Week 8 - To-may-to, To-mah-to

---

What's in the Box?

From The North Farm
​Basil or Mint
Tomatoes
Cauliflower
Fresh Sweet Onion
Braising Mix
​Beets

From Bean Pole Farm
​Sage or​ Oregano

From Treasa's Treasures
Zucchini

---

​Notes From the Field

Welcome to Week 8 of your CSA!

You can feel a bit of a transition taking place on the farm as fall grows ever closer. For me, one of the things that symbolizes the coming of the next season is when the garlic comes out of the ground.

Last week, we pulled the rest of this year's garlic harvest and it is looking quite nice. Garlic is one of the few crops that we plant in the fall, harvesting the following season. Last October, the cloves were split and planted into the cool soil. The cloves will start to awaken in the late season, then hibernate under the snow until spring. Once the temperatures start to rise, the garlic receives the wake up call and it is one of the first things to emerge. This time of year, we harvest and hang the fully formed bulbs to dry, or cure, for about three weeks. This is what allows the garlic to be stored, and transforms it from the fresh garlic you have received in your shares, to the cured garlic you have probably seen in the store.

Garlic is the first crop I ever worked with as a farmer, and perhaps because of that, it is one of my favorite. Keep an eye out for upcoming shares that include this kitchen staple, but for now, it'll be hanging in the barn, drying down and warding off vampires.


Collin Thompson
​Farm Manager

---

​Recipes and Resources

Balsamic and Garlic Roasted Cauliflower

• Fresh cauliflower is hard to beat. The variety you got this week is called Cheddar, so what better way to use it then couple it with a nice hard cheese and some tangy balsamic!

Simple Braised Greens

• I love the freshness of greens, but as the temperature drops, it is nice to have a warm dish after coming in from the field. These wilted greens are very easy and quite satisfying as a side dish.

Five Beautiful Beet Recipes

• Beets sometimes leave folks stumped. However, once you get familiar with these earthy gems, their deep flavor and vibrant color can really make an exciting dish.

---

​Featured Item

Braising Mix

This spicy and colorful mix can be used for a variety of different dishes. Most commonly, it is lightly wilted and included in stir fries, egg dishes, or with rice or quinoa. However, if you like a little bite, it can be chopped and used as a salad green. 

Don't be alarmed if you see a few stems with flowers on them - some of the varieties are meant to be eaten at flowering. If you have ever heard of broccoli raab, then this will be a familiar concept to you. The flowers add some texture, while also having a pleasant spicy flavor.

---

​Storage Recommendations

​In the Fridge:
Bagged:
Mint/Sage/Oregano - leave bag slightly open
Braising Mix
Cauliflower
Beets

In the Crisper Drawer:
Fresh Onion
​

On the Counter:
Basil - place cut stems in water
Tomatoes

---

Have feedback? Let us know what you think!