Week 4 - Summer Fruits!

---

What's in the Box?

​From The North Farm
Broccoli
Cucumbers
Lettuce
Garlic Scapes
Potatoes
Strawberries
Sweet Pepper

​From Bean Pole Farm
Peas
​Radishes

From Treasa's Treasures
Peas

---

Notes From the Field

Welcome to week 4 of your CSA from The North Farm. We hope you have enjoyed the fruits of our labor so far, and we are excited to bring to you some of the actual fruits this week, including cucumbers and peppers. These, along with the first turning tomatoes and eggplants mean summer fruit season is nearly upon us. For now, enjoy the first of this year's broccoli, and old favorites like garlic scapes and some wonderful radishes from Bean Pole Farm.

I figured I had better take a moment to introduce myself - my name is Collin Thompson and I am the farm manager at The North Farm. I've been running the farm since it's inception in 2014, and have felt fortunate to have the opportunity to design and build this farm into what it is today. I am originally from northeast Iowa and have a background in four season, organic vegetable production, as well as in season extension (think hoophouses and greenhouses). I hold a Bachelors degree in biology and a Masters in sustainable food systems.

While farming is one of my greatest passions (meaning I spend the majority of my time in the fields), I try to get off the farm to enjoy all the UP has to offer. I hit the trails as often as I can, mountain biking with my dog, Finn. I am an avid skier and snowboarder in the winter months, and also enjoy getting out and paddling the rivers and lakes in the area.

Now that you have met the whole crew through these first few newsletters, we encourage you to introduce yourselves to us! We have a Facebook group that I would like to invite you all to join. There you can share recipes, tips, or thoughts on the week's shares, the farm, or on food in general. In the coming weeks, we will be introducing the two resident farmers as part of our Apprentice Farmer Program so we can round out the image of who is producing your food.

As always, thanks for your support, and if you have any thoughts, questions, or concerns, please feel free to be in touch!

Collin Thompson
Farm Manager

---

​Recipes and Resources

Garlic Broccoli Parmesan and Potatoes

• Substitute the garlic cloves with the garlic scapes you received this week and enjoy a delicious side dish!

Cucumber Canapes

• Want a simple snack or hors d'oeuvres? Try these finger sandwiches and top with cucumbers and sweet peppers.

Spaghetti with Broccoli Balls

• Try this vegetarian approach to a classic. It doesn't takes like meatballs, but that doesn't mean it isn't delicious.

---

​Featured Item

Broccoli
One of my favorites, broccoli is always among the crops we grow at The North Farm. It loves our cool spring and fall, and the fact that we don't get too hot during the summer means we can produce a pretty good crop all season. So not only is it a great producer, but it also is delicious and great for you! Here are some fun facts about broccoli:

• It is high in vitamin C - 1 cup of broccoli has the same vitamin C content as an orange.
• Broccoli contains kaempferol, which is an anti-inflammatory flavonoid, helping combat cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
• The average American consumes 4 pounds of broccoli a year - let's get started!

---

​Storage Recommendations

In the Fridge:

• Broccoli
• Cucumbers
• Garlic Scapes
• Potatoes
• Strawberries
• Sweet Pepper

Bagged:

• ​Lettuce

---

Have feedback? Let us know what you think!