Copy of June 15 Stearns Farm CSA News

Happy Father's Day to all who celebrated yesterday! It is now officially summer so let's unpack this week's offerings:

• See below for a list of what to expect in your share this week.

• Ember details some of the pesky pests who show up uninvited this time of year.

• Itching to get creative? We have a great project we need your help with.

• The heat waves are rolling in and that means it's Popsicle season. Donate today!

• The Culinary Garden has three more herbs to offer this week.

• Have an escarole waiting in the fridge? Look no further than this savory tartine recipe.

Stay cool, stay healthy and see you all in a week!

In Your Share This Week

Classic Harvest take 12, Farmer’s Choice take 9: Spinach, snow peas/snap peas choice, chard/kale choice, squash, head lettuce, salanova lettuce mix, hakurei salad turnips/radishes choice, arugula, Tokyo bekana, scallions/kholrabi choice, parsley/cilantro/basil choice, cabbage, garlic scapes, escarole.

PYO: herbs (look for the stars), 5 flower stems

Although the crops listed on this page represent what the farmer anticipates will be available this week, the vegetables you receive may be different due to weather conditions and other factors that affect production. For an overview of the ebb and flow of the harvest throughout the season, check out the Harvest Chart.

Pests

Pests are one of the most important issues organic farmers deal with on a daily basis. In order to keep from using chemicals, it is important to always be one step ahead of the animals and bugs that target certain crops. Each season brings on new challenges, but there are many organic methods that can help in almost any situation. I am going to highlight a few pests that are making an appearance on the farm this year and what our strategies are in dealing with them.

Express Yourself

This summer, we want your help with some fun projects that we hope will help add even more beauty to the farm, as well as present an opportunity to bring some light and love to Stearns.

Popsicle Donations

The summer sun is beaming and that means the Stearns crew needs to stay extra cool while working in the fields. One simple way to help is by donating ice pops!

More Tastes of Herbs Open This Week

The Culinary Garden is in full swing and there are three more herbs ready to harvest this week. Try a sprig or two of the following:

Eat Your Share

This week, we're featuring a submission from a Stearns sharer! This Sausage and Escarole Tartine is perfect for an appetizer, side dish or lunch for two. I will be trying out this recipe with the sausages I received as part of my first meat share from the Chestnut Farms CSA. They are a small scale, family-owned farm located in Hardwick, MA and deliver shares monthly to several spots in Metrowest, including the Friends Meeting right across from Stearns! I highly recommend checking them out if you are interested in a local, sustainably sourced meat supplier.

For more simple and delicious recipes, check out the Stearns Farm CSA recipe archive and find a new favorite. Search by ingredient and let your taste buds lead the way.