Hello Members! (Please click on "Continue reading" to read the whole newsletter from us!)
This week on the farm, we have had some serious storms, but all is well for the most part. We are struggling to find windows to cultivate (mechanically weed), transplant and prepare beds. At least we don't have to irrigate! Unfortunately, we are still waiting for the peppers and eggplant to fruit more. The cherry tomatoes in the hightunnels are starting to turn color, but are still not quite there yet. So, there will be some redundancy in your boxes this week in order to give you a good value, since that is what we have in the field!
As always, here are a few things for you to remember about the CSA and the boxes:
If you ordered meat, PLEASE RETURN YOUR FOIL PACKS TO US!
PLEASE RETURN YOUR BOXES ASAP! WE ARE RUNNING OUT, WHICH MEANS FOLKS AREN'R RETURNING THEIR BOXES!
ALWAYS take the box with your name on it that is from BLACKBROOK FARM! If someone is picking your box up for you, please tell them to take the box with your name on it from BLACKBROOK FARM! This is very important.
IF you can't pick your box up on THURSDAY, please communicate with me about this so I can arrange for it to be kept at the dropsite instead of donated or used.
Please return your box either the same week (bring a bag to empty your veggies into) or the following time you pick up your box. Please collapse your box and neatly stack it or put it where the other boxes are.
If you are half share, your box is delivery every other week ( unless you have rearranged your schedule with Harvie). Please remember to check if this is your week or not. Full shares are delivery every week. When your box is delivered on Thursday, a delivery email is sent out. EVERY one at that dropsite gets that email, even if you do not get a box that week. So it is important for you to know which weeks you pick up. Please email me with questions. Here is information on how to access when and where to pick up your box
We also have 100% pastured Pork extras for SALE! If you order pork from us in your share we put it in a foil pack very frozen and deliver it to you in your box. It will either be partially frozen or very very cold when you receive it. We also have Pastured Pork Packages for sale that we home deliver to your door. This is a great way to load up on all the cuts of a hog and get your good healthy fats! You can find our sign up share for that on our website or our Harvie site under shares. Let us know if you have any questions! Raising animals is a large part of what we do at Blackbrook Farm! You can also buy Pork Shares from us and we do free home delivery! This is a one-time share that you can sign up for anytime, and the price a little reduced depending on the size of the share you choose.
This is what may be in your box this week:
Green Top Carrots-Please top these carrots and store in a container or plastic bag in the fridge. This way they will last longer.
Mexican Tarragon- This is the first year we tried this variety out. We like it because it is pretty, and has a mild anise flavor, very similar to regular french tarragon. Use the flowers and all!Mexican Chicken and Chorizo Pie (we have chorizo!)
Fennel- This is a very commonly used herb in french cooking and sauces. We like to just put it in any stir fry, as it mellows in flavor when cooked. Try out this great Quick Pickled Fennel recipe!
Celery- We find this to be a very versatile vegetable, since it is great in a Mirepoix for soups or for any tuna, potato, egg salad or also is great for dipping in hummus or in a Stir Fry.
Basil- This herb is great as a pesto, or chopped into really any dish as a garnish. Do not keep in fridge, keep in a plastic container on the counter.
Summer Squash/Zucchini- Try putting some of these in your Stir Fry!!! You can also freeze them for the winter when you miss these! Blanch and Freeze Summer Squash
Broccoli- Try this in a stir fry, too! We also like to lightly steam and then high heat fry it with soy sauce, garlic, onions and sesame oil!
Cauliflower- The possibilities seem endless with cauliflower these days. Keep in a plastic bag in the fridge. Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry
Swiss Chard- Swiss Chard is beautiful! And also sometimes hard to figure out what to do with....So here are a couple recipes! Swiss Chard Tahini Dip Chard and Bacon Linguine Sausage and Swiss Chard Lasagna (we sell sausage!)
Cucumbers- This week you may have gotten a dill head. Try a quick Lacto-fermented Pickle recipe!
Torpedo Red Onions Bunch- This get their name from being long like a rocket or torpedo! They are great for fresh eating, sliced onto a burger or sandwich. You can use the green tops, too.
Salanova Salad Mix- This mix holds up well to a dressing and keeps for over a week. Keep in the plastic bag in the fridge.
Dill Head- use the recipe above for lacto-fermented pickles. Or Make Lacto-fermented Carrots!
Sweet Corn is Tasseling and putting on ears! Won't be long now!
The kids got hot so they found a cool spot!
Swiss Chard Harvest!
Have a great week!
Your farmers,
Ayla, James, Ronia, Edwin and the crew
