As we come into fall, I'm reminded that September on the farm is maybe my favorite month. I love this time when summer and fall food intersects, not to mention I'm feeling energized by the potential of fewer work hours in the coming weeks (even if they haven't come yet). I take as much time as I can this month to both preserve and eat fresh food that is about to be stolen away by frost. I love the shortening days, that are not yet too short, and I LOVE, LOVE sweet corn and sweet peppers.
We've got both of these available for boxes this week. The corn, especially is limited in quantity. Although it is a quintessential farm food, it's one of our least productive plants. Corn barely makes it in our climate before fall frosts, and a huge corn plant needs a lot of fertility and only produces one or two ears. We grow a small amount, not because it makes much sense, but because we and our customers have a soft spot for it. This corn is picked fresh, and while it will keep well in your fridge a few days, the sooner you can cook it up the sweeter it will be. Truly fresh corn knows no match. My other favorite this week is our sweet italian peppers. We've had some issues growing sweet peppers this season, as they don't do well in strong sun and many ended up on the west sides of our greenhouses where they got too much sun and heat. Next year we'll plan differently. We finally have a good amount ready to harvest, though, and will enjoy them to the fullest while they're here. We always have to convince market customers that these peppers are in fact sweet, not hot, and are even better than bell peppers. Cook or roast them up and you'll see! To top off the sweetness, we've got more strawberries since we know quantities each week are limited and we want to share as many with you as we can while we have them.
The rest of shares this week are filled out by greens, tomatoes (with green tomatoes available as well if you need something cozy to bread and fry!) and the first of this year's shallots. Don't forget to grab a dozen eggs!
We hope you take some time to savor summer flavors this week and enjoy some time in the kitchen on a cool evening.
Ashley, Caleb and the Sungrounded Crew
