The leaves on the trees are beginning to dry and change colors. The cool season grasses coming in, and we notice birds migrating south, while new birds settle on the farm for winter. Our chestnut harvest ended abruptly and a little unexpectedly. The trees are very large, so it's difficult to predict how much they will fruit. We think a late spring frost nipped some of the buds, but it's possible the trees didn't make as much because they produced a ton last year. Nuts have a high caloric value, so it makes sense that an orchard couldn't bear mass amounts of nuts each season. Oh well. They were good while they lasted and we hope you enjoyed the nuts we sent you! The good news: we had a bumped sweet potato crop, which means we'll be sending those in your CSA boxes all winter long (once they are cured)!
This week you can expect a few new items. The large, oval shaped head is Napa cabbage. This is a Chinese cabbage that is the cabbage of choice for traditional Korean kimchi. We love making kimchi because it will last for months in your refrigerator. A great way to preserve your winter veggies. There are many ways to make kimchi, and you can basically add any veggies to you that you like, but here is a super easy recipe. If you don't want to go the fermenting route, try sautéing or steaming the chopped cabbage and serving over potatoes. Yum.
Also expect kale *or* Swiss chard, both can be eaten raw or cooked. If eating raw, try chopping the greens and adding your dressing at least 20 minutes before serving. This will give the cell walls of the plant a chance to break down. Or toss into the skillet once your other veggies are almost done cooking. I love cooking greens because they cook down so much, you know you are getting a powerful punch of nutrition.
You'll also be receiving a winter squash in your box, but we aren't sure which one yet. Follow us on Instagram where we post a photo of each week's CSA box with all the items labeled. What are you cooking with your CFF meat and veggies? Join our Caney Fork Farms CSA Facebook group and let us know!
What's in the veggie box:
