Week 16 - Time for Pumpkin Pie?

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What's in the Box?

From The North Farm
Winter Squash/Pie Pumpkin
Russet Potatoes
Carrots
Parsnips
Red Cabbage
Brussels Sprouts
Cherry or Winter Radishes
Lettuce
Garlic
Onion

From Treasa's Treasures
​Leeks

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​Notes From the Field

Welcome to week 16 of your CSA. It's hard to believe that we have only two more weeks before our program comes to a close. We have really appreciated having you all as part of this year's program. It was a challenging year, primarily due to unpredictable and difficult weather, but the CSA program really helped us through it, both through providing the financial assistance, but also because the excitement and enthusiasm we would hear in response to the weekly boxes was really uplifting. So, thank you for your support!

I keep saying this as part of each newsletter, but we are busy hauling in storage crops. The potatoes are our current focus, as they don't like getting hit by hard frosts. They can take cold temperatures, but the tubers can be damaged by frost if they are too close to the surface. Once those are complete, we will move on to carrots, beets, cabbage, dry beans, and popcorn. It also won't be long until we start planting garlic for next year's harvest. We will be splitting bulbs over the next couple of weeks before planting the cloves towards the end of the month so they can start their long winter hibernation.

We had originally planned to offer a winter CSA this season, providing access to storage crops and greens throughout the winter months, but due to the loss of our winter squash harvest, those plans have been scrapped. However, I did want to offer the opportunity for any of our members to stock up for the winter season with any of our storage crops. Below you will find a list of what we can offer in terms of storage items - just email me your order at thom1264@msu.edu, and we can deliver them along with your weekly box. The final delivery will accompany your last share, which will be on October 17, so be sure to get any orders in before then.

• Potatoes - $15 per 20# box
  • Russets
  • Red/White Flesh
  • Purple/Yellow Flesh
• Onions - $15 per 20# box
  • ​Yellow
  • Sweet
  • Red
  • Blush (what is in your box this week)
• Garlic - $30 per 5# box
• Cabbage - $18 per 20# box
  • Red
  • Green
• Carrots - $18 per 20# box
  • Orange
  • Purple
  • Yellow

If you have any questions about any of these items, please feel free to get in touch. Otherwise, I hope you all have a wonderful week, and as always, thank you for your continued support!

Collin Thompson
Farm Manager

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Recipes and Resources

Roasted Carrots and Parsnips with Rosemary and Garlic

• Parsnips and carrots are in the same plant family, which may be why they go so well together. This hearty side dish pairs well with a tender roast or a creamy soup.

Creamed Leeks

• Perhaps it is the cold weather, but I have been craving creamy foods, and these leeks are sure to satisfy. Try them on toasted sourdough.

Winter Radish Suggestions

• This article is specifically about winter radishes, though cherry radishes function in a similar way. Both have the nice, juicy bite and can be paired with a sharp cheese or a cold beer.

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​Featured Item

Parsnips
Parsnips seem to be one of those vegetables that most folks either avoid or are unsure how to use. This is a shame, because they are wonderful!
They pair well with many of the other root vegetables, such as its cousin, carrots, or beets and rutabagas. They are excellent roasted, mashed, or pur​eed and used in a custard (believe it or not).
Small parsnips can be used whole, while larger ones may need to be cored, which simply means the woody core needs to be discarded. To do this, cut the parsnip in half lengthwise, then quarter. Angle your knife to slice along the darker colored core and select the lighter, whiter flesh for use in your recipe. It will cook more evenly and have a smoother texture. Give them a try!

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​Storage Reccomendations

In the Fridge:
Carrots - bagged
Parsnips
Red Cabbage
Brussels Sprouts
Cherry or Winter Radishes - bagged
Lettuce - bagged

On the Counter:
Garlic
Onion
Winter Squash/Pie Pumpkin
Russet Potatoes

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