August 31 Stearns Farm CSA News

It's starting to feel (and taste) like fall so let's see what the first days of September bring:

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

• Crop covers are the unsung heroes of a healthy harvest. Ember explains why and how.

• Don't forget - this Wednesday is the deadline to order a Fall Fruit Share.

• Searching for a delicious new tea that heals? Look no further than our PYO herb gardens.

• I'm always excited for leeks and shallots being in season so this week, I'm sharing recipes for both.

See you next Monday and in the meantime, stay healthy and happy!

In Your Share This Week

Classic Harvest take 11, Farmer’s Choice take 8: Potatoes/carrots choice, eggplant, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers/squash choice, radish/scallions/fennel choice, leeks, onions/shallots choice, peppers, chard/collards/kale/lettuce choice, squash/cucumber choice, hot peppers, tomatillos.

PYO: 16 flower stems, 1 pint raspberries, herbs and edible flowers (check for gold stars).

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.

Is It September Already?!

For a while, it seemed like July would never end, but then August felt like a blur. I am looking forward to chilly mornings, breezy days and the leaves changing colors. September is my favorite month to farm because the weather is typically perfect for working outside and we are still getting so many delicious vegetables from the fields. September is also the time when we can finally get to things at the bottom of our priority list -- like cleaning up random piles of messes around the farm!

Last Chance to Buy a Fall Fruit Share

You have until this Wednesday, September 2 to order your fall fruit share. That's six consecutive weeks—beginning next week—to receive freshly picked apples, or a package equivalent in value of other fruit, when you pick up your vegetable share. Place your order in our online store.

Try a Tea Cup of Kapoor Tulsi (Holy Basil)

This week in Penelope's Garden, we're shining the spotlight on one of nature's most beneficial herbs: kapoor tulsi.

Eat Your Share

We look forward to discovering your own favorite recipes - so share them here to be included in our upcoming Stearns Farm cookbook.

It's certainly starting to feel like soup season so why not give this recipe for a Leek and Potato Soup a try? This version of the autumn classic takes less than an hour (and that includes prep time).

Don't get yourself into a pickle. Instead, give these Quick Pickled Cucumbers, Carrots and Shallots a go. And for an all-around delicious addition, whip up this quick and easy, five ingredient All Purpose Vinaigrette that keeps for days.