We survived! This week has been kind of wild with all the nights below 32 degrees, but it is a challenge most accepted!
We return with a great deep winter share for you this week! There is a good crop of arugula these next few weeks. Besides a few bug holes (from a random outbreak of flea beetles two months ago), it's some of the best arugula we have grown. It's dark green, and to me is more nutty than spicy in the cooler season. The bok choys from last week until the end of this season are a different variety. I for sure think it is a keeper. Deep, deep green leaves and white stems makes them a great addition for any savory recipe. Asian Delight bok choy is so popular in the market gardening world that the seeds are sold out at our seed companies. Next week, expect to have all of these same vegetables available!
***I am STOKED to add Fort Sumner Hot Sauce to the line up of extras! Amy and Dan have been farm share members for years, and I'm so lucky to live in a great neighborhood like the garden district in Monroe. We love this hot sauce on some of Alex's eggs!! Check out it's description on Harvie!
Nearing the end of this season, the farm can begin to look a little bare, but everything is preparing for Spring. Without a watch, one could tell daytime is increasing by the blooming dandelions, fruit tree shoots...and the weed pressure. Although we could continue to grow through this time of year, we really need about 4 weeks off farm shares to spend time on infrastructure projects, plus preparing and planting for the spring season. We have 40 yards of compost to spread by hand, and 20 new 100 ft beds. Our first Spring seeds have already been sown, and I am excited for a change in the season. February, from an agricultural perspective, can be a bleak time. Most of the old timers would plant potatoes, their first crop of the year in February. I'm so proud of what Kaden and I have done this with this Fall Extension season. Besides Christmas and New Years, there have been farm shares every week since September!
Cooking with whole ingredients doesn't have to be hard! Lots of crops in the shares can be consumed raw. Chopping them up, and being creative with the flavors can make the kitchen fun. Y'all are local food heroes, with refined palates! I absolutely love this dish that Delia put together. Nothing fnacy, just a tortilla with fresh whole foods from the fridge like radishes, salad mix, avocados, and little tomatoes! 
