Can you see what's next to me? Can you guess what it is? I have not tried it yet, but I am excited because my farmer LOVES it. My farmer calls it garlic and the farmer's wife says she cooks with garlic all the time. Did you know that garlic is planted in the fall? That's right; this stuff has been sitting in the ground all winter long. It is planted by taking a clove and sticking that in the ground . . . so cool! My farmer says that the rows must be covered with leaves. This helps protect the garlic from cold, harsh winters. However, this winter was not too bad, so the leaves weren't needed that much. The packed leaves around the rows also help with weeds. Not sure what weeds are, but my farmer often says I am growing like one . . . ? Although we just had a snow storm, the garlic is still poking through the soil and making its way to the sun.
Did you know there are different types of garlic? I sure didn't; the type we grow is called hardneck garlic. They have fewer cloves per bulb, but they have more flavor than the softneck that is often grown in the warmer climates. The garlic also produces something called a garlic scape. I can't wait to see what that looks like. My farmer says that each head of garlic produces one scape. It is green and curls out of the top of the garlic. My farmer says it more subtle than regular garlic and is great grilled or added to anything where garlic or onions are used. I hope they let me try some when it's ready this summer.
There are so many things I am learning when I go on hikes through the farm with my farmers. As I learn new things, I will keep you posted. Oh, an update on the goats . . . They still have not warmed up to me! I am working on our friendship, but they run away every time I go to visit. I just want to play!
Lucy
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)
Reading (Fridays from 4:00pm-7:00pm)
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.
Carrots
Baby Lettuce Mix
Baby Tatsoi (great cooked or mixed in salads)
Elegance Mix
Kale
Hakurei Turnips
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: No Regret Vinaigrette!
No Regret Vinaigrettes
Watch the latest Vegisode for recipes to whip up lots of different vinaigrettes for awesome spring salads. You'll be a vinaigrette master in no time at all!
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-Shareâ„¢ 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.
