Dear valued CSA members,
We hope this email finds you all in good health and high spirits. It has been a busy week for us, with the start of the CSA season and all the preparations that come with it. We sincerely appreciate your patience and support as we navigate through these initial weeks. We would also like to extend a special shout-out to our veteran CSA members for their assistance in answering questions and sharing their wonderful culinary creations using their CSA baskets. It brings us great joy to see the innovative dishes you come up with!
We're thrilled to introduce some exciting new additions this week. Firstly, snow peas are now available, adding a delightful crunch to your meals. Additionally, we are offering a choice between shiitake and oyster mushrooms, providing you with a versatile selection. Lastly, we have some freshly picked strawberries ready for enjoyment. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming CSA member-only U-pick event, as the strawberries are ripening and will soon be ready for picking. We will notify you via email and social media once it's time to head out to the fields.
As the holiday weekend approaches, we have an array of fantastic grilling options for you to savor in the great outdoors. Our selection includes hamburger patties, hot dogs, hot Italian patties, mild chicken sausage, smoked pork sausage, bratwurst sausages, as well as our new beef sliders. The sliders are perfectly suited for family gatherings and fit perfectly on regular hamburger buns. Furthermore, we have an assortment of pork chops and various cuts of steak to elevate your grilling experience this weekend.
This week, we shine the spotlight on kale as our featured green. Kale, a nutrient-packed leafy green from the Brassica family, boasts a remarkable nutritional profile. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron. Its versatility in cooking makes it a favorite among many households. We would love to hear how you enjoy this vibrant green. Interestingly, our children, Daniel and Michael, adore eating it straight from the field, often leaving their faces tinged with kale's vivid green hue. We also find delight in making kale chips or incorporating it into refreshing salads.
For those seeking culinary inspiration, here are a few ideas to make the most of your kale:
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Kale Salad: Massage kale leaves with olive oil and lemon juice, then toss with your favorite salad ingredients like cherry tomatoes, avocado, nuts, and a flavorful dressing.
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Kale Chips: Bake kale leaves seasoned with olive oil, salt, and spices until crispy, creating a healthy and delicious alternative to potato chips.
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Sautéed Kale: Heat some olive oil in a pan, add minced garlic, and sauté kale until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice for added flavor.
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Kale Smoothie: Blend kale leaves with fruits like banana, pineapple, or berries, along with your choice of liquid (such as almond milk or coconut water) for a nutritious and refreshing smoothie.
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Kale Pesto: Replace basil with kale in a traditional pesto recipe. Blend kale, garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Use it as a spread, sauce, or topping for pasta, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables.
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Kale Soup: Add kale to your favorite soup recipes. It pairs well with beans, lentils, potatoes, and other vegetables, creating a hearty and nourishing soup.
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Stir-Fried Kale: Quickly stir-fry kale with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a simple yet flavorful side dish.
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Kale Wraps: Utilize large kale leaves as a substitute for wraps. Fill them with your choice of protein, vegetables, and condiments for a healthy and low-carb meal.
Remember, kale can have a slightly bitter taste, which can be balanced with ingredients like citrus, sweet fruits, creamy dressings, or aromatic spices. Feel free to experiment and discover your own favorite ways to incorporate kale into your meals!
We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend, filled with delicious meals, cherished moments, and rejuvenating experiences.
Warm regards,
The Schultz Family
