Weekly CSA Newsletter

Greetings from the Garden! This week's box has tomatoes, cucumbers, arugula, cutting lettuce, kale, Brussels sprouts, beans, red onions, summer squash, carrots, basil, and parsley.

Field Notes. In August the days shorten and the dew stays later into the morning, but the sun's power is still intense. This affects the tender greens like lettuce - it doesn't do well for a few weeks in August. The push is on for all the vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers to get done before frost.

Last weekend we talked with an orchardist. He told us he lost most of his apple crop with the frost on Mothers Day. And our orchard is also the least productive in many seasons.

From the kitchen. We had company this past weekend and I had three salads - one with wedges of tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Another was sliced salted cucumbers, sesame oil, honey, mild vinegar, tamari (or soy sauce), shiso, and a bit of hot pepper. The third was a slaw with vinegar and my homemade mayonnaise. Ken grilled summer squash, peppers and eggplant that had been tossed in olive oil and herbs. All were well received. I have also been making a tomato, diced pepper and onion, with parsley and mayonnaise salad.

We usually have a lettuce slowdown or gap in August and I tend to make chilled cooked greens salads with kale and cooked carrots. Carrots cut in matchsticks are also great cooked with Brussels sprouts for texture and color variation.

The arugula is delightful in pasta salads. Ken has been wilting the cutting lettuce. That takes the "August edge" off - the hotter the weather the stronger the greens' flavor. Brief heat or salting for about a half hour will sweeten them.

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE: Canning tomatoes, cucumbers for pickles, and ELDERBERRIES NOW. Elderberries are a short season - get them as soon as they are ripe, and before the birds. They are great for syrups, juice, jam, jelly, wine. They are high in anti-oxidants, and boost the immune system. They are our first line in defense during cold or flu season. Call or email for orders. Birds have been sighted in the elderberries - we have less than a week to use them or lose them!