Read on for a note from Farmer Jess!
The raspberry patch is bursting with beautiful fruit so our 'pick your own' is still on offer- Friday 1-5pm and Saturday 10-3. Three varieties to choose from- juicy purple Royalty, large floral tasting Nova and Boyne (these pack a serious raspberry punch!)
New this week is pick your own flowers! Fill a yogurt container with your very own farm bouquet- zinnias, sunflowers, delphinium, cosmos, giant marigolds, scabiosa among others. Both pick your own options are a really fun family activity, come along with the kids and get picking!
Also in the shop, bulk granola with Ferme et Forêt on Sunday 11-3 and all weekend the bounty of the farm- tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, greens, herbs, beans, and lots more.
A big hug to Emma (our resident chicken whisperer and all round lovely person!) who is wrapping up her second season on the farm this week. Emma is off to the Netherlands to begin her masters in food technology with a specialization in sensory science. Good luck from the whole R+S team!
Romaine calm and carry on. In the CSA share this week!
Garlic harvest 2021 happening this week! A big thanks to the volunteers who came out to lend a hand!
Funky cucumbers!
Hannen and Willow on the cucumber harvest
A Note From Farmer Jess!
"I’m emerging from the newborn haze. As the sweet fog of newborn days lifts, the piles of extra cilantro and basil and scapes are coming into focus and the impending winter is tapping me on the shoulder. Maybe that’s a farmer thing, but yes, at the peak of summer I start mourning the peak of summer. It’s so easy to whip up delicious meals these days. The dark days of cabbage and carrots in February echo in the back of my mind, making me appreciate this abundance so much more. It also reminds me that I have to get my squirrel on and start hoarding this decadence"
Here are some tips to deal with the extra you might have in your fridge:
Herbs: Rather than hash this out again, here’s a professional blogger that has written out multiple ways to store herbs: https://lifemadesimplebakes.com/how-to-freeze-fresh-herbs/
I personally love to make big batches of pesto or cilantro chutney and freeze them in tiny mason jars to use as is in dishes. They really add colour to those root curries or pastas in the winter.
Too many zucchinis? Simply grate them and pop them in a ziplock bag and into the freezer. Grated zucchini is a great addition to Bolognese or soups in the winter.. And I promise your kids will be none the wiser.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more tips on how to put away the extras you may have hiding in the crisper for the winter.
Too much Kale:
Another problem you may be faced with right now is a lot of kale. Kale is great but admittedly, at this time of summer veg, it may not be a go-to veg. I would like to remind you of Kale chips that even the kale haters will love. I promise you, you will be searching in the trade bin for extra kale after trying these.
Here’s a fool-proof recipe
Shishito Peppers: Some of you have found these little surprise peppers at your dropoff. We will be rotating them through all the dropoffs so you will all get to try them.
The are best enjoyed blistered (grilled/baked/fried) with some maldon salt and a little herbed labneh on the side
I hope you’re enjoying the share so far! Be sure to share your questions or tips with your fellow CSA members on our CSA only Facebook page.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Jess