We’re in for another hot week! You may be wondering how we deal with these hot days while working outdoors. Well… Water- lots of water! Coconut water, sparkling water, watermelon, our delicious well water, electrolyte water, frozen water in the form of popsicles, smoothies, salads, running through the overhead sprinkler that helps keep the plants alive and sometimes taking a mid-afternoon siesta or dip in the river. We typically adjust our work hours so that we start earlier, especially on harvest days. That way we can get the perishable items out of the field and into the cooler as quick as possible. Currently our biggest issue is keeping our walk in cooler cold. It is run by a temperature controller and an A/C unit. On hot days, it will freeze up- so we have to keep a very close eye on it and adjust the temperature accordingly. Next season we hope to upgrade to a larger compressor that can run both of our walk in’s. Last week the smaller walk in stopped cooling- so that is out of commission for now. However, we did get our glass front merchandise fridge up and running! Soon, we will have it set up for grab and go farm items.
As for the veggies, chickens, ducks, and other farm friends- they also get lots of water! The plants are drip irrigated for the most part- but on hot days we find it necessary to hook up the large vineyard sprinkler to douse everything in cool water. After the last heat spell, we learned a lesson and will definitely have a sprinkler going for the chickens as well! There have definitely been some crop losses with the heat. One of our apple trees’ fruit pretty much rotted on the tree before it was even ripe! But there’s always other crops that thrive with this heat. Our first melons are just starting to form and the second round of summer squash has started producing as well. Of course, the hot peppers and tomatoes are also loving the warm weather.
What's Growing
Lettuce, Kale, Collards, Chard, Green Onions, Chives, Summer Squash, Cucumbers, Rosemary, Sage, MInt, Parsley, Mexican Tarragon, Potatoes, Carrots, Basil, Ground Cherries, Tomatillos, Broccolini, Microgreens, Eggplant, Peppers, Green Beans, Zinnias, Cosmos, Snap Dragon's, Stock, Phlox, Amaranth, Celosia, Dahlia's, Marigolds, Nasturtium, Borage
Just Planted: Fall Chicories (Radicchio, Escarole, Frisee, Endive, etc), Radishes (French Breakfast and Red Daikon), Cilantro, Dill, Arugula, Mizuna, Leeks
Kitchen Notes
Eggplant Season is here! Fire up that grill and avoid turning on the stove/oven in this heat!!!
Some of our favorite recipes for this delicious purple beauty are:
Baba Ganoush (Eggplant dip)
https://www.food.com/recipe/baba-ganoush-the-best-in-the-world-67570
Grilled Italian Style Eggplant ***We love to drizzle with a little balsalmic vinegar with the Olive Oil
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/275133/italian-grilled-eggplant-with-basil-and-parsley-melanzane-grigliate-al-basilico-e-prezzemolo/
And while you've got that grill going, throw on some of that summer squash!
https://www.acouplecooks.com/grilled-squash/
We had this last night with a little oregano, olive oil, fresh chopped garlic, and balsalmic vinegar and it was delectable!!!
Local Spotlight
We always like to highlight local restaurants that support our farm!
Artigiano in Portland: http://artigianopdx.com/
An italian food cart that serves up some incredibly good home cooking paired with wine and jazz, what more could you want?!
InterUrban in Portland: http://www.interurbanpdx.com/
Grab a cocktail paired with some local and farm fresh delights!
Slow Fox Chili Parlor in Vancouver : https://www.slowfoxchili.com/
Located in Columbia Food Park - talk about some TASTY Chili! Vegetarian options also available - and don't forget the side salad with the BEST marinated beets.
Heathen Brewing's Feral Public House in Vancouver: https://heathenbrewing.com/feral-public-house/menu/
Seriously, unbiased opinion- they have the best beer in the PCNW! Pair your beer or wine (grapes grown at same location as the farm!) with some good 'ol pub grub and enjoy the awesome patio. Lots of farm squash is currently going into that yummy Garden Bowl!
Kafiex Roasters in Vancouver: https://www.kafiex.com/
Grab a tasty coffee and breakfast sandwich. They also run farmers market specials featuring locally grown produce! Have you been to the new location on the waterfront?
Elements Restaurant in Vancouver: https://elementsvancouver.com/
Creative and beautiful dishes served up in a fine dining meets casual Main Street location. Don't miss Chef Miguels vegan creations, wow!!! The vegan blueberry cake is to die for...
Until next week, Keep Cool and Carry On!
Kelly (and the rest of the Flat Tack and Sprout & Blossom Farm Crew)
