Welcome to September.
Sorry that this is a little later in the day than usual. It seems like my weeks are becoming increasingly packed with todo's without any additional time to get 'em done. But that's ok; this is the life of the farmer at the height of the season. We have been hustling at the farm. We've been having massive harvests in both weight and volume with appropriately massive distributions. I hope you enjoyed your first taste of melons in your last share. Everything is so darn yummy right now.
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, watermelons, and now, cantaloupes are coming out of the fields. It's time to feast. OMG, cantaloupes! This week we started harvesting the three varieties of cantaloupes that we grow and they are off the hook delicious. These melons have an amazing flavor and their musky aromas drifting around the farm are divine. Every time we open the walk-in refrigerator doors we are hit with a wave of cantaloupes perfume. We are adding these treasures to everyones shares this week. There are two varieties that are ready to go; Hannahs Choice and Golden Gopher. Some of the cantaloupes will be orange and ready to eat while some may need a few days on your counter. You know your melon is ready when your kitchen is filled with amazing, musky scent and the blossom end (that's the end opposite to the stalk) is soft. I hope you love these melons as much as I do.
Hannahs Choice - This is a tuscan style melon with classic cantaloupe flavors. Aromatic, very sweet, and full of flavor. These are beautiful, ribbed fruits that avg. 3–5 lb.
Golden Gopher - The 6" heavily ribbed fruits averaging 2½ lb feature deep orange flesh of superb eating quality. The rind is heavily netted. Amazing flavor!
SPECIAL TREAT: Orangeglo Watermelons Add On
These are a very special treat. Since we are coming up on Labor Day weekend, this melon is perfect for breaking out at your socially distanced BBQ. These melons are big, ranging from 10 to 25 pounds but are incredibly sweet and flavorful. Since they are so big, we are offering these for you to buy as an add on to your share this week. These melons are available for all CSA members to purchase however you'll need to pick up your melon from Niwot Farm (8140 Oxford Rd) as these melons are too large and unwieldy to send out to all of our pickup locations. If you choose to buy one of these melons (great call), you can come out to pick yours up any time starting on Tuesday (8am-7pm), Wednesday-Friday (8am-6pm)or Saturday (9am-2pm). You can come out to the farm and find the perfect melon for your family.
Fruit Share - This week we are getting into the first of our apples for the season. Fruit Share Members will receive a bag of peaches and a bag of Gala apples. These are field run apples which means there may be some slight imperfections, but the flavor be impeccable.
Add On Items - This week we have added the bulk tomatoes, peppers and carrots for your preserving pleasure. Plus we have processed our Kilt Farm honey from this season, so you will see creamed honey and raw honey available in the add ons.
Have a safe and wonderful end to the summer. We are so grateful to be feeding our community with the best food possible.
Michael
