The first peaches are finally here! Sarah and Murilo have been carefully picking the ripest fruit and leaving others to size up. By selectively harvesting only the ripe fruit, we end up with better flavored fruit and slightly better sized fruit. Selective harvesting takes an experienced eye and experienced sense of touch.
The donut peaches are just starting this week. There will be even more next week. Though there are not too many on the trees, the nectarines will also be making some appearances in the fruit shares some days this week and next. The cantaloupe is ripening nicely and should be ready next week. With no stone fruit last year, everyone is understandably giddy about this year's first fruits.
For many years we have received requests host school groups on the farm. In an effort to educate the next generation about farming, we will be hosting a few groups this year on selected days. If you know of a teacher looking to add a practical component to their curriculum, encourage them to contact us soon before all openings fill up.
We are fortunate to be one of the farms participating in the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). This program enables those individuals who qualify for SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) to double their benefits (up to a maximum) when they purchase fresh produce directly from the farm via the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), our farm stands and at the farmers markets.
We are always happy to work to get our healthy food to all, especially those who may be in most need.
Cheers!
Farmer Dave
What's in The Share: Week 9
Broccoli, eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, and more are shining this week!
Vegetable Share:
Beets
Lettuce
Peppers (Cubanelle, Carmen and/or Bell Peppers)
Eggplant
Onions
Carrots
Squash
Swiss Chard
Cherry Tomatoes
Herbs
and more!
Fruit Share:
Peaches!!!!!!!
Blueberries
and more, if we're lucky!
This is what we are planning and hoping to harvest this week. Ultimately Mother Nature has the last word so the actual contents of your share will vary.
Vegisode of the Week: Pickles - They're Brine and Dandy!
In this Vegisode, Stacey and Denise help you get the maximum value out of your CSA share by making your own pickles from veggies that you might not be otherwise able to keep up with. Many of your favorite veggies can be made into homemade pickles!
Check out all our Vegisodes and subscribe to be notified when timely new videos are added. These videos are designed to help you make the most of your CSA share with tips on storing, preparing and preserving your veggies.
Place your add-on orders today to pick up next week with your CSA share.
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 2016 for over thirty individuals and families, as well as shares for local food pantries.
