September 14 Stearns Farm CSA News

The fields are alive with the sounds and sights of autumn. And as this season starts winding down, we're looking towards what the next one will bring:

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

• Rain provides us with much more than water. Ember explains the chemistry behind the cycle.

• We're only a week away from the start of our Early Bird Sale!

• After the leaves fall, the frost arrives. Be prepared with one of our 2020 Winter Shares.

• And as the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, we're moving into heartier fare.

Don't forget to check out our photo gallery on the Stearns home page to see some of the beautiful flags created by our members. See you next Monday and in the meantime, stay healthy, happy and safe!

In Your Share This Week

Classic Harvest take 11, Farmer’s Choice take 8: Delicata/kabocha choice, potatoes, lettuce, Tokyo bekana, parsley/scallions/fennel choice, kale/chard/collards choice, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, hot peppers, carrots/napa choice, hakurei/radish choice, leeks.

PYO: 10 flower stems, 1/2 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.

No Rain, No Gain

Massachusetts has seen below-average rainfall for the past four months. Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides declared a Level 2 – Significant Drought in all seven regions of the state. They are recommending that households and businesses limit outdoor watering to one day a week after 5pm and before 9am. There is also a risk of wildfires so be careful when using grills or lighting matches outside. Thankfully, here at Stearns, we are able to irrigate with city water with no restrictions. While this is extremely beneficial to keeping our plants alive, municipal water is missing a few key things that plants need to thrive.

Early Bird Sale Starts 9/21

A reminder that the Early Bird Share Sale starts next Monday, September 21st. As a thank you for your continued support, this special promotion is open to current Stearns Farm CSA members only.

Don't Miss Out on the 2020 Winter Share

Winter might still be a season away but this is the time to purchase a Stearns Farm Winter Share. There is a limited number of shares so be sure to snag one during the Early Bird Sale beginning Monday, September 21.

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 squash season and this week, we're featuring one of my favorites. The Wild Rice and Kale Stuffed Delicata Squash is vegetarian, gluten-free and ideal for a chilly evening in.

And if you are a fan of fennel, this recipe for Chicken Braised with Lemon, Fennel and Garlic is a great way to combine three distinct flavors into one delightful dish.