Dear CSA Members,
Greetings from the farm! We hope you are all doing well and enjoying the beautiful summer days. We have a busy and exciting weekend ahead, and we wanted to share all the updates and news with you.
This weekend, we are splitting up for some adventures! While we have our usual Farmers' Markets on Saturday morning, Lilly and I are traveling to the state up north to meet Sadie for her AAU basketball tournament. It's going to be a thrilling weekend of basketball and bonding as we cheer Sadie on. The girls will be having a fun-filled weekend out of state, and we are looking forward to every moment of it!
Meanwhile, the boys are staying back home to make hay while the sun shines—literally! They will be working hard to continue our hay production and will be enjoying some quality time together at the farm. Our strawberry field is coming along beautifully; the plants are taking root, and we are making great progress.
Now, let's talk about this week's bounty! It’s the week of fruit extravaganza! We have an incredible variety of fruits for you to choose from, including cantaloupe, sugar cubes, blackberries, cherries, plums, peaches, and blueberries. It’s a fruit lover’s paradise!
Our vegetable offerings are also expanding with peppers and eggplants coming on strong. And guess what? We finally have our sweet corn available this week! We have plenty to offer from our larger patches. Remember, we don't spray or use GMO corn, so you might find a bug at the tip—just take a sharp knife and cut off the tip, and you’re good to go!
And let’s not forget our plethora of tomato choices. Whether you love cherry tomatoes, classic reds, vibrant yellows, or heirlooms, we have something for everyone. What type is your favorite? With so many possibilities, this week is perfect for getting creative in the kitchen. We can’t wait to see what delicious dishes you come up with!
This Week's Highlight: Blackberries ?
Our feature fruit this week is blackberries! Here are some tips on how to store and prep them, as well as a few delightful recipes to try:
Storing Blackberries:
- Refrigerate Immediately: Store blackberries in the refrigerator as soon as you bring them home. Keep them in their original container or spread out on a paper towel-lined tray.
- Wash Before Use: Only wash the blackberries just before you plan to eat or use them to prevent excess moisture and spoilage.
- Freeze for Later: To freeze, lay blackberries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for long-term storage.
Prepping Blackberries:
- Rinse Gently: Rinse the berries under cool, running water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Check for Spoilage: Remove any mushy or moldy berries to keep the rest fresh.
Three Delicious Recipes for Blackberries:
-
Blackberry Smoothie:
- Ingredients: 1 cup fresh blackberries, 1 banana, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1 tablespoon honey.
- Directions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. This refreshing smoothie is perfect for a healthy start to your day!
-
Blackberry Salad:
- Ingredients: 2 cups mixed greens, 1 cup fresh blackberries, 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, balsamic vinaigrette.
- Directions: Toss the greens, blackberries, goat cheese, and pecans in a large bowl. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and serve. A delicious and nutritious salad!
-
Blackberry Cobbler:
- Ingredients: 2 cups fresh blackberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted butter.
- Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix blackberries with half the sugar and set aside. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, remaining sugar, milk, and melted butter. Pour batter into a greased baking dish, spread blackberries on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream!
We hope you all have a fantastic week filled with delicious food and wonderful moments.
Warm regards, The Schultz Family
