CSA #9

Aug 6 th 2016

Mornings are such an important time,  especially in a heat wave, our work can be much more efficient watering, planting, harvesting these things just don't work as well as they heat sets in.  We continue to work through the day, everyday but need to take the occasional dip in the pool, and lots of water runs.  Lately, we have been hearing of small farms struggling due to the lack of rain, with the loss of many crops, lots of stress and extra work and now they are hoping that they will be able to make a better living in August and not need to work off farm to make ends meet.  I can't imagine.  Our pond is nearly completely dried up but luckily we don't rely on it to water.  The lack of rain and very high temperatures makes the greens a little tougher and bitter but once you cook them they mellow out quite a bit.  We'll have lots of time for fabulous greens once the weather cools but for now we are enjoying the wonderful summer crops!

In your basket this week:

Tomatoes ( some are quite ripe...)

Brocoli greens

Herbs (parsley and persian basil)

Beans

Peppers Sweet and Hot 

Summer Squash 

Zucchini

Extra Greens: Kale, Beets and a cucumber

We tried a new summer squash this year called Desi. It is the white ball you see, some of you may have gotten one in your baskets. It's been a new favourite for us, it's productive, grows well and taste great at all sizes.  I

Last weekend, i spent some time finishing the leek beds which had been taken over by weeds.  They look great now!

I've been slowly filling a counter with tomatoes to save seeds from.  Today is the day as the counter is now full.  The great thing about saving tomato seeds is the tomatoes are still great for eating and so i plan to make a large batch of Ratatouille which I have never made before.

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/dads_ratatouille/print/ (big batch)

https://food52.com/recipes/14155-alice-waters-ratatouille (smaller batch)

Enjoy your baskets and till next week

Shirley