Sunday, July 27, 2014

CSA 7/30

Hello CSA Members,

Happy Summer!!! I could just say it over and over again.  This has been such a great summer for us. 
I do apologize for the late email.  I began this email 12 hours ago but I have had so many adventures in between.  There is always the Sunday afternoon field walk after market that seals the deal on the list.  This week the walk was glorious and longer than expected.  
It has been a very intense 7 years since we began this business.  If someone had told me that it would have been that hard I never would have attempted to do such a thing.  But if they would have told me afterward that I would love it this much on this day I would have jumped head first.  Today is a great day.  And as a farmer I am grateful for this day because I have no idea what tomorrow will bring.
And I am extremely grateful to all of you for investing in our small but beautiful business!!!

We will post the weekly email on our blog: http://bhorganics.blogspot.com/

Don’t forget to pick up your box.  It may help to set an alarm on your phone.  At the West Reading site we have a family that comes at 9 pm to clean up the porch.  I had to do this so that I can get some sleep.  I am crazy and I would worry about those boxes all night.  Sorry.

Help:
If you have any questions please feel free to email me at bhorganicscsa@gmail.com or call 484-955-1098.  I also am available to receive text messages at this phone number.

When:
You can order by replying to the email or by emailing bhorganicscsa@gmail.com.  The orders must be in by Tuesday at 12 am.  Processing the orders takes some time so I would appreciate no late orders.  This is a new time this year in order to have our pack house run a bit smoother. 

Notes about ordering:

·      We cannot guarantee orders.  We will definitely do our best. 
·      You may order from the list below.  If you do not choose to order we will select a well-rounded box for you.    
·      If it states behind the item that you may order 2 (or 3) than this counts as 2 (or 3) of your items.  If it does not state “You may order 2” behind the item than you can only order 1 of this item. 
·      We do not split items of make smaller bunches.  All sizes of the items are stated below. 
·      If you see “OR” in an item list you can order one or the other from this list. 
·      Yes, we definitely make mistakes.  So please let us know so we don’t make them again.  We are striving to provide great customer service. 

This week’s Harvest:
 Choose 8 items from this list for full shares or 5 items for half shares.
·      Kale –3/4 lb  - Red Russian, Lacinato or Curly.  You may order 3.
·      Green Summer Crisp Lettuce or Romaine– 2 heads.
·      Swiss Chard –3/4 lb. You may order 3.
·      Parsley, Flat Leaf – 2 oz. You may order 3.
·      Beets –Golden or Chioggia or Red (Some bunches may come without greens.)– 1.5 lb. You may order 2.
·      Dandelion – 8 oz
·      Cucumbers (Standard or Asian Long) – 2.5 lb or 3 long fruits. You may order 3.
·      Carrots, Orange or Mixed Colors– 1.5 lb.
·      Dragon (A yellow Italian type bean.) ¾ lb
·      Cabbage, Green or Savoy – 1 head
·      Fresh Cut Flowers – large bunch including zinnias and sunflowers
·      Purslane – ½ lb
·      Salad Mix – 7 oz
·      ****Tomato – 2 lb – mixed colors and sizes
·      *****Tomato – 2 lb – red
·      *****Tomato – 2 lb Paste 
·      *** WE May NOT BE ABLE TO FULFILL 3 ORDERS OF TOMATOES PER SHARE.  WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO 2 ORDERS PER SHARE OF TOTAL TOMATOES.  IF YOU CHOOSE TO ORDER 3 ORDERS PLEASE GIVE US AN ALTERNATIVE IN CASE WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH. 
·      Herbs:  You may choose 2 of these as one “item.”
o   Chives – 2 oz
o   Marjoram – 2 oz
o   Mint – 2 oz
o   Garlic chive – 2 oz
o   Parsley, Flat Leaf – 2 oz.

Extras:   You must order “Extras.”
·      Kale –3/4 lb  - Red Russian, Lacinato or Curly.  You must order kale in your regular order and this will be an additional kale. 
·      Swiss Chard –3/4 lb. You must order chard in your regular order and this will be an additional chard.
·      Marjoram – 2 oz.
·      Parsley, Flat Leaf – 2 oz. You may order 2.
·      Cucumbers (Standard or Asian Long) – 2.5 lb or 3 long fruits. You may order 3. - You must order cucumber in your regular order and this will be an additional cucumber.
·       

High Energy:
As a farmer, foodie and vegetable lover I am always interested in the “energetics” of food.  Essentially this means when a vegetable is at its “peak.”  If you are stuck in your ways but want to try something new I highly recommend choosing something new from this list.  Here are the foods at their highest energy level this week:
·      Kale
·      Chard
·      Lettuce
·      Cucumber
·      Parsley
·      Cabbage
·      Tomatoes
·      Purslane
·      Carrot
·      Herbs


Recipes:
Cucumbers
Every year there is one week in which we have massive quantities of cucumbers.  This is the week.  We are grateful for lots of cucumbers because they are so versatile however, they do not store as long as other veggies so they have to go fast.  And with all the rain they are coming fast.  So order lots of cucumbers this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Currently we have standard cucumbers and the Asian Long cucumbers.  The Asian cucumbers may have a slightly thicker skin but otherwise there is no difference.  I just love seeing those long cucumbers hanging from the vines.   

·      The trendy farmer in me wants to reject Martha Stewart.  But, let’s face it she has a great team behind her researching and testing great recipes.  Her website never fails to inspire me: http://www.marthastewart.com/274508/cucumber-recipes/@center/276955/seasonal-produce-recipe-guide#350717
·      Cucumber Tzatziki Salad (Cucumber Yogurt Salad): Haia, a member who makes this incomparably with golden beets, inspires this recipe.  And she shares with us.  I use goat kefir for this as an alternative to cow’s milk: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/cucumber_salad_tzatziki.html
·      My favorite thing to do with my juicer is Cucumber Juice: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cucumber-Juice
·       
Enjoy!

We really appreciate you and could not do it with out you.
Thank you,
Erica