Sunday, June 30, 2013

CSA 7/3

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Hello CSA Members,

Happy 4th of July!!!  We will be delivering as usual this week and hope your veggies make nice picnic dishes. 

This is a meat share delivery week so don’t forget to check the cooler for your meat share. 

Changing the email address seemed to do very little for changing our situation.  I will stick with the new email address.  If you are not getting the emails perhaps you could give me an alternative email address to use.  The new address is bhorganicscsa@gmail.com and I will be sending the emails from this address from now on.  If for some reason you do not receive an email please see our blog http://bhorganics.blogspot.com/

Don’t forget to pick up on Wednesday.  It may help to set an alarm on your phone.  If you are having problems picking up please call 484-955-1098, if I can help I will.

You can order by replying to the email or by emailing bhorganics@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 instance 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. 
·      You will notice some items are listed as several items with “or” between them.   We don't have enough of these things for everyone yet.  You may request one of the items in particular but I may have to substitute one of the other items in that list. 
·      If you are unsure of what a particular vegetable is I highly recommend checking our recipe blog.  Here you will find a description, storage information and a recipe.  The CSA will be more enjoyable for you if you try new things and new recipes. http://www.bhrecipes.blogspot.com/
·      The herb selections are mixed bunches of the herbs listed.  I am sure many of you would want to make your own selection but we decided that could be a nightmare come packing time. 
·      If you have a problem or a concern about the quality of an item or are missing something please let us know immediately.  We do make mistakes but we pride ourselves on customer service and so we would like the opportunity to make good on a mistake. 
·      If you do not order we will choose a well-rounded box for you.  You can order just a few things and we will fill in the rest of your share. 
·      Want to bring back quart and pint boxes back.  We really appreciate your gesture but must be strict about not allowing boxes, which did originally come from our farm.  This is part of our organic certification.  We also have several customers who are very sensitive and I don’t want to avoid contamination.
·      Do you see holes in the leaves of your greens?  They are insect holes and they are a part of our product.  We try to minimize pest damage but we do not use chemicals to kills pests.  I have been very strict about this and I am proud to say that we have a large and growing population of beneficial insects because of it.  Greens with insect holes are completely safe to eat.  Much safer than produce with no holes from farms that spray or use systemic pesticides. 

This week’s Harvest:
   Full shares order 8 items.  Half Shares order 4-5 items (depending on how much you want.)
·      Salad Mix ½ lb – you may order 2
·      Turnips – ¾ lb bunch  - these are a sweet salad turnip.  Greens are edible and wonderful.
·      Teenage Pac Choi – 2 heads.  You may order 2. 
·      Lettuce, Romaine or Butter head or Red Leaf – 2 heads.  You may order 2.
·      Carrots – 1.5 lb
·      Beets, Red or Golden or Chioggia– 1.5 lb
·      Herbs 1: Parsley, Chive and Oregano.  This will be a small amount of each. 
·      Herbs 2: Mint, Dill and Cilantro. This will be a small amount of each.
·      Italian Basil – ¼ lb
·      Dandelion- ½ lb – you may order 2
·      Arugula – ½ lb
·      Swiss Chard OR Kale– ¾ lb
·      Summer Squash – yellow or green zucchini or patty pan squash – 1.5 lb you may order 2.
·      Cucumbers 1.5 lb (pickling or standard) OR Cabbage 1 head (Green) OR ¾ lb Green Beans.
·      Spicy Mix – ½ lb
·      Fennel – 1 bulb
·      Radicchio – 2 heads


Extras: You can order 2 of each of these. 
·      Sorry no extras this week. 



Recipe: Summer Squash

Zucchinis, Patty Pan Squash and Crookneck squash are all a tender succulent variety of Summer Squash.  We grow a mix of all of these and the plan is to have them come at different times so you can try them all.  All of the Summer Squashes can be used interchangeably and have similar flavor.   The difference between most of them is that they have different shapes and so can be creatively used in you kitchen.  Believe it or not Summer Squash can be eaten raw, steamed, grilled, roasted or sautéed.   Summer Squash is high in beta-carotene, antioxidants and promotes regulation of blood sugar. 

·      Here is a recipe for using the squash raw in a refreshing summer salad.  Great for picnics: http://valleyfoodpartnership.org/straw-hat-farm-summer-squash-basil-salad/ Personally I don’t think you need the sugar.  Our squash is very sweet. 
·      Are you avoiding eating Gluten or just want an alternative to heavy pasta?  Here is a recipe for using squash as noodles: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/5695132949/zucchini-spaghetti-zoodles-meatballs



We are so happy to have you as members. 
Happy 4th!!!
Thank you,
Erica

Sunday, June 23, 2013

CSA for 6/26


Hello CSA Members,

Did you receive this email from a different email address?  Because I can’t fix the problems with the other email address I decided to create an email address just for CSA emails.  Be sure to not let these fall into your spam box.  The new address is bhorganicscsa@gmail.com and I will be sending the emails from this address from now on.  You will not be getting 2 emails after this week.  If for some reason you do not receive an email please see our blog http://bhorganics.blogspot.com/

Don’t forget to pick up on Wednesday.  It may help to set an alarm on your phone.  If you are having problems picking up please call 484-955-1098, if I can help I will.

You can order by replying to the email or by emailing bhorganics@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 instance 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 are unsure of what a particular vegetable is I highly recommend checking our recipe blog.  Here you will find a description, storage information and a recipe.  The CSA will be more enjoyable for you if you try new things and new recipes. http://www.bhrecipes.blogspot.com/
·      Broccoli is not my friend.  Our spring broccoli crop has been a bust so far.  I have looked for local organic broccoli and was not able to order it in.  I am going to concentrate very hard on the fall broccoli crop.
·      The herb selections are mixed bunches of the herbs listed.  I am sure many of you would want to make your own selection but we decided that could be a nightmare come packing time. 
·      If you have a problem or a concern about the quality of an item or are missing something please let us know immediately.  We do make mistakes but we pride ourselves on customer service and so we would like the opportunity to make good on a mistake. 
·      If you do not order we will choose a well-rounded box for you.  You can order just a few things and we will fill in the rest of your share. 
·      Want to bring back quart and pint boxes back.  We really appreciate your gesture but must be strict about not allowing boxes which did originally come from our farm.  This is part of our organic certification.  We also have several customers who are very sensitive and I don’t want to avoid contamination.
·      Do you see holes in the leaves of your greens?  They are insect holes and they are a part of our product.  We try to minimize pest damage but we do not use chemicals to kills pests.  I have been very strict about this and I am proud to say that we have a large and growing population of beneficial insects because of it.  Greens with insect holes are completely safe to eat.  Much safer than produce with no holes from farms that spray or use systemic pesticides. 

This week’s Harvest:
   Full shares order 8 items.  Half Shares order 4-5 items (depending on how much you want.)
·      Salad Mix ½ lb – you may order 2
·      Turnips – ¾ lb bunch  - these are a sweet salad turnip.  Greens are edible and wonderful. – You may order 2
·      Garlic Scapes – 1/8 lb – these are a fresh garlic flower, excellent as a garlic substitute.  You may order 2.
·      Teenage Pac Choi – 2 heads.  You may order 2. 
·      Lettuce, Romaine or Butter head or Red Leaf – 2 heads.  You may order 2.
·      Peas – ½ lb – These will most likely be snow peas but maybe a sugar snap or shelling.  Our snow peas are smaller because they are an heirloom variety.  Oh so sweet. 
·      Carrots – 1.5 lb
·      Beets, Red or Golden– 1.5 lb
·      Herbs 1: Parsley, Chive and Oregano.  This will be a small amount of each. 
·      Herbs 2: Mint, Dill and Cilantro. This will be a small amount of each.
·      Italian Basil – ¼ lb
·      Dandelion- ½ lb – you may order 2
·      Arugula – ½ lb
·      Swiss Chard or Kale– ¾ lb
·      Zucchini – yellow or green – 1.5 lb


Extras: You can order 2 of each of these. 
·      Lettuce, Romaine or Butter head or Red Leaf – 2 heads
·      Garlic Scapes – ¼ lb –



Recipe: Pac Choi

Also known as Bok Choy or Boc Choi.  And you will sometimes see me type it either way.  We grow a smaller version of the typical white Pac Choi.  Sometimes it is baby and sometimes a teenager.  Pac Choi is extremely high in Vitamin A, Calcium and a few other minerals.  But the best part is the crunch.  It can be eaten raw or lightly cooked.  If you cook it too long it looses it’s crunch.  It is a versatile vegetable also known as “Chinese Celery.” 
You can eat the entire head from stem to leaf.  (As long as the stem isn’t woody.)
·       Grilled Baby Pac Choi with Peanut Sauce

4 heads baby pac choi halved
Dressing:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon tahini
1 teaspoon maple syrup
¼ teaspoon tamari

Grill the baby pac choi halves on medium heat in a grill basket for 2 minutes on each side.

Mix the dressing thoroughly and apply to the baby pac choi before serving.
·      Eat it raw with peanut butter and raisins like you would celery. 
·      I use it in place of cabbage in coleslaw for a lighter flavor. 
·      Here is our recipe blog page for more ideas: http://www.bhrecipes.blogspot.com/search/label/Baby%20Boc%20Choi
·      Roasted Boc Choi http://www.sugarlaws.com/roasted-pak-choi



We are so happy to have you as members. 
Cheers to a great season ahead.
Thank you,
Erica

Friday, June 21, 2013

Spring photos.

Baby peppers in pots

The all grown up chickens in their new cage.


David in the big field preparing to plant.

Saw this shirt on a customer at Earth Day.  I love it!

An up and coming tractor driver.

Beautiful kale flower.

My 2 favorite men.  Mike and Butters.


Our new road sign.  Be sure to look for it on Rt 10.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

CSA for 6/19

Planting Potatoes. 



Hello CSA Members,

We are still having trouble with our email.  Some of you are not receiving any of our emails.  I have had several people check this out for me and the only thing we can figure out is that for some reason your email is recognizing ours as spam.  For some of you we are trying a different email address this week.  If for some reason you do not receive an email please see our blog http://bhorganics.blogspot.com/

Don’t forget to pick up on Wednesday.  It may help to set an alarm on your phone.  If you are having problems picking up please call 484-955-1098, if I can help I will.

You can order by replying to the email or by emailing bhorganics@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 instance 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).
·      I forgot to let you new members know that Extras Are Free.   The extras are a bonus for your share we don’t give them out to people who don’t want them.  In an ordering system this is the best way I know how to handle surplus vegetables. 
·      We will have extras this week.  Scroll down to the bottom to view the extras list.  Extras must be ordered.  Extras are on a first come first basis. 
·      If you are unsure of what a particular vegetable is I highly recommend checking our recipe blog.  Here you will find a description, storage information and a recipe.  The CSA will be more enjoyable for you if you try new things and new recipes. http://www.bhrecipes.blogspot.com/
·      The kale has been a huge hit.  I know how important it is to many of you.  We are taking a kale break this week but it will definitely be back for most of the season.
·      If you have a problem or a concern about the quality of an item or are missing something please let us know immediately.  We do make mistakes but we pride ourselves on customer service and so we would like the opportunity to make good on a mistake. 
·      If you do not order we will choose a well-rounded box for you.  You can order just a few things and we will fill in the rest of your share. 

This week’s Harvest:
   Full shares order 8 items.  Half Shares order 4-5 items (depending on how much you want.)
·      Salad Mix ½ lb – you may order 2
·      Radishes – ¾ lb bunch – you may order 2
·      Turnips – ¾ lb bunch  - these are a sweet salad turnip.  Greens are edible and wonderful. – You may order 2
·      Garlic Scapes – 1/8 lb – these are a fresh garlic flower, excellent as a garlic substitute.  You may order 2.
·      Teenage Pac Choi – 2 heads.  You may order 2. 
·      Lettuce, Romaine or Butter head or Red Leaf – 2 heads.  You may order 2.
·      Frisee – 2 heads.  A bitter green great for you liver.  Used in salads or for braising. 
·      Peas – ½ lb – These will most likely be snow peas but maybe a sugar snap as well.  Our snow peas are smaller because they are an heirloom variety.  Oh so sweet.  You may order 2.
·      Carrots – 1.5 lb
·      Beets, Red – 1.5 lb
·      Herbs: Parsley, Chive and Oregano.  This will be a small amount of each. 
·      Dandelion- ½ lb – you may order 2
·      Arugula – ½ lb
·      Spicy Mix- ½ lb
·      Mustard Greens- ¾ lb
·      Swiss Chard – ¾ lb


Extras: You can order 2 of each of these. 
·      Lettuce, Romaine or Butter head or Red Leaf – 2 heads
·      Garlic Scapes – ¼ lb –



Recipe: Lettuce

 We are growing 2 types of lettuce right now.  The “butter head” is a Boston Bibb type lettuce.  We grow one that is red tipped and one that is speckled.  We grow romaine and a red leaf lettuce.  The red leaf is new for us this year.  We have lots of lettuce so I wanted to try to find recipes for you to use lettuce in more ways than just salad. 

·      Grilled Romaine salad with Citrus Caesar Vinaigrette. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-specials/grilled-romaine-salad-recipe/index.html
·      Lettuce soup http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Lettuce-Soup-231995 I have tried this before and it is much tastier than it seems. 
·      Everyone is juicing these days or making smoothies.  Lettuce can be used in either way.  I have many customers who juice lettuce. http://www.wellsphere.com/raw-food-article/romaine-lettuce-carrot-cucumber-juice/209417
·      Because I don't eat gluten I am always looking for ways to get around bread.  I love the idea of using lettuce or other greens as “cups” to eat tuna or egg salad. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chinese-chicken-mushroom-lettuce-cups-10000001611722/
·      Pickled vegetables seem to be the “new” thing in cooking.  Pickled vegetables are an accompaniment in many cuisines around the world.  Pickling adds enzymes to your meal for easier digestion. http://kosherfood.about.com/od/koshersaladrecipes/r/lettuce_saba.htm



We are so happy to have you as members. 
Cheers to a great season ahead.
Thank you,
Erica

Sunday, June 9, 2013

6/12 CSA delivery


Hello CSA Members,

Our first delivery went well despite our email troubles.  I apologize to those of you whom received several emails and to those of you who did not receive any.  At this time I cannot figure out why you did not receive any emails.  In the future the email will be posted on our blog.  If for some reason you do not receive an email please see our blog http://bhorganics.blogspot.com/

Don’t forget to pick up on Wednesday.  It may help to set an alarm on your phone.  If you are having problems picking up please call 484-955-1098, if I can help I will.

You can order by replying to the email or by emailing bhorganics@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 instance 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).
·      We will have extras this week.  Scroll down to the bottom to view the extras list.  Extras must be ordered.  Extras are on a first come first basis. 
·      The strawberries have not been a huge success this year.  We have had several problems.  We will definitely give you as many as we can this week.  I am assuming we will have enough to give a pint but we will not be able to do more than one order per share.  It could be a small pint. 
·      If you are unsure of what a particular vegetable is I highly recommend checking our recipe blog.  Here you will find a description, storage information and a recipe.  The CSA will be more enjoyable for you if you try new things and new recipes. http://www.bhrecipes.blogspot.com/
·      At times you will see items selected only for full or half shares.  I do all the orders individually and I want to make sure everyone gets a chance to order something.  I do this the best I can. 
·      If you have a problem or a concern about the quality of an item or are missing something please let us know immediately.  We do make mistakes but we pride ourselves on customer service and so we would like the opportunity to make good on a mistake. 
·      If you do not order we will choose a well-rounded box for you. 

This week’s Harvest:
   Full shares order 8 items.
·      Salad Mix ½ lb – you may order 2
·      Radishes – ¾ lb bunch – you may order 2
·      Turnips – ¾ lb bunch  - these are a sweet salad turnip.  Greens are edible and wonderful.
·      Strawberries – a small pint.  We will give you as many as we can.
·      Kale-¾ lb
·      Green onions – ½ lb
·      Garlic Scapes – 1/8 lb – these are a fresh garlic flower, excellent as a garlic substitute.  You may order 2.
·      Spinach – ½ lb
·      Teenage Pac Choi – 2 heads.  You may order 2. 
·      Lettuce, Romaine or Butter head – 2 heads.  You may order 2.
·      Frisee – 2 heads.  A bitter green great for you liver.  Used in salads or for braising. 
·      Peas – ½ lb – These will most likely be snow peas but maybe a sugar snap as well.  Our snow peas are smaller because they are an heirloom variety.  Oh so sweet. 

Half share orders 4-5 items.
·      Salad Mix ½ lb – you may order 2
·      Radishes – ¾ lb bunch – you may order 2
·      Turnips – ¾ lb bunch  - these are a sweet salad turnip.  Greens are edible and wonderful.
·      Strawberries – a small pint.  We will give you as many as we can.
·      Kale-¾ lb
·      Green onions – ½ lb
·      Garlic Scapes – 1/8 lb – these are a fresh garlic flower, excellent as a garlic substitute.  You may order 2.
·      Spinach – ½ lb
·      Teenage Pac Choi – 2 heads.  You may order 2. 
·      Lettuce, Romaine or Butter head – 2 heads.  You may order 2.
·      Frisee – 2 heads.  A bitter green great for you liver.  Used in salads or for braising. 

Extras:
·      Radishes – ¾ lb – You may order up to 2 orders extra of these. 
·      Garlic Scapes – ¼ lb – You may order up to 2 orders extra of these. 



Recipe: Radishes

Radishes are very misunderstood.  Most of us think of them only to be put on salads and that they are spicy.  Yes, these things are true but radishes are a bit more versatile than that.  The roots are great grilled or roasted.  And the greens are completely edible raw or sautéed.  The greens are just another version of mustard greens. 
If you shred radishes or cook them they loose their spicy flavor but retain a great texture. 

Here are some of my favorite recipes for radishes:

·       Radish Salad with Goat Cheese

·       5-6 large radishes, Shredded
·       2 tablespoons Goat cheese, crumbled
·       Juice of 1/2 lemon, or to taste
·       Drizzle of olive oil
·       Salt and pepper to taste

Mix the radish slices and Goat Cheese together. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Top with salt and pepper and feta. Serves 2 as a small side.

·       Radishes loose their bite when shredded.
·       This salad will store well and gets better when it sits. 

·      Chinese pickled radish salad: http://chinese.food.com/recipe/chinese-quick-pickled-radish-salad-with-garlic-306079 this would be great if you substitute the garlic with garlic scapes.
·      I definitely want to try this radish and avocado sandwich: http://www.marthastewart.com/345006/radish-and-avocado-sandwich
·      Snap Pea and Radish Salad: http://www.marthastewart.com/346089/sugar-snap-pea-and-radish-salad you can definitely use snow peas for this. 


We are so happy to have you as members. 
Cheers to a great season ahead.
Thank you,
Erica