Welcome to Week 5 of the Fall Farm Share: Second Last Week of the 2024 Farm Share Season.
Wow, how is it week 5 already? We have had such a great fall, and we still have SO much produce, that it feels like we could go for much longer than 6 weeks. So keep an eye out, we are hoping to sell some bulk produce packages before the Christmas holiday season.
Is This Your Final Week?
If you are a bi-weekly member who picked up on the FIRST WEEK of the Fall Share (week of October 31st) then this will be your last week. If you picked up first on Week #2, then next week (week 6) will be your last week. Not sure? Check your settings here or send me an email :) We'll say goodbye for now, but keep an eye out in your inbox for our end of the season survey. Thank you SO much for supporting our farm this season and eating our veggies.
On The Farm
We were blessed with a few more rain-free days to get some field work done. We harvested all the fennel, winter radishes, turnips, and kohlrabi. We're starting to wonder what we can do with all this produce! Right now we have SO much more Salad Mix than we can sell. We approached the grocery store in Ailsa Craig but have not heard back from them. We'll attempt Parkhill next.
As I write this, the wind is howling outside my window. I think we are almost ready to have the cold weather force us indoors more.
Saying Goodbye to Harvie - Switching Platforms
This is pretty big news for our 2025 season. Harvie is shutting down its platform at the end of this year. So, we will have to find a new platform to run our Farm Share on. We have spent significant time reviewing our options and are now deciding between two platforms - CSAware or GrownBy.
What does this mean for you?
The Good - you'll still be able to get a customized Farm Share with us, using a modern online platform that will be similar to what we had with Harvie.
The Better - the new platform we choose will come with some benefits that Harvie didn't have, like text notifications to remind you when your share is ready to pick up, or the ability to pay online through your bank instead of with a credit card, or a more transparent cart experience, and the ability to add more items to your share each week.
The Bad? - when we decide on a platform and you want to sign up again, you will have to create a new account. And there will be a bit of a learning curve. But we will work through this together!
What does it mean for us?
Well, it's a lot of figuring out, and admin time. But one large benefit will be that more of our earnings will stay in our pockets, because Harvie had a fee of 7% of our sales, whereas both potential new platforms have a fee of 2%. Our margins are VERY small as it is, so we hope this will contribute to a better life for ourselves, with the ability to invest more in our farm.
More Updates to Come
We'll update you when we choose our new platform and explain how to use it!
This Week’s Star Veggies: Recipes & Benefits!
Fennel
Nutrition WOW:
- High in fiber for gut health and digestion.
- Rich in Vitamin C to support your immune system during the winter.
- Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation.
Recipes That WOW:
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Fennel and Sausage Risotto (GET RECIPE HERE)
- Thinly slice fennel and sauté with garlic and onion. Add Italian sausage and arborio rice, deglaze with white wine, and simmer with broth until creamy. Finish with parmesan and fresh herbs for a hearty winter dish.
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Caramelized Fennel and Apple Pizza (GET RECIPE HERE)
- Top pizza dough with caramelized fennel and onions, and top with thinly sliced apples and provolone cheese (sub goat cheese!). Bake until golden for a sweet-savory twist.
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Fennel Baba Ganoush (GET RECIPE HERE)
- Eggplant season is out, but fennel season is in! Try this Fennel Baba Ganoush, and don't skip the tahini!
Hakurei Turnips
Nutrition WOW:
- Low calorie yet packed with Vitamin C.
- Contains potassium, great for heart health.
- A natural source of glucosinolates, compounds that may help detoxify the body.
Recipes That WOW:
Miso-Glazed Hakurei Turnips (GET RECIPE HERE)
- Roast turnips, then toss with a glaze made from miso, honey, maple syrup and butter. Broil until caramelized for an umami-packed side.
Quick-Pickled Hakurei Turnips (GET RECIPE HERE)
- Slice thinly and pickle with rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of chili flakes. These are perfect on tacos, sandwiches, or as a zingy snack!
Purple Top White Globe Turnips
Nutrition WOW:
- A powerhouse of Vitamin B6 and folate for brain health.
- Excellent source of fiber, supporting digestion and satiety.
- Loaded with calcium and potassium for strong bones and muscles.
Recipes That WOW:
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Turnip and Gruyere Gratin (GET RECIPE HERE)
- Cream, gruyere cheese, butter, turnips - a comfort dish for cold days.
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Creamy Turnip Soup with Crispy Shallots (GET RECIPE HERE)
- Simmer turnips with onions, garlic, and vegetable stock, then blend until silky. Top with crispy fried shallots and a drizzle of truffle oil for an indulgent touch.
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Crispy Turnip Home Fries & Egg Breakfast Tacos + Jalapeno Salsa
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Cast iron fried turnips, creamy scrambled eggs and spicy jalapeno, cilantro and onion salsa for a veggie-packed savoury breakfast.
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Thanks so much for being a part of our Farm Share! We hope you enjoy the veggies. Happy cooking!
Your farmer,
Kim
