It’s officially summer! These long days of sunshine mean that it’s also the beginning of the end of the strawberry season here in western MA. While perhaps a bittersweet day knowing that the days are getting incrementally shorter, the solstice also suggests new beginnings and a time for growth. The berries may be slowing down, but we are excited to welcome in new crops – coming soon are sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, and other harvests that are hallmarks of the summer season.
Have you been enjoying the shelling peas that debuted in shares last week? If so, here are some tips to make the most out of what this veggie has to offer: Save the shells: Instead of tossing the empty shells into the compost, save them and make a stock! Shelling pea pods add a wonderfully light spring flavor to stocks and make a great addition to many summer soups. Freeze ‘em: If you aren't ready to cook with your peas on the day you get them in your share, no problem! The peas and the pods can be frozen for later use.
Pick-Your-Own Strawberries: Fun for the Whole Family
Our u-pick berry fields are open! Come stop by from 8am-6pm Monday-Saturday, or 8am-5pm on Sundays. Come visit our farm and try some of the sweetest strawberries in western MA straight from the source. You can check our website to find our picking hours and for updates on field conditions.
FEATURED ITEM THIS WEEK… Sugar Snap Peas!
Did you know that only 5% of all peas grown are sold fresh? Unlike their tough-podded shellable counterpart, sugar snap peas have a tender edible pod and can be eaten raw. This variety is a cross between snow peas and English green peas, giving it the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Sugar snap peas are high in fiber and an array of vitamins and nutrients, and they can be stir-fried, roasted, steamed, pickled, or eaten fresh from the vine.
THINKING INSIDE THE BOX
** Pizza dough from Rise Above Bakery will be available for purchase as an extra again this week! Each 12-ounce bag is $5 and contains enough dough for one 10-12” pie. **
Add in or swap out these items when customizing your share:
- Sugar snap peas
- Red + green “Lil Gem” lettuce
- Broccoli
- Scallions
- Green curly kale
- Rainbow chard
- Carrots
- Caraflex cabbage
- Greenhouse tomatoes
- Chioggia, golden + red bunched beets
- Fennel
- Basil
- Parsley
Fruit of the week: STRAWBERRIES!
Bread of the week: Miche – 100% local whole grain, naturally-leavened sourdough
Mushrooms of the week: Shiitake
* All items listed above are available for swapping as well as purchasing as extras *
Recipes of the Week
Beet pesto pizza with kale and goat cheese
Sesame roasted sugar snap peas
Rigatoni with sausage and fennel
Hungry for more ideas? Check out our recipe archive!
Harvie Help
Every week, you have the power to choose what will be in your next share! This is done through customization by adding and swapping items so that you end up with exactly what you want. Learn more about how swaps and extras work so that you can make the most of your shares this season.
Submit your questions for us here: What's Growin' On?
