Blueberry picking begins this week!
Crop Talk: June 21 ~ Week 3
We move from red to blue this week -- that's not a political statement: the cherry trees are picked clean, so we're move on to blueberries. We have several hundred blueberry bushes, with different varieties that ripen on different schedules, so this weekend we'll give the blueberries a break and shift to black raspberries. Then we'll go back to the blueberry patch.

Blueberries are both delicious and surprisingly nutritious: they'll de-oxidize you, strengthen your heart, lower your blood pressure, sharpen your thoughts, and even improve your memory. You can dump them right from your picking bucket into a ziplock bag and freeze them for pies or smoothies in November. Come on out and pick your fill. 
Week Three CSA Shares Include:

tart cherries
garlic scapes
kale
snow peas
yellow squash
spring onions

Delivery Day Reminder -- Group Site members, please remember that boxes must be picked up on the day they are delivered. Most group site hosts can't refrigerate boxes, so many items will be spoiled by the next day.

I encourage group site hosts to give unclaimed boxes to their neighbors or consider them a bonus for hosting. So please remember to pick up on delivery day. Those days are listed by zip code on our website. The list published there is valid in all cases, as far as we know.

If you'll be gone when we deliver to your house, you might consider leaving a cooler for your share. Fragile items wilt quickly if left out in the heat. 
Marla's Garlic Scape Discovery

This week on our blog:

Check out Marla's garlic scape experiment -- and the cocktail she toasted it with.

Pick-Your-Own Bonus

June 21 -- 26

1 pint of blueberries during the week
or
1 half-pint of black raspberries on the weekend

Wagon Rides from 9:15 through 5:00

We'll take you to the berry patch in a farm wagon so you're in the right place and we know who's in the field if storms blow in. Wagons start at 9:15 sharp and run every 20 to 30 minutes through the morning hours. Starting at 1:00, wagons leave the market at the top of the hour until 5:00.

This week's Bonus Value: $5.00
Year-to- Date Bonus Value:  $52.00


Summer Hours at The Roosteraunt 

We are pleased to announce new hours and a new menu at our Roosteraunt concession stand this season.   We will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 to 3:00, offering non-GMO flatbreads and hand-dipped Trickling Springs ice cream.  

This Week's Roosteraunt Special:  Austin Blues Pecan Wood Smoked Pork BBQ Flat Bread
Stone Cottage~ Loafing Shed Farm Stay
 
We are pleased to offer the Stone Cottage for overnight accommodation. This former "loafing shed" has been is equipped with a queen-sized bed, sitting room, full bath, and kitchenette.

In its early days, the structure provided shelter for farm animals in the high pasture that now is home to the cherry, peach, and apple trees. The term "loafing shed" comes from our patriarch, Farmer Bob, as they used to say that the animals were "loafing" when they took a break from a day's work in the shed.

Rates are $289 plus tax per night this time of year, and $350 per night on September and October weekends. For more information or reservations, please email EventPlanner@greatcpuntryfarms.com.

Keep us in mind when you need a get away!

Great Country Farms | 540-554-2073 | CSA@GreatCountryFarms.com | www.GreatCountryFarms.com