March was warmer than normal and we were able to accomplish more field preparation work than we did last year when the fields were still under a foot of snow. As a result our greenhouses are bulging with new growth ready to go out into the world and spread their roots. Normally we would be transplanting the frost tolerant crops already. They will withstand frosty nights, but they may get damaged if the night temperatures fall way below freezing. However, April has been cooler than normal with some very cold nights. According to the weather forecasts, later this week we will be able to put out thousands of transplants of chard, kale, broccoli, beets, cilantro and more.
Also growing on the farm is Farmer Jane. She and Farmer Dave will be expecting twins in the not too distant future. The excitement on the farm this year is infectious. There is new life everywhere and these little future farmers will be entering a world of healthy happiness. The nutrient dense healthy food of Farmer Dave's is now that much more personally important for Farmer Dave as his children too will be growing up Farmer Dave's Strong.
Farmer Dave
Calling All Writers!
Although we LOVE hearing what Dave has to say every week, we thought it would be more fun to hear from YOU! That's right, we want you to tell us a little bit about why you like Farmer Dave's or how it has positively impacted your life. We are not asking for a long essay, but a few short paragraphs (1/4 - 1/2 page max) as why you have chosen to support your local farm.
If you are interested, please send an email with your thoughts to jane@farmerdaves.net
We will choose one short essay a month and include it in the newsletter.
If we choose you.....you will receive a $50 credit to any add-ons for the CSA.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts!!!
2016 Work Trade Positions Available
We are looking to fill volunteer CSA distribution positions for the 2016 CSA season at the following pick-up locations:
Lawrence (Tuesdays from 1:00pm - 4:30pm)
Cambridge (Tuesdays from 2:30pm - 6:30pm)
Tewksbury (Wednesdays from 12:30pm - 4:30pm)
Wilmington (Thursdays from 2:30pm - 6:30pm)
East Somerville (Wednesdays from 1:00-4:30pm or 4:00-7:30pm)
Quincy (Fridays from 2:30pm - 7:00pm)
Dracut - Brox Farm (Fridays from 2:30 - 7:00pm)
Floating/fill-in - this position is great for someone with a flexible schedule in the summertime.
Some of these greens may appear in your share this week. Use this chart to help identify them!
The following items may make an appearance in your shares this week. The actual contents of your share may differ based on harvest conditions. As always Mother Nature ultimately dictates what is available.
Beets
Carrots
Chives
Cucumber
Baby Lettuce Mix
Spicy Baby Mix (great cooked or mixed in salads)
Radishes
And more!
Unsure what's in your share? Check out our
produce ID guide for help identifying any new to you vegetables. You'll be a CSA pro in no time!
Recipe of the Week: Roasted Beet Salad
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
7 medium-large beets (about 3 inches in diameter)
1 bag spicy baby mix
1 cup water
2 tablespoons chopped drained capers
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 3 ounces)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk oil, vinegar and garlic in small bowl to blend. Season dressing generously with salt and pepper.
Arrange beets in single layer in 13x9x2-inch baking dish; add 1 cup water. Cover; bake until beets are tender when pierced with knife, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Peel beets while warm. Cut beets in half and slice thinly. Transfer to large bowl. Mix in capers and 1/4 cup dressing. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer greens, with some water still clinging to leaves, to large pot. Stir over high heat until just wilted but still bright green, about 4 minutes. Drain greens; squeeze out excess moisture. Cool; chop coarsely.
Transfer greens to medium bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper
Arrange beets in center of platter. Surround with greens; sprinkle with feta. Drizzle with any remaining dressing.
Have a great recipe to share? Email it to us to be featured in the newsletter and on our recipe blog!
Groundwork Share-a-Share Update
Thanks to generous donations by you (CSA members) to the Groundwork Share-A-Share™ fund, we were able to subsidize the cost of shares in 2015 for over thirty individuals and families, as well as shares for local food pantries.
Also growing on the farm is Farmer Jane. She and Farmer Dave will be expecting twins in the not too distant future. The excitement on the farm this year is infectious. There is new life everywhere and these little future farmers will be entering a world of healthy happiness. The nutrient dense healthy food of Farmer Dave's is now that much more personally important for Farmer Dave as his children too will be growing up Farmer Dave's Strong.
