CSA 10/2

Our chickens frolicking in the cover crops.  They are fertilizing for next season's tomatoes.  

Hello CSA Members,

Oh how lovely this weather is.  Fall harvesting is well underway.  My mind is thinking about preparation for 2014.  I am always sad to see the season end but so excited to start planning for a new year. 

We are busy this week with planting strawberries for the spring.  We learned a lot from this past year’s low yield and hope some new methods will bring a better harvest. 

We will finish digging potatoes, this week, with our new digging system rigged up by Paul.  It took several years to get this tool finished.  Paul needs time to think through all the details of creating a new tool.  Because if we bought a new one it would be very expensive and then Paul would miss all the fun.  He loves creating new things.  I always wonder what he would have created if he had become a NASA engineer. 

We still have a few openings for the Late Season CSA. 

You can order by replying to the email or by emailing bhorganicscsa@gmail.com.  The orders must be in by Tuesday at 2 pm.  Processing the orders takes some time so I would appreciate no late orders.

This week’s Harvest:

   Full shares order 8 items.  Half Shares order 4-5 items (depending on how much you want.)

·       Salad Mix – 8 oz You may order 2

·      Italian Flat Leaf Parsley – 1/8 lb

·      Mint - 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Chives – 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Marjoram – 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Garlic Chives – 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Garlic – ¼ lb.  Purple Stripe.  This is individual cloves and very sweet.  You may order 2.

·      Tomatillos 1 lb. You may order 2

·      Winter Squash, Butternut – 1 fruit.  

·      Lettuce- Romaine or Red Leaf or Summer Crisp– 1-2 heads. You may order 2

·      Teenage Pac Choi - 2 heads.

·      Kale, Flat leaf or Curly– ¾ lb

·      Beets- Red, Golden or Chioggia 1.5 lb You may order 2

·      Green Tomatoes – 1 lb.  These are actually green as in not ripe. 

·      Collards – ¾ lb

·      Carrots, no tops – ¾ lb 

·      Beans, green or yellow – ¾ lb You may order 2

·      Potatoes, white – 2 lb

·      Eggplant, mixed sizes and colors – 1 lb

·      Hot peppers, mixed – ½ pint

·      Komatsuna (a mild mustard green) ¾ lb

·      Malabar Spinach ½ lb

·      Swiss Chard ¾ lb

·      Frisee – 1 head

·      Radishes – 3/4lb

Extras:

·      Mint 1/8 oz

·      Garlic Chives 1/8 oz

What crops we think have a high energy this week:

·      Garlic

·      Kale

·      Marjoram

·      Mint

·      Salad Mix

·      Lettuce

·      Tomatillos

·      Beets

·      Frisee

Recipes:

Tomatillos

I know I did this one already but they are coming in very well now and I thought you might not want to pass these up before they are gone.

I love Mexican food.  Today at market someone drove by with Ranchero music blaring from his or her car stereo and I suddenly craved burritos.  I think the best part of living in Reading is the Mexican food.  Yummy!

But tomatillos aren't just for salsa Verde. 

·      Here are 16 recipes for tomatillos that are a not salsa: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/29/tomatillo-recipes-salsa_n_3660971.html

·      Fried tomatillos: http://localfoods.about.com/od/chipsfriedsomebaked/r/Fried-Tomatillos.htm

·      I will be canning salsa Verde this week.  I have found that freezing it changes this texture in a way I do not like. So I will can this instead. http://www.mariquita.com/recipes/tomatillos.html

·       

Have a great week!

Thank you,

Erica

View from the bottom of field 1 - early September.

Hello CSA Members,

What a wonderful fall week.  I am so sad to see the warm weather go.  But it is very nice to have the crisp greens coming in again and I love all the preparations for next season.

The response for the Late Season CSA has been great.  We still have a few spots available.  Remember only the payment reserves a share. 

You can order by replying to the email or by emailing bhorganicscsa@gmail.com.  The orders must be in by Tuesday at 2 pm.  Processing the orders takes some time so I would appreciate no late orders.

Notes about this week’s harvest list:

·      This week you will be able to order multiples of some items.  For example if you would like 2 orders of lettuce you may do so.  If you can order multiples it will be stated next to the item.  If you order 2 orders of lettuce it counts as 2 orders for your 8 items (for a full share) or 5 items (for a half share).  If and item does not list an option for ordering multiples then you cannot order multiples of that item. 

·      If you do not order we do not usually give herbs or flowers.  If you do not want to order all of your items and would like to be surprised be sure to request the herbs or flowers. 

·      Potatoes will be returning soon.  We have been having trouble with our harvester and so have had to take a bit of a break from harvesting.  There are potatoes to come in the next few weeks.  Sorry for the interruption. 

This week’s Harvest:

   Full shares order 8 items.  Half Shares order 4-5 items (depending on how much you want.)

·       Salad Mix – 8 oz You may order 2

·      Fresh Flower Bouquets, including sunflowers.  These bouquets will be a bit smaller but still a great value.

·      Tomato, Cherry – 2 lb bag. You may order 2.

·      Tomato, Garden Peach – 2 lb. You may order 2.

·      Italian Flat Leaf Parsley – 1/8 lb

·      Mint - 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Chives – 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Marjoram – 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Garlic Chives – 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Garlic – ¼ lb.  Purple Stripe.  This is individual cloves and very sweet.  You may order 2.

·      Tomatillos 1 lb

·      Winter Squash, Butternut – 1 fruit.  

·      Lettuce- Romaine or Red Leaf– 1-2 heads. You may order 2

·      Teenage Pac Choi - 2 heads.

·      Kale, Flat leaf or Curly– ¾ lb

·      Beets- Red, Golden or Chioggia 1.5 lb

·      Green Tomatoes – 1 lb.  These are actually green as in not ripe. 

·      Collards – ¾ lb

·      Dandelion – ½ lb

·      Carrots, no tops – ¾ lb OR Beans, green or yellow – ¾ lb

·      Potatoes, white – 2 lb

·      Eggplant, mixed sizes – 1 lb OR Sweet Peppers, green and turning colors – 1 lb

·      Hot peppers, mixed – ½ pint

·      Komatsuna (a mild mustard green) ¾ lb

·      Malabar Spinach (see recipes below) OR Spinach – 7 oz Full Shares Only.

Extras:

·      Mint 1/8 oz

·      Garlic Chives 1/8 oz

What crops we think have a high energy this week:

·      Garlic

·      Dandelion

·      Kale

·      Marjoram

·      Mint

·      Salad Mix

·      Lettuce

·      Tomatillos

·      Beets

·      Malabar Spinach

Recipes:

Malabar Spinach.

This is a new crop for us this year.  I wanted to try to grow a green that loves hot weather to fill in the void of August when lettuce and kale struggle to grow.  I had heard from many people that it was a fast growing green that you will have way too much of.  Well I have been very surprised to find that I can barely keep it in stock at the market. 

Malabar spinach is also known as New Zealand spinach or “vine spinach.”  It is distantly related to the spinach we are used to.  It has a sweeter flavor and stores for a much longer period of time.  I have learned from research and customer feedback that whenever you see a recipe, from the Eastern part of the world, calling for “spinach” they are referring to Malabar spinach and not the spinach we are used to.  It is very popular in India and if you have ever eaten Saag Paneer at an Indian restaurant this is spinach that is traditionally used in this recipe. 

I will definitely grow more of this next year.  It turns out that Malabar spinach is higher in calcium than regular spinach and calcium helps to counteract the oxalic acid, which is found in spinach. 

I don’t recommend a whole salad using this spinach but it is a great addition and it holds up better in cooked dishes than regular spinach.  And it doesn’t cook down as much when cooked.

·      Saag Paneer http://www.sonisfood.com/2013/05/easy-saag-paneer.html

·      Here are several great recipes for Malabar Spinach from another farm: http://www.rosecreekfarms.com/Ingredients/MalabarSpinach.htm

·      Here is a great quiche recipe.  Make it in a cast iron skillet without the crust if you are avoiding grains! http://blog.charlottefresh.net/2011/08/04/fresh-recipe-tomato-malabar-spinach-quiche/

·      Malabar curry.  Yum!!!! http://www.cookingwithsiri.com/2013/03/ammas-recipes-andhra-style-kanda.html

·      And another curry recipe.  I love the warming nature of a curry. http://www.gorecipeworld.com/2011/08/malabar-spinach-curry-karakali.html

·      Vine Spinach with shrimp – a you tube video recipe - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02JJTgTA9Rc

·       

Have a great week!

Thank you,

Erica

CSA 9/18

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Hello CSA Members,

The CSA potluck last evening was a splendid event.  We had a wonderful intimate group of like-minded individuals.  I appreciated all of your support and positive attitudes.  It is that kind of energy that fuels me through a tough day.  If I never said it before I will say it now “I love my job!”

This year we will be offering a late season CSA.  It will run 7 weeks November through mid December.  Space is limited as we are only looking for 20 members.  I will be sending out a separate email in the next day or so with details. 

You can order by replying to the email or by emailing bhorganicscsa@gmail.com.  The orders must be in by Tuesday at 2 pm.  Processing the orders takes some time so I would appreciate no late orders.

Notes about this week’s harvest list:

·      This week you will be able to order multiples of some items.  For example if you would like 2 orders of lettuce you may do so.  If you can order multiples it will be stated next to the item.  If you order 2 orders of lettuce it counts as 2 orders for your 8 items (for a full share) or 5 items (for a half share).  If and item does not list an option for ordering multiples then you cannot order multiples of that item. 

·      If you do not order we do not usually give herbs or flowers.  If you do not want to order all of your items and would like to be surprised be sure to request the herbs or flowers. 

·      Potatoes will be returning soon.  We have been having trouble with our harvester and so have had to take a bit of a break from harvesting.  There are potatoes to come in the next few weeks.  Sorry for the interruption. 

This week’s Harvest:

   Full shares order 8 items.  Half Shares order 4-5 items (depending on how much you want.)

·       Salad Mix – 8 oz You may order 2

·      Fresh Flower Bouquets, including sunflowers.   You may order 2.

·      Tomato 2 lb mixed bags of cherries, heirlooms and red tomatoes.  You may order 2.

·      Tomato, Cherry – 2 lb bag. You may order 2.

·      Italian Flat Leaf Parsley – 1/8 lb

·      Mint - 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Chives – 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Marjoram – 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Garlic Chives – 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Garlic – ¼ lb.  Purple Stripe.  This is individual cloves and very sweet.  You may order 2.

·      Tomatillos 1 lb

·      Winter Squash, Butternut – 1 fruit.  

·      Lettuce- Romaine or Red Leaf or Butterhead or Summer Crisp– 1-2 heads. You may order 2

·      Teenage Pac Choi 2 heads.

·      Kale – we will be ordering this from another local organic farm. 

·      Beets- Red, Golden or Chioggia 1.5 lb OR Carrots (no tops) 1.5 lb

·      Green Tomatoes – 1 lb.  These are actually green as in not ripe. 

·      Collards – ¾ lb

·      Swiss Chard – ¾ lb

·      Dandelion – ½ lb

·      Carrots, no tops – ¾ lb

·      Green Beans – ¾ lb

Extras:

·      2 lb cherry tomatoes. 

·      Mint 1/8 oz

What crops we think have a high energy this week:

·      Garlic

·      Dandelion

·      Marjoram

·      Mint

·      Salad Mix

·      Lettuce

·      Tomatillos

·      Beets

·      Carrots

·      Beans

·      Collards

Recipes:

I thought this week I would like to give you a taste of what we were eating at the potluck on Saturday and if I can find a comparable recipe online.

·      Sweet Potato Chili.  I am positive you could use butternut squash for this. http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/black-bean-chili-with-butternut-squash

·      Roasted Vegetables Quiche: http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2006/02/roasted-vegetable-frittata.html

·      Vegan Tomato Pie: http://www.yummly.com/recipes/vegan-tomato-pie

·      Greens Salad with Chickpeas: http://www.marthastewart.com/318594/green-salad-with-chickpeas

·      Vegetarian Lasagna: http://www.food.com/recipe/vegetarian-lasagna-14684

·      Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Napoleons (the one at the potluck also had orange slices): http://www.fifteenspatulas.com/beet-and-goat-cheese-napoleons/

·      Roasted Potatoes with Buttercup Squash and Garam Masala: http://www.food.com/recipe/garlic-and-herb-roasted-potatoes-and-squash-83993

·      And there were quite a few more tasty delights.  But this is enough to wet all your appetites. 

Have a great week!

Thank you,

Erica

CSA 9/11

Hello CSA Members,

It was a superb event at the farm on Saturday and a great market today.  We are truly blessed with beautiful produce and weather. 

Things are slightly beginning to wind down as most of the fall planting is finished.  We are all breathing a slight sigh of relief and pride for the work we have accomplished.  It is such a pleasure to plant the fields in cover crops in preparation for next year.  A rebirth of health. 

The CSA potluck is scheduled for this coming Saturday the 14^th at 6 pm.  So far we have only heard from those of you whom cannot make it.  We would like to hear by Tuesday this week if you will be coming.  We are very interested in an RSVP this year.  If we do not have enough of a response then we may cancel the potluck.  Although, it is always a very good time it is often poorly attended and a lot of work for us.

You can order by replying to the email or by emailing bhorganicscsa@gmail.com.  The orders must be in by Tuesday at 2 pm.  Processing the orders takes some time so I would appreciate no late orders.

Notes about this week’s harvest list:

·      This week you will be able to order multiples of some items.  For example if you would like 2 orders of lettuce you may do so.  If you can order multiples it will be stated next to the item.  If you order 2 orders of lettuce it counts as 2 orders for your 8 items (for a full share) or 5 items (for a half share).  If and item does not list an option for ordering multiples then you cannot order multiples of that item. 

·      If you do not order we do not usually give herbs or flowers.  If you do not want to order all of your items and would like to be surprised be sure to request the herbs or flowers. 

·      Potatoes will be returning soon.  We have been having trouble with our harvester and so have had to take a bit of a break from harvesting.  There are potatoes to come in the next few weeks.  Sorry for the interruption. 

This week’s Harvest:

   Full shares order 8 items.  Half Shares order 4-5 items (depending on how much you want.)

·       Salad Mix – 8 oz You may order 2

·      Fresh Flower Bouquets, including sunflowers.   You may order 2.

·      Tomato 2 lb mixed bags of cherries, heirlooms and red tomatoes.  You may order 2.

·      Tomato, Cherry – 2 lb bag. You may order 2.

·      Italian Flat Leaf Parsley – 1/8 lb

·      Mint - 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Chives – 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Marjoram – 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Garlic Chives – 1/8 lb You may order 2

·      Garlic – ¼ lb.  Purple Stripe.  This is individual cloves and very sweet.  You may order 2.

·      Tomatillos 1 lb

·      Sweet Peppers 1 lb mostly green but turning colors.   

·      Hot peppers – mixed varieties of colors and heat.  - ½ pint.

·      Winter Squash, Butternut – 1 fruit.  

·      Lettuce- Romaine or Red Leaf or Butterhead or Summer Crisp– 1-2 heads.

·      Teenage Pac Choi 2 heads.

·      Kale – we will be ordering this from another local organic farm. 

·      Beets- Red, Golden or Chioggia 1.5 lb OR Carrots (no tops) 1.5 lb

·      Green Tomatoes – 1 lb.  These are actually green as in not ripe. 

·      Collards – ¾ lb

·      Fennel – 1 bulb

Extras:  You must order 2 orders of tomatoes as part of your regular order to get the extra tomatoes this week. 

·      2 lb cherry tomatoes. 

·      Mint 1/8 oz

What crops we think have a high energy this week:

·      Garlic

·      Pac Choi

·      Marjoram

·      Mint

·      Tomatoes

·      Salad Mix

·      Lettuce

·      Winter Squash

·      Tomatillos

·      Peppers

·      Beets

·      Fennel

·      Collards

Recipes:

Winter Squash

I should have featured this item a week or so ago when we had several varieties to choose from.  From now on we will just have the butternuts.  Butternut squash is the most beloved of all the winter squashes for its sweetness and consistent flesh texture.  

 You may have noticed some blemishes on the squashes.  If this has been a problem please let us know and we will replace them.  We are just trying to move through the perishable squash first.  They will stay fine in your refrigerator. 

All of the winter squash can be prepared in the same way.  Some are sweeter than others and some have a more firm flesh.  Below is the information from our recipe page (http://www.bhrecipes.blogspot.com/search/label/Winter%20Squash).  You will also find the squash descriptions there. 

Storage and Preparation:

Store in a warm dry area (50 to 60 degrees) for 4 – 6 months.

Winter Squash may be prepared in either a sweet or savory way. For a sweet version just bake and add honey and cinnamon before serving. For a savory version bake and serve with butter, salt, pepper and your favorite dried herbs.

Winter Squash is best when sliced in half and laid open side down in a pan with 1-2 inch of water. Bake this way on 375 degrees until soft in the middle (about 45 minutes). Simply remove it and let it cool a bit then, remove the inside from the shell. I personally don't like to peel it before it is cooked because it is too much work.  All varieties may be used interchangeably.

The Spaghetti Squash should be removed with a fork because it is stringy (hence the name "Spaghetti Squash"). You may use Spaghetti Squash in place of pasta with you favorite tomato sauce.

If the squash is too much for you to eat at one time, simply take the already cooked portion and cube it and freeze it for soups on the wintertime. 

·      Stuffed butternut squash: http://recipes.epicurean.com/recipe/13569/comprehensively-stuffed-squash.html

·      Squash and potato gratin: http://recipes.epicurean.com/recipe/14896/creamy-butternut-squash-potato-and-tomato-gratin.html

·      Butternut squash hummus: http://vegan-magic.blogspot.com/2013/01/butternut-squash-hummus.html

·      Apple Squash Bisque: http://recipes.epicurean.com/recipe/12609/apple-squash-bisque.html

·      Squash stuffed mushrooms: http://recipes.epicurean.com/recipe/15683/stuffed-portabello-mushrooms.html

Have a great week!

Thank you,

Erica