoes, Yellow Cherry Tomatoes, Red Potatoes, Yellow Watermelon & Green Bell Pepper!

STORAGE TIPS

In the fridge...
Watermelon, Pepper, Potatoes

In a bag in the fridge...
Swiss Chard, 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

Roasted Cipollini Onions with Honey & Balsamic
Simple Swiss Chard & Potatoes
Red Potatoes with Feta, Olives & Mint
Gazpacho

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

Left: Winter Squash crop, Right: Tomatoes ripening on the vine

NEWS FROM THE FARM

OUR ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
Our farm has been Certified Organic from the very beginning, nearly 20 years now!  Each year an inspector from a third-party certifying agency, NOFA-NY, LLC, visits the farm to perform an in-depth farm site inspection.  Tomorrow, Farmer Matt will be spending nearly half the day with the inspector, as he analyzes our records, walks the fields and facilities, verifying our organic growing practices and audit trail records.  It is an exhaustive and careful inspection that encompasses everything from seed procurement to crop rotation, buffer zones and soil nutrient testing.  Click here to read more about the requirements for Organic Crop Certification from NOFA, NY.

IN THE FARMHOUSE KITCHEN
We've been renovating our farmhouse kitchen this past month.  Bad timing to say the least, but we've been hanging in there and it's almost finished!  I'm excited to get cooking with this week's share....
Green Beans - The little farmer (who is now 5 1/2 and who has requested that I drop the "little" part) has been talking about the green bean harvest non-stop.  In fact, the countdown has been on since last Tuesday, so we've been listening to him carry on about the mechanics of the harvester and the vibrating sorter for a week!  As you can imagine, we were all relieved when the big day came yesterday and he was able to live the dream riding on the back of the harvester and working the mechanical sorter for hours on end. The delicious string beans in your shares this week are fruits of his (and many others) labor. These really are a treat, as you rarely find them available in stores, especially not organic ones!  Please note that they are washed and bagged, but anywhere the bean may have been slightly bruised, there may be a little rotten spot.  They must be stored in the fridge, and I would poke a few holes in their bag for ventilation.  Eat them tonight!  Steam gently until they turn a bright green - maybe 3-5 minutes.  I like them with a little crunch, but taste them and see what you prefer.  Serve these first ones with a touch of butter (or olive oil) and some salt.  That's all they need!  So sweet, so delicious, such a beautiful summer treat.
Tomatoes - The harvest is just starting up.  These are a wonderful beefsteak variety with a lot of flavor.  Don't overthink it with these - just slice and serve drizzled with a good olive oil and salt & pepper.  Caprese salad with sliced fresh mozzarella and basil is lovely too.
Cucumbers & Onions - These are meant for each other in a quick salad.  You could even add the tomatoes!  Dress with olive oil, red wine vinegar and salt & pepper to taste.  I crush some garlic in there too. 
Cabbage - This hot week calls for a slaw.  Try one of the recipes I've compiled this week. 
Fennel - It's a love it or hate it veg, but I guarantee you'll love it one way or another.  If you like the "licorice" flavor, then you're better off eating it raw.  Try this week's salad recipe.  If you're really not a fan of the flavor, then cook it!  It looses that strong flavor and the texture when cooked is divine. 

Bon appetit everyone!  Stay cool!  - Maggie

---

KIM'S HEALTH & NUTRITION CORNER...

Kim is on vacation this week.  She'll be back next week with more healthy tips!  In the meantime, you can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

---

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

JULY 28, 29, 30 & 31

Onions - 1 bunch
Cucumbers - several pieces
Tomatoes - several pieces
Cabbage - 1 head
Fennel - 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.

BRIERMERE FARM FRUIT SHARE

THE FRUIT SHARE IS NOT ORGANIC!  PLEASE BE SURE TO WASH THE FRUIT BEFORE YOU EAT IT. 

Sugar Plums - 1 bag
Blueberries - 1 container

Clockwise from top: Cabbage, Fennel, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions & Green Beans in the middle!

STORAGE TIPS

In the fridge...
Poke a few small holes in the Green Beans bag for ventilation and store in the fridge. 

In a bag in the fridge...
Cabbage, Fennel, Cucumbers, Onions

On the counter...
Tomatoes - eat right away when fully red and ripe!

RECIPES

Fennel, Avocado & Mint Salad
Roasted Fennel with Parmesan
Cabbage Slaw from Sonya Gropman
Cabbage Slaw with Cilantro & Lime
 

NEWS FROM THE FARM

Oh, it's been a hot few days harvesting for the shares this week!  The forecast calls for overcast skies here today, which will provide a little relief from the blazing sun - although they're still predicting it to reach 90F!  Our hot weather crops are loving this weather and we're running around irrigating as fast as we can.  Long Island's sandy soils don't hold the water for long, so our irrigation pumps are running nearly 18 hours a days, rotating through the fields to keep the crops happy!

If you're a seasoned CSA member, then you won't be surprised by the light share this week.  Every July we hit a "lull" in our harvest.  The true summer crops are not quite in yet (although they're coming along!) and our earlier season summer crops are ending.  This leaves us with a few weeks of smaller shares, but I hope you will be excited to hear about what's right around the corner... tomatoes! peppers!  potatoes! garlic! 

Beat the heat in your kitchen!  If at all possible, do your cooking in the morning.  This week I'll be using my zucchini in a curried zucchini soup which I serve chilled or room temperature.  The onions are super sweet and delicious caramelized to use on sandwiches, pizzas or pasta.  The parsley can be made into a pistou and frozen for later.  And cucumber salad with sliced onions, mint and feta is the new must-have on our farmhouse table every evening.  Enjoy what's in season while it lasts! 

Bon appetit!  - Maggie

---

KIM'S HEALTH & NUTRITION CORNER...

Hi!  I'm officially on vacation! Although I will miss the farm, I'm looking forward to my yearly vacation to the vineyard! There truly is nothing like "vineyard time." There is also nothing I look more forward to than time with my kids, sister and family making memories that will last a lifetime. We will be heading to Lake George for a few days at the end of the week to visit my dad, who lives in Hague and spend more time with family. I encourage all of you to read my attached blog regarding primary and secondary foods, and I hope you are enjoying your own family and friend traditions.

READ MY BLOG HERE.

Health and Happiness,
Kim

---

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

JULY 21, 22, 23 & 24

Parsley - 1 bunch
Walla Walla Onions - 1 bunch
Cucumbers - several pieces
Zucchini - several pieces
Batavian Lettuce - 1 head
Surprise Item - Hint: you may get this item this week OR next week!  We're harvesting them as fast as we can! Many more to come...

*The contents of the share may change through the week as we monitor the fields and harvest what is at its peak.

FRUIT SHARE

To be decided by the fruit farmer.  See the check-in sheet at your site.  Remember: just one portion per item! 

Clockwise from top: Walla Walla Onions, Parsley, Zucchini, Cucumbers, Lettuce, (Cherry Tomatoes in the middle - you may or may not get them in your share this week.)

STORAGE TIPS

In a bag in the fridge...
Lettuce, Zucchini, Cucumbers, Onions, Parsley

RECIPES

• Zucchini & Cilantro Soup with Mint
• Caramelized Onions
• Onion Tart
• Parsley Pistou

NEWS FROM [OFF] THE FARM

Our family managed to get off the farm for a few days over the weekend.  The farm is like our third child, so it seems crazy to leave it "alone" for even one night during the growing season.  But it's good for us - a fresh perspective, some much-needed family time, and a chance to drive by other farms to check out what's growing in their neck of the woods!  We even managed to keep to our early wake-up schedule to watch some beautiful hot air balloons lift off at sunrise.  It was magical! 

IN THE FARMHOUSE KITCHEN

Not much is happening in our farmhouse kitchen at the moment, as we are renovating! How to keep up with this beautiful produce without a kitchen?  I'm relying on lots of raw salads and grilled foods for the next few days.  Hopefully we'll be back in our new kitchen by next week!

Swiss Chard - Try this in a frittata for a simple summer supper.  With a Lettuce salad on the side, of course! 
Zucchini - I'm loving this with pasta right now.  Or in place of pasta?  Your choice! 
Parsley - Love the fresh flavor with bean salads and cukes! 
Scallions - Try the recipe this week for grilled scallions.
Kohlrabi - A perfect summer appetizer when peeled and sprinkled with sea salt.
Basil - Whip up another batch of pesto this week.  It freezes like a dream! 
Cucumbers - Bring on the sliced cukes! 
Beets - Roast them and serve in a room-temperature salad.  Try this week's recipe.

Bon appetit!
- Maggie

---

KIM'S HEALTH & NUTRITION CORNER...

Hi everyone!

We have been so fortunate to have had such a lovely spring and summer so far--I hope you are all taking some time to really enjoy this great time of year! It has been very exciting to see all the action at the farm and to see the wonderful vegetables being added to the box each week. Soon we will be enjoying the delicious Golden Earthworm tomatoes, peppers and more! I hope you have been enjoying my blog, and I appreciate and welcome hearing your comments and also chatting with some of you in the Farm Shop. This week I'm discussing food as your medicine. As Heather Morgan said, "Every time you eat or drink, you are either feeding disease or fighting it."

READ MORE ON MY BLOG HERE...

Health and Happiness,
Kim

---

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

JULY 14, 15, 16 & 17

Swiss Chard - 1 bunch
Parsley - 1 bunch
Scallions - 1 bunch
Kohlrabi - several pieces
Cucumbers - several pieces
Beets - 1 bunch
Basil - 1 bunch
Zucchini - several pieces
Lettuce - 1 head

*The contents of the share may change through the week as we monitor the fields and harvest what is at its peak.

[SORRY NO CSA SHARE PIC THIS WEEK -- NEXT WEEK IT'S BACK, I PROMISE!!!!]

FRUIT SHARE

TBD by Clark, the fruit farmer at Briermere Farms.  See the check-in sheet at your pick-up site for the exact share. 

Please remember, just one portion of each fruit!

STORAGE TIPS

In a bag in the fridge...
Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Parsley, Scallions, Kohlrabi, Zucchini, Cucumbers, Beets (store the roots and the greens separately)

Standing up in a cup of water in the fridge (bouquet-style)...
Basil

RECIPES

• Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad from the Barefoot Contessa
• Grilled Scallions from the Brooklyn Cook
• Swiss Chard Frittata

NEWS FROM THE FARM KITCHEN / IN THE BOX

Forget news from the fields this week.  Trust me, it's pretty much the same as last week...cultivating, irrigating, harvesting, applying minerals, etc.  It's the kitchen that is exploding with new activity this time of year! 

I can't keep up with the beautiful cucumbers rolling into the kitchen.  We're making cucumber salads for lunch and dinner.  You can try any combination of flavors, but my favorite so far is made with ginger, garlic and cilantro dressed with sesame seeds and vinegar.  Try the recipe below. 

I'm also a pesto junky and I just can't get enough.  If you haven't made fresh basil pesto before, YOU MUST.  If you have a food processor, it will take you no more than 3 minutes from start to finish.  My recipe below is simple and delicious! 

Carrots - You'll be seeing these in your shares for a few more weeks as we finish harvesting this early season planting.  Then they'll be back again in the fall.
Zucchini - A summer-time favorite.  Have you tried slicing them lengthwise and putting them on the grill? 
Radicchio - Another week of radicchio - how lucky are we?  I grilled wedges of them last week and then tossed them with balsamic, garlic and parmesan.  Served room temp, it's heavenly.
Cabbage - This head of cabbage is begging to be turned into coleslaw.  Add some shredded carrots and you're good to go!  See my recipe this week.

Bon appetit!
- Maggie

---

KIM'S HEALTH & NUTRITION CORNER...

Hi everyone!

Feels like we are officially into summer with the Fourth of July behind us already. I hope you enjoyed your holiday, family, friends, some fireworks and are having fun experimenting with new recipes and also enjoying your old favorites! I thought I would touch upon how great it is for us to "eat with the seasons." As CSA members, you truly have an understanding of this concept! I believe that not only is this nutritionally beneficial to your body, but there is something quite comforting knowing that everything has its place and that things are what they are for a reason.

READ MY BLOG POST HERE...

Enjoy,
Kim

"Let today be the day that you are committed to being the change you wish to see and living the life you wish to live." Dr. Steve Maraboli

---

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

JULY 7, 8, 9 & 10

Carrots - 1 bunch
Cucumbers - several pieces
Green Cabbage - 1 head
Basil - 1 bunch
Radicchio - 1 head
Zucchini - several pieces
Red Leaf or Batavian Lettuce - 1 head
Romaine Lettuce - 1 head

*The contents of the share may change through the week as we monitor the fields and harvest what is at its peak.

FRUIT SHARE

The Fruit Share begins this week!  Please remember to only take fruit if you have already registered, paid and it says "FRUIT" next to your name on the check-in sheet.

Blueberries - 1 container
Gooseberries - 1 container

Clockwise from top: Basil, Cucumbers, Romaine Lettuce, Zucchini, Green Cabbage, Carrots, Red Batavian Lettuce (& Radicchio in the middle).

STORAGE TIPS

In a bag in the fridge...
Lettuces, Zucchini, Cucumbers, Cabbage, Radicchio, Carrots (remove & discard tops first).

Standing up in a cup of water in the fridge (bouquet-style)...
Basil

RECIPES

• Coleslaw with yogurt dressing
• Cucumber salad with ginger & garlic from Plenty
• Basil Pesto