To bag or not to bag... that is the question. To refrigerate or not to refrigerate. This can get complicated.

We try to get all of our crops out of the fields, cleaned and to you as quickly and efficiently as possible. It is always a challenge to maintain peak quality thru the whole process. Most items we rinse and refrigerate immediately after harvesting to preserve freshness. Our new refrigeration cools things quickly, but we are also finding that the fans of the refrigeration can also dry things out quickly. Sometimes we put items into plastic bags so that they get to you in one piece. Most greens need to be put into plastic bags, a crisper, or a plastic container as soon as possible if you intend to store them for a few days. So, if you receive anything with greens, please think of how to prevent it from wilting and keep it cold. We try to use plastic sparingly but, we also want to help ensure the quality of the crops after they have been harvested from the fields.

If you are going to eat your greens immediately, you don't have to worry about any of this. But, if you plan on eating your share over the course of a week, please be sure it is stored properly. Check out this Vegisode for some greens storing tips:

 

A variety of summer squashes and zucchini are beginning to come in from the fields! The first few weeks of every New England CSA share will always have a great assortment of delicious, nutritious and tender greens. These greens grow well in the cool Spring weather.  As the weather warms into summer, you can expect the number of greens to decrease as the weather continues to warm and more variety begins to be able to be harvested from the fields.

Vegetable Share: 

• Arugula, Broccoli Rabe or Collard Greens
• Lettuce
• Slicing or Pickling Cucumbers
• Golden Beets
• Peas or Green beans
• Summer Squash, Kousa Squash, Patty Pan or Zucchini
• Spring Onions
• Garlic Scapes
• Green Garlic
• Cilantro, Basil or Chives
• and more!

Fruit Share:

• Blueberries
• McIntosh Apples
• Raspberries or Strawberries (if we're lucky!)
• and more depending on harvest conditions

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.

 

Try some of these recipes from our blog!

	Blueberry Zucchini Cake

 

• Blueberry zucchini cake with lemon buttercream frosting. If you make one thing this week, make this! It's so good.
• Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Casserole 
• Italian Orzo Stuffed Veggies
• Braised Green Beans and Summer Vegetables
• Summer Squash and Onion Tacos

In this Vegisode, Stacey and Denise show us how to store garlic, and how to roast it for freezing or roasted garlic butter (which can also be frozen!). They also give us some fun facts about how garlic grows, why it is the most expensive crop for farmers to grow, and garlic's health benefits.
 

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.

 

Currently Available: 

• Baer's Best Beans 
• Brox Farm Maple Syrup
• Celeste Oliva olive oils and balsamic vinegar
• Farmer Dave's Honey
• Farmer Dave's Pickles and Pickled Beets
• Farmer Dave's, Alex's Ugly Hot Sauce
• Stonewall Kitchen

As the summer progresses we'll be adding more local and seasonal products.  For the food preservers in the group, we will be offering bulk quantities of some of our vegetables and fruits, on weeks that we have extra available.